Mauritius Guide › Hiking › Tamarind Falls (7 Cascades)
Tamarind Falls (7 Cascades)
A canyon where the river leaps from pool to pool: the island's finest water outing, and the one where a guide genuinely changes everything.
Hike · Canyon · Henrietta
Do you need a guide for the 7 Cascades?
It is not compulsory, but this is the hike where we recommend one most firmly. The reason is simple: the route is not waymarked and side paths multiply through the canyon. People genuinely get lost here, GPS track or not, because the right line can come down to a single boulder.
A local guide costs Rs 1,000 to 1,500 per person, knows which pools are safe to swim in, and watches the sky — in a canyon, a shower upstream raises the water very quickly.
Two formats: a half day of about three hours reaching the first falls and one or two pools, and a full day of six to seven hours through the whole canyon.
In this guide
The route
A descent into the canyon, then a succession of falls, pools and stretches walked ankle-deep in water.
Down from Henrietta
You first drop through fields and scrub before tipping into the canyon.
Into the canyon
The setting changes completely: vegetated walls, the constant sound of water, and the run of falls that gives the place its name. Seven are visible, though there are more than a dozen in all.
The water sections
Walking on wet rock, short downclimbs and stretches in the water. Some pools are deep and can be jumped into — provided someone knows the depth on the day.
Getting back
Bring shoes you do not mind soaking, a dry bag for your phone, and a change of clothes for the car.
Access and parking
Getting to the trailhead
The trailhead is on the Henrietta side, above Vacoas: coordinates -20.35450 / 57.46628. There is no official entry ticket. The canyon sits between roughly 300 and 500 metres, above the Tamarind reservoir.
See the trailhead →Parking
Parking at the trailhead on the Henrietta side. Book your guide ahead rather than accepting an offer made in the car park.
When to go
Best season
May to November — manageable flow, less slippery rock, a genuinely enjoyable outing.
Format
Half or full day — three hours to the first falls, six to seven for the whole canyon.
Cancel if
Thundery weather — after heavy rain upstream the risk of a flash flood is real. You cancel, no argument.
What else to do around the falls
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a guide for the 7 Cascades hike?
Not compulsory, but strongly recommended: the route is unmarked, side paths multiply and water levels can rise fast. Expect Rs 1,000 to 1,500 per person.
How long does the 7 Cascades hike take?
About 3 hours for the half-day version to the first falls, and 6 to 7 hours for the whole canyon.
Can you swim at Tamarind Falls?
Yes, several pools are swimmable. Their depth varies with the flow, which is why being accompanied matters before you jump.
Is there an entry fee?
No official entry ticket. Only the guide, which is optional, is paid for.
Sources and checks
Checked on 2 September 2026. Opening times, fees and access conditions change: confirm them before you set off.
Your project in Mauritius
Thinking of moving to Mauritius?
Westimmo does more than help you find a property. We help you understand the regions, choose where to live and prepare your move to Mauritius.
Talk to us about your project