Top 10 Places To Visit In South Mauritius For First Timers

Looking for the best places to visit in South Mauritius? From dramatic mountains and rugged coastlines to beautiful lagoons, waterfalls, forests, and historic towns, the south of the island offers an incredible mix of nature, adventure, and local culture.

While we loved the laid-back atmosphere of the west coast, it was South Mauritius that truly captured our hearts. There’s something special about this part of the island: the landscapes feel wilder, the coastline more dramatic, and there are plenty of places where you can slow down and simply enjoy the scenery.

After exploring the region ourselves, I’ve put together the 10 places to visit in South Mauritius that I think are most worth adding to a first-time itinerary. You’ll find everything from the iconic Le Morne Brabant and its turquoise lagoon to the wild coastline of Gris Gris, the forests of Chamarel, and the charming streets of Mahébourg.

I’ve also included a handy map to help you see where everything is located. Since the attractions are spread across a fairly large area, I recommend allowing at least two days to explore South Mauritius — one day for the southwest and another for the southeast. This gives you enough time to enjoy the places rather than rushing from one stop to the next.

So, if you’re ready to discover one of the most beautiful and diverse parts of Mauritius, let’s get started!

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Map of the Best Places to Visit in South Mauritius

Before we dive into the list, here’s a map showing where all 10 places to visit in South Mauritius are located. As you can see, the attractions are spread across the southwest, south, and southeast of the island. This is why I recommend allowing at least two days to explore the area.

Top 10 Places to Visit in South Mauritius

1. Le Morne Brabant

Rising 556 meters above the southwest coast of Mauritius, Le Morne Brabant is one of the island’s most recognizable landmarks. But this dramatic mountain is much more than a beautiful viewpoint.

Le Morne has a deeply moving history connected to the period of slavery in Mauritius. Escaped enslaved people sought refuge on the mountain, where its cliffs and difficult terrain offered natural protection. Oral traditions also tell of people jumping from the cliffs rather than being captured. Today, Le Morne Brabant stands as a powerful symbol of freedom, resilience, and the struggle against slavery.

The mountain was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, making it one of the most significant cultural and historical sites in Mauritius.

But if you’re looking for the best places to visit in South Mauritius, Le Morne is also worth adding to your itinerary for the views alone. The hike starts relatively gently before becoming much steeper and more technical towards the summit. The final section involves steep, rocky terrain where you’ll need to use both hands and feet, so don’t underestimate it.

The effort is absolutely worth it, though. From higher up, you get spectacular views over the turquoise lagoon, the southwest coast, and the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, it’s one of those Mauritius views that stays with you long after the hike is over.

👉 If you’re not comfortable tackling the more challenging sections on your own, you can also join a guided Le Morne hike. Besides having someone with you on the more difficult sections, a guide can also give you more context about Le Morne’s history and its significance to Mauritius.

2. Le Morne Beach

With its soft white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and the dramatic silhouette of Le Morne Brabant in the background, Le Morne Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Mauritius.

Located on the southwest coast of the island, Le Morne Beach Mauritius is especially memorable because of its setting. The UNESCO-listed Le Morne Brabant rises directly behind the beach, creating one of those postcard-perfect landscapes Mauritius is famous for.

The offshore reef protects the lagoon, and the shallow, clear water makes this a beautiful spot for swimming and snorkeling when conditions are calm. It’s also a great place to slow down after exploring the peninsula or hiking Le Morne Brabant.

But Le Morne Beach is not only about relaxing on the sand. The Le Morne Peninsula is one of the best places in Mauritius for water sports, particularly kitesurfing. As you move towards the more exposed southern end of the peninsula, the conditions become much windier, with stronger waves and excellent conditions for experienced kitesurfers.

If you’ve always wanted to try kitesurfing, you’ll find several schools and operators around Le Morne offering lessons and equipment. Even if you’re not planning to get on a board, watching the colorful kites against the turquoise lagoon is an experience in itself.

For first-time visitors to South Mauritius, I’d definitely combine Le Morne Beach with a visit to Le Morne Brabant. You get two very different experiences in the same spectacular corner of the island: a beautiful beach at sea level and one of Mauritius’s most rewarding hikes above it.

3. Underwater Waterfall Illusion

If there’s one sight in South Mauritius that looks almost too strange to be real, it’s the famous underwater waterfall in Mauritius. Located off the coast of Le Morne Brabant, this spectacular optical illusion makes it look as though the ocean is cascading into a massive underwater waterfall.

Of course, there isn’t an actual waterfall beneath the sea. Underwater currents move sand and silt around the edge of the reef, creating the effect. From the ground, you won’t really see the illusion — you need to get up in the air to appreciate it properly.

The best way to see the underwater waterfall illusion is from a scenic flight. Depending on the tour you choose, flights can range from a short flight focused mainly on the southwest coast to longer excursions that take in more of Mauritius from above.

Seeing Le Morne Brabant, the turquoise lagoon, and the underwater waterfall from the air gives you a completely different perspective of this part of the island. It’s definitely one of the most unique things to do in South Mauritius and one of the experiences I’d consider if you’re looking for something beyond the usual beaches and viewpoints.

Keep in mind that scenic flights are weather-dependent, and visibility can affect how clearly you see the underwater waterfall. It’s therefore worth keeping your plans flexible rather than treating this as a guaranteed experience.

👉 Book an underwater waterfall scenic flight here if you’d like to see this incredible illusion from above.

4. Ile Aux Benitier 

Ile aux Bénitiers is one of the best places to visit in South Mauritius, especially if you want to experience the southwest lagoon by boat.
This small island is best known for its beautiful lagoon, views of Le Morne Brabant, and the boat trips that combine several of the area’s highlights into one day.

Getting to Ile aux Bénitiers usually involves a boat trip from the southwest coast. Once you arrive, you’ll find a much more relaxed atmosphere than on the main island, with white sand, clear turquoise water, and plenty of space to simply slow down and enjoy the lagoon.

One of the best ways to experience Ile aux Bénitiers is on a catamaran or speedboat excursion. Most trips combine several stops around the southwest coast, so you can spend the day swimming and snorkeling, look for dolphins in the lagoon, admire the famous Crystal Rock, and enjoy spectacular views of Le Morne Brabant from the water.

The boat tour we took also included a BBQ lunch and drinks, followed by some time to relax on Ile aux Bénitiers itself. I particularly enjoyed having a little time away from the main activity area, where the beach felt peaceful and the shallow, crystal-clear water was perfect for cooling off.

If you’re looking for an easy way to experience several of the best things to do in South Mauritius in one day, I’d definitely consider an Ile aux Bénitiers boat trip. It combines the lagoon, marine life, Crystal Rock, Le Morne views, and a beautiful island stop without having to organize each experience separately.

👉 Check the Ile aux Bénitiers boat tour we took here if you’d like to experience Ile aux Bénitiers and the southwest lagoon on a similar excursion.

5. Chamarel Waterfall and Seven-Colored Earth

The Chamarel area is undoubtedly one of the top places to visit in South Mauritius, especially if you love dramatic landscapes and want to see some of the island’s most famous natural attractions in one stop.

Chamarel Waterfall

At around 100 meters high, Chamarel Waterfall is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Mauritius. Surrounded by dense tropical vegetation, the waterfall drops dramatically from a volcanic plateau into the gorge below, creating a spectacular sight from the viewpoints.

Access to the waterfall is included with your ticket to the Seven Colored Earth Geopark. After entering the park, you can drive to the waterfall parking area, where you’ll find the first viewpoint. A short walk leads to another viewpoint with a different perspective over the waterfall and the surrounding gorge.

If you’re looking for more adventure, there is also a guided hike into the gorge towards the base of the waterfall. This is not a simple walk: the route involves river crossings, slippery and rocky sections, and some scrambling, so I would not recommend attempting it without someone who knows the route.

We chose to explore this part with a guide, which made the more challenging sections much easier to navigate.

👉 Find out more about the guided Chamarel Waterfall hike here.

The Seven Colored Earth 

Just a short drive from the waterfall, you’ll find another of the most famous places to visit in South Mauritius: the Seven-Colored Earth.

This unusual geological formation consists of colorful volcanic earth arranged in smooth, wave-like dunes. The different shades — ranging from reds and browns to purples, yellows, and other earthy tones — are the result of the weathering of volcanic rock and the separation of different mineral components.

A wooden walkway circles the viewing area, allowing you to see the formations from several angles and take photos. The colors can look quite different depending on the light and weather, so don’t expect them always to appear as intensely colored as they do in photographs.

The Seven-Colored Earth is one of Mauritius’s most popular attractions, so don’t expect to have the place to yourself, especially during the busiest parts of the day.

The geopark also has a tortoise enclosure. While seeing the Aldabra giant tortoises can be interesting, I’d consider the Chamarel Waterfall and Seven-Colored Earth the real highlights of this visit.

Tip: If you’re exploring South Mauritius by car, allow enough time to visit both attractions rather than rushing through them. They work perfectly together and are an easy addition to a day exploring the southwest of the island.

6. Ebony Forest

Ebony Forest is by far one of my favorite places to visit in South Mauritius. Located close to Chamarel Waterfall and the Seven-Colored Earth, this protected forest offers a completely different experience from the island’s more famous attractions.

If you’re looking for somewhere to escape the crowds and spend a few hours walking through native forest, Ebony Forest is a beautiful addition to a South Mauritius itinerary. The reserve protects native ebony forest and is also home to a variety of birds and other wildlife.

One highlight of a visit is reaching Sublime Point, a viewpoint overlooking the southwest coast. There are several ways to get there, depending on how much you want to walk.

The easiest option is to take the reserve’s shuttle vehicle towards the viewpoint. You can also walk along the same road used by the shuttle, although parts of it are quite steep.

My favorite option, however, was taking the forest trail through the ebony trees. This route feels much more immersive and along the way we came across giant tortoises, several species of birds and smaller forest creatures.

Once you reach Sublime Point, the effort is rewarded with beautiful panoramic views across the southwest coast. On a clear day, you can see Le Morne Brabant, Flic en Flac Beach, Île aux Bénitiers, and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

And don’t rush away from the viewpoint. There’s a small café where you can stop for a drink or snack. I particularly loved the homemade tamarind juice — definitely worth trying if it’s available when you visit.

If you enjoy nature, hiking, and quieter places, I’d definitely put Ebony Forest on your list of places to visit in South Mauritius. It’s also very easy to combine with Chamarel Waterfall and the Seven-Colored Earth on the same day.

7. Gris Gris Beach

Gris Gris Beach is one of the most dramatic places to visit in South Mauritius. Unlike the calm, reef-protected lagoons you’ll find elsewhere on the island, this stretch of coastline faces the open Indian Ocean, creating powerful waves, strong currents, and a wild, rugged landscape.

Swimming is not recommended at Gris Gris Beach, but that’s not really why you come here. The main attraction is the spectacular coastline and the sheer force of the ocean crashing against the cliffs.

From the parking area, you can walk towards the viewpoints and take in the scenery from above. There’s also a path leading down to the beach, where you can walk along the golden sand and get a closer look at the waves. Just keep a safe distance from the water, especially when the sea is rough.

One of the highlights of the area is La Roche Qui Pleure, meaning “The Weeping Rock.” Here, the waves repeatedly crash against the dark cliffs, creating what looks like streams of water running down the rock — almost as if the cliff itself were crying.

The contrast between the rugged volcanic cliffs and the deep blue Indian Ocean makes this one of my favorite coastal stops in South Mauritius. It’s completely different from the postcard-perfect beaches around Le Morne, and that’s exactly what makes Gris Gris worth adding to your itinerary.

If you’re exploring the south by car, allow some time to walk around rather than simply stopping for a quick photo. The coastline is the real attraction here, and the views change as you move between the different viewpoints.

8. Grand Bassin 

Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao, is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in Mauritius and one of the most fascinating places to visit in South Mauritius.

Located at around 550 meters above sea level, this sacred crater lake is surrounded by Hindu temples, shrines, and statues, creating a peaceful atmosphere that feels very different from the coastal attractions elsewhere on the island.

Grand Bassin becomes particularly important during Maha Shivaratri, when thousands of Hindu pilgrims from across Mauritius make their way to the lake as part of the annual pilgrimage. For many Mauritians, the site has deep religious and cultural significance.

One of the first things you’ll notice when approaching Grand Bassin is the enormous statue of Lord Shiva, which stands about 33 meters tall beside the lake. Nearby, you’ll also find a large statue of Maa Durga, depicted with a lion and representing strength and protection.

Take your time to walk around the lake and explore the temples and shrines. You may see devotees bringing offerings, praying, or performing religious rituals, so it’s worth being mindful and respectful while visiting.

The setting itself is beautiful, with the lake surrounded by forested hills and a noticeably cooler climate than the coast. You may also spot fish in the water, but remember that Grand Bassin is a sacred site rather than simply a tourist attraction.

If you plan to enter the temples, dress modestly and remove your shoes where requested. Give people space when they are praying or making offerings, and avoid photographing religious ceremonies without permission.

Grand Bassin is an easy place to combine with other attractions in the southwest, including Black River Gorges, Chamarel, and the surrounding viewpoints, making it a worthwhile stop on a South Mauritius road trip.

9. Mahébourg

Of all the places I’ve visited in South Mauritius, Mahébourg might just be my favorite. Located on the southeast coast, this small historic town feels wonderfully different from the resort areas around the island. It has a slower pace, a strong local character, and a glimpse into a side of Mauritius that many visitors simply drive past.

Mahébourg was once the capital during the French colonial period, and traces of its history can still be seen throughout the town. But what I loved most was simply walking around, visiting the local market, and strolling along the waterfront.

Don’t miss the wooden pier overlooking the lagoon, especially if you can get there around sunrise. You can also visit the National History Museum to learn more about the island’s colonial and maritime history or stop at Biscuiterie Rault, a family-run factory famous for its traditional manioc biscuits.

For me, this is exactly what makes Mahébourg one of the best places to visit in South Mauritius. It’s not about ticking off attractions; it’s about slowing down and experiencing a more authentic side of the island.

👉 If you’d like to explore more of the town, check out my complete Mahébourg travel guide, where I cover the best things to do, where to eat, and what you need to know before visiting.

10. Blue Bay Beach

Just 6 kilometers from Mahébourg, Blue Bay Beach is one of my favorite places in South Mauritius. I was drawn to the beautiful turquoise lagoon, the views towards Île des Deux Cocos, and the relaxed atmosphere.

With clear, shallow water and an incredible underwater world, Blue Bay Beach is much more than a place to lie on the sand. The beach sits beside the famous Blue Bay Marine Park, one of the best places in Mauritius for snorkeling. The protected lagoon is home to colorful coral and a variety of marine life, making it an easy place to experience the underwater side of Mauritius.

The water is generally calm thanks to the offshore coral reef, which also makes Blue Bay a good choice if you’re traveling with children. Conditions can still vary depending on the weather and tides, so don’t expect the lagoon to look exactly the same every day.

If you want a quieter experience, visit Blue Bay Beach on a weekday. Weekends can be much busier, as the beach is very popular with locals for picnics, family gatherings, and camping.

If Blue Bay feels too busy when you arrive, you can continue along the coast to Pointe d’Esny Beach. This long stretch of coastline has a more natural feel and is another beautiful place to enjoy the southeast coast.

For me, Blue Bay is an easy addition to a South Mauritius road trip, especially when combined with Mahébourg. You can explore the historic town in the morning and spend the afternoon swimming or snorkeling in the lagoon.

With its beautiful scenery and easy access to the marine park, Blue Bay Beach is definitely one of the places to visit in South Mauritius that I wouldn’t skip.

How to Explore South Mauritius

South Mauritius is more spread out than it might look on a map, so I wouldn’t try to squeeze everything into one day. If you want to explore at a relaxed pace, two days is the minimum I’d recommend. Three days will give you more time to hike, enjoy the beaches, or add a boat trip.

Day 1: Explore Southwest Mauritius

Start around Le Morne, where you can hike Le Morne Brabant and relax at Le Morne Beach. Or take a scenic flight to see the underwater waterfall from above.

You can then continue towards Chamarel, where you can visit Chamarel Waterfall and the Seven-Colored Earth. Next head to Ebony Forest. If you’re planning the Ile aux Bénitiers boat trip, I’d give that experience most of the day rather than trying to combine it with too many other stops.

You won’t be able to do everything in one day, so choose the experiences that interest you most.

Day 2: Explore South and Southeast Mauritius

On your second day, head towards the southern coast. Start with Gris Gris Beach and La Roche Qui Pleure. From there, you can continue to Grand Bassin before making your way to Mahébourg. Spend some time exploring the town and waterfront. Fnish the day at Blue Bay Beach, where you can swim or snorkel in the lagoon.

This route gives you a completely different perspective of Mauritius, combining wild coastline, culture, history, and the beautiful southeast lagoon.

The Best Way to Get Around South Mauritius

For me, renting a car is the easiest way to explore South Mauritius. The attractions are spread across the region, and having your own car gives you the freedom to change your plans. You can stop at viewpoints, and spend more time wherever you enjoy yourself most.

If you don’t want to drive, you can also hire a private driver or join a guided tour. This is particularly useful if you want to see several major attractions without worrying about navigation or planning the route yourself.

Don’t Try to See Everything

One of my biggest tips is not to turn South Mauritius into a checklist. Some of my favorite moments came from simply slowing down, spending a little longer somewhere than planned, or stopping because a view caught my attention.

There is plenty to see, but you don’t have to see it all in one trip. Pick the places that interest you most and leave some room for the unexpected.

Where to Stay in South Mauritius

Choosing where to stay depends largely on which part of South Mauritius you want to explore. Since the main attractions are spread across the southwest and southeast, there isn’t one perfect base for everyone.

Le Morne

 Le Morne is my first choice if you want to focus on the southwest. You’ll be close to Le Morne Brabant, Le Morne Beach, and the lagoon, with Chamarel and Ebony Forest also within easy reach by car.

It’s particularly convenient if you want to combine hiking, beaches, water sports, and scenic drives.

Mahébourg

If you prefer a more local atmosphere, Mahébourg is a great base for exploring the southeast. You’ll be close to Blue Bay, Pointe d’Esny, and the historic town itself, while the southern attractions are also accessible by car.

I especially love Mahébourg for its relaxed atmosphere and local character.

Black River or Tamarin

If you want to combine South Mauritius with the west coast, Black River or Tamarin can be a convenient compromise. You’ll have easier access to the southwest while also being close to the beaches, restaurants, and activities of the west coast.

My tip: If you’re renting a car, you don’t necessarily need to move hotels. You can easily explore South Mauritius as a series of day trips. I’d recommend this option if you’re already staying elsewhere on the island.

Mauritius Travel Resources

Planning your trip to Mauritius? Here are a few resources I personally recommend for getting around the island and making the most of your time in South Mauritius.

Book Your Flights Early

If you haven’t booked your flights yet, it’s worth comparing different airlines and routes before you commit. We usually use Skyscanner to compare prices and find the best combination of flights.

👉 Search for flights to Mauritius on Skyscanner

Rent a Car in Mauritius

If you want to explore the best places to visit in South Mauritius at your own pace, renting a car is by far my preferred option. The attractions are spread across the southwest and southeast. Having your own car means you don’t have to plan your day around public transport or organized tours.

You can stop whenever you see an interesting viewpoint, spend longer at your favorite beach, and easily combine several attractions in one day.

Mauritius is also relatively easy to explore by car. I dare to say that a South Mauritius road trip is a great option for independent travelers.

👉 Find the best rental car deals in Mauritius with Discover Cars

Hire a Car with a Driver

Don’t feel comfortable driving abroad? Another option is to hire a private car with a driver. This gives you the flexibility of a private itinerary without having to worry about navigation, parking, or driving on unfamiliar roads.

👉 Book a private car with driver for a day in Mauritius

Join a Guided Tour

If you don’t want to drive but still want to see several of the places to visit in South Mauritius in one day, a guided tour can be a convenient alternative.
Many tours include hotel pickup and combine several major attractions, such as Chamarel Waterfall, Seven-Colored Earth, Black River Gorges, Grand Bassin, and other highlights in the southwest.

👉 Check this South Mauritius guided tour

Want Something More Adventurous? If you’d rather explore the southern part of Mauritius on four wheels, a quad bike tour is another fun option. It’s a different way to get off the main roads and discover some of the island’s more rugged landscapes.

👉 Check out this South Mauritius quad bike tour

Another great day tour will take you to the lesser-known places in the south of Mauritius. Visit the Chamarel waterfall and the Seven-Colored Earth Geopark. Taste local rum at La Rhumerie de Chamarel and admire the miniature, intricate structures at the Ship Model Factory.

👉 Check out more about this tour here

Want to See More of South Mauritius?

FAQ: Visiting South Mauritius

What are the best places to visit in South Mauritius for first-timers?

For a first visit, I would prioritize Le Morne Brabant, Le Morne Beach, Chamarel Waterfall and Seven-Colored Earth, Ebony Forest, Gris Gris Beach, Grand Bassin, Mahébourg, and Blue Bay Beach. If you have enough time, add an Ile aux Bénitiers boat trip and a scenic flight over the underwater waterfall for a few extra-special experiences.

How many days do you need in South Mauritius?

I recommend allowing at least two days to explore South Mauritius properly. You can spend one day exploring the southwest around Le Morne and Chamarel, and another exploring the southern and southeastern areas around Gris Gris, Grand Bassin, Mahébourg, and Blue Bay. With three days, you can slow down and add more time for beaches, hiking, or boat trips.

Is South Mauritius worth visiting?

Absolutely. South Mauritius is one of the most diverse parts of the island, with dramatic mountains, rugged coastlines, waterfalls, native forests, beautiful lagoons, historic towns, and important cultural sites. It’s also where you’ll find some of the island’s most memorable landscapes, including Le Morne Brabant and the wild coastline around Gris Gris.

Do you need a car to explore South Mauritius?

You don’t necessarily need a car, but renting a car is the easiest way to explore South Mauritius independently. The main attractions are spread across the southwest, south, and southeast, so having your own vehicle gives you much more flexibility. If you don’t want to drive, you can also explore the region with a private driver or join an organized tour.

What is the best way to explore South Mauritius?

For independent travelers, I’d recommend a South Mauritius road trip. Start with the southwest and Le Morne, then continue towards Chamarel and Ebony Forest. On another day, explore the southern and southeastern coast, including Gris Gris, Mahébourg, and Blue Bay. A car allows you to stop at viewpoints, beaches, and smaller attractions along the way without being tied to a fixed schedule.

Can you visit South Mauritius as a day trip?

You can visit some of the highlights on a day trip, especially with an organized tour, but I wouldn’t recommend trying to see all of South Mauritius in one day. The region covers a large area, and rushing between attractions means you’ll miss some of what makes it special. If you can, give yourself at least two days.

Best Places to Visit in South Mauritius – Final Thoughts

South Mauritius surprised me with how much there is to see and do. From the dramatic landscapes of Le Morne and Chamarel to the wild coastline of Gris Gris and the laid-back charm of Mahébourg, this part of Mauritius offers a wonderful mix of nature, culture, adventure, and beautiful beaches.

If you’re planning a trip to Mauritius, I hope this guide helps you decide which places to visit in South Mauritius deserve a spot on your itinerary. And don’t feel like you need to see everything at once — slow down, leave some room for spontaneous stops, and enjoy the journey.

👉 Planning more time in Mauritius? Check out my guides to continue exploring the island:

15 MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO VISIT IN MAURITIUS

10 UNIQUE PLACES TO VISIT IN MAHÉBOURG, MAURITIUS

A QUICK GUIDE TO VISITING PORT LOUIS IN MAURITIUS

15 EXCITING THINGS TO DO IN GRAND BAIE, MAURITIUS

TOP 10 BEST BEACHES IN MAURITIUS YOU NEED TO VISIT

TOP 10 BEST TOURS IN MAURITIUS (SELF-GUIDED OR GUIDED)