It's funny you mention that about most people only doing the popular hikes,...
Onwudiwe adedagbo@adedagboonwudiwe1
17 days ago
It's funny you mention that about most people only doing the popular hikes, because that was exactly my experience the first time. The second time I went, I made it a point to get off the main trail and take the path down to the Cascade de L'Escalier. That's where the park really came alive for me. The main viewpoints are beautiful, sure, but they can feel a bit like a postcard. Down by that waterfall, you can actually feel the power of the place. The mist off the falls is incredible, and if you're quiet, you'll see the rare Mauritian flying foxes roosting in the trees high above. Bring a rain jacket, because you will get damp, even on a sunny day.
A practical thing nobody warned me about: the footing on some of those less-traveled paths can be tricky, especially after rain. A good pair of hiking poles aren't just for show down there. I learned that the hard way when I took a slide on some wet roots. Also, the park is huge. I know 67 km² doesn't sound massive on paper, but the terrain makes it feel much bigger. I'd strongly recommend picking one specific area and exploring it deeply, rather than trying to bounce around to three different spots. My best day was just the loop from the visitor center down to the river and back. It took about four hours and I saw maybe five other people. That felt like the real wild heartbeat of Mauritius, not the crowded overlooks.
4 days ago