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Thirteen hundred hectares of forest, river valley and grassland rising behind Bel Ombre — explored on guided 4×4 safaris, quad and buggy trails or a walking trek, with waterfalls to swim in along the way.
Behind the coastal strip at Bel Ombre, the land climbs into 1,300 hectares of reserve — the largest of its kind in Mauritius — set within the historic Bel Ombre estate. It is a rare chance to see what the island looked like before the cane: endemic forest of ebony and pandanus, wild orchids, open grassland, deep river valleys and waterfalls. Java deer, wild boar and macaques move through it freely, and the birdlife includes species you will not see on the coast, among them the pink pigeon and the Mauritius kestrel brought back from the edge of extinction.
Access is by guided activity only, which is what keeps it in the condition it is in. A 4×4 safari of around two hours takes you up through the valleys and viewpoints with a stop at a waterfall where you can swim when conditions allow. Quad and buggy tours follow a roughly 15-kilometre circuit along the old Frédérica trails, past a fish pond and the ruins of the estate’s nineteenth-century sugar mill; vehicles are automatic and no gear changes are needed. Guided treks, run with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, take a slower two hours through the forest for anyone more interested in the plants and birds than the engine noise. There are picnic pods by the Frédérica waterfall, and Cascade l’Exemple — one of the tallest falls on the island — further in. Everything runs on set departure times and needs booking ahead.
Guided activities only, by reservation
Departures generally morning and early afternoon
Times vary by activity — confirm when booking
Closed shoes, insect repellent, swimwear and a towel for the waterfall stop, and a light rain layer — the reserve catches more cloud than the coast.
The 4×4 safari suits most visitors; quads and buggies carry minimum age requirements, so check when booking. Waterfall swimming depends on river conditions and is not guaranteed. Everything is guided — there is no independent access to the reserve.
Straight down the hill: a sheltered stretch of lagoon below the estate, and the calmest swimming on this side of the south coast.
A working colonial estate along the coast, with vanilla and anthurium houses, an artisanal distillery and lunch in the plantation house.
Around half an hour east at Souillac, where the reef ends and the open ocean breaks against the cliffs.
Bel Ombre Nature Reserve,
Domaine de Bel Ombre,
Savanne District, Mauritius
Around 1 hr 15 min from Port Louis
Approximately 50 minutes from the airport
Around 20 minutes from Souillac
Turn inland off the south coast road at Bel Ombre and follow signs for the nature reserve welcome centre, where all activities start. Parking is on site; hotels in the area can arrange transfers.
A 1,300-hectare protected reserve in the hills behind Bel Ombre, within the historic Domaine de Bel Ombre. It takes in endemic forest, grassland, river valleys and waterfalls, and is the largest reserve of its kind on the island.
No. Access is by guided activity only — 4×4 safari, quad or buggy tour, or a guided trek — all departing from the welcome centre at set times and booked in advance.
Java deer, wild boar and macaques are common, along with birds including the pink pigeon and the Mauritius kestrel. The flora includes ebony, pandanus and wild orchids. Morning departures give the best sightings.
Usually. Most tours include a stop at a waterfall where swimming is possible, though it depends on river conditions and the weather on the day, so bring swimwear but treat it as a bonus rather than a guarantee.
Around two hours for the 4×4 safari or the guided trek, and roughly the same for the quad and buggy circuit, which covers about 15 kilometres of trail. Age limits apply to quads and buggies — check when you book.