Tamarin Falls - Les 7 Cascades
Updated: September 9, 2024
Les 7 Cascades, meaning ‘Seven Waterfalls,’ is the commonly used name for the Tamarin Waterfalls. It is located near the small Mauritian southwestern village of Henrietta. The waterfalls emerge from the Rivière Tamarin and form seven simultaneous falls. With a height of 961 feet, Les 7 Cascades is reputed as the highest waterfall in Mauritius. Along with the astounding views of tropical landscapes, many exotic species of birds and plants can be seen in the region.
Due to its perfect location, tourists can also enjoy the sight of the magnificent Le Morne Mountain over the west coast. Furthermore, a part of the river leads all the way to a reservoir where the water is used for hydroelectricity generation.
Activities at Les 7 Cascades
For those who visit the waterfalls solely to enjoy the breathtaking views and then leave without exploring further, they miss the best part about Les 7 Cascades. Its total of 11 waterfalls, deep ponds and pools, fresh green vegetation, steep paths, and multiple jumps make it a fascinating experience for nature enthusiasts as well as adventure lovers. Let’s have a brief look at the activities near Les 7 Cascades:
- Hiking – It is a 6-hour long hike that starts from the bushes straight through the reservoir and goes all the way up to the steep rocks. The density of the trees increases as you go upwards with diverse fauna. At the height of 60 meters, there is a vantage point near the seventh waterfall from where tourists can enjoy the panoramic view of the tropical surroundings and the naturally formed basin. Generally, the hike starts at 9 AM. The difficulty level is moderate, and participants must be 12 years or older to take part in the hike.
- Canyoning – Incorporating fifteen meters of abseiling, thirty meters of freefalling, and seven meters of jumping, the canyoning experience is the most exhilarating activity popular among tourists visiting Les 7 Cascades. For an added thrill, tourists can go zip-lining and swimming at the reservoir as well.
- Swimming – The seven glistening pools at the foot of the seven waterfalls provide the perfect swimming spot for tourists to ease away all the worries of the world with a refreshing dip in the fresh cascade water. The calm spring of the reservoir at the bottom of the waterfall offers an amazing view to enhance the experience even more.
- Cliff Jumping – For those who enjoy moments full of fast heartbeats and pumping adrenaline, the extreme sport of cliff jumping is a must. After reaching the top of the waterfall with rewarding views, tourists can make a 10-meter jump off the cliff into the water below.
- Bird Watching – Thanks to its diverse flora and fauna, Les 7 Cascades is an ideal destination for bird lovers. They can spot rare and endemic bird species like the Pink Pigeon, the Mauritius Kestrel, and Echo Parakeet.
How to get to Tamarin Falls
It is fairly difficult to reach Les 7 Cascades. From the west, you need to drive to Quatre Bornes and follow the directions to Vacoas. You can enjoy serene views of the falls en route. The road will lead to Henrietta, where you need to look for the bus station. From there, the journey is made on foot with the help of a hired guide for a decent charge. You can also opt to take a bus from either Curepipe or Quatre Bornes to Henrietta, get down at the bus stand, and walk towards the waterfalls.
It is highly recommended to have a guide during these activities to ensure safety and for better directions. Since hiking and canyoning are full-day trips, tourists are advised to bring sufficient food supplies and water for the journey. Sunscreen and mosquito repellent creams are essential to avoid skin burn and rashes.