Rochester Falls | Souillac

Information

Landmark: Rochester Falls
City: Souillac
Country: Mauritius
Continent: Africa

Rochester Falls, Souillac, Mauritius, Africa

Rochester Falls is a wide waterfall located on the Savanne River in the southern district of Savanne, Mauritius. It is situated within an active agricultural landscape primarily used for sugarcane cultivation between the villages of Souillac and Saint Aubin.

Visual Characteristics

The waterfall is distinguished by its unique rectangular basalt organ pipes, which were formed by the rapid cooling of lava flows. The water drops approximately 10 meters over these jagged, symmetrical columns into a large natural pool at the base. The rock face is dark grey and black, frequently covered in moss and ferns. The surrounding area is densely forested with tropical vegetation, though the immediate perimeter of the falls consists of flat basalt shelves and muddy embankments.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located about 4 kilometers inland from Souillac.

Driving: Access is via a rugged, unpaved dirt track that cuts through sugarcane fields. Travelers must turn off the main road (A1) onto the track leading toward the river. High-clearance vehicles are recommended, as the path is uneven and can become impassable for small cars during heavy rain.

Public Transport: There is no direct bus service. Visitors must take a bus to Souillac or Saint Aubin and either hire a taxi or walk approximately 3 kilometers through the fields.

Parking: A small, informal clearing near the top of the falls serves as a parking area.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The falls are a result of volcanic activity from the "Late Series" of Mauritian geological history. The Savanne River eroded the softer rock layers, exposing the resistant basalt columns. Historically, the falls were named after the Rochester estate in England, reflecting the British colonial influence in the region during the 19th century. The site remains a public natural area with no formal government management or entrance fees.

Key Highlights & Activities

The primary activity is swimming in the deep pool at the base of the falls. Local youths are frequently observed performing high-dives from the top of the basalt columns, though this is hazardous for visitors due to submerged rocks. The site is a popular location for picnics on the flat rock surfaces. Photography of the geometric rock formations is a main draw, particularly long-exposure shots of the wide water curtain.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There is no formal infrastructure at Rochester Falls. There are no restrooms, changing rooms, or trash collection services. Visitors must carry out all refuse. There are no official food vendors, though occasional mobile fruit or snack sellers may be present during peak tourist hours. 4G cellular signal is generally available but can be weak at the bottom of the ravine. Shade is abundant under the surrounding canopy.

Best Time to Visit

The falls are best visited between 09:00 and 15:00. During the rainy season (January to March), the water volume is highest, but the river can become muddy and the access tracks difficult to navigate. The winter months (June to August) offer clearer water and easier access. For photography, the morning light is preferable as the falls face westward and are shaded by high banks in the late afternoon.

Facts & Legends

A well-known local "secret" is the path that allows visitors to walk behind the waterfall curtain, where the undercut basalt provides a sheltered space. Geologically, the site is cited as one of the best examples of columnar jointing in the Mascarene Islands, a phenomenon similar to the Giant's Causeway in Ireland, though on a smaller vertical scale.