Tamarin Falls (7 Cascades) | Tamarin

Information

Landmark: Tamarin Falls (7 Cascades)
City: Tamarin
Country: Mauritius
Continent: Africa

Tamarin Falls (7 Cascades), Tamarin, Mauritius, Africa

Tamarin Falls, commonly referred to as the 7 Cascades, is a series of waterfalls located on the Rivière Tamarin in the Henrietta district of central Mauritius. It is situated on the edge of the central plateau and descends into a deep, forested canyon leading toward the west coast.

Visual Characteristics

The site consists of seven distinct waterfalls with a total drop of approximately 293 meters. The falls are characterized by vertical basaltic rock faces, deep natural basins or "basins," and lush tropical vegetation including wild guava trees and ferns. The water volume varies significantly; during the rainy season, the falls appear as wide, powerful sheets of white water, while in the dry season, they narrow into thin streams. The surrounding canyon is dominated by dense evergreen forest and steep, muddy cliffs.

Location & Access Logistics

Access is primarily through the village of Henrietta.

Driving: From Vacoas, follow the B70 road to Henrietta. A designated parking area is located near the Henrietta bus terminal or the entrance to the trailheads.

Public Transport: Bus route 141 (Port Louis to Henrietta) or Route 61 (Quatre Bornes to Henrietta) terminates at the village, from which the trailhead is a 10-minute walk.

Access: The terrain is steep, unmarked, and involves technical scrambling. Entry is free, but the use of a professional mountain guide is recommended for safety and navigation.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The falls are formed by the Rivière Tamarin, which originates from the Mare aux Vacoas reservoir. Geologically, the waterfalls are the result of the river flowing over multiple basaltic lava flows of the "Intermediate Series" of Mauritian volcanic history. The area is part of a catchment zone for the Mauritius Second Hydroelectric Scheme, with a power station located at the base of the canyon that has been operational since the early 20th century.

Key Highlights & Activities

Trekking is the primary activity, with routes typically divided into the "Half Hike" (the first 3 or 4 falls) or the "Full Hike" (all 7 falls). Canyoning is popular at the higher falls, involving abseiling (rappelling) down the cliff faces into the pools. Swimming is possible in the natural basins at the foot of several falls. "Fish spas" occur naturally in the pools where small freshwater fish nibble on the skin of swimmers.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There is no formal infrastructure within the canyon itself. There are no restrooms, paved paths, or safety railings. Cell phone signal (4G) is intermittent and often disappears at the bottom of the canyon. Food and water must be carried in; the nearest vendors and public toilets are located in Henrietta village. Shade is abundant under the forest canopy but minimal on the exposed rock faces near the water.

Best Time to Visit

The falls are best visited between 08:00 and 15:00 to ensure exit before sunset, as navigation in the canyon is impossible in the dark. The most favorable weather occurs from May to October. Visiting immediately after heavy rain is hazardous due to flash flood risks and extremely slippery mud. Photography is optimal in the mid-morning when the sun enters the canyon, illuminating the higher cascades.

Facts & Legends

Local guides often point out a "secret" cave located behind the curtain of the second waterfall, which allows hikers to stand behind the falling water without getting fully submerged. A common historical oddity is the presence of old iron pipes along certain sections of the trail, which were part of the early 20th-century water diversion systems for the island's hydroelectric power generation.