Places to Visit in Mauritius
Alexandra Falls
A short walk from the car park to one of the widest views in Mauritius — forested gorge, distant waterfall and the south coast beyond.
Location
Black River Gorges National Park, Plaine Champagne
Time Needed
20 – 40 minutes
Entrance
Free — national park viewpoint
Access
Car park within metres of the viewpoint
Best For
Panoramic views, picnics, endemic birdlife
Facilities
Parking, picnic tables, basic amenities
Overview
Discover Alexandra Falls
Alexandra Falls is best understood as a viewpoint first and a waterfall second. The platform sits high on the southern edge of Black River Gorges National Park, looking out across a deep, densely forested valley that falls away towards the south coast — on a clear day you can follow the land all the way down to the sea.
The waterfall itself drops into the gorge off to one side. How much of it you see depends on the season and on how much the surrounding vegetation has grown: after rain it is obvious, while in a dry spell it can be modest. The panorama, on the other hand, is reliable year-round.
What makes it unusual among Mauritian viewpoints is how little effort it takes. The car park is a few metres away, the ground is largely level, and there are picnic tables under the trees — so it works for visitors who cannot manage the park's longer hiking trails.
Gorge, forest and ocean
in a single view
Why Visit
Why Visit Alexandra Falls?
A Big View for Almost No Effort
One of the few genuinely panoramic viewpoints in Mauritius that requires barely any walking from the car park.
Native Forest at Altitude
The gorge below holds some of the last upland native forest on the island, with the cloud-wrapped high ground of the park behind you.
Endemic Birds Overhead
The park protects species found nowhere else on earth, including the Mauritius kestrel, pink pigeon and echo parakeet.
A Natural Picnic Stop
Shaded tables near the viewpoint make this the obvious place to break a day spent crossing the south of the island.
MauTravel Experiences
Go Further Into the Southern Uplands
Already in the national park? These MauTravel experiences take you beyond the viewpoint.
Things to Do
Things to Do at Alexandra Falls
Take in the Panorama
The main platform looks down the length of the gorge towards the coast — the single best reason to stop here.
Look for the Falls
The waterfall drops into the valley to one side of the viewpoint. Visibility depends on recent rain and on seasonal growth in the vegetation.
Watch for Endemic Birdlife
Listen as much as look. The surrounding forest supports several species that exist only in Mauritius, and the kestrel is sometimes seen overhead.
Picnic Under the Trees
Shaded tables and benches sit just back from the viewpoint, making this an easy lunch stop between Chamarel and the south coast.
Around the Viewpoint
The Gorge Panorama
A deep, forested valley running south, with the coastline visible in the distance when the cloud lifts.
Upland Cloud Forest
The higher ground behind the viewpoint is frequently wrapped in mist — a different, cooler Mauritius from the coast below.
Paperbark and Native Trees
The woodland immediately around the car park is worth a slow look in its own right, with distinctive layered bark and dense undergrowth.
Visiting Alexandra Falls
Alexandra Falls is a viewpoint within Black River Gorges National Park, and there is no entrance charge for visiting it. Parking sits immediately beside the site, and it is clearly signposted from the road that crosses the park.
It is a protected national park rather than a commercial attraction, so there is no ticket desk, no guided commentary and no shop. Most visitors stop for twenty to forty minutes, often combining it with the Black River Gorges viewpoint and Chamarel on the same drive.
This part of the island is considerably cooler, wetter and cloudier than the coast — bring a layer, and be prepared for the view to be obscured on a misty day.
Travel Tips
Before You Go
- The uplands are notably cooler and wetter than the coast — bring a light jacket even on a hot day
- Cloud and mist can hide the view entirely; mornings are often clearer than afternoons
- The waterfall's visibility varies with rainfall and seasonal vegetation growth
- Stay behind the railings and on the marked viewing areas
- This is a protected national park — take all litter away with you
- Do not feed any wildlife, including the monkeys sometimes seen along the park road
- Facilities are basic; there is no café at the viewpoint itself
- Combine it with the Black River Gorges viewpoint and Chamarel, which are on the same route
- Access conditions can vary depending on weather, maintenance or official restrictions
Getting There
Need Transport to Alexandra Falls?
Enjoy the journey at your own pace with private transportation arranged by MauTravel. Hotel pickup and drop-off can be arranged from locations around Mauritius.
Continue Exploring
Explore South Mauritius
Alexandra Falls sits on the natural route between Chamarel and the south coast.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Alexandra Falls is a viewpoint inside Black River Gorges National Park and there is no charge to visit it, nor to park.
Very little. The viewing area is only metres from the car park and the ground is largely level, which makes this one of the most accessible viewpoints in Mauritius.
Not always clearly. The falls drop into the gorge to one side of the viewpoint, and how visible they are depends on recent rainfall and on how much the surrounding vegetation has grown. The wider gorge panorama is the more reliable attraction.
The viewpoint is exactly that — a viewpoint. It does not offer access down to the base of the waterfall. Black River Gorges National Park has a network of marked hiking trails elsewhere for visitors who want to walk in the forest.
Markedly cooler, wetter and cloudier than the coast, because of the altitude. Mist can roll in quickly and obscure the view, so it is worth having a flexible plan and a light jacket.
The park protects several species found nowhere else, including the Mauritius kestrel, the pink pigeon and the echo parakeet. Sightings are never guaranteed, and you are as likely to hear them as see them. Please do not feed any animals, including monkeys near the road.
Ready When You Are
Cross the Island's Green Heart
Alexandra Falls, Black River Gorges and Chamarel line up naturally on one unhurried private tour through the southern uplands.