There are places that stop you in your tracks. Where words fall short, and all you can do is stare, stunned. That was me, standing at the base of 500 Pieds Cascade. The moment I stepped out of the trees and saw the waterfall—towering, thundering, carved into the face of a sheer cliff—it felt like stepping into Jurassic Park. Raw, timeless, humbling. Nature puts you in your place here.
I once said the hike to Tamarin Mountain was my all-time favourite in Mauritius. Well, 500 Pieds Cascade just took the crown. Not even Trois Mamelles sunset hike could top it!
But before you get too excited: this one’s brutal. I always recommend going with a local guide for hikes, but here… even that might not be enough. This is a true test of endurance. If you want to reach the bottom of the waterfall, you need strength, stamina, and a serious respect for nature.
Our journey began from the Alexandra Falls car park, and after about 30 minutes of easy forest trail, we reached the top of 500 Pieds Cascade. Up to this point, it’s a family-friendly walk—there were even kids playing near the edge (which, by the way, you really want to avoid getting too close to).
Now, here’s a big one: check the weather. No exceptions. This area is notorious for sudden surges in water flow during rain, and it can turn dangerous within minutes. A perfect forecast is non-negotiable. A sudden storm here can be fatal.
I’d been planning this hike for four months. Every time we got close, the weather shifted, or recent rain left the trail too slippery. We postponed again and again—frustrating, yes, but the right call every time.
On the day we finally made it, the air was dry, the sky clear. From the top of the waterfall, you can descend to the base, but only with a skilled guide who’ll assess your fitness level beforehand. Trust me, they’ll know if you’re ready. This shouldn’t be your first Mauritian hike.
The descent took a full hour, off-track and unforgiving. The trail dives sharply down through thick forest—you’ll cling to tree roots and ropes the entire way. We had to abseil down 10-metre rock faces using pre-secured ropes. Every step tested our balance and willpower. By the time we reached the foot of the falls, covered in mud, legs shaking, it felt like we’d crossed into another realm. A wild, echoing amphitheatre of water and stone. Mist hanging in the air. Wind swirling. The roar of the waterfall filling your chest.
Time stops at bottom of 500 pieds!
We rested maybe 30 minutes before turning back—and here’s the twist: there’s no exit route. You go up the same way you came down. The climb is slightly less technical thanks to the tree roots and ropes, but much harder physically. It’s a full-body grind up nearly 154 metres of vertical terrain, slippery and steep. I hike often, I know Mauritian trails, and still… I was wrecked. By the time we reached the plateau near the top, I could barely keep going. Even the final stretch—mostly flat—was tough. I had to stop several times just to stop feeling sick.
But the truth is: the most beautiful places in life rarely come easy. 500 Pieds Cascade doesn’t give itself away. You have to earn it.
And when you do? You’ll carry it with you for the rest of your life.
Final note: Only attempt this trail with a highly experienced guide, in flawless weather, and with excellent physical fitness. Respect the mountain—it will demand your best.
