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Walk quiet forest trails, spot rare birds, and visit historic ruins, then explore underground lava tubes in the northeast.
Spend a day in the quiet north-east of Mauritius. In the morning, follow shaded trails through Bras d’Eau National Park, past an old sugar mill, a mango orchard, and rare birds. In the afternoon, go underground at the Roches Noires Caves, a network of ancient lava tubes with freshwater pools and striking rock formations. It’s an easy, rewarding day for families, nature lovers, and walkers of all levels, away from the busier tourist sites.
Tour Information
Location: northeast Mauritius (Bras d’Eau National Park and Roches Noires village)
Activity type: easy hike, bird watching, historic ruins, volcanic cave visit
Departure time: 09H00
Return time: 14H
Total duration: 5 hours
Operating days: Everyday upon availability
Meeting point: Bras d’Eau Visitors Centre
Walking distance: about 5 km round trip on the Coq des Bois trail, plus the Roches Noires trail to the caves
Level: easy, suitable for all levels
Climate: hot and humid in the east, 22 to 28°C in summer and 17 to 23°C in winterHighlights
Bras d’Eau National Park
Coq des Bois trail: a gentle walk alternating between dwarf and tall trees
Protected biodiversity: giant Mauritian ebony, ironwood, ferns, and rare orchids
Bird watching: Mauritius fody, Mascarene paradise flycatcher, and more, if you’re lucky
Mare Sarcelle: mangroves and migratory birds such as the whimbrel
Historic ruins: remains of an old village and sugar mill
Orchard: around 2,000 mango trees and 200 lychee trees
Picnic spot: tables in the park, with Poste-la-Fayette beach nearby
Roches Noires Caves
Volcanic cave network: lava tubes formed long ago
Princess Margaret Cave: the main cave, reached by a wide staircase
Interconnected chambers: varied underground exploration
Freshwater pools: unexpected scenery underground
Rock formations: fascinating natural sculptures
On-site museum: learn how and why the lava tubes formed
Roches Noires trail: a pleasant walk leading to the caves
What’s Included
Access to Bras d’Eau National Park
Access to the Roches Noires Caves
Guide
First aid kit
Transfers
Water and snack
Not Included
Meals and drinks
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
What to Bring
Closed shoes with good grip (comfortable walking shoes)
Light, breathable, and comfortable clothing
Hat or cap and sunglasses
Sunscreen
Mosquito repellent
Plenty of water
Binoculars and camera for the birds
Headlamp or torch, if the site guidelines recommend it
A light rain jacket (the east is humid) and a small light jacket, as it can be cooler underground
Itinerary
Morning: Bras d’Eau National Park
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 09:00 | : Welcome at the Bras d’Eau Visitors Centre, with information on the trails, ruins, and wildlife. |
| Morning | : Coq des Bois trails through the forest to Mares Chevrettes (about 2.5 km). |
| Morning | : Optional: Coq des Bois loop through the mango and lychee orchard |
| Morning | : Bird watching and discovery of the ruins, with photo stops and the history of the site |
| Midday | : Mare Sarcelle mangroves and migratory birds |
| Midday | : Picnic or relaxation at the park tables or at Poste-la-Fayette beach |
| 14:00 | : Return to the Visitors Centre |
Afternoon: Roches Noires Caves
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Afternoon | : Transfer to Roches Noires and welcome |
| Afternoon | : Walk along the Roches Noires trail to the volcanic cave network |
| Afternoon | : Descent by the wide staircase and discovery of Princess Margaret Cave |
| Afternoon | : Exploration of the chambers, freshwater pools, and rock formations |
| Afternoon | : Museum visit to learn how the lava tubes formed |
| End of day | : End of tour and return to the starting point |
Safety Rules & Information
Follow the instructions of the guide or site staff.
Stay on marked trails and build walkways.
Carry enough water, especially in hot and humid weather.
Protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes.
Respect wildlife and plants: pick nothing and don’t feed the animals.
Leave no litter in the park or the reserve.
Be careful near the ruins and water areas.
Be careful on the staircase and on wet floors, which can be slippery.
Watch your head in low passages.
Don’t touch or break the rock formations.
Ask your guide about trail conditions, cave access, and current rules, especially after heavy rain.
Why Choose This Activity
Two experiences in one day: forest, birds, and ruins, plus underground lava tubes
Calm and authentic: quieter than the most famous sites
Accessible to all: an easy trail, perfect for families
Nature, history, and science together: the park’s ruins and the museum’s volcanic story
Protected sites: your visit supports conservation of Mauritian biodiversity.
Punctuality
Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure
The tour starts at 09:00 at the Bras d’Eau Visitors Centre
Late arrivals may not be able to join, and refunds may not apply.
Special Conditions
The visit may change depending on weather, trail, or cave conditions
Cave access can be affected after heavy rain
Booking & Cancellation
How to book:
Choose your date.
Select the number of participants
Click Book Now and receive your confirmation. LINK contact page
Did You Know?
Bras d’Eau’s old orchard holds around 2,000 mango trees and 200 lychee trees.
The Roches Noires caves are lava tubes, formed long ago by flowing volcanic lava.
Princess Margaret Cave is reached by a wide staircase.
The Bras d’Eau trail is an easy 5 km round trip, suitable for all levels.
Why Choose Super Holidays?
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