Alexandra Falls sits on the southern rim of Plaine Champagne, the high plateau of Black River Gorges National Park. The river slips off the edge of the plateau here, and the viewing point beside it looks out over the whole wild south coast of Mauritius.
Seeing the falls without hiking
You do not need to hike to see Alexandra Falls. The signposted stop sits on the Plaine Champagne road inside the national park, about 700 metres above sea level. From the large car park, an easy stone path of about 250 metres, with a little wooden bridge, leads to the sheltered viewpoint. Entry is free, there are picnic tables and toilets, and the path is short and mostly level. Keep an eye on the monkeys, they are quick with unattended snacks.
The hike below the falls
The viewpoint is only half the story. From the top of Alexandra Falls, a trail drops through the forest of Plaine Champagne to the base of Cascade 500 Pieds, the tallest waterfall in Mauritius. The slopes are steep and the path is not marked, so this section is done as a guided hike. Our Cascade 500 Pieds guided hike starts right here and takes about 4 hours, for hikers with a good fitness level.
When to come
Plaine Champagne is the wettest and coolest part of the island, and the falls run fullest in and just after the summer rains, from November to April. In the dry winter months the flow thins and the long view over the south coast becomes the main event. Clouds build over the plateau as the day goes on, so mornings give the clearest views.
Around Alexandra Falls
The stop pairs naturally with the rest of the national park. The trails around Le Pétrin and the Black River Gorges viewpoint are minutes away by car, and our guided hike in Black River Gorges explores the forest below the plateau. The comparison of every guided trail helps you pick what fits the rest of your stay, and Chamarel with its waterfall and coloured earths is on the same road.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Alexandra Falls?
On the southern edge of Plaine Champagne, inside Black River Gorges National Park, on the road that crosses the plateau between Le Pétrin and Chamarel.
Can you see Alexandra Falls without hiking?
Yes. The viewpoint is a short walk from the car park and needs no hiking at all. The hike is only for those who want to descend below the falls with a guide.
How tall is Alexandra Falls?
Published figures disagree, quoting anything from 30 to 70 metres for the tiers below the viewpoint. What makes the place special is the setting rather than the drop. The viewpoint stands about 700 metres above sea level on the rim of the plateau, looking all the way down to the coast.
Is Alexandra Falls worth the stop?
If you are already crossing Plaine Champagne, yes. The view over the south coast costs you fifteen minutes. If the plateau is in cloud, keep driving and come back on a clearer day. When the falls run low late in the dry season, the coastal view is the real reward.
