Mauritius is chockablock packed to the rafters with incredible waterfalls, but if you’re looking for the best Mauritius waterfalls for jumping from, then look no further than Rochester Falls. This stunning waterfall is unique because of its columns of large pillar-like rocks which look almost as if they grew directly out of the ground, and it’s just as popular with the locals as with tourists.
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Discover the Nepalese Bridge, nearby
What’s so special about Rochester Falls?
Well, like I said before, although there are tonnes of waterfalls in Mauritius, Rochester Falls is quite unique because of the strange columns of dark rocks which tower over the river below. As well as being known as one of Mauritius’ best cliff-jumping spots, these falls are also famous for being the widest waterfall in the country; the Savanne River flows through the shady forest, freely over the rocks, and into a pool ten metres below, before continuing on its pathway to the sea.
What’s the best way to get to Rochester Falls?
The easiest way to get to Rochester Falls is by car, and from Port Louis directly it’s about an hour drive. Although, bear in mind that traffic going in and out of the city can be absolutely insane. Of course, you can book a taxi or private tour, but in general going on your own will give you more free time and- when in a group- be a lot cheaper.
We were visiting Mauritius on a cruise ship- because, regular readers will know, I work on one! So after an early morning arrival in the capital city of Port Louis, we hired a couple of cars from the nearest car rental office, and headed off on a road trip. This island nation is absolutely beautiful, and although we used public transport a lot- and hitchhiked a few times as well- I’m really glad that we hired a car a few times so that we could explore the harder-to-reach places. The first stop on our road trip was the wild mountain of Le Morne Brabant, where we hiked as far as we could go without a guide, stopping occasionally to spy on the monkeys in the forest, and sweating profusely in the process. After a few hours hiking and picnic-eating and sea-swimming, we decided there was no point in just driving straight back to Port Louis. We had the cars all day after all, and there were still several hours until sunset.
We decided that the next stop on our island road trip would be Rochester Falls, near the village of Souillac, because some of the group were in need of some Mauritius cliff-jumping adrenaline. And some of us (like me), wanted to take some lovely pictures.
That’s just the kind of gal I am, folks.
Where is Rochester Falls?
Rochester Falls is just outside the village of Souillac, in the Savanne district. After driving through Souillac, you’ll head off on a smaller dirt road through some sugar cane fields, and when the road can go no further, you’re there. If you need to use GPS, download the maps.me app to have an offline map to guide you. And if you get slightly confused in all the congestion and craziness (like we did), just ask a local (like we also did.) Wherever we went in Mauritius, the people were so friendly that I never felt uncomfortable asking for help.
Do you have to pay?
No way Jose, the entry fee to Rochester Falls is a big fat zero rupees. Ditto for the parking. This is a great thing to do if you’re visiting Mauritius on a tight budget.
Cliff jumping in Mauritius!
After parking the car, we walked down the little dirt track to the rocks of Rochester Falls. There were a few local boys already there, laughing and swimming in the pool below, and on the opposite side of the river above the cliffs, one sat in a tree. He gave us a wave, and then somersaulted off of the branches, landing with an almighty splash in the water.
Some of us picked our way across the rocks, hopping over the current of the river, and some decided it was time to partake in some cliff-jumping themselves. The boys were clambering back up to the top of the falls, and when they began hurling themselves over the edge, it helped us to figure out where was the best spot to jump from. Stacks of rocks protrude at lower levels as well, so it’s worth watching a local just to make sure you’re aiming for the right rock-free spot.
I am no daredevil, pals, so I stayed at the top, exploring the shady groves of trees and applauding each jumper in the style of a bystander at the Olympics.
As waterfalls in Mauritius go, there are plenty to choose from- but Rochester Falls is a wonderful, wild, and decidedly less ‘touristy’ option for your visit to this stunning island nation.
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