Alexandra Falls
From a walkway at 700 m, the view takes in the waterfall tumbling down the wooded cliff and the whole southern plain to the ocean. A short but memorable national-park stop.
Tip: Pair with the gorges viewpoint, 5 minutes away. Often in cloud late in the day.
360° view
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What you see from the lookout
On the southern rim of the Plaine Champagne plateau, a river spills over the edge and drops in several steps into the forest. The lookout, at about 700 m, takes in both the falls and, beyond them, the whole wild south coast, from the cane fields down to the ocean. Published heights for the falls range from about 30 to 70 m, largely because the drop is split into several tiers, so do not be surprised by the figures you read.
It is one of the few spots where the island's shape makes sense at a glance: the damp plateau behind you, the plain sloping gently towards Souillac and Bel Ombre in front.
Getting there
The stop is signposted on the Plaine Champagne road, inside Black River Gorges National Park. From the large car park an easy paved path of about 250 m, with a little wooden bridge, leads to the sheltered viewpoint. Picnic tables and toilets are on site.
Allow about an hour from Port Louis, 45 minutes to an hour from Flic en Flac via Chamarel and 1h30 from Grand Baie. There is no practical bus, so come by car, taxi or tour. Access is free (checked in October 2026).
When to go
From November to April, after the summer rains, the falls run at their fullest; by the end of the dry season they can shrink to a trickle. Mornings bring the clearest skies before cloud settles on the plateau, often from early afternoon.
If fog hides the view, visit the gorges viewpoint first and try again on the way back: the weather changes fast up here.
Practical tips
Stay on the path and behind the railings: the edge is steep and slippery after rain, and there is no safe marked trail to the foot of the falls. Monkeys hang around the picnic tables, so keep snacks close.
The short, flat path suits children and casual walkers. Bring a light layer, as the air at 700 m is cool and often breezy.
Combine with
Alexandra Falls takes 20 to 30 minutes and pairs easily with the Black River Gorges Viewpoint and Pétrin, a few minutes' drive away, then Grand Bassin to the east or Chamarel to the west along the same road.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to pay to see Alexandra Falls?
No, the car park and viewpoint are free, with no set opening hours.
How far is the walk to Alexandra Falls?
About 250 m on an easy paved path from the car park, roughly 5 minutes. Allow 20 to 30 minutes for the whole stop.
Can you hike to the bottom of Alexandra Falls?
There is no safe marked trail to the base; stay at the viewpoint, as the edge is steep and slippery.
When is the best time to see Alexandra Falls?
Morning for the view, and November to April for the most water. In the afternoon the plateau is often in cloud.
