Best Places to See Monkeys in Mauritius

Best Places to See Monkeys in Mauritius: A Local Guide to Chamarel, Grand Bassin & Black River Gorges

Mauritius is famous for beaches, lagoons and waterfalls, but one of the most memorable surprises for many visitors is seeing monkeys in the wild. If you are driving through the green highlands of the southwest, especially around Chamarel, Grand Bassin, Alexandra Falls and Black River Gorges, there is a good chance you may spot monkeys near viewpoints, forest roads or parking areas.

Seeing monkeys in Mauritius can be exciting, especially for families and first-time visitors. They often appear suddenly along the roadside, sitting on railings, moving through trees or waiting near tourist stops. But it is important to remember that these are wild animals. They should be enjoyed from a safe distance and never fed.

This local guide explains the best places to see monkeys in Mauritius, with a strong focus on the southwest highlands: Chamarel, Chamarel Viewpoint, Alexandra Falls, Grand Bassin and Black River Gorges.

Are There Monkeys in Mauritius?

Yes, there are monkeys in Mauritius, and they are most commonly seen in the forested highland areas, especially in and around the southwest. Visitors often spot them near Black River Gorges National Park, Grand Bassin, Alexandra Falls, Chamarel roads and some viewpoints.

The monkeys seen in Mauritius are usually macaques. They are not native to Mauritius, but they have become part of the island’s forest and roadside landscape. For visitors, they are often one of the unexpected highlights of a scenic day trip through the mountains.

However, monkeys should always be treated with respect. They may look playful or friendly, but they are wild animals. Do not feed them, do not try to touch them and do not leave food visible in your car or bag.

Why the Southwest Is the Best Area to See Monkeys

The best places to see monkeys in Mauritius are usually not along the beach. They are more often found in greener, cooler and more forested areas of the island.

The southwest highlands are ideal because this region has:

• Forested valleys & Waterfalls

• Mountain roads & Protected natural areas

• Cooler climate & Less urban development

• Fruit trees and natural vegetation

• Tourist stops where monkeys sometimes gather

This is why a day trip through Chamarel, Black River Gorges, Alexandra Falls and Grand Bassin gives you one of the best chances of seeing monkeys during your Mauritius holiday.

Best Places to See Monkeys in Mauritius

1. Black River Gorges Viewpoint

Black River Gorges Viewpoint is one of the best and most reliable places to see monkeys in Mauritius. This viewpoint offers wide views over deep green valleys, forested mountains and one of the most important natural landscapes on the island.

Many visitors stop here for the view, but they are often surprised to see monkeys around the parking area, railings or nearby trees. They may sit quietly, move in small groups or come closer if people are carrying food.

This is a beautiful stop because you get two experiences in one: one of the best viewpoints in Mauritius and a chance to see monkeys in a natural forest setting.

Best for: monkeys, viewpoints, photography, families, nature
Region: Southwest highlands
Suggested time: 20–40 minutes
Good to combine with: Chamarel, Alexandra Falls, Grand Bassin, Le Morne

Local tip:
Keep your food hidden. Monkeys here can be curious and may approach if they see snacks, bags or open containers.

2. Chamarel Viewpoint

The Chamarel Viewpoint area is another excellent place to look for monkeys, especially when driving through the scenic roads around Chamarel and the Black River Gorges region.

Chamarel is one of the most beautiful inland areas in Mauritius, known for its green hills, cooler air, waterfalls, viewpoints and local restaurants. Monkeys are sometimes seen along the roads, near forested sections or around quieter viewing areas.

Even if you do not see monkeys immediately, this region is worth exploring slowly. The views are beautiful, and the drive itself is one of the most scenic in Mauritius.

Best for: scenic views, monkeys, local road trips, photography
Region: Chamarel / Southwest Mauritius
Suggested time: Flexible, depending on your route
Good to combine with: Seven Coloured Earth, Chamarel Waterfall, Ebony Forest

Local tip:
Drive slowly and safely through Chamarel’s forest roads. Monkeys may cross the road suddenly, especially near bends or shaded areas.

3. Alexandra Falls Viewpoint

Alexandra Falls is one of the most popular waterfall viewpoints in the Black River Gorges area. The viewpoint is easy to access, and the surrounding forest makes it a good place to watch for monkeys.

Visitors come here for the waterfall and valley views, but monkeys may also be seen near the parking area, trees or walking paths. This makes Alexandra Falls a great family-friendly stop, especially if you want to combine nature, photography and wildlife watching.

The area can sometimes be misty or cloudy, so views may change quickly. On a clear day, it is a beautiful place to enjoy the highland scenery.

Best for: waterfalls, monkeys, families, nature, viewpoints
Region: Black River Gorges / Plaine Champagne area
Suggested time: 20–45 minutes
Good to combine with: Grand Bassin, Black River Gorges Viewpoint, Chamarel

Local tip:
Do not leave food in your hands while taking photos. Monkeys may come closer if they think food is available.

4. Grand Bassin / Ganga Talao

Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao, is one of the most important spiritual sites in Mauritius. It is a sacred lake surrounded by temples, statues and peaceful mountain scenery.

It is also one of the places where visitors often see monkeys. They may be found around the trees, near the lake area or close to parking zones. For many travellers, seeing monkeys here adds another memorable element to the visit.

Because Grand Bassin is an active religious site, visitors should behave respectfully. Dress modestly, keep noise low and avoid disturbing people who are praying or visiting the temples.

Best for: monkeys, culture, spirituality, families, photography
Region: Central / Southwest highlands
Suggested time: 30–60 minutes
Good to combine with: Alexandra Falls, Black River Gorges, Chamarel

Local tip:
Grand Bassin is not only a tourist stop. It is a sacred place. Watch the monkeys, but also take time to respect the cultural and spiritual importance of the site.

5. Black River Gorges National Park

Black River Gorges National Park is the largest protected forest area in Mauritius and one of the best places to experience the island’s natural side. It is also one of the main areas where monkeys may be seen.

The park includes viewpoints, forest roads, hiking trails, waterfalls and deep valleys. Monkeys can sometimes be spotted near roadsides, forest edges, picnic areas or viewpoints.

If you enjoy nature, this is one of the best places to include in your Mauritius itinerary. Even if you do not see monkeys, the scenery is worth the visit.

Best for: nature, monkeys, hiking, viewpoints, waterfalls
Region: Southwest Mauritius
Suggested time: Half day to full day
Good to combine with: Chamarel, Le Morne, Grand Bassin, Alexandra Falls

Local tip:
Bring water and comfortable shoes if you plan to walk. Weather can change quickly in the highlands, so a light rain jacket is useful.

Best Route to See Monkeys in Mauritius

If your main goal is to see monkeys while also enjoying some of the best inland attractions in Mauritius, the southwest route is the best option.

Recommended Monkey-Spotting Day Trip

Stop 1: Grand Bassin

Start your day at Grand Bassin. The morning is usually cooler and quieter. Visit the temples, walk around the lake and look out for monkeys near the trees and parking areas.

Stop 2: Alexandra Falls

Continue toward Alexandra Falls. This is a good nature stop with waterfall views and forest surroundings. Watch for monkeys near the viewpoint area.

Stop 3: Black River Gorges Viewpoint

Next, visit Black River Gorges Viewpoint. This is one of the best places to see monkeys and enjoy panoramic views over the forested valleys.

Stop 4: Chamarel Viewpoint and Chamarel Roads

Drive toward Chamarel and enjoy the forest roads and viewpoints. Keep your eyes open for monkeys along the roadside, but drive carefully.

Stop 5: Chamarel Village and Lunch

Stop in Chamarel for lunch. This is a good opportunity to enjoy local food, Creole flavours and the slower atmosphere of the southwest.

Stop 6: Chamarel Waterfall and Seven Coloured Earth

End the inland section with two of Chamarel’s most famous attractions: Chamarel Waterfall and Seven Coloured Earth.

Optional Stop 7: Le Morne or La Prairie

If you still have time, drive down toward Le Morne or La Prairie for sunset. This gives you the perfect ending: monkeys and waterfalls in the highlands, then lagoon and mountain views on the coast.

Local tip:

Important Safety Tips Around Monkeys

Do Not Feed the Monkeys & Keep Food Hidden

Do Not Touch Them & Keep Children Close

Secure Your Belongings & Do Not Tease or Chase Them

Some of the best monkey photos are taken at viewpoints where they sit naturally on railings, rocks or tree branches with the green forest in the background.

If you want the best chance of seeing monkeys in Mauritius, plan a full southwest highlands route instead of visiting only one stop. Start at Grand Bassin, continue to Alexandra Falls, stop at Black River Gorges Viewpoint, then drive toward Chamarel.

This route gives you the best mix of monkeys, waterfalls, viewpoints, forest roads, cultural stops and local scenery. Take your time, drive carefully, keep your food hidden and enjoy the wilder side of Mauritius beyond the beaches.