Waterfall setting
Waterfall setting
South Mauritius · Hideaways
Cascade Leon
Follow the trail to where the landscape drops away.
SouthHideawaysNatureWaterfalls
Location
Chamarel
South Mauritius
Opening Hours
Check locally
Confirm before visiting
Best Time to Visit
Morning for best light
Weather conditions may vary
Admission
Check access
Local conditions may apply
Why go
Follow the trail to where the landscape drops away.
Cascade Leon, also known as Exil Waterfall, is a forest waterfall near Rivière des Anguilles in southern Mauritius. Visitors follow a tropical trail to a natural pool below the falls. It suits nature lovers and adventurous travellers; allow roughly 1–1.5 hours for the route.
Cascade Leon offers a very different waterfall experience from the viewpoints reached directly by road in Mauritius. Hidden in the green landscape around Rivière des Anguilles, it requires a walk through tropical vegetation before the waterfall appears between the trees.
Also known as Exil Waterfall, Cascade Leon drops into a natural pool surrounded by rock and dense greenery. The approach is part of the experience: rather than arriving at a formal viewing platform, you follow a forest path and negotiate rocks as you approach the base.
Mauritius Tourism lists Cascade Leon at approximately 4 km and 1–1.5 hours, making it manageable as part of a wider day in southern Mauritius rather than requiring a full-day hike. Allow additional time if you want to pause beside the waterfall, take photographs or simply enjoy the forest setting.
The natural pool and cave behind the falling water are among the site's most distinctive features. Mauritius Tourism notes that visitors may swim here and reach the cave behind the cascade, but water levels and conditions are naturally variable, so assess conditions at the time of your visit rather than assuming access will always be the same.
Cascade Leon suits travellers who enjoy waterfalls, forest walks, photography and lesser-known natural places. It may appeal less to anyone looking for a roadside viewpoint, a highly developed visitor attraction or an outing requiring almost no walking.
Its location also makes it useful within a south Mauritius itinerary. Combine Cascade Leon with Souillac, Rochester Falls or the dramatic coast around Gris Gris rather than travelling south for the waterfall alone.
Nature scenery
Nature scenery
Outdoor access
Outdoor access
Highlights
What Makes Cascade Leon Worth Exploring
- ✓Forest waterfall experience – Reach Cascade Leon through tropical vegetation rather than from a conventional roadside viewpoint.
- ✓Natural pool below the falls – The waterfall drops directly into a forest-framed freshwater pool.
- ✓Cave behind the waterfall – One of Cascade Leon's distinctive natural features lies behind the falling water.
- ✓Shorter nature adventure – The listed 4 km, 1–1.5 hour outing provides a sense of exploration without requiring a full-day trek.
- ✓Strong addition to southern Mauritius – Combine it naturally with Souillac, Rochester Falls and other attractions in the south.
Photo Gallery
See Cascade Leon Before You Go
Build a south day
Turn one place into a full island route.
Combine Cascade Leon with nearby viewpoints and the wider Mauritius landscape for a more rewarding day.
Easy viewpoint
Alexandra Falls
Start with the established viewpoint and get context for the highland landscape.
Explore stop →Main experience
Cascade Leon
Make this place the central stop, with enough time to explore without rushing.
You are here ↑Panoramic stop
Black River Gorges View Point
Continue the nature theme with broad views across protected forest and valleys.
Explore stop →Optional extension
Chamarel
Extend the day into the southwest for more scenery and major visitor attractions.
Explore stop →Mauritius Explored tips
Before you hit the trail
Keep the visit simple: allow enough time, prepare for local conditions and pair it with nearby stops that suit your day.
- 1
Use Rivière des Anguilles when planning your route
Cascade Leon is in southern Mauritius near Souillac, not at Alexandra Falls or Black River Gorges.
- 2
Wear footwear suited to natural terrain
The approach includes a forest path and rocks near the waterfall rather than a paved visitor route.
- 3
Allow more than the walking time
The route itself is listed at about 1–1.5 hours, but photography and time beside the waterfall can extend the visit.
- 4
Check conditions before entering the pool
Waterfall flow and natural pool conditions can change, especially after rainfall.
- 5
Build a south Mauritius itinerary around it
Combine Cascade Leon with Souillac, Rochester Falls or Gris Gris to make better use of the journey south.
- 6
Wear footwear suited to natural terrain
- 7
Bring drinking water and sun or rain protection
- 8
Check weather and access conditions before leaving
- 9
Stay on established routes where available
- 10
Turn back if conditions exceed your ability
Frequently asked questions
Cascade Leon: quick answers
Is Cascade Leon worth visiting?
Yes, particularly if you enjoy waterfalls and natural places that require some effort to reach. Unlike a roadside viewpoint, Cascade Leon combines a forest approach, rocks, a natural pool and the waterfall itself. It is less suitable if you want a highly developed attraction or prefer sightseeing that involves almost no walking.
How long does it take to visit Cascade Leon?
Mauritius Tourism lists Cascade Leon at roughly 4 km and 1–1.5 hours. That makes it practical for a half-day itinerary when travel and time at the waterfall are included. Allow longer if you want to take photographs, rest beside the pool or explore the surrounding southern region afterwards.
Where is Cascade Leon in Mauritius?
Cascade Leon is located around Rivière des Anguilles in southern Mauritius, close to Souillac, and is also known as Exil Waterfall. It is reached through a forested area rather than directly from a major sightseeing road, so confirm your current route and access point before travelling.
Can you swim at Cascade Leon?
Mauritius Tourism describes swimming in the natural pool and accessing a cave behind the waterfall as part of the Cascade Leon experience. Conditions at natural waterfalls can change with weather and water flow, however, so assess the pool and local conditions when you arrive rather than assuming swimming will always be appropriate.
Is Cascade Leon suitable for children?
It can suit families whose children are comfortable walking on natural trails and stepping over rocks. This is not a paved attraction: the route passes through forest and becomes rockier near the waterfall. Parents should judge the outing according to current trail conditions, weather and each child's walking ability.
What is Cascade Leon?
Cascade Leon is a waterfall and nature stop in south Mauritius.
Who is Cascade Leon best for?
It suits travellers who enjoy nature, photography and short outdoor adventures.
What should I check before visiting Cascade Leon?
Check weather, trail or access conditions and whether the natural terrain suits your ability.
Keep exploring
Nearby nature & next stops
Continue exploring nearby Mauritius places instead of ending your journey at a single attraction.
Planning more than one stop?
Connect places, viewpoints, beaches and activities into a fuller south Mauritius day.