Horse riding in Mauritius: where to ride

Photo: riders in the shallow lagoon on the west coast of Mauritius

Follow our tips for choosing your horse-riding experience along the beaches, lagoons and trails of Mauritius, from Le Morne to the wild south.

◆ At a glance

  • Main areas: Le Morne, Rivière Noire, Flic-en-Flac, Chamarel and the wild south.
  • Signature experience: swimming on horseback in the lagoon at Le Morne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Levels: rides suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike.
  • Best time: early morning or sunset, when the heat subsides.
  • From Legend Hill: west coast, close to the equestrian centres around Rivière Noire.

Dreaming of riding along a turquoise lagoon, with your horse’s hooves in the clear water? Horse riding in Mauritius is available in several regions, each offering its own unique scenery: white-sand beaches on the west coast, the lush rolling landscapes of Chamarel and the unspoilt coastline of the south. Beginners and experienced riders alike can find a suitable ride, often at sunrise or sunset. Here are the best places to go horse riding and how to organise your outing from our 5-star residence in Mauritius, Legend Hill.

Where to go horse riding in Mauritius?

The west coast is home to some of the island’s most beautiful horse rides, and our property in Rivière Noire places you right at the heart of this equestrian region. Each area reveals a different landscape, from the coastline to wooded hills. Here are the areas to consider for a memorable horse-riding experience:

  • Le Morne offers beaches backed by the UNESCO-listed mountain, creating the most spectacular setting on the island for riders.
  • Rivière Noire, close to our property, features long stretches of beautiful beaches.
  • Flic-en-Flac extends the horse-riding experience into the lagoon, a particularly popular option at sunset.
  • Chamarel appeals to nature lovers with its plantations, woodland and rolling terrain to explore.
  • The wild south, around Bel Ombre and Riambel, offers secluded beaches away from the crowds.

What horse-riding experiences can you enjoy?

Horse riding in Mauritius is about much more than simply taking a stroll along the sand. Depending on the area and your experience level, you can choose from several types of outings, from faster-paced rides to leisurely walks.

Swimming on horseback in the lagoon

The most sought-after experience remains horseback swimming in the lagoon at Le Morne, one of the largest lagoons in Mauritius. Best suited to riders who feel reasonably comfortable on horseback, the experience takes you into turquoise waters while your horse swims beneath the majestic Le Morne Brabant mountain. This rare experience, unique in the Indian Ocean, leaves a lasting impression on those who try it.

Beach and forest rides

For a first introduction, a horse ride along the beach is an excellent choice. The long stretches of Rivière Noire and Belle Mare are perfect for a leisurely ride, accompanied by the sea breeze and the shade of casuarina trees. Nature lovers can opt for the forest trails of Chamarel, winding through plantations and hilly terrain for a more adventurous equestrian experience inland.

Cavalier au pas sur une plage de sable blanc bordée de cocotiers, à l’île Maurice

Younger riders are catered for too: many equestrian centres offer pony rides and full-day excursions designed specifically for children and families.

◆ Our tips

Book your horse ride early in the morning, before the sun heats up the sand. The light is softer, the beaches are quieter and the horses are more relaxed. Bring lightweight trousers, closed-toe shoes and a cap or hat. Wearing swimwear underneath your riding clothes is also useful if you are tempted by a swim in the lagoon.

— Avi Rumjansing, Head Receptionist, Legend Hill

How to prepare for your horse ride

A successful equestrian outing starts with a few simple preparations. Most centres offer options for all levels, making horse riding in Mauritius suitable for families and beginners as well. Keep these tips in mind before setting off:

  • Choose the duration according to your experience level: one hour is enough for a first beach ride.
  • Book an introductory lesson with an instructor if you are a beginner before going on a longer guided ride.
  • Choose early morning or late afternoon, as the midday heat can quickly tire both riders and horses.
  • Check whether a minimum level of riding ability is required for swimming in the lagoon before booking.
  • Protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water, even for a short ride.
◆ A word from our concierge team

The best horse ride always starts with the right time slot and a horse suited to its rider. Here, the lagoon takes care of the rest.

— Dinesh Doorbeejan, Head Concierge, Legend Hill

Organising your horse-riding experience from Legend Hill

Enjoying horse riding in Mauritius is easy from our property perched on the heights of La Tourelle in Rivière Noire. Our private concierge, available 7 days a week, can select a reputable equestrian centre on the west coast and organise your ride according to your experience level and the best time of day. You can set off with peace of mind and then return to the comfort of your suite overlooking the lagoon and Le Morne Brabant. From the beach to forest trails, the west coast can also be explored at the pace of a horse’s hooves.

Would you like to gallop along the lagoon without having to worry about the arrangements? Leave the organisation of your horse ride to the Legend Hill concierge team and let us take care of every detail, from choosing the equestrian centre to your return overlooking the sea.

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Questions fréquentes

Where can you go horse riding in Mauritius? +
For horse riding in Mauritius, the west coast is the main area to consider, stretching from Le Morne to Rivière Noire via Flic-en-Flac. The south around Bel Ombre and the trails of Chamarel add to the choice, with beach and forest rides available depending on your preferences.
Can you swim on horseback in Mauritius? +
Yes, horseback swimming is available in Mauritius, particularly in the lagoon at Le Morne. Your horse enters the turquoise water beneath Le Morne Brabant mountain. This experience is best suited to riders who are reasonably comfortable on horseback and should be booked with a specialised equestrian centre.
Is horse riding in Mauritius suitable for beginners? +
Yes, horse riding in Mauritius is suitable for beginners. Most equestrian centres offer introductory lessons and gentle beach rides suitable for first-time riders and families. A one-hour outing is enough for a first experience before considering a longer trail ride.
What is the best time of year for a horse ride? +
Horse riding is possible year-round in Mauritius thanks to the island's mild climate. During the day, the best time is early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are cooler. Sunset on the west coast beaches offers particularly beautiful light.
How much does horse riding cost in Mauritius? +
The price of a horse ride in Mauritius varies depending on the duration and type of experience, from a one-hour beach ride to swimming in the lagoon. Our concierge team can provide you with the exact prices and book the experience with a trusted equestrian centre.

Sources & méthode

  1. Mauritius Now, the Mauritian tourism board — the wild south, Riambel and horse riding. mauritiusnow.com
  2. Visiter l’île Maurice — horse riding in Mauritius. visiterilemaurice.com
  3. UNESCO, World Heritage Centre — Le Morne Cultural Landscape. whc.unesco.org

Method: the riding areas, types of outing and required experience levels were cross-checked with the Mauritian tourism board's destination guide and the guide listed above, the UNESCO listing of Le Morne was verified with the World Heritage Centre, and all were supplemented by the Legend Hill team's field observations, verified in August 2026. Services and access conditions vary from one equestrian centre to another; ask our concierge team before booking.

AR

Avi Rumjansing

Head Receptionist

Avi Rumjansing entered Mauritian hospitality in 2002 as a cashier at Indian Resort. Twenty years later, after Les Pavillons, the Mövenpick and fifteen years at Aanari Hotel & Spa as Front Office then Operations Manager, he runs the front desk at Legend Hill. He holds a BSc in Management from the Open University of Mauritius, and he is the one guests ask when to set off for the tea route.

◆ Dans l'hôtellerie depuis 2002◆ BSc in Management, Open University of Mauritius
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