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Rochester Falls

Waterfall

A basalt waterfall in southern Mauritius, Rochester Falls draws visitors to short trails and natural pools used for swimming and photography of the columnar rock face.

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In this guide

Rochester Falls essentials

Address: Rochester Falls, Souillac area, Savanne District, Mauritius
Hours: Open during daylight hours
Admission: Small local entrance fee may apply (variable); check local signage or guides
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About Rochester Falls

Rochester Falls is a waterfall in the Savanne District of southern Mauritius noted for a wide, curtain-like drop over columnar basalt rock formations.

Visitors go to see the basalt columns and the broad, scenic cascade set in a rural landscape; the site is often visited as a short excursion from nearby coastal towns and hotels.

The falls are a natural volcanic formation where cooling lava produced columnar jointing, and the flowing river has cut a broad banded face that forms the present waterfall.

The falls lie in southern Mauritius near coastal towns in the Savanne District, accessible by local roads from nearby settlements.

  • Geology: The falls are notable for broad, columnar basalt formations that frame the waterfall and create a distinctive, layered rock face.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Rochester Falls

The dry season (May-October) is generally the most pleasant time to visit; the wet season can make the falls more impressive but also wetter and slipperier.

Winter (Mauritian dry season)
May-October · 18-24°C (64-75°F)
Clearer skies and comfortable temperatures - best for sightseeing.
Summer (wet season)
November-April · 24-30°C (75-86°F)
Warmer with higher humidity and heavier rains; falls fuller but paths muddier.

Weather & Climate near Rochester Falls

Climate

Rochester Falls's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with hot summers (peaking in January) and warm winters (coldest in August). Temperatures range from 17°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1678 mm/year), wettest in February.

Air Quality: AQI 32 Good
Best Time to Visit
OctoberSeptemberNovember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
19°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 22° - 29° 26° 236 mm partly cloudy 77% 2.6 m/s 3.0 extreme 13.1h
February Very Good 22° - 29° 26° 257 mm partly cloudy 77% 3.6 m/s 2.8 extreme 12.7h
March Very Good 22° - 28° 25° 214 mm partly cloudy 78% 2.9 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.1h
April Very Good 21° - 27° 24° 200 mm partly cloudy 77% 3.1 m/s 1.9 very high 11.5h
May Very Good 20° - 26° 23° 142 mm partly cloudy 74% 3.4 m/s 1.4 high 11.0h
June Excellent 18° - 24° 21° 91 mm partly cloudy 73% 2.9 m/s 1.2 high 10.8h
July Very Good 17° - 23° 20° 97 mm partly cloudy 73% 3.8 m/s 1.2 high 10.9h
August Excellent 17° - 23° 20° 90 mm partly cloudy 72% 3.8 m/s 1.5 very high 11.3h
September Excellent 18° - 24° 21° 58 mm partly cloudy 71% 3.3 m/s 1.9 very high 11.9h
October Excellent 19° - 25° 22° 57 mm partly cloudy 72% 2.8 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.4h
November Excellent 20° - 27° 24° 73 mm partly cloudy 73% 4.1 m/s 2.7 extreme 13.0h
December Very Good 21° - 28° 25° 163 mm partly cloudy 74% 3.5 m/s 2.9 extreme 13.2h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Rochester Falls

Rochester Falls is about a 15-20 minute drive from Souillac on the southern coast. Local roads lead to a small parking and viewing area; services are nearby in Souillac.

Tips for Visiting Rochester Falls

  • Arrive late afternoon for best light on the falls and cooler temperatures.
  • Combine with a visit to nearby Gris-Gris for a full southern coast day trip.
  • Wear closed shoes - the ground near the falls can be slippery.