This hike takes you along the Moustique River to Moustique Canyon. This beautiful canyon, sculpted by nature, allows you to swim and wade through the water up to its small waterfall. The water is shallow, so adults do not need to swim. You can enjoy the natural surroundings and tranquillity along the river.
Park on Chemin de Trianon near the Maison de Kassaverie.
(S/E) Continue along this road to quickly reach the Rivière Moustique.
(1) Cross the river at the ford, then pass the Restaurant de la Rivière. Continue along the river until you reach another ford.
(2) Cross the river at this ford, then turn left to follow the path running alongside the river. Take a wide path marked by signs and a gate belonging to the water authority. Reach the confluence of the two rivers: the Moustique and the Palmiste.
(3) Head right to walk along the Moustique River. The start of the path is muddy, with flowers in places. There is not just one path; several branches exist due to the condition of the track. The main route follows the river. It is therefore sometimes easier to walk in the riverbed. Reach the entrance to the canyon.
(4) Turn back and return via the dirt track, no later than the water intake point.
(3) Return, in the opposite direction to the outward journey, to the car park near the Maison de Kassaverie (S/E).
Waypoints
S/E : mi 0 - alt. 285 ft - Car park near the Maison de Kassaverie
1 : mi 0.14 - alt. 269 ft - 1st ford
2 : mi 0.64 - alt. 328 ft - 2nd ford
3 : mi 0.91 - alt. 361 ft - Confluent
4 : mi 1.62 - alt. 502 ft - Mosquito Canyon
S/E : mi 3.34 - alt. 285 ft - Car park near the Maison de Kassaverie
Notes
Walking shoes: the paths can be slippery and muddy. The rocks near the river are slippery. Your shoes will get soaked. Water, snacks. Swimwear. Waterproof bag if you wish to take your belongings with you as you ascend the Moustique Canyon. Change of clothes, bath towel. Weather: please check the forecast carefully. If rain is forecast, the river level may rise suddenly (dangerous). (S/E) and between (1) and (2): a restaurant called La Rivière and a Kassaverie are near the start point. It is possible to have lunch upon returning from the hike. The walk is suitable for children with good mobility.
Worth a visit
(S/E) Kassaverie house near the Kassaverie or up tothe first ford. The site is growing in popularity; the number of cars parked at the roadside reflects the number of visitors. Between (3) and (4): the Moustique River close to its bed. Tropical vegetation (lots of flowers, particularly porcelain flowers) if you choose to take the paths running alongside the river. (4) The Moustique Canyon: here you can swim or go on a water hike. To complete this hike, you can continue upstream from the waterfall to find a quieter spot (rock climbing).
To open this route on your smartphone, you must have the Visorando app installed. If not, got to the Apple Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) to download the app.