Understand the names before choosing a route
Cascade 500 Pieds is also known as Cascade des Galets or Cascade des Gallets. The route from Alexandra Falls is a strenuous 3 km return hike. Check the starting point on your map, because waterfall pins can mark the destination rather than the walking access.
The name “500 Pieds” is not a waterfall-height measurement made by this guide. More importantly for your day, it should not be confused with the name Alexandra Falls simply because the outings share a starting area.
A hike beyond the lookout visit
A short visit to a viewing area and a trail to a waterfall involve different decisions. Explore Mauritius describes the waterfall route as a descent followed by a return climb, with stream crossings and slippery ground. That makes its character more useful to understand than the distance alone.
Decide which experience you actually want before leaving the start. If you came for a brief scenic stop, reaching the Alexandra lookout does not commit you to continuing on another trail.
Why three kilometres can still be demanding
This is a strenuous hike. Careful footing, pauses and the climb back all add to the effort. Allow more time than you would for the same distance on a road.
Keep enough energy for the return before choosing to descend. In a mixed-ability group, make the decision around the person least comfortable with steep or wet terrain, rather than around whoever reaches the next junction first.
Give water and exposed edges room
Treat a waterfall outing as a chance to observe the landscape, not an invitation to approach a drop or enter the water. Photographs cannot show whether a rock is secure underfoot, and another visitor standing somewhere does not make it a suitable place for you.
This page does not recommend swimming, crossing a swollen stream or reaching an unprotected lip for a photograph. If water or footing prevents a controlled passage, choose another outing instead of improvising a bypass.
Build the day around the full return
Check the Centre’s report for this route, confirm the current signed start, and carry drinking water, footwear with grip and rain protection. Save your route reference before going into the forest. Arrange your onward transport around completion of the whole outing.
If this hike no longer fits the weather or your group, compare the viewpoints guide for an alternative. A satisfying park visit does not depend on completing every waterfall marked nearby.
Keep energy for the climb back
The return is part of this strenuous outing, not an easy extra after the waterfall. Set a turnaround time at the start and protect the time needed for the climb back. Plan according to the least confident walker, especially on wet ground.
Take your breaks on stable ground away from edges and keep the path clear for other walkers. If your main goal is a waterfall photograph without a demanding walk, choose the Alexandra Falls lookout instead of committing to a descent your group does not want.
Current access
Access not confirmedWe are awaiting a current report from the National Park Information Centre. Confirm access at your entrance before setting out.
Read park and trail access information →Your questions answered
Is Cascade 500 Pieds the same visit as Alexandra Falls?
No. Alexandra Falls is a lookout visit. Cascade 500 Pieds is a separate, strenuous waterfall hike from the same area.
How long is the hike?
The Cascade des Gallets route from Alexandra Falls is a strenuous 3 km return hike.
Can I swim at the waterfall?
We recommend enjoying the waterfall from the trail rather than swimming. Water levels and currents can change. Ask about water conditions locally.
Sources behind this guide
References used for this guide. Current access is shown separately with its own report date.