Horse riding in Mauritius: beach and nature trail rides
Updated: August 2026
Can you go horse riding in Mauritius with no experience?
Yes, most centres welcome complete beginners with calm horses and suitable guidance. Expect to pay 50 to 80 euros for a one- to two-hour ride.
Horse riding in mauritius: a unique way to discover the island
Exploring Mauritius on horseback is one of the most authentic and least-known experiences on offer to visitors. Far from air-conditioned buses and standardised excursions, a trail ride plunges you into an intimate side of Mauritius: sugarcane fields stretching to the horizon, tropical forests, wild valleys and, for the luckiest riders, beaches and lagoons accessible only on horseback.
The island has a long equestrian tradition, tied to sugarcane plantation culture and the Mauritian passion for horse racing. The Champ de Mars racecourse in Port-Louis, one of the oldest in the world in the southern hemisphere, reflects this deep-rooted attachment to horses. This equestrian culture today translates into several quality riding centres spread across different regions of the island.
Quick answer
| Where | Le Morne, Domaine Les Pailles, Vieux Grand Port, Rivière du Rempart |
| Price | Around €40 to €70 an hour, €130 to €150 for a half-day with a break |
| Time needed | 1 to 4 hours depending on the package, half a day for nature trail rides |
| How to get there | A rental car is recommended, transfers are sometimes arranged by the hotel |
| Best period | May to October (cool season), early morning or late afternoon during the hot season |
The main riding centres
Haras du morne (south-west coast)
Located in the Le Morne area, facing the famous volcanic promontory, Haras du Morne is one of the island’s most well-regarded riding centres. Its horses, mainly well-trained Arabians and Anglo-Arabians, allow for rides suited to all levels.
The routes on offer include rides through sugarcane fields, climbs toward the foothills of Le Morne Brabant, and stretches along the beach at Le Morne. The sunset ride is particularly popular, with views over the turquoise lagoon and the silhouette of Le Morne outlined against the orange horizon.
Indicative prices:
- 1-hour beginner ride: €50 to €65
- 2-hour nature ride: €80 to €100
- Sunset ride (1h30): €75 to €90
- Private introductory lesson: €60 an hour
Best for: beginners and experienced riders alike. Maximum weight generally 90 to 100 kg.
Domaine les pailles (port-louis area)
Domaine Les Pailles is a vast former colonial estate converted into a leisure park, located in the Pailles valley not far from Port-Louis. Its riding centre offers rides through avenues of palm trees and the estate’s tropical gardens, a lush, shaded setting that offers a break from the coastal heat.
Rides generally last 30 minutes to 1 hour and are suitable for beginners and children from age 6. The estate’s colonial setting, with its old sugar mills and 19th-century buildings, adds a cultural dimension to the ride.
Indicative prices:
- 30-minute ride: €25 to €35
- 1-hour ride: €45 to €60
- Children from age 6: reduced rates, pony available
The advantage of Domaine Les Pailles is that it can be combined with other activities on site: a visit to a traditional rum distillery, a Creole restaurant, a horse-drawn carriage ride.
Vieux grand port equestrian centre (east coast)
Located in the historic area of Vieux Grand Port (site of the first European landing in Mauritius, in 1598), this centre offers trail rides through the landscapes of the island’s south-east, less touristy and wilder than the north coast.
The routes include stretches through cane plantations and savannah, with views of the inland mountains and sometimes the east coast lagoon. Some advanced rides reach isolated beaches accessible only on foot or on horseback.
Indicative prices:
- 1-hour ride: €55 to €70
- 2-hour nature trail: €90 to €110
- Half-day discovery package (3h with a break): €130 to €150
Rivière du rempart riding centre (north-east)
In the Pamplemousses and Rivière du Rempart area, this centre, less known to tourists, is popular with Mauritian residents. It offers rides through the cane fields of the north of the island, with views of the offshore islands (Île Plate, Coin de Mire).
The instructors speak French and Creole, and the atmosphere is that of a genuine riding club, far from mass tourism.
Indicative prices:
- 1-hour ride: €40 to €55
- Introductory lesson: €45
The different types of rides
Beach rides
The beach horse ride is the classic postcard image of Mauritian riding, and it’s very much a reality in certain parts of the island. The quieter beaches of the south and south-west are particularly well suited to these rides along the lagon, with the sound of waves and the horses’ hooves in the shallow water.
These rides are generally offered in the late afternoon to make the most of the golden sunset light and avoid the midday heat. It’s best to book ahead, as sunset slots are in high demand.
Forest and mountain trails
The island’s inland highlands offer equestrian trails through subtropical forest, particularly around Chamarel, Montagne du Corps de Garde and the foothills of Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire (the highest point in Mauritius, at 828 metres). These 2- to 4-hour rides are aimed at riders with some experience, as the terrain can be rough.
Some centres offer full-day rides with a forest picnic, for total immersion in the island’s natural landscapes. These excursions should be booked several days in advance.
Rides through the sugarcane fields
Sugarcane still covers around 70,000 hectares of farmland in Mauritius today. These vast green (or golden, depending on the harvest season) expanses make for a setting that’s both typical and surprisingly beautiful. The lanes between the plots allow for rides in the shade of cane that can grow taller than 3 metres.
These rides are suitable for all levels and offer a unique perspective on traditional Mauritian agriculture and the inland hills.
Practical tips
Required level and preparation
The vast majority of centres offer rides for complete beginners, with calm horses used to inexperienced riders. A safety briefing is always given before setting off.
For longer rides (2 hours or more) over varied terrain, some prior experience is recommended, even modest. Let the centre know your exact level when you book.
What to wear
- Long trousers or thick leggings (to avoid chafing)
- Closed shoes with a thin sole (sandals and flip-flops are not recommended)
- Long-sleeved t-shirt or light jacket (sun protection and protection from branches)
- Helmet: provided by the centres, but you can bring your own
- Sunscreen is essential
Avoid skirts, dresses and short shorts. Applying sunscreen before setting off is essential, as rides are often in open, exposed terrain.
Best time of year
Horse riding can be enjoyed year-round in Mauritius. The cool season (May to October) is ideal, with temperatures between 18 and 26°C. The hot season (November to April) is more demanding, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 30°C; in that case, favour early morning rides (7am-9am) or late afternoon (4pm-6pm).
During the rainy season (January-March), trails can become muddy. Some centres reduce or adjust their routes under these conditions.
Booking
Booking ahead is recommended, especially in high season (July-August, December-January). For sunset rides, book 2 to 3 days ahead. Most centres have a website or can be contacted by phone or email.
Some hotels can arrange transfers to the riding centre — just ask your concierge.
Horse riding vs other nature activities: comparison
| Activity | Indicative price | Level required | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horse riding (1-2h) | €40 to €100 | None | Atmosphere, immersion in nature, sunset |
| Hiking | Free to low cost (guide optional) | Varies by trail | Tight budget, full freedom of route |
| Quad biking and adventure | €50 to €90 | None (no licence required) | Thrills, groups of friends |
| Kayaking and paddleboarding | €20 to €50 | None | Lagoon, a refreshing activity |
Horse riding stands out for its slow, quiet pace, which lets you take in the wildlife and scenery without engine noise — a real advantage around Le Morne, where the ride sometimes runs along Le Morne beach itself.
Safety and insurance
As with any physical activity on holiday, check that your travel insurance covers equestrian activities — some basic policies exclude sports considered risky, and horse riding is sometimes among them. Reputable centres require a helmet (provided) and a safety briefing before setting off; never ride without a helmet, even for a short outing. In case of injury, our Mauritius health guide lists clinics and pharmacies by region.
Horse riding for children
Many centres welcome children from age 4-5 on ponies, with a handler on foot holding the lead rein. Pony rides are a very popular family activity, and children often keep unforgettable memories of them.
Domaine Les Pailles is particularly well suited to families with young children, thanks to its flat, safe trails and well-trained ponies.
From age 8-10, children can join the same rides as adults on small horses, with a guide close by. Mauritian instructors are generally very attentive to young riders.
Overall budget
For a day of horse riding in Mauritius (transport, a 2-hour ride and lunch):
- Reasonable budget: €100 to €150 per person
- As a couple with a sunset ride: €160 to €200 for two
These activities don’t require complex booking and can generally be arranged easily on the spot, though booking ahead is still advisable.
Horse riding in Mauritius is an experience that goes off the beaten tourist track and leaves lasting memories. Taking in the island from horseback, feeling the packed earth of the cane paths, hearing the wind in the leaves and catching sight of the turquoise lagoon in the distance: it’s a way of experiencing Mauritius that few tourists ever discover, and that may be exactly why it’s so precious.
To book a beach horse ride with lagoon views: see beach horse rides in Mauritius.