full day
Daily Tour
6 people
English, Francais
For nature lovers seeking Mauritius’ most spectacular wilderness experience, the Black River Gorges National Park stands as the island’s crown jewel! Covering 6,574 hectares of protected rainforest, this natural sanctuary claims the title of Mauritius’ largest national park since its establishment in 1994.
Step into a world where over 300 species of flowering plants thrive, including endemic varieties that exist nowhere else on Earth. The park welcomes adventurers of every fitness level with more than 60 kilometers of well-maintained hiking trails that snake through rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear rivers.
This remarkable reserve serves as home to some of the planet’s rarest birds. Here you’ll discover the Mauritius kestrel, pink pigeon, and echo parakeet – all species that have found their safe haven within these protected boundaries. The park’s conservation efforts continue to play a crucial role in protecting the island’s most endangered wildlife.
What awaits you at Black River Gorges? Marvel at the magnificent Chamarel Waterfall as it plunges an impressive 100 meters, or challenge yourself with the climb to Black River Peak, Mauritius’ highest point at 828 meters above sea level. From this summit, panoramic views of the island’s stunning west coast and surrounding mountains stretch as far as the eye can see, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
The park’s extensive network of walking trails crisscross through verdant wilderness, offering over 60 kilometers of marked pathways that welcome hikers of all abilities to experience Mauritius’ pristine natural environment firsthand.
The Macchabée Trail emerges as the park’s most beloved route among visitors. This moderate 10-kilometer round trip requires approximately 4-5 hours to complete as you wind through dense forests brimming with endemic flora. The trail treats you to a visit at the Pink Pigeon feeding station, where informative briefings about local wildlife enhance your understanding of the ecosystem. Your journey culminates at spectacular viewpoints overlooking waterfalls, with panoramic vistas stretching across the western coastline.
Ready for a serious challenge? The Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire Trail leads adventurous hikers to Mauritius’ highest point at 828 meters above sea level. This demanding 7-kilometer trek spans 3-4 hours but rewards your persistence with unparalleled 360-degree views of the entire island. On crystal-clear days, you’ll even spot distant coral reefs shimmering beyond the coastline.
New to hiking? The Parakeet Trail offers the perfect introduction – an easier 6-kilometer route requiring only 2-3 hours. Named after the Mauritius parakeet, this less-crowded path provides peaceful immersion in the park’s tranquil atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a gentler adventure.
Additional trails worth exploring include:
Most trails feature excellent marking and color-coding systems, though hiring a guide becomes essential for deeper gorge explorations or tackling challenging routes like Black River Peak. No need to worry about finding your way – visitor centers at park entrances provide comprehensive information about trail options, difficulty levels, and estimated durations to help you choose the perfect adventure for your fitness level.
Black River Gorges National Park serves as a critical conservation sanctuary for Mauritius‘ most endangered species. Designated as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International, this natural refuge preserves the precious remnants of the island’s native ecosystem.
The park shelters an extraordinary collection of plant life that will fascinate any nature enthusiast. Among Mauritius’ 671 native flowering plant species, 311 are endemic to the island, with over 90% facing serious threats. Here at Black River Gorges, 163 of these endemic flora species find protection, including magnificent specimens of giant Mauritian ebony trees and the distinctive Bois de Fer. Within these protected forests, critically endangered ferns and orchids flourish in their natural habitat. The conservation urgency becomes clear when you learn that approximately 100 plant species now have fewer than 100 individuals surviving in the wild.
Wildlife conservation tells an equally compelling story. All nine of Mauritius’ endemic bird species call this park home. The success stories here are remarkable – the once critically endangered Mauritius kestrel has improved from Critically Endangered status in 1994 to Vulnerable by 2000. The pink pigeon has made a similar recovery journey from Critically Endangered to Vulnerable status in 2018, while the echo parakeet has progressed from Critically Endangered to Endangered by 2016.
Keep your eyes open for the Mauritian flying fox, the island’s only native mammal, soaring overhead. You might also encounter introduced species like macaque monkeys, wild boar, and deer roaming through the forest. Patient visitors occasionally discover the impressive agate snail, whose shell can reach a remarkable 20 centimeters.
Conservation work continues actively throughout the park. Ten Conservation Management Areas spanning approximately 50 hectares have been established, with 38 hectares already cleared of invasive species. These efforts are essential – Mauritius retains merely 5% of its native forest habitats, with pristine forest containing more than 50% native canopy covering just 2% of the island.
Black River Gorges National Park stands as proof that dedicated conservation efforts can protect Mauritius’ natural treasures for future generations to discover and appreciate.
Black River Gorges National Park opens its doors to nature enthusiasts year-round, with the visitor center operating Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Beyond the hiking trails and scenic vistas, this natural wonderland offers a rich variety of activities that cater to every type of adventurer.
Bird watching enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise here. Guided bird watching tours at Petrin provide exceptional opportunities to spot Mauritius’ rarest avian species – these tours typically begin at 7:30 am and last approximately 4-5 hours. For those who prefer self-guided exploration, the Little Black River Peak trail (7.1 km) stands as the most highly-rated bird watching route, boasting a 4.3-star rating from 175 reviews.
Make your way to Alexandra Falls, perched 700 meters above sea level and accessible via the Plaine Champagne route toward Grand Bassin. This viewpoint rewards visitors with panoramic vistas that stretch all the way to the ocean – a sight that never fails to captivate first-time visitors.
Don’t miss the extraordinary geological wonder of the Seven Colored Earth at Chamarel, where sand dunes display seven distinct colors: red, brown, purple, blue, violet, green, and yellow. What makes this phenomenon truly remarkable? Even when mixed together, these colored sands naturally separate into their distinct layers!
The park ensures your comfort with several thoughtful amenities:
Photography enthusiasts will discover endless opportunities to capture the park’s diverse landscapes, from lush valleys to dramatic gorges. Professional tours combine visits to Black River Gorges with other southwestern attractions like Grand Bassin sacred lake and Trou aux Cerfs volcanic crater, perfect for those seeking a complete day of exploration.
The park welcomes visitors weekdays from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm and weekends from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, giving you plenty of time to experience this natural treasure at your own pace.
The natural elevation of Black River Gorges National Park creates some of the most spectacular viewing opportunities in Mauritius. Cascading waters and sweeping vistas combine to offer unforgettable experiences that showcase the island’s dramatic landscapes.
Alexandra Falls commands attention as one of the park’s most impressive water features, perched 700 meters above sea level. Follow the Plaine Champagne route toward Grand Bassin, where clear signposts guide you to a spacious parking area. A brief 3-5 minute walk from there leads to the viewing platform, where panoramic vistas of the south coast and surrounding lush valleys unfold before you. On clear days, the view stretches all the way to the ocean beyond the verdant landscape – a sight that never fails to captivate visitors.
Towering majestically at 100 meters, Chamarel Waterfall holds the distinction of being Mauritius’ tallest waterfall. This impressive cascade features two or three falling “arms” – depending on seasonal water levels – that plunge dramatically into what was once the crater of an extinct volcano. The waterfall’s setting amid dense vegetation creates a particularly striking scene that leaves many travelers spellbound.
Black River Gorges Viewpoint delivers perhaps the most spectacular panorama in the entire park. Positioned midway between Chamarel and Alexandra Falls, this vista point requires no entrance fee yet rewards visitors with breathtaking views of the entire gorge system. White-tailed tropicbirds often circle overhead while resident monkeys play in nearby trees, adding life to the already stunning scenery. The viewing area sits dramatically elevated above the gorge, with views extending all the way to the sea.
For the more adventurous, Tamarin Falls (also known as Seven Cascades) presents a series of seven cataracts along the Tamarin River. With a total height of 300 meters across all cascades, this location offers the unique opportunity to swim in what many describe as paradise during the right season.
Most viewpoints feature convenient amenities including souvenir stalls, clean facilities, and occasional refreshment vendors. These thoughtful additions ensure that these natural wonders remain accessible while preserving their pristine beauty for all to enjoy.
Black River Gorges National Park is a crucial habitat for many of Mauritius' endangered endemic birds and rare plant species. It protects over 300 species of flowering plants, including 163 endemic flora species, and serves as a sanctuary for all nine of Mauritius' endemic bird species.
Visitors may encounter various wildlife, including the Mauritian flying fox (the island's only native mammal), macaque monkeys, wild boar, and deer. Bird enthusiasts can spot rare species like the Mauritius kestrel, pink pigeon, and echo parakeet.
 The park offers numerous attractions, including Alexandra Falls, Chamarel Waterfall, the Black River Gorges Viewpoint, and various hiking trails. Visitors can also experience the Seven Colored Earth at Chamarel, featuring unique sand dunes of different colors.
 Yes, guided bird watching tours are available, typically starting at 7:30 am and lasting 4-5 hours. Additionally, professional tours combine visits to Black River Gorges with other southwestern attractions like Grand Bassin sacred lake and Trou aux Cerfs volcanic crater.
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