Covering 6,574 hectares of protected tropical forest, Black River Gorges National Park is home to the largest stretch of intact woodland left in Mauritius.
MJ Développement Maurice introduces this sanctuary in the south-west, protected since 1994: its hiking trails, its endemic wildlife and the sites worth combining on a day out in the island’s highlands.
Key facts at a glance
| Criterion | What to remember |
|---|---|
| Area | 6,574 hectares |
| Created | A national park since 15 June 1994 |
| Highest point | Piton de la Rivière Noire, 828 metres |
| Trail network | Around 60 km of waymarked trails |
| Wildlife to spot | Nine endemic bird species, including the Mauritius kestrel |
The park’s endemic wildlife and plant life
The park protects the nine endemic bird species still found in Mauritius, among them the Mauritius kestrel, the pink pigeon and the echo parakeet.
That diversity is the result of long-running conservation work, with some areas fenced off and invasive species removed, such as the rusa deer and the Chinese guava that threaten the native forest.
The range of microclimates, from humid upland forest to dry lowland forest, explains the wealth of plant life on the site, one of the last original tropical forests in the Indian Ocean.
“Black River is the best place in Mauritius to spot the kestrel, a bird of prey that came close to extinction before repopulating this massif thanks to conservation programmes,” says Jean Etchepareborde, Managing Director of MJ Développement.
Hiking in Black River Gorges
The park has around 60 km of waymarked trails, spread across several levels of difficulty:
- Easy trail: the Savanne Trail, around 6 km, or the Gorges View Points loop, in two to three hours of walking.
- Moderate trail: the Macchabée Forest Loop, 14 km through the canopy, with views over the gorges and the ocean beyond.
- Demanding trail: the Parakeet Trail, around 8 km, one of the park’s most popular routes despite its difficulty.
- Viewpoints: Black River View Point and Alexandra Falls View Point, both reachable without any real technical difficulty.
These routes rank among the best things to do in Mauritius away from the beaches, and our full guide to hiking in Mauritius covers other routes across the island, from the coast to the summits.
Extending the trip: Le Morne and the Chamarel rum distillery
About thirty minutes from the park, Le Morne is the natural companion to the outing, between a UNESCO-listed mountain and a protected lagoon.
On the way, a detour to the Chamarel rum distillery offers a look at small-batch distilling, before or after the hike. This unspoilt corner of the south-west also draws buyers looking to invest in Mauritius away from the bustle of the northern coast, between protected nature and quality residential projects.
Practical information
Here is what you need to plan your visit to Black River Gorges:
- Access: the Pétrin visitor centre to the east, or the Black River Visitor Centre to the west, near Chamarel.
- Opening hours: 7am to 5pm on weekdays, 9am to 5pm at weekends, free entry.
- Trails: from the Gorges View Points, walkable in two to three hours, to the Parakeet Trail, for experienced walkers only.
- Kit: hiking shoes, water and rain protection, as showers are frequent at altitude.
- Best season: May to September, for cooler weather and fewer visitors.
There is no way to see this whole forest massif in a single outing! Get in touch with MJ Développement to plan your escape to Mauritius and put together a stay combining hiking, protected nature and downtime.
FAQ – Black River Gorges National Park
When did Black River Gorges become a national park?
The site has been a national park since 15 June 1994. It protects 6,574 hectares of tropical forest, the largest stretch of intact woodland left in Mauritius.
How large is the park?
The park covers 6,574 hectares, from humid upland forest to dry lowland forest, rising to Piton de la Rivière Noire at 828 metres.
Which is the easiest trail for a first visit?
The Gorges View Points circuit is the most accessible, with two to three hours of walking and views over the gorges from the first kilometres.
Can you see the Mauritius kestrel in the park?
Yes. The park is home to the Mauritius kestrel, one of its nine endemic bird species. Early morning offers the best chance of spotting one.
Do you need a guide to hike in the park?
No. The waymarked trails can be walked freely, though a guide is useful on the longest routes such as the Parakeet Trail, which is for experienced walkers only.
How much time should I allow for a visit?
Allow two to three hours for the easy trails, and up to a full half-day for the most demanding routes, such as the Parakeet Trail.
Sources
- National Parks and Conservation Service Mauritius, Black River Gorges National Park: npcs.govmu.org
- Bonjour Maurice, Black River Gorges National Park: bonjourmaurice.com
