Black River Gorges National Park in Mauritius: what to see, trails and nearby hotels

Black River Gorges National Park is the largest national park in Mauritius and one of the best places to see the island's real wild nature. If you are looking for what to see in Mauritius beyond the beaches, this is where you will find dense tropical forests, panoramic viewpoints, scenic waterfalls and trekking routes.

General characteristics:

• The park in the south-west of the island covers 6,574 hectares - about 3.5% of the whole country's territory. It is a real refuge of untouched tropical forests.
• The park got its name from the black volcanic stones that line the riverbed here.
• This is a place for those who want to see the real Mauritius: deep gorges, sheer cliffs, roaring waterfalls and rare birds.

Depositphotos

Climate and landscapes of Black River Gorges

One of the park's main features is its microclimates. Travelling from east to west, you literally move between natural zones: from misty rainy highlands, where up to 4,000 mm of rain falls a year, to dry lowland forests. The temperature also changes here: in summer it can be +21°C in the mountains while it is +30°C on the coast, and in winter it can drop to +17°C on the peaks.

When to visit the park

For sunny views, choose a trip to Black River Gorges in the dry season - from May to November. From December to April, Mauritius has its wet season, which means trekking in the park may be less comfortable.

Depositphotos

What to see in Black River Gorges

More than 400 species of flowering plants and the last remaining areas of ebony forest on the island have been preserved in the reserve. As you walk the trails, you move through different zones - from wet upland forests, where ferns grow as tall as a person, to dry lowlands with thorny shrubs and open savannas.

Climb to the highest point - Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire (828 metres) - and admire the amazing panorama of Mauritius!

Depositphotos

Hiking trails in Black River Gorges

More than 60 km of trails have been laid out in the park. It is hard to get lost: there are signs everywhere, but you still need to calculate your strength in advance.

For families and beginners

• Savanne Trail (6 km, easy). The easiest route in the park. Ideal for a first introduction to the forest. The trail winds through open meadows and groves, giving you a sense of the park's scale. Suitable for school-age children.
• Paille en Queue Trail (3 km, easy/moderate). It runs across a flat plateau through a pine forest. There are many small streams and very comfortable shade here - a great choice for a one to one-and-a-half hour walk in any weather. The trail is named after the white tropical tropicbird that can often be seen gliding above the treetops.
• Walking trail near Petrin centre. An easy walk of about one hour on flat ground. Suitable even for those who are not used to physical activity at all. There are picnic areas nearby.
• Alexandra Falls viewpoint. Twin waterfalls and a deep green valley. No physical effort required. Easy to reach by car.

Depositphotos

For experienced hikers

• Machabée Forest Loop (14 km, moderate). A circular route from Petrin centre - one of the most beautiful in the park. You will walk through dense forest where the tree crowns close above your head, then reach a panoramic point from which you can see the whole gorge all the way to the ocean. The route takes about 4-5 hours.
• Machabée Trail (about 10 km, moderate). A classic route with beautiful views. The trail leads through dense forest to a viewpoint above the gorge. In clear weather you can see the lagoon and Le Morne mountain on the horizon from here.
• Mare Longue Loop (12 km, moderate). A path to the reservoir through untouched forest. It is a very beautiful place. The surface of the water reflects the sky and the treetops.

Depositphotos

Difficult trails

• Black River Peak Trail (9 km, moderate/difficult). The route takes 3-5 hours. The climb is steep, and at some points the trail disappears into the clouds. The reward for the effort is the highest point in Mauritius (828 m) and a 360-degree view over the lagoon and Le Morne mountain. Start as early as possible so that you reach the top by midday.
• Parakeet Trail (8 km, difficult). Connects the Plaine Champagne highlands with the lowlands. Very steep descents and climbs with serious elevation changes. The route requires good physical condition and reliable shoes with grip.
• Cascade des Gallets (3 km, difficult). A short but technically demanding descent to the waterfall. Only for those who are confident in their footwear and coordination.

Depositphotos

Waterfalls and viewpoints in Black River Gorges

There are several places in the park that can be reached by car with very little physical effort.

Alexandra Falls

Alexandra Falls is located at an altitude of 700 metres. It is made up of two streams that plunge into the depth of the gorge. Nearby there is a large car park, street food kiosks and a viewpoint with railings. The panorama from here is wide: greenery stretching to the horizon and a blue strip of ocean in the distance.

Depositphotos

Gorges Viewpoint

The panoramic view you see on all the postcards and tourist posters of Mauritius. A huge forested canyon and white tropicbirds gliding almost within arm's reach.

Depositphotos

Birdwatching: who you can meet in Black River Gorges

• Pink pigeon: this is exactly where you can meet the pink pigeon, which was once on the edge of complete extinction. In the 1990s only nine individuals remained. Thanks to a captive breeding programme and protection of the reserve, the population recovered to several hundred birds.
• Mauritius kestrel: the smallest falcon in the world, listed in the Guinness Book of Records. The kestrel likes to sit on the tops of trees.
• Echo parakeet: bright green and very noisy. Its cry is one of the main sounds of the park. It lives only in Mauritius and nowhere else in the world.

The best time for birdwatching is early morning, from 6:00 to 9:00. At this time the jungle is literally filled with the sounds of hundreds of bird voices - it is one of the most impressive natural performances.

Depositphotos

What animals live in Black River Gorges

• Macaques: there are many of them here, especially at the viewpoints. They are often seen and are not afraid of people, but be careful. Do not leave food in plain sight and do not feed them: this is prohibited by the park rules and encourages aggressive behaviour in macaques. Also keep an eye on your valuables.
• Mauritian flying fox: giant fruit bats with a wingspan of up to one metre, which are often seen gliding over the forest in broad daylight. Seeing them for the first time is an unforgettable moment.
• Javan deer: if you go deeper along the trails towards Savanne or Mare Longue, you may come across deer grazing in the valleys at dawn or dusk.

Depositphotos

Park infrastructure

Black River Gorges is well organised for independent visits, while still keeping the spirit of real wilderness.

The park can be entered through four points:

1. Black River - the lower entrance from the sea side, where the main information centre is also located.
2. Petrin - the upper entrance on the plateau, ideal as a starting point for most routes.
3. Case Noyale - the entrance from the north-east side.
4. Chamouny - the entrance from the village of Chamouny.

Depositphotos

Facilities available in the park:

• Two full information centres - Petrin and Black River - with maps, rangers and an exhibition about flora and fauna.
• Equipped picnic areas with tables and shelters.
• Toilets at the entrances and viewpoints.
• Car parks at all four entrances.

Depositphotos

Opening hours and visiting

Opening hours: weekdays - from 07:00 to 16:00, weekends - from 09:00 to 17:00.

Entry is free. Only the services of official guides are paid, and they can be hired at the information centres. For difficult routes, especially to Black River Peak, a guide is really needed.

How much time to plan for Black River Gorges:

• 2-3 hours - a general walk.
• 4-6 hours - a medium difficulty trek.
• 1-2 days - a full route.

Depositphotos

Where to stay near Black River Gorges Mauritius

If you want to spend several days in the park, take a look at a few hotels relatively close to the park.

Lakaz Chamarel

A boutique lodge right on the edge of the park - literally just a few minutes from the entrance. It is a small eco-lodge with views of the ocean and the mountains. You can make a separate climb to Piton du Canot peak - just an hour of steep but very scenic ascent, and a panorama of the ocean and Le Morne rock will open up in front of you. The cuisine in the lodge restaurant deserves a separate visit - the dishes are prepared from local organic products.

Hotels in the Bel Ombre resort estate
About 30-40 minutes' drive from the park. An ideal choice if you want to combine active days in the park with evenings by the pool or on the beach.

Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort - a true premium all-inclusive in Mauritius. A huge well-kept territory on the site of the former Bel Ombre sugar estate, with direct access to one of the best beaches on the south-west coast.

Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort. The architecture of the hotel recreates the atmosphere of a colonial Mauritian estate: white columns, wooden verandas, antique furniture and tropical gardens.

Heritage offers shared infrastructure for both resorts and access to world-class golf courses. Transfers and tours to Black River Gorges Park are also organised from the Heritage hotels.

Lakaz Chamarel Exclusive Lodge

Shanti Maurice - A Nira Resort (Chemin Grenier)

Shanti Maurice - one of the best wellness resorts in Mauritius. It is located on a secluded stretch of the southern coast, away from tourist zones. About 35-40 minutes from the park. A great choice for those who want to recover in a spa after active routes.

Shanti Maurice Resort & Spa

Practical tips for visiting the park

• Footwear - only trainers with good grip or trekking boots. Many stones on the trails are covered with moss and become incredibly slippery after rain.
• Repellent is essential - insects in the jungle are active all day.
• Sunscreen: the sun can be merciless on open viewpoints.
• Water and snacks: there are no shops in the park, only small kiosks at the entrances. Take at least 1.5 litres of water per person and a light snack. For long routes, it is better to take 2-2.5 litres.
• Weather: in the mountains there are often sudden short showers. A light windbreaker or compact raincoat is essential, even if the sun is shining in the morning.
• Time: start as early as possible, especially in summer. By midday, the heat and humidity make long routes much more difficult.
• Take all your rubbish with you. The park is home to endangered species. There are intentionally no rubbish bins on the trails: it is a reminder that you are a guest of nature, not in an amusement park.
  
  

How to get to Black River Gorges

The most convenient and flexible option is by car. You can enter Alexandra Falls Mauritius or Petrin Information Centre in your navigator. The road from the airport takes about 40-50 minutes. From the capital Port Louis - about 45 minutes. From Bel Ombre - about 25-30 minutes.

A taxi tip: you can arrange with the driver to bring you to the upper entrance (Petrin) and pick you up 3-4 hours later at the lower one (Black River). This will allow you to do a through route instead of returning along the same path.

Depositphotos