Black River Gorges National Park

Black River-Georges facts

Black River Gorges National Park is the largest nature reserve in Mauritius, covering an area of about 67 square kilometers. The park is located in the southwest of the island and is a unique wilderness with dense tropical forests, mountainous landscapes, deep gorges and rivers with Alexandra Falls. This park is a true paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, with many hiking trails and routes through picturesque valleys, forests and waterfalls. The total length of the trails is more than 60 kilometers.

The park has 4 entrances - that's how big it is, next to two of them there are Black River Gorges Visitor's Centre and Petrin Information Centre, where maps and brochures are sold, and you can also hire a professional guide, but for this you need to call them in advance and make a reservation.

The National Park was created to preserve endemic species of plants and animals of Mauritius, many of which are endangered. More than 300 species of plants, rare birds such as the Mauritian pink pigeon and the Mauritian starling, and local fauna including flying foxes and lizards can be found here.

Black River Gorges National Park in Mauritius is open to visitors from 7am to 4pm and admission is free.

Black River-Georges Trails

The park has a variety of hiking trails of varying difficulty and duration, suitable for recreational and professional hikers. Choose your route carefully based on your physical abilities!

• Macchabée Trail - one of the most popular challenging (!) trails, passing through dense forests and leading to viewpoints with views of gorges and valleys, ~10 km and 3-4 hours
• Machabee Forest Loop Trail - a circular trail of moderate difficulty through the park's rainforests, ~10 km and 3-5 hours
• Mare Lounge Loop - a circular trail that runs along the banks of the Mare Longue Reservoir and through rainforest, 6-7 km and 2-3 hours
• Parakeet trail - a medium difficulty trail, named after the Mauritian parrot that lives in this part of the park. The trail passes through dense rainforest and offers magnificent views of gorges, mountains and valleys. This route will especially appeal to those who like to observe the local flora and fauna, including rare birds. ~ 8 km and 2-3 hours
• Mare aux Joncs - a route in a picturesque part of the park with a small lake surrounded by tropical greenery and forests. ~4.5 km and 1-2 hours
• Alexandra Falls Trail - an easy trail leading to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the park
• Black River Peak Trail - this trail leads to the highest point on the island, Mount Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire (Bench 828 - the famous bench at the top of the mountain), which offers spectacular views of the park and the coast
• Plateau Remousse Loop - a circular route of ~7km for 3-4 hours, it starts near the entrance to the park at Plaine Champagne and passes through dense tropical forests with a visit to the Plateau Remousse elevation
• Bel-Ombre trail - the route passes through one of the most unspoiled corners of the island, where the rainforest meets the coast. ~ 10 km and 3-4 hours
• Piton Savanne trail - a simple trail leads to the summit of Piton Savanne (about 700 meters above sea level). It offers views over the southern part of Mauritius with sugar cane fields, fields and forests. ~8 km and 3-4 hours.

Black River-Georges tips 

• Use comfortable walking and trekking shoes as many of the trails can be slippery and uneven
• Take enough water and food with you - there are no cafes or restaurants in the park
• Start your hike in the morning to avoid the hot afternoon temperatures and have more time to explore the park
• Use binoculars - this way you can observe the park's inhabitants

Black River Gorges best time of year to visit

The best time to visit Black River Gorges National Park in Mauritius is during the dry season, which runs from May to November. During this time, the island is cooler, receives less rainfall, and the trails in the park remain dry. 

Also during the dry season, temperatures are more moderate, which is ideal for trekking, especially in the morning hours. In addition, the views of valleys and gorges are best during this period, and the chances of fog or rain are greatly reduced.

Visiting the park during the wet season (December to April) is also possible, but during this time it rains more often in Mauritius and the trails become slippery, making travel very difficult.

Black River Gorges How to get there

Black River Gorges National Park is located in the southwest of Mauritius. From the capital Port Louis, the park can be reached by car in about 1-1.5 hours. Many travel agencies offer organized tours to the park, including transportation and a guide.

Black River Gorges reviews

• Natural Beauty. Tourists in their reviews often marvel at the pristine nature of the park, noting the dense rainforests, waterfalls and stunning views from the lookouts.
• Variety of trails. Visitors note the wide variety of hiking trails that are suitable for beginners and experienced hikers alike. The routes are well marked and offer varying degrees of difficulty.
• Birdwatching. Many tourists enjoy the opportunity to see rare endemic bird species that are only found in Mauritius.
• Peace and tranquility. Many visitors remark on the park's peaceful atmosphere and seclusion, especially on the less popular trails.
• Weather conditions. Some visitors note that it is best to visit the park in dry weather, as the trails can be slippery and difficult to navigate after rain.