Black River Gorges National Park, Mauritius

Visit to the Black River Gorges: A Nature Lover's Paradise

If you love nature, you'll adore Black River Gorges National Park. Nestled on the south western part of Mauritius, it is a haven of lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.

Black River Gorges National Park is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, or just finding peace. You'll be amazed by the beauty of this place as you discover its hidden treasures.

Things to do at the Black River Gorges

As you explore this sprawling national park, you'll be captivated by its breathtaking landscapes and hidden treasures.

From the iconic Alexandra Falls to the winding trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints, the Black River Gorges offers an immersive experience in nature's embrace.

List of Popular Attractions & Activities at Black River Gorges National Park:

Unique fauna and flora
Hiking trails
Waterfalls and viewpoints
Wildlife spotting
Photography opportunities
Nearby attractions and activities

Hiking Experience at the Black River Gorges

Exploring the Black River Gorges National Park unveils a network of enchanting hiking trails, each offering a unique adventure amidst Mauritius's natural splendour.

Here’s a list of hiking trails at the Black River Gorges National Park:

Macchabee Trail Viewpoint - 10 km from the Black River Visitor Centre or Petrin Information Centre to the Maccabee Viewpoint (Easy to Moderate)
The Macchabee Loop Trail - 8-km loop trail along Macchabee Forest, Mare aux Joncs Waterfall, and back to Petrin Information Centre (Moderate)
Mare Longue Loop Trail - 12 km to and from Petrin Visitor’s Centre (Moderate)
Plateau Remousse Viewpoint - 5.6 km from the Black River Visitor Centre I(easy to Moderate)
Piton de la Rivière Noire - 6.6 km to and from, moderate track (rather easy trail unless climbing the top. Starts at 400 m from the Gorges Viewpoint)
The Paille en Queue Trail - 8 km to and from Alexandra Road to Plaine Champagne (Easy)
Piton Savanne - 6 km to and from the Mares road, panoramic views of the coast (Easy to Moderate)
Brise Fer Mountain - 14 km to and from Petrin Information Centre through the Macchabee Forest Loop trail, merging with Mare Longue trail (Moderate)
Cascade des Galets (500 ft waterfall) - 4 km to and from (Easy to Moderate)
Trochetia Trail - about 2 km, starting on the right side of Gorges Viewpoint (Easy to Moderate)
Parakeet Trail - 8 km from Black River Visitor Centre to Plaine Champagne (Moderate to strenuous)

Book a Half Day Hiking Trip at the Black River Gorges Park here.

Waterfalls and Viewpoints at the Black River Gorges

Alexandra Falls, approximately 50 m tall and Chamarel Waterfalls, towering at 100 m, and, are the crown jewels of the Black River Gorges in Mauritius.

Adjacent, Alexandra Falls' twin streams gracefully descend into the gorge, carving through the landscape with serene force. These natural wonders beckon visitors to witness nature's grandeur in its purest form.

Check out our Guide to the Most Spectacular Waterfalls in Mauritius.

Black River Gorges Fauna & Flora

The Black River Gorges National Park hosts a rich tapestry of flora and fauna. Its cascading waterfalls, dense forests and winding trails offer sanctuary to endemic plants, birds, reptiles, and insects.

In the heart of the Black River Gorges, you may encounter some of Mauritius's most iconic and rarest creatures, including:

Endemic species like the Mauritian Flying Fox & Echo Parakeet
Rare finds such as the Telfair's skink & Mauritian Pink Pigeon
The colourful Mauritius Kestrel
The endangered Mauritius Cuckoo-Shrike
Mauritian Macaque & Gecko

Rare plants such as the Trochetia, Mauritius's national flower, and the pitcher plant ‘Nepenthes Madagascariensis’ thrive in its diverse habitats.

Nearby Attractions and Activities

Near the Black River Gorges National Park, Mauritius lies a plethora of attractions and activities for adventurers. Mountain biking enthusiasts can tackle rugged trails through lush forests, experiencing the thrill of the terrain firsthand.

Nearby, the Seven Coloured Earth of Chamarel dazzle with their vibrant hues, while the Visit & Tour Rhumerie de Chamarel Distillery offers a taste of local rum production. For those seeking aquatic adventures, the Tamarin Bay beckons with its renowned surf breaks and dolphin cruises.

Black River Gorges - Location

Located in the west of the island, this impressive 6,574-hectare park, or 3.5% of the island has been proclaimed a National Park in 1994.

The park is managed by the National Parks and Conservation Service (NPCs) of the Ministry of Agro-Industry. The park can be accessed from the top through Petrin or the Royal Road of Black River.

Lesser known roads are via Case Noyale through Chamarel or Chemin Grenier via Bassin Blanc.

Practical information on the Black River Gorges National Park

Opening Hours (subject to change):

Monday to Sunday: 06:00 to 18:00

Key Tips

Prepare your outing several days in advance and be sure to check the weather conditions the day before.
Pack appropriate clothes, shoes, a change of attire, food, bottled water, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a first aid kit.

Important Notice

Use the bins or bring bags for your waste to keep the park clean.
Pets are not allowed. Also, avoid loud music and screams that disturb wildlife.
Fires and cigarettes are banned. All camping must be authorised in advance by the park authorities.
Stay on marked trails for your safety.