Black River Gorges National Park

Introducing Black River Gorges National Park

Mauritius’ sole national park is a spectacularly wild expanse of thick forest covering 3.5% of the island’s surface and home to over 300 species of flowering plants and nine species of bird unique to Mauritius, including the famous pink pigeon which is staging a very gradual comeback from the brink of ­extinction.

It’s possible to drive or take a bus through the park and stop for great views along the way (although you’ll be far from alone), but the best way to see the park is of course on foot. A network of hiking trails crisscross the wild and empty Black River Gorges National Park. While the markings have improved in recent years and there are good maps available, you should check the route and the current state of the trails at the information centres before setting off. Alternatively, you may want to hire a guide, which can be done via the visitors centre.

The main visitors centre (9am-3pm Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm Sat & Sun) is at the park’s western entrance, about 5km southeast of Grande Rivière Noire. From here it’s possible to proceed only on foot into the park proper. The alternative is the Pétrin Information Centre (507 0128; 8am-3pm Mon-Fri, 8am-11am Sat) at the eastern entrance to the park. Staff at both can advise on the different trails and hand out fairly sketchy maps. They also sometimes act as guides. You should make the arrangements at least a day or two in advance. Rates start at Rs 1200 a day.

There are numerous trails that crisscross the park and nine of the best are detailed in the official map. All the trailheads are clearly marked and are accessed from one of the two roads running through the park. The main road runs north–south along the park’s eastern boundary, past the Pétrin Information Centre, then swings westward at Les Mares to climb up onto the Plaine Champagne. There’s a newly constructed viewing point at Alexandra Falls, from where you get a sweeping view over the south coast. Sadly though, there’s no view of the falls themselves and you have to make do with the sound alone. About 2km further west is the Gorges viewpoint, affording spectacular views and the company of wild monkeys. After another 10km the road drops to the coast at Grande Case Noyale.

The second road branches south at the Les Mares junction. After 3km it passes Bassin Blanc, a classic crater lake surrounded by forest. Beyond the lake the road zigzags down the valley to Chamouny and Chemin Grenier.

Getting to the trailheads is difficult without your own transport. The best option is to get a taxi to drop you off and then pick up a bus at the lower end; the coast road is well covered by buses travelling between the main towns.

There is nowhere to buy food or drinks in the park, even at the visitor centres. Make sure you bring plenty of water and energy-boosting snacks. You’ll also need insect repellent, binoculars for bird-watching, wet-weather gear, and shoes with a good grip.

The best time to visit the park is during the flowering season between September and January. Look for the rare tambalacoque or dodo tree, the black ebony trees and the wild guavas. Bird-watchers should keep an eye out for the Mauritius kestrel, pink pigeon, echo parakeet and Mauritius cuckoo-shrike, among other rarities; park wardens can indicate the most likely viewing spots. For a full list of hikes see the official map – below are two of our favourites.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009