Viewpoint
Gorges Viewpoint
On a clear day, the views from here across the gorge and down towards the west coast rank among the best on the island.
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Mauritius' biggest and best national park is a wild expanse of rolling hills and thick forest covering roughly 2% of the island's surface. It's difficult to overstate the importance of this park – it's the last stand for Mauritian forests and many native species. It's also the most spectacular corner of the island, so if you make only one day trip from the coast, make it here, perhaps combining it with Chamarel.
Once prime hunting grounds, the area became a protected reserve in 1994 after scientists identified over 300 species of flowering plant, nine endemic species of bird and a 4000-strong population of giant fruit bats. It remains an important habitat for three of the island's most endangered bird species: the Mauritius kestrel, the echo parakeet and the pink pigeon. Introduced wild boar, macaque monkeys and deer also wander through the vast swathes of old-growth ebony, and sightings are not uncommon.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Black River Gorges National Park.
Viewpoint
On a clear day, the views from here across the gorge and down towards the west coast rank among the best on the island.
Viewpoint
The stunning Macchabée Viewpoint is in the heart of the Black River Gorges National Park, where some of the best trails meet.
Viewpoint
From the Alexandra Falls Viewpoint, you can admire the cloud forest of Mt Cocotte (771m) and the view down to the south coast. The falls themselves are pretty rather than spectacular, but it all depends on prevailing water levels.
Landmark
The Plaine Champagne Police Post is the trailhead for the Parakeet Trail.