Black River Gorges National Park: forests, falls and the sacred lake

Why visit the park

Most of Mauritius was cleared for sugar cane long ago. Here, the land rises into cool, misty uplands of native ebony, tambalacoque and heath, cut by gorges that drop down to the west coast. Conservation work has brought several birds back from the edge of extinction, including the Mauritius kestrel, the pink pigeon and the echo parakeet, and patient walkers have a fair chance of seeing them.

Viewpoints and short stops

If you only have a few hours, follow the road across **Plaine Champagne**. The **Black River Gorges viewpoint** gives the classic view down the valley to the sea, and **Alexandra Falls** has a short path to a lookout over waterfalls and the southern slopes. Near **Pétrin**, a short trail crosses rare upland heath. Many people combine these stops with Chamarel and Le Morne on the same day.

Hiking trails

The park has around 50 kilometres of trails. The **Macchabée trail** from Pétrin follows a forested ridge with views into the gorge. Longer routes descend from the uplands to the visitor centre near Black River, a big but rewarding day that needs transport at both ends. Fit walkers can climb **Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire**, the highest point in Mauritius, for a wide panorama. Trails can be muddy and slippery, signage is limited, and phone signal is patchy, so start early, carry water and consider a local guide.

Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao)

On the edge of the park, **Grand Bassin** is a crater lake sacred to Hindus, ringed by temples and watched over by a giant statue of Shiva. Each year during **Maha Shivaratri**, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims walk here from across the island, many carrying decorated kanwars. Visitors are welcome at other times; dress modestly, remove your shoes at temples and be respectful of people at prayer.

Waterfalls and tea

**Tamarind Falls**, also called the Seven Cascades, is a series of falls best explored with a guide, with canyoning trips for the adventurous. On the way south, the **Bois Chéri** tea estate has a factory tour and tastings with a view over the south coast, and **Rochester Falls** near Souillac falls over basalt columns. The wild clifftop beach at **Gris Gris** is close by.

Practical tips

The uplands are cooler and wetter than the coast, so bring a light layer and a rain jacket even in summer. Start hikes early, because cloud and rain often build in the afternoon. Stay on marked paths, take your rubbish with you and do not feed monkeys. There are few places to eat inside the park, so carry snacks. Check trail conditions with the National Parks and Conservation Service before longer walks, especially after heavy rain or cyclones.

Getting there

Public buses do not serve the interior of the park well. Most people visit on an organised trip, by taxi for the day, or with a hiking guide who arranges transport. See our places to visit list for nearby stops, and use the free trip planner to build a day around the park.

Who will love it

The park suits hikers, birdwatchers, photographers and anyone who wants to see the green, wild side of Mauritius after days on the beach. Families with young children can enjoy the short viewpoint stops and the tortoises at Chamarel, while fit walkers will want a full day on the trails.