Black River Gorges National Park
What you need to know?
Black River Gorges, situated in the south west corner of Mauritius, is the biggest national park of the island covering almost 2% of the island. The area spreads over 6574 hectares of forest and became protected in 1994 because of the variety of endemic flora and fauna that can be found there. The national park is home to the island’s most endangered bird species, the kestrel, eco parakeet and pink pigeon, a little paradise for bird watchers. For nature and adventure lovers, the park offers 60km of exciting trails of different levels of difficulty and offering amazing vistas and encounters. The Black River Peak Trail is one of the most exciting option for experienced hikers and it will take you to the highest peak of the island.
Free entrance at all times.
For a leisurely walk, the best is to start the walking track from Black River entrance.
For a more intense discovery and do a proper trail, it is best to go with a guide. There are several starting points to trails within the National Park.
Can I visit the park on my own?
There is a trail which starts from the Black River entrance, which is the easier and more fun way of discovering this luxuriant park.
If you wish to do more intense trails, up to the highest peak or inside the forest, it is highly recommended to go with a professional guide.
Can we swim at the waterfalls?
Yes that is the best part of the walk through the national park. A refreshing swim after the walk. This is one of the only activities allowed in the park.
But it is not allowed to camp, do motorised activities, do camp fires in the park.
What activities can we do at the park?
It is a highly protected national park, with a lot of endemic flora. The park offers a leisure walk in the shade of the magnificent high trees. You can swim at the waterfalls, which can be very refreshing.
No other activities are allowed in the park. There is a picnic area. But NO BBQ please.
Can we visit the park with children?
The walk in the park can take half a day, depending on how far you want to go and how fast you want to walk.
It can be quite tedious for young children. As from 7 years old, it should be ok.
For younger children, it can be more tiring.
