Black River Gorges Hiking Guide: Trails, Wildlife and What to Know

Mauritius's Wildest Landscape

Black River Gorges National Park covers approximately 6,574 hectares of the island's south-western interior — nearly a quarter of the total land area of Mauritius. It is the island's only national park and its most significant nature reserve, protecting endemic forests, rare wildlife, and the island's main watershed. For hikers, it offers the best walking on the island, with trails ranging from easy waterfall walks to challenging full-day ridge hikes.

The Main Trails

Black River Gorges Viewpoint Trail (easy, 1–2 hours): Starting from the Black River Gorges Visitor Centre near Petite Case Noyale, this trail leads to two designated viewpoints overlooking the gorges. The views down into the forested valley are dramatic, especially in the late afternoon light. The path is well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels.

Macchabée Trail (moderate, 4–5 hours): One of the most popular longer routes, the Macchabée Trail runs through native ebony forest and tambalacoque (dodo tree) stands along the ridge above the gorges. Wildlife sightings of the Mauritius kestrel, echo parakeet, and pink pigeon are realistic on this trail. The path can be muddy after rain; good trail shoes are essential.

Mare Longue Reservoir Trail (moderate, 3 hours): A circular trail starting near Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao) that loops through native forest to a scenic reservoir. Less crowded than the Macchabée Trail and with excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire (strenuous, 5–6 hours): The highest peak in Mauritius at 828 metres. The trail to the summit involves steep scrambling sections and requires good fitness. The 360-degree view from the top — taking in the entire south and west coast and the interior of the island — is the finest panorama in Mauritius. Start early (by 7am) to avoid afternoon cloud building.

Wildlife to Look For

• Mauritius kestrel: Once the rarest bird in the world (only four individuals remained in the 1970s), now recovered to around 400 birds thanks to conservation efforts. Look for them hunting small lizards along open ridge areas.
• Echo parakeet: The island's only endemic parrot, recognisable by its bright green plumage and loud call. Most often seen in the native forest sections of the Macchabée and surrounding trails.
• Pink pigeon: Another conservation success story, the pink pigeon is now fairly common in the park despite near-extinction in the 1980s. A distinctive pale-pink and brown bird.
• Mauritius flying fox: Large fruit bats that are active at dusk, roosting in large colonies in the forest canopy.

Practical Information

The main visitor centre is located near Case Noyale, accessible via the B103 road from Chamarel or via Petite Case Noyale on the coast. The park has no entry fee. Facilities are basic — bring sufficient water (at least 2 litres per person for longer trails), snacks, and sun protection. There is limited mobile signal in parts of the park.

• Guided hikes with licensed park guides can be arranged through the Forestry Service — worth considering for the Macchabée and Piton trails if you are unfamiliar with the terrain.
• The park is best in the dry season (May to November) when trails are firmer and visibility is clearer. Cyclone-season rain (December to April) makes some paths slippery and difficult.
• Wear long trousers or use insect repellent on exposed skin — forest mosquitoes are present even in the dry season.
• Leave no trace: the native forest ecosystem is fragile and recovering from centuries of damage.

Combining with Chamarel

The village of Chamarel, home to the famous Seven Coloured Earths, the Chamarel Waterfall, and the Rhumerie de Chamarel distillery, is 10 minutes from the main park entrance. Combining a morning hike with an afternoon at Chamarel makes an excellent full-day excursion from most parts of the island.