Black River Gorges National Park In Mauritius

The national park is located about 37 kilometers from the national capital Port Louis in Mauritius. One can reach via rented cab by following M2 highway in just 1 hour. Once upon a time, the park was used as a hunting ground. In the year 1994, scientists identified endemic bird species and flowering plants on this site.  Since then the site has been given the status of a national park. Due to its location in the inner hilly region of Mauritius, Black River Gorges National Park experiences relatively mild temperatures as compared to the rest of the humid island. September through January is the ideal time to visit the park.

The park protects the pristine rainforests of the country, but some of them have been destroyed by the introduction of foreign plant species. The national park is rich in biodiversity and contains rare species of birds, plants, and animals. Currently, 700 species of indigenous plants are found in this national park. Generally, it takes around 3 to 4 hours to explore the rich environs of the park. The minimum age for visitors is set to 10 years and above.

Must-try Things to Do in Black River Gorges National Park

The park is a great spot for nature lovers. Make a visit to this park with our travel guide for Black River Gorges National Park, and enjoy birdwatching and trekking tours frequently organized by the local operators.

1) Hiking Trails in Black River Gorges National Park

On a half-day hike in the national park, one can explore waterfalls, highlands, and a variety of birds. This easy hike can be done by anyone with moderate physical fitness. There are various summits and valleys that can be explored on foot. Tourists can get a glimpse of endemic bird species if they get lucky. And, enjoy their leisure time amidst the spectacular mountains and various waterfalls in the Black River Gorges National Park.

2) Birdwatching in Black River Gorges National Park

In the Black River Gorges National Park, endemic bird species like the pink pigeon, Mauritius parakeet,Mauritius grey white-eye, Mauritius cuckoo-shrike, Mauritius olive white-eye, Mauritius fody, Mauritius kestrel, and Mauritius bulbul can be found.

3) Waterfall in Black River Gorges National Park

Alexandra waterfalls surrounded by greenery is a spectacular sight to see. One can reach here via Grand Bassin and catch a panoramic view from the Alexandra Falls Viewpoint. Tourists can also explore the national park on foot to visit Chamarel Coloured Earth and Trou Aux Cerfs. Nothing gets better in Mauritius than to discover the unspoiled beauty of the rainforests on a half-day hike.

4) Flora and Fauna in Black River Gorges National Park

Several areas or zones inside the park are not open for visitors. However, large animals such as Mauritian flying fox, rusa deer, and wild pigs can be spotted roaming in the park. A great variety of native plant species create a rich area of biodiversity. Birds ranging from parakeet to Bulbul and kestrel to pigeon can be heard on a morning hike.  

5) Entrances in Black River Gorges National Park

There are four entrances to the park: the Black River entrance and Case Noyale entrance on the west coast, La Marie entrance in Plaine Wilhems and Chamouny entrance in the south.