Black River Gorges National Park

Black River Gorges National Park is Mauritius’s largest protected native forest reserve, created to conserve the island’s remaining upland rainforest. The park covers roughly 67.5 square kilometres and protects many of Mauritius’s endemic plants and birds.

Hiking is the main attraction, with forested valleys, ridges and streams offering views across the island; look for endemic birds such as the Mauritius kestrel, pink pigeon and echo parakeet. Several lookout points give panoramic views over the park toward the island’s west coast and Le Morne peninsula on clear days.

The park was established by the government in 1994 to protect remaining native forest fragments and the endemic species they support. Since then it has been managed for conservation, research and regulated recreation.

The park sits in the south-west uplands of Mauritius in the Black River and Savanne districts, covering central-highland terrain and reaching the island’s highest ground near Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire. It lies inland from the island’s western coastal plain and is accessed from towns such as Black River and Chamarel.

• Birdwatching: Best bird activity is at dawn and early morning along forest trails; bring binoculars for endemic species such as the Mauritius kestrel and pink pigeon.
• Trail conditions: Trails can be steep and muddy after rain - wear sturdy footwear and carry water and sun protection.