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.

Black River Gorges National Park covers a large area in south‑west Mauritius. The park is most easily reached by car from the island’s main towns and resorts; drive to the Black River/Gorges visitor area and park at one of the trailhead parking areas, then follow the marked trails. Public buses serve nearby villages but services to trailheads are limited, so visitors commonly use rented cars, taxis or organised tours to reach the park and visitor centre.

• Arrive at Black River Gorges National Park early in the morning for the best chance to see endemic birds (for example, the Mauritius pink pigeon) and other wildlife before they withdraw into dense forest.
• Begin at the park's official visitor centre to pick up maps and local trail advice-some of the best native‑forest patches and viewpoints are on lesser‑used trails that aren't obvious from the main car parks.
• Combine a short trail into the native forest with a visit to nearby viewpoints (Chamarel and Alexandra Falls are in the same region) to get both birdwatching and landscape views in a single day.