This forest is home to no fewer than 300 plant species and 9 endemic bird species. Among the remarkable plant species are ebony trees, tree ferns, wild orchids, and tropical anthuriums.

The Trochetia, the national flower of Mauritius, and the Nepenthes Madagascariensis thrive in the various habitats of the park.

Birdlife

The park is an essential refuge for rare birds of Mauritius. It is home to the Mauritius white-tailed tropicbird, Mauritius kestrel, Mauritius parakeet, pink pigeon, Mauritius cuckoo-shrike, Mauritius bulbul, Mauritius white-eye, whitebird and Mauritius fody.

The pink pigeon (or pond pigeon) deserves special attention: this endemic species almost disappeared but has made a gradual comeback thanks to the park's conservation programs.

Mammals and other animals

The park is home to several mammals typical of the Mascarene Islands or Madagascar, such as the tenrec or the black flying fox. The latter, also called the flying fox, is an endemic species of fruit bat.

Other incredible species can also be found here, such as the blue-tailed gecko. Visitors can also observe macaques, wild boars, deer, and even thousands of giant bats in some of the gorges.

The Gorges Viewpoint: a spectacular viewpoint

Location and access

The Gorges Viewpoint is one of the most iconic and easily accessible viewpoints in the national park. It is located directly off the main B103 Plaine Champagne Road, making it very easy for visitors to find.

The site has a large free parking area and is an ideal hiking center located in the center of the black river gorges National Park.

What you will see

From the parking lot, there is a gradual slope leading to an observation area – about 200 meters – and the path opens onto a spectacular view of the gorges.

The panorama from this viewpoint is truly breathtaking. Visitors discover a spectacular view with a waterfall visible on the right. The depth of the gorge, covered in dense, lush forest, contrasts magnificently with the mountain peaks that rise on the horizon.

This viewpoint allows you to have a panoramic view of where you have set foot and to really appreciate the lush jungle-type national park that is so popular in Mauritius.

Facilities and services

The site has free restrooms. Several stalls run by locals offer souvenirs and refreshments. There are also a few other stalls selling souvenirs.

Wildlife at the viewpoint

The viewpoint is surrounded by woods inhabited by numerous monkeys. These macaques are generally not aggressive unless provoked, but they actively search for food. Therefore, it is recommended not to leave bags unattended, as a monkey could quickly rummage through them.

Hiking trails

More than 60 kilometers of trails have been marked out in the park, offering options for all levels of hikers.

For beginners: the Gorges View Points trail

The Gorges View Points trail is the easiest hike, taking approximately 2.5 hours and offering views of the most beautiful spots in Black River Gorges National Park. This trail is accessible from the park's west entrance.

For intermediate level hikers

Several options are available to more experienced Walkers:

• Macchabée Viewpoint Trail – Colophanes Trail : duration of 4 hours 30 minutes
• Mare Aux joncs Waterfall Duration: 3 hours
• Macchabée Forest Loop Duration: 3 hours

The macchabée Hike is approximately 10 km one way with a duration of about 4 hours round trip and about 400 Meters of elevation gain.

For experienced hikers

The Parakeet Trail is one of the most popular and sought-after routes. Despite its difficulty, a duration of 7.5 hours and significant elevation changes, this route offers spectacular panoramas and rare viewpoints, as well as river crossings.

The ascent of Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire

The hike to the summit takes only three to four hours at a normal pace with a few breaks. Although the trail isn't always well-marked and is quite steep in places, the effort is rewarded with a 360-degree panoramic view from the top. It is highly recommended to undertake this climb with a professional guide.

The park's waterfalls

The park is home to several spectacular waterfalls which are major attractions.

Alexandra Falls

Alexandra Falls, nearly 50 meters high, are the jewels of the Black River Gorges in Mauritius. These twin falls descend gracefully into the gorges, creating an impressive natural spectacle.

You can visit Alexandra Falls in the park by following the signs to the viewpoint.

The Chamarel waterfall

Chamarel waterfall reaches a height of 100 meters, making it one of the highest and most spectacular waterfalls in Mauritius.

Useful information

Information centers

The park has two information centers: one at Pétrin and the other at Grande Rivière Noire. Maps of the park and hiking trails can be purchased at these centers for 5 Mauritian rupees.

Access to the park

The park has several entrances:

• West Entrance Via the Black River Visitor Centre, accessible from Flic-en-Flac (approximately 30 minutes), Chamarel (25 minutes) or Tamarin (15 minutes)
• East Entrance Via the Pétrin Information Centre, near Grand Bassin
• South Entrance : from Chamarel via the b103 Road, or the B102 from Bassin Blanc

Trails accessible from the west entrance include: Gorges Viewpoints, Macchabée Viewpoint – Colophanes Trail, Cascade Mare aux Joncs and Parakeet Trail.

Opening hours and prices

The park is open daily from 6am to 6pm, weather permitting. Admission to the park is free.

When to visit

The park can be visited year-round, but the period from May to November is generally drier and therefore ideal for hiking. Caution: after heavy rain, some trails can become slippery.

Recommended equipment

To fully enjoy your visit, it is essential to be well prepared:

• Comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes
• Sufficient water available (no shops on site)
• Snacks or picnic
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Rain gear (lightweight waterproof jacket)
• Mosquito repellent
• Binoculars for bird watching
• Camera

Rules to follow

To preserve this unique natural heritage:

• Stay on the marked trails
• Do not disturb the wildlife and do not feed the animals
• Do not smoke or light fires within the park grounds.
• Bring back all your waste
• Keep the noise down so as not to frighten the animals

Guided tours

For a first visit to the park, a guided tour is highly recommended. An expert local guide will help you better understand the ecosystem, identify endemic species, and discover hidden spots you wouldn't have found on your own.

Combined excursions are also offered, allowing you to visit the Black River Gorges with other iconic sites in the southwest of the island in a full day.

What to see nearby

Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao)

The Ganga Talao crater lake (also known as the Great Basin) is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. Located near the eastern entrance of the park, this sacred site is well worth a visit, with its temples and giant statues of the gods Shiva and Durga.

The beaches of Flic-en-Flac

On the west side of the park, the seaside resort of Flic-en-Flac is nearby, offering its large white sand beach lined with casuarina trees and numerous shops and restaurants.

Chamarel

The nearby Chamarel region is famous for its colorful landscapes, including the Seven Coloured Earths and the Chamarel waterfalls. The Chamarel Rum Distillery also offers tours and tastings.

Why visit Black River Gorges National Park

Black River Gorges National Park is much more than just a tourist attraction. It is a biodiversity sanctuary home to species that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.

For nature lovers and hikers, this is an unmissable destination that allows you to discover a lesser-known side of Mauritius, far from the beaches and resorts. The magnificent landscapes, the rich flora and fauna, the spectacular waterfalls, and the breathtaking panoramas make this park a unique and authentic experience.

The easily accessible Gorges Viewpoint provides an excellent introduction to the beauty of the park and allows you to appreciate the immensity of this preserved tropical forest in the heart of Mauritius.