Black River Gorges National Park

The Black River Gorges National Park (Parc National des Gorges de Rivière Noire) is Mauritius' only national park and preserves the last 6,574 hectares of original tropical rainforest. Since its establishment in 1994, it has transformed from a threatened remnant forest into a conservation success story — home to species found nowhere else in the world.

Flora & Fauna

The park protects over 300 species of native plants, including the rare Tambalacoque tree (also known as the "Dodo tree" because it was long believed only the dodo could spread its seeds). In the dense forests live some of the rarest bird species in the world:

• Mauritius Pigeon (Pink Pigeon) — Reduced to just 12 individuals in the 1980s, now over 400 animals again thanks to one of the most successful conservation programs in history.
• Mauritius Kestrel — In 1974, only 4 individuals remained worldwide — the rarest bird in the world. Today, over 300 live in the wild again. An unprecedented success story.
• Echo Parakeet (Mauritius Parakeet) — The only surviving parrot of the Mascarenes, also saved from extinction.
• Flying Foxes (Mauritius Flying Fox) — The large fruit bats are often seen, especially at dusk above the treetops.

Hiking Trails

The park offers over 60 kilometers of marked hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging full-day hikes:

• Macchabée Trail (10 km, 4–5h) — The classic: through dense cloud forest to the highest point with fantastic views. Moderate difficulty.
• Black River Peak Trail (14 km, 6h) — To the highest point of the park (828 m). Challenging but rewarding with panoramic views over the entire west coast.
• Parakeet Trail (8 km, 3h) — The best way to see the rare Echo Parakeets. Through ebony forest with good birdwatching potential.
• Viewpoint Trail (2 km, 1h) — Short, easy path from the visitor center to the spectacular gorges viewpoint. Suitable for families.

Entrance: Free. Visitor centers at two entrances (west: Black River, east: Petrin). Opening hours: daily 7:00–17:00. Best visited in the dry season (May–October) and early morning for birdwatching. Bring water and sun protection — it can get hot and humid in the forest.