Blessed with rich biodiversity, the Black River Gorges National Park in Mauritius is the perfect place to explore and enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty.
Diverse Landscapes
The country’s largest national park, this site is made up of thick forests, verdant hills, idyllic valleys and enchanting waterfalls. Home to various wildlife, it features drier lowland and humid upland areas in the southwestern region of Mauritius; resorts on the island provide an ideal base for excursions here.
Access Points
When visiting from properties like Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas, remember there are several access points including the Black River Visitor Centre and Petrin Information Centre; the advantage of heading to such centres is that they have maps of the park as well as rangers who will offer information on the hiking trails.
Hiking Highlights
There is more than 60 km of trails to explore; most of them have good signage and are colour-coded too. Popular options include the Trochetia Trail (2 km), Plateau Remousse Viewpoint (5.6 km) and the Macchabee Trail Viewpoint (10 km) with its fantastic vistas. If you prefer not to hike but still want to enjoy the views, head to the Black River Gorges Viewpoint.
Fascinating Wildlife
The Black River Gorges National Park also features various wildlife; it’s a popular spot for birdwatching and one can spot endangered endemic species like the pink pigeon, echo parakeet and Mauritius kestrel. On your adventures, you may also see some of the park’s many giant fruit bats as well as macaques, deer and wild boar.