Mauritius' only national park with stunning hiking trails and endemic wildlife
Black River Gorges National Park is Mauritius' only national park, protecting 6,574 hectares of native forest in the southwest. Established in 1994, the park is home to many endemic plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth. The park features over 50 kilometers of hiking trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging treks. Highlights include viewpoints overlooking dramatic gorges, waterfalls, and the chance to spot rare birds like the Mauritius Kestrel and Pink Pigeon, brought back from the brink of extinction. The diverse ecosystem includes upland forests, lowland forests, and heathland, each supporting different species. The park is a vital conservation area and offers a glimpse of what Mauritius looked like before human settlement.
Highlights
- Hiking in Black River Gorges National Park is one of the best ways to experience the wild side of Mauritius, with tropical forest, mountains, valleys and panoramic viewpoints.
- The national park has around 60 km of hiking trails, offering everything from easier nature walks to challenging routes through forest and mountainous terrain.
- Black River Gorges is one of Mauritius’ most important conservation areas, protecting endemic plants and wildlife within its remaining native forest.
- Hikers can discover some of the most dramatic landscapes in south-west Mauritius, including forest-covered ridges, deep gorges and elevated viewpoints across the island.
Tips from Mauritius Explored