Hiking in Black River Gorges National Park
Overview
Located in southwest Mauritius, the name Black River is derived from the black stones that line its river. The park covers lowland forest, marshy heathland, and the last portion of the Ebony Forest that once covered the entire island.
The hiking trails range from half-hour rambles to more challenging day-long routes it is best to have an experienced guide who would design the hike according to your fitness level. There are rare wildlife and fauna to spot and about 300 native species of flowers, but the real draw of the park is the landscape itself. Climb to one of the many viewing points and you’ll have views across the forest canopy that clings to the steep-sided hills.
The Paille en Queue Trail, is a gentle hour-long route that runs along a flat plateau, following streams through pine forest. More challenging routes are possible, including the hike to the peak of Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire, the highest in Mauritius at 821 m (2,694 ft).
Lakaz Chamarel is a boutique lodge on the fringes of the park, near the town of Chamarel. From here you can hike up Piton du Canot, a prominent, triangular peak to the southwest of the park. It’s a steep, one-hour trail to reach the summit but from the top, you can see right across to Le Morne, A UNESCO-protected landscape, and the ocean beyond.
