Black River Gorges National Park — Attraction in Chamarel

A must visit on the travelling Mauritius tick list! Amazing views and chances to see some amazing wildlife. You don't need a guide, I managed fine on my own as a lone female and felt safe the entire way around.

I chose the Black River entrance point as it was nearest to where I was staying (Tamarin). The national park is well sign posted the whole way albeit the "driveway" is rather long! There's a free car park, toilets, picnic area and manned information centre at this entry point and no entry fees. YOU NEED TO BE OUT OF THE PARK BY 1800hrs though, bear this in mind when planning your route.

I took the advice of one of the park rangers and took the Machabee Trail, up to the Machabee view point (there's a view point half way up if you don't want to go the whole way called the "Plateau Remousse View Point" which offers great views). All the routes are well sign posted and you can take a picture of the maps in the information office on your phone to have it with you (advisable).

Be warned, there are some steep steps/a bit of a climb to get to the Machabee view point from this route. You don't need ropes etc, just need to be relatively fit, no dodgey knees etc. I'm scared of heights and managed it just fine.

Once at the view point I then did the loop at the top to come back down along the Colophanes Trail. I then took a short cut back to the car park along the Pilgrim's trail, this route offers a steeper descent than the Machabee Trail though. All in all, the route was 11km and I did it in around 3 hours, although I ran parts. I'd give it around 4 - 5 hours if you want to take your time. Take plenty of water and snacks with you as there isn't anywhere to buy them at this...

My recent visit to Black River Gorges National Park left me captivated by its pristine natural beauty and awe-inspiring views. This expansive park is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering a remarkable experience amidst breathtaking landscapes.

What I loved most about Black River Gorges National Park was the sheer abundance of nature. The park is home to lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. The untouched beauty of the surroundings creates a sense of tranquility and allows visitors to reconnect with nature on a profound level.

The views within the park are simply magnificent. Whether it was the sweeping vistas from the viewpoints or the serene atmosphere surrounding the waterfalls, every corner of the park offered a feast for the eyes. The panoramic views of the rolling hills, dense forests, and pristine rivers were truly breathtaking and created lasting memories.

While the park offers several trails and routes to explore, I do have a suggestion for improvement. It would be wonderful if there was a dedicated route that provides easier access to one of the waterfalls. This would enable visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy a leisurely walk and admire the beauty of the waterfall up close. Creating such a route would enhance the overall accessibility and allow more people to experience the enchantment of the park.

Overall, Black River Gorges National Park is a nature lover's paradise. Its untouched landscapes, remarkable views, and abundant flora and fauna make it a must-visit destination. Immerse yourself in the tranquility and natural splendor of this national park, and be prepared to be awe-struck by the wonders...

First of all, i'm VERY surprised to have never known about this stunning place while i was a child. If you either love hiking,running or simply strolling in nature, just to get away from the busy, hectic daily life, then this IS a very relaxing place to be. But if you're a novice like me, and choose to go for the 0.6km hike to 'La Grotte' then be prepared to be very disappointed as the 'Grotte' is so NOT the cave we were expecting to see but a simple tiny Virgin Mary with a lit candle there, which unless anyone knows the reason behind that being there, don't make any sense whatsoever... Saying that, the walk in itself through the forest is well worth it. And seeing the fairly big river at the end of the 'La Grotte' hike is also refreshing. What's also nice, is the ability to have picnics at the end of your hike, as there are a couple of benches and tables, either covered (for rainy times) or opened to nature. So bare that in mind if you do decide to bring some sandwiches with you. All in all, it definitely is worth visiting,whether you're a seasonal, professional or novice adventurer,as there are much longer hikes up to 9 km distance, which could take up to 4 or more hours,depending on how fit you are. So for those hikes, the obvious walking shoes and bottles of water are definitely a must. Just make sure you get there as early as 7am if you feel like or are planning to make a whole day of it, also to start the day, all being well, with not too many people around. Enjoy and be safe at...