Gollum Trail — Attraction in Chamarel

A Thrilling Adventure Amidst Nature's Majesty - Gollum Trail in Black River Gorges

Nestled within the heart of the enchanting Black River Gorges, the Gollum Trail promises an exhilarating journey for hiking enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience in nature. As an avid hiker, I recently embarked on this medium-to-hard difficulty trail, and it proved to be an absolute gem.

The trailhead is easily accessible, and as you delve deeper, the dense forests embrace you with their rich, earthy fragrance. Towering ebony trees stand as sentinels, their majestic presence creating an ethereal atmosphere. The trek takes you along meandering rivers, past cascading waterfalls, and through lush greenery, immersing you in the untouched beauty of the Black River Gorges.

The Gollum Trail demands good hiking gear and sturdy shoes due to its challenging terrain. As the track can get muddy after rainfall, it's essential to be well-prepared. Carrying an ample supply of water is a must, ensuring you stay hydrated throughout the journey.

A highlight of this trail is the Toboggan Naturel, a natural water slide carved into the rock by the swift-flowing water. Picture this: sliding down a 5 to 3-meter natural chute, surrounded by the lush greenery of the forest. It's an exhilarating experience, akin to nature's own amusement park. The excitement culminates as you plunge into a refreshing natural pool at the slide's end. For the daredevils, the Toboggan Naturel offers a unique thrill. The plunge into the pool is met with a rush of cool water, and the pool's depth adds an element of adventure. As an essential note, it's advisable to know how to swim, as the pool can be quite deep. However, the reward is well worth it, with playful fishes swimming alongside you in the crystal-clear waters.

After a rainfall, the track can become muddy, adding an extra layer of challenge to the hike. Some rocks along the way may be slippery due to moss, so vigilance is crucial. However, these challenges contribute to the overall adventure, making the Gollum Trail a dynamic and engaging hike.

While the Gollum Trail offers an unforgettable adventure, it's crucial to note that the risk of getting lost is real, especially for solo hikers (which is NOT advised). The trail markings can be unclear and inconsistent, posing a challenge to navigation. Many have embarked on this journey only to find themselves retracing their steps back to the starting point. For a worry-free exploration, especially if you're unfamiliar with the trail, consider seeking the expertise of a guide. Their knowledge can be invaluable in navigating the less-defined sections of the track. If you prefer the thrill of solo exploration, a keen sense of orientation is a must. To enhance your experience and ensure a successful hike, connect with the 'Hiking and Trekking Adventures in Mauritius' Facebook page.

In conclusion, the Gollum Trail is a must-visit for hikers seeking a perfect blend of challenge and natural beauty. From the lush forests to the Toboggan Naturel, every step is a testament to the wonders of the Black River Gorges. So, lace up your hiking boots, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready for an unforgettable journey along the...

The Gollum trail is beautiful, but a sign where it meets the Parakeet trail says it's closed and for good reason. I can only speak for the trail starting from where it meets the Parakeet trail... When people say you need a guide, they're not just being over-precautious. What starts out as a well marked trail with an obvious path becomes more and more unmarked and less obvious, until you're stood on the side of a hill completely lost with no markers or pathways in sight about 2 miles in. I love an adventure and taking risks, so I had fun trying to navigate my way to the road-side of the trail, but eventually gave up as the forest became steeper, more densely foliated and ultimately impassable. Maybe a very skilled navigator could find their way, but I felt completely lost and only just managed to find my way back using the river gorge and sun more than the path and markers for navigation... If you're someone who knows best and guartuntees it 'can't be that bad' make sure you're wearing very good walking boots with ankle support, take plenty of water, and expect to get lost. You're never that far from the path and you can use the rivers and streams for navigation when you get lost. The problem is, there is no obvious path to find once you get lost... This is a real adventure and not something I'd recommend. For me, it was literally impossible to...

We did this 2 days ago it is extremely dangerous and also closed ( no signage of closure if you leave from the Black River Gorges Viewpoint ). There are fallen trees, a lot of mud and very steep descents that would require proper gear. Also at some point the trail is covered by a small lake so it was just luck that we found where the trail continued and had to cut through the forest. it is a big NO unless you want to get rescued by...