Black River Gorges Forest Hike — Mauritius Endemic Birds, Waterfalls & Coastal Vistas

Rivière Noire•moderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3 hours

Fitness Level

Good for travelers with moderate fitness; expect steady uphill sections and uneven terrain.

Overview

Wind through high-fern gullies and craggy ridgelines on a 6 km guided hike in Black River Gorges National Park. See rare endemic birds, small waterfalls and coastal panoramas while learning the conservation story that brought Mauritius’ wildlife back from the brink.

Black River Gorges Forest Hike — Mauritius Endemic Birds, Waterfalls & Coastal Vistas

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Date

Thu, Nov 6

Travelers

The trail begins beneath a green ceiling: giant ferns unfurling like living umbrellas, trunks mottled with lichen, a thin river daring you to cross at a narrow stepping-stone. On a guided Black River Gorges hike, the forest feels alive in both sound and purpose — the high, metallic calls of Echo Parakeets punctuate the hush and small streams push the route into a slow, steady rhythm. For three hours you move through a world that has fought back from the very brink.

Adventure Photos

Black River Gorges Forest Hike — Mauritius Endemic Birds, Waterfalls & Coastal Vistas photo 1

Adventure Tips

Wear grippy footwear

Trail includes muddy sections, exposed roots and short rocky scrambles — sturdy hiking shoes with good tread make the loop safer and more comfortable.

Start early for birds

Depart at first light when Echo Parakeets and Pink Pigeons are most active and temperatures are coolest.

Carry 1–1.5 L water

Three hours of walking with elevation gain can dehydrate you quickly in tropical humidity — sip regularly even if you don’t feel thirsty.

Protect against insects and sun

Apply mosquito repellent and sunscreen; a brimmed hat reduces sun exposure on exposed ridgelines.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Echo Parakeet
Pink Pigeon

History

In the 1950s several endemic bird species approached extinction; intensive captive-breeding and protection since then have helped populations recover from only a handful of surviving individuals.

Conservation

The park is central to Mauritius’ recovery programs — stay on trails, avoid feeding wildlife and support local guides who contribute to monitoring and invasive-species removal.