Black River Gorges Hike: Native Forest, Bats Valley & West Coast Views
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate – you should be comfortable with sustained uphill walking and some uneven footing.
Overview
Tuck away from Mauritius’s beaches and climb into Black River Gorges’ native forest: a three‑hour guided loop that visits the Bats Valley, tops out at 400 m with west‑coast views, and finishes with a river swim. Read on for what to expect and how to prepare.
Black River Gorges Hike: Native Forest, Bats Valley & West Coast Views
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The trail begins in a humid hush: leaves drip with recent spray, roots crisscross the path like the hands of an old farmer, and the forest seems to breathe around you. Within minutes the island’s everyday noise — scooters, markets, the distant surf — falls away and the canopy takes charge. You climb through a mix of endemic ebony and dodo-era shrubs, breath fogging in the cooler understory, and the guide points toward a narrow cleft: Mare aux Joncs Gorge, the so-called “Bats Valley,” where a cloud of Mauritian fruit bats hangs from branches and flutters like a living curtain.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early
Begin at first light for cooler temperatures, clearer views and the best chance to see endemic birds active along the ridge.
Wear grippy shoes
Roots and wet rocks are common on this route — sturdy hiking shoes with good tread reduce slip risk on the ascent and descent.
Bring swim kit
Pack light swimwear and a quick-dry towel to enjoy the river pool near the trail’s end after the hike.
Respect the bats
Observe the Mare aux Joncs (Bats Valley) from a distance and avoid loud noises or flash photography that can stress roosting fruit bats.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mauritian fruit bat (flying fox)
- Pink pigeon (endemic)
History
Black River Gorges National Park was created to protect the island’s remaining upland forests and endemic species, preserving terrain shaped by ancient volcanic flows.
Conservation
The park is a focus of reforestation and invasive-species control; visitors should stick to paths, avoid feeding wildlife and carry out trash to reduce impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Chamarel
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Hiking shoes
Provide traction on wet roots and rocky sections; avoid sandals.
1–2L water bottle or hydration bladder
Hydration is essential in tropical heat and on exposed ridgelines.
Light rain jacket
Short, heavy showers are common—pack a breathable waterproof layer.
summer specific
Swimwear & quick-dry towel
Bring for a refreshing dip in the river pool after the descent.
summer specific