Introduction

Welcome to the Black River Gorges National Park which is managed by the National Parks and Conservation Service (NPCS) of the Ministry of Agro Industry and Fisheries. This service was set up on 9 May 1994 under Section 8 of the Wildlife and National Parks Act (1993). Its main role is to ensure the sustainable management and restoration of the natural resources of the Park with special regard to the highly endangered native plants and animals and the promotion of public awareness through education and ecotourism activities.

Extending over 6,754 hectares, the park covers about 2% of the island’s area and lies in its southwest corner. You are invited to discover our natural heritage in this unique area which is also the location of one of the rarest forests in the world. It harbors about 311 species of native and endemic flowering plants and 9 species of birds, which are found only in Mauritius. These are called endemic species. Black River Gorges National Park protects these species, while allowing visitors to enjoy this unique place.

Don’t expect lions and elephants. This national park reveals all the splendour of the wildlife and scenery found naturally in Mauritius. You will surely enjoy the breathtaking panorama and the peculiar umbrella- shaped “Bois de Natte” trees, which are often draped with orchids, ferns and lichens, a characteristic feature of the island’s upland forest. You can also observe in the wild the once critically endangered birds, for instance, the kestrel, the Pink Pigeon and the Mauritian Echo-Parakeet, which are slowly building up their numbers deep in the forest, thanks to conservation actions.

History

Mauritius emerged from the ocean floor some eight million years ago. Many of the plants and animals, which it nurtured, have evolved into unique species. However, following the arrival of human beings some 400 years ago, the natural resources of Mauritius have been exploited and modified to such an extent that very little remains of its primitive cachet. There arose the need for protecting and safeguarding the unique flora and fauna of the island. Thus, the first park, the Black River Gorges National Park was proclaimed on the 15th June 1994.

Climate

There are different microclimates in the park. Hiking from the eastern side of the park to the west, you will be moving from a damp rainy upland forest to a drier lowland forest. The annual rainfall varying from 1000 mm in drier areas to 4000 mm on the uplands, determines the type of vegetation in different regions.The mean temperature varies from 21.7°C (upland) to 26.9°C (lowland) during summer months and from 17.0°C (upland) to 21.3°C (lowland) during the winter period.

Access to the Park

The main entrances to the park are: • From Curepipe/Vacoas or Grand Bassin through Petrin, (A) • From Black River Royal Road (Trois Bras) through Visitors’ Centre in the Gorges, (B) • From Case Noyale through Chamarel, (C) • From Chemin Grenier via Bassin Blanc through Les Mares, (D)

What to do and see?

Visitors entering from Curepipe receive a general overview of the park by driving south and west to Chamarel. Stop along the way to enjoy the breathtaking panorama and surrounding countryside. At the Black River Gorges Viewpoint, look for the White Tailed Tropic Birds and the Mauritius Fruit Bats, which glide over the treetops in the Gorges.

Several well-demarcated trails bring you close to nature. The boardwalk near the Petrin Information Centre takes you to the heart of the marshy heathland, while keeping your feet dry. At Alexandra Falls, take the trail across the creek to learn more about the dwarf upland forest. People looking for taller trees can explore Macchabee forest west of Petrin or Bel Ombre forest south of Plaine Champagne.

Visitors entering the park from Black river will drive from Trois Bras to the Visitors centre and Picnic Area along the 5km road. This road is crossed by several rivulets. The Visitors Centre introduces you to the park through exhibits, live specimen of some rare birds, and information on the activities of the park. You are encouraged to continue your visit through the paths leading up to the valley. You can enjoy a good swim by splashing in the Black River.

Getting Information

The Petrin Information Centre and the Visitors Centre (Lower Gorges) have trained staff who will be happy to provide you with up to date information.

Caring for the Park

• Please respect this special unique place by taking only photos. The forest is a dynamic ecosystem where each element has a role to play and thus contributes to the delicate equilibrium of nature. This is why nothing should be removed from the forest except for exotic fruits such as guava, raspberries and prunes.

• Thank you for using the bins or for taking your litter back. The park will thus remain a clean habitat and a refreshing place to stroll through.

• For the safety and benefit of the endemic wildlife, pets (cats and dogs) are prohibited.

• Enjoy the sound of the rustling leaves, forest life and flowing water. Please let others enjoy it too by avoiding loud music and shouting, which also disturb the wildlife.

• For the safety of the forest, open fires and smoking are not allowed.

• Authorisation from the National Parks and Conservation Service is needed for camping.

To avoid prosecution, please follow the above guidance.

Useful Tips

• Don’t let rainy weather dampen your spirits. Bring a raincoat so that you can enjoy the moody, misty atmosphere. Rubber boots may be useful. • During hot summer days, insect repellant cream might help. • Bring your own food and drink. Get at least a litre of drinking water per person. • Binoculars are a must for birdwatchers. • Always remain in group while visiting the park. • Always keep to the track. • A first aid kit might prove useful.

Security

Exploring the park is an exciting adventure. Please stay on designated paths to avoid falling over cliffs. Use caution while hiking, since even a sprained ankle can mean a painful return trip.


Trail Description

Trails lead to all parts of the park, from the shady path up the Black River Gorges, to the often cloud-shrouded ridgewalk to the Black River Peak. Some 60 km of trails are there for you to enjoy the panorama and to be closer to the plants and animals of the park. Even a short walk will give you great memories. The routes listed below and marked on the map are just some of the more popular ones; choose the trail which suits your convenience:

1. Macchabée Forest (14 km return from Pétrin, moderate). This loop trail lets you experience the Mauritian tropical forest at its best.

2. Macchabée Trail (10 km one-way Pétrin- Visitors Centre, strenuous through Macchabée ridge or less strenuous through Colophane Trail) Spectacular views!

3. Mare Longue Loop ( 12 km return from Pétrin, moderate) Takes you to a reservoir through a dwarf native forest.

4. Parakeet Trail (8km one-way from Plaine Champagne to Visitor Centre, strenuous). The more adventurous hikers will enjoy this steep trail joining Plaine Champagne with the “Gorges” area. Starting point lies some 50 m after the radio station on the main road towards the Black River Gorges Viewpoint.

5. Black River Peak (9 km return, moderate) Hike to the highest peak of Mauritius (828 m). Except for a sramble to the summit, the trail is quite gentle. Starting point lies 500 m after the Black River Gorges Viewpoint on the main road towards Chamarel.

6. Paille en Queue Trail (3 km one-way, from Alexandra Road to Plaine Champagne Road, moderate).

7. Savanne (6 km return from end of Les Mares road, easy) Offers scenic views to the South of Mauritius.

8. Bel Ombre (18 km return from Plaine Champagne to Park boundary).

Although the slope is gentle, the total elevation change (400 m) makes it a challenge on the way back. The lower areas have excellent tropical forest where native birds and bats may be seen.
If you choose the one way trip to Bel Ombre village (14 km), you are advised to seek permission from Bel Ombre Sugar Estate.

9. Cascade des Galets (Cascade 500 ft) (3 km return, strenuous) Hike down a waterfall.

For further information, please contact:
Director
National Parks and Conservation Service
Ministry of Agro Industry, Food Production and Security

Tel: 464 4016, 464 4053, 464 2993
Fax: 466 0453
Email: npcs@mail.gov.mu