Black River Gorges National Park
Go to Black River Gorges for forest walks, deep river valleys and high views, a change of pace from the coastal beaches of Mauritius.
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Black River Gorges National Park covers much of the high ground in southwestern Mauritius, an island country in the Indian Ocean. It protects some of the largest remaining patches of native forest on the island, where many of its plants and birds are found nowhere else. The park sits on a plateau cut by deep river valleys, and its ridges and waterfalls attract hikers and visitors who come from the coastal resorts for the forest.
The park suits travelers who want to hike through forest and spend time outdoors. Trails range from short walks to longer days with steep sections, and the upland air is cooler and wetter than the coast, so pack a layer and rain gear. The drier months, roughly May to November, are the usual choice for hiking. Cyclone season, roughly November to April, brings heavy rain, so check conditions before you go. Plan at least a full day, or two if you want to walk several trails and combine the park with the coast.
Black River Gorges National Park in five
- Carry rain gear for the high forestBlack River Gorges sits high enough that cloud and drizzle can arrive when the coast is clear. Carry a rain layer, water and a flashlight, because paths turn slippery and the light goes early under the trees.
- Check trail status before you set outTrails can close or flood after heavy rain, and not every path is well signed. Ask your hotel or the National Parks and Conservation Service about the route, and turn back if the track is running with water.
- Get a Mauritius SIM or eSIMPhone signal drops in the forest, so download offline maps before you walk. Buy a local data plan or eSIM before you leave the airport area.Phones and eSIM
- Set up travel insurance for forest hikesCheck that the policy covers walking in remote forest and evacuation from the upland trails. Rescue on steep, muddy paths can be slow and costly.Travel insurance
- Declare food and plants on arrivalMauritius inspects fresh fruit, plants, seeds and some other items at the border to protect its native species. Declare what you carry so officers can check it.Visas and entry
Things to do in Black River Gorges National Park
See all attractions in Black River Gorges National Park
Need to know
- Currency
- Mauritian rupee (MUR)
- Entry
- Visa-free entry for many passports; check the official page before you fly Read more
- Emergency
- 999 police, 114 ambulance, 115 fire
- Tipping
- Appreciated, not expected; check whether service is on the bill
- Time
- UTC+4, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCyclone season
- FebruaryWet, humid
- MarchRain easing
- AprilWet, warm
- MayCooler, drier
- JuneDry, cool
- JulyDry, cool
- AugustDry, cool
- SeptemberDry, mild
- OctoberDry, warming
- NovemberRains return
- DecemberWet, warm
Right now in Black River Gorges National Park
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
23
- Feels like
- 25°
- Humidity
- 79%
- Wind
- 8 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 43%
Black River Gorges National Park
04:53 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today25°17°43%Tuesday: Rain. High 25°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 43%.
- Wed23°17°8%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 23°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 8%.
- Thu24°17°26%Thursday: Drizzle. High 24°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 26%.
- Fri23°19°63%Friday: Drizzle. High 23°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 63%.
- Sat24°19°67%Saturday: Drizzle. High 24°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 67%.
- Sun24°18°41%Sunday: Drizzle. High 24°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 41%.
Updated 12:42 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 47.55 MUR
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Before you go to Black River Gorges National Park
Rules for Black River Gorges National Park, checked
- Stay on marked trails in the park; the forest is fragile and some paths are unstable after rain.
- Declare fresh food, plants, seeds and other biological items on arrival, as Mauritius inspects them at the border.
- Do not feed or approach wildlife, and take all litter back out of the park.
- Check current entry requirements for your passport with the Mauritius passport and immigration office before you travel.
Plan around Black River Gorges National Park
The island's regions, roads and the best base for the park
Read the guideGetting around MauritiusReaching the park by taxi, bus or hire car
Read the guideMoney and costsRupees, cards and what a day in the park costs
Read the guideVisas and entryEntry rules for your passport and what to check
Read the guideWhere to stayBases near the park and on the coast
Read the guidePhones and eSIMData plans for maps and bus times on the trails
Read the guideBlack River Gorges National Park FAQ
Is Black River Gorges National Park worth visiting?
Yes if you want native upland forest and views over the western side of the island. It is wetter and cooler than the beaches, and the trails are steep, so bring proper shoes.
How long do you need in Black River Gorges?
A full day covers a few of the main walks with time for lunch and rest. Add a second day if you want longer hikes or a slower pace under the trees.
What is the best time to visit Black River Gorges?
The dry, cooler months from June to September suit walking best. Expect more cloud and rain in the high forest at any time of year.
Can you visit Black River Gorges without a car?
Yes, but plan the last leg by taxi, hire car or organized tour. Check current routes before you set out.
Do you need a guide in Black River Gorges?
A guide is helpful on less marked trails and in poor weather. Ask at your hotel or tour operator which routes they can arrange.