Day Trips from Black River

Travel advisory, 31 October 2026: Mauritius is at US Level 2 (exercise increased caution) for crime, and the UK advises avoiding demonstrations and large gatherings after unrest in October 2026. Curfews ended on 19 October. Check your government’s current advice before you book.

Day trips from Black River

Black River District is a convenient launchpad for three different day trips: a highland loop, the wild south coast, and the capital to the north. Public buses serve the coast but not the mountain trailheads or Chamarel, so most visitors drive or hire a driver for a day. Driving is on the left. Agree a driver’s fare before you set off.

The southwest highland loop

This loop of about 65 km runs from Black River through Case Noyale to Chamarel, up the B103 to the Plaine Champagne plateau, on to Grand Bassin and back by the coast.

  1. Chamarel. The road climbs about 10 km from Case Noyale. Visit the Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark (Rs 800 for adults, Rs 400 for children aged 5 to 11) and then the Rhumerie de Chamarel for a distillery tour.
  2. Gorges viewpoint and Alexandra Falls. These free lookouts on the B103 inside Black River Gorges National Park look over forested valleys to the southern ocean. Macaques gather here, so keep food out of sight and never feed them.
  3. Grand Bassin. This crater lake at 550 m, in Savanne District, is a Hindu pilgrimage site with temples and two statues 33 m tall. Entry is free, and visitors should dress modestly and behave quietly at the shrines.
  4. Bois Cheri tea plantation. The factory tour and tasting cost roughly Rs 500 to 600. The estate is in Savanne District, outside Black River.

If you taste rum, do not drive afterwards. A driver for the loop is a sensible choice because of the steep switchbacks.

The south coast drive

From Black River or La Gaulette the B9 road runs past the Le Morne peninsula and Baie du Cap to Macondé Viewpoint, Bel Ombre and Gris Gris at Souillac. Allow about 1.5 hours each way for roughly 45 km.

  • Macondé Viewpoint is a hairpin where narrow stone steps lead to a platform above the surf. It is free.
  • Gris Gris and La Roche Qui Pleure mark the southernmost point of the island, where waves break straight onto black basalt cliffs. Viewing is free. Do not swim, because undercurrents are violent.

Port Louis

The capital lies 30 to 35 km north of Black River and takes 45 to 60 minutes by car or taxi on the A3. Aapravasi Ghat, the UNESCO site where indentured labourers arrived from 1834, is free to enter. It is open about 09:00 to 16:00 on weekdays and 09:00 to 12:00 on Saturdays, and guided tours can be requested. The Central Market sells spices, textiles and dholl puri, and the Blue Penny Museum at the Caudan Waterfront holds the island’s rare 1847 Post Office stamps.

Planning notes

  • Start early so the whole loop is finished well before dark.
  • Carry rupees for small stops and tips.
  • Do not drive the mountain roads after dark. Shoulders are unlit and stray dogs wander onto the road.

Read more: Attraction tours in Black River and Multi-day trips from Black River .

Driver-led loops can be compared on GetYourGuide . Official pages: Chamarel geopark and Black River Gorges National Park .