Walking and Hiking in Black River
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Walking and hiking in Black River District
The district has three serious walks: the highest peak on the island, a long forest descent through Black River Gorges National Park, and the exposed climb of Le Morne Brabant. Entry to the national park is free. Distances below are approximate, because sources differ by a kilometre or two. Public buses do not reach the trailheads, so plan a taxi or a lift.
Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire
At 828 m this is the highest point in Mauritius. The path starts on the B103 Plaine Champagne road near the Petrin entrance of the national park, and the return trip is about 6 to 7.5 km and takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The first part follows a shaded track through native forest. The last stretch is a steep ridge climb with ropes fixed to the rock. Expect mud and slippery roots, wear boots with deep tread, and carry water. A guide is optional for experienced walkers. The walk is free.
Macchabee forest trail
This one-way route links the Petrin visitor centre on the highland side with the Black River visitor centre near the coast. It is roughly 8 to 10 km depending on the source, and the walk downhill takes about 3 to 4 hours. It passes the Macchabee viewpoint over the gorge and primary forest where echo parakeets and pink pigeons live. Arrange a taxi pickup at the Black River end. Visitor centres keep limited hours, and Petrin closes in mid-afternoon on weekdays and earlier on Saturdays, so start early.
Guided walks in the gorges can be compared on GetYourGuide .
Safety in the gorges
- After heavy rain on the Plaine Champagne plateau, streams in the gorges can rise within minutes. Never cross a swollen river.
- Crab-eating macaques live along the trails and viewpoints. Do not feed them.
- Carry 1.5 to 2 litres of water a person and start in the morning.
Le Morne Brabant
Le Morne Brabant is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a memorial to the Maroons, enslaved people who escaped to the mountain in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Walk it as a place of remembrance. The route closed after a landslide in 2023 and reopened in July 2023 on a new line, so check current access before you go.
The hike is about 7 km return and takes 3.5 to 4 hours. The lower section to the plateau, at about 250 m, is a wide graded path through acacia forest and suits anyone of moderate fitness. The upper section is a strenuous, exposed scramble over steep volcanic rock. A licensed guide is strongly advised for it, and group guided hikes cost roughly Rs 1,000 to 1,500 a person. Set off at 06:00 or 06:30 to avoid the heat on the unshaded rock. The mountain is closed in wet weather because of rockfall and slippery surfaces. Take at least 2 litres of water.
What to bring
Boots or trainers with real grip, a hat, sunscreen and rain protection. Reef shoes are useful for the lagoon but not for the mountain.
Read more: Sightseeing in Black River and Outdoor activities in Black River .
Official sources: Black River Gorges National Park and UNESCO’s page on Le Morne .