Mauritius Guide › Hiking › Black River Gorges
Black River Gorges
6,574 hectares, the island's largest trail network, and entry that is entirely free — whatever some websites claim.
Hike · National Park · 6,574 ha
What it costs, and where to start
Entry to the national park is entirely free. This bears repeating: several websites advertise « trail access fees » of over a thousand rupees — those are private guiding rates, not an entry ticket. You can hike here without paying a cent and without booking.
Three ways in, depending on what you are after: the Black River visitor centre on the west side at sea level, to climb into the forest; Pétrin on the plateau, to start already high; and the gorges viewpoint on the Chamarel road, for the view without the effort.
Trails run from 2.5 to 7.5 hours of walking.
In this guide
The route
Three broad options, depending on the time you have and the descent you are willing to take on.
The Macchabée trail
The classic: some ten kilometres of shaded upland forest, with a viewpoint over the whole valley. The longest entirely free route on the island.
Pétrin to Black River
The sporting option: down from the plateau to the sea, around 800 metres of descent. In that direction, never the reverse, and with a car waiting at the bottom.
Viewpoints and the Colophanes loop
For a short or family outing: one to two hours, wide paths, interpretation panels.
Wildlife to watch for
These forests shelter the Mauritius kestrel and the echo parakeet, two species that survive nowhere else on Earth and came close to extinction in the 1970s.
Access and parking
Getting to the trailhead
Pétrin entrance coordinates: -20.40848 / 57.47178. The park opens from 7 am to 5 pm on weekdays and from 9 am to 5 pm at weekends.
See the trailhead →Parking
A trail map is sold at the visitor centre for a few dozen rupees: it is worth the money, as signage on the ground remains sparse in places.
When to go
Best season
May to November — less muddy paths and pleasant temperatures at altitude.
Best time of day
Before 9 am — essential if you are attempting the seven-hour traverse.
Worth knowing
The austral summer — waterfalls and dripping vegetation, but mud and sudden showers. The plateau is cooler than the coast: bring an extra layer.
What else to do around the gorges
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entry fee for Black River Gorges National Park?
No, entry is entirely free and no booking is required. The fees of over a thousand rupees you may see quoted are private guiding services, not an entry ticket.
What are the opening hours of Black River Gorges?
7 am to 5 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 5 pm at weekends. The barriers close on the hour, including for cars left inside.
Which trail should I choose in Black River Gorges?
The Macchabée trail for a fine day in the forest, the Pétrin to Black River traverse for a sporting descent, and the plateau viewpoints for a short family walk.
How big is the park?
6,574 hectares, created in 1994. It is the largest trail network in Mauritius.
Sources and checks
Checked on 2 September 2026. Opening times, fees and access conditions change: confirm them before you set off.
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