Discover the Black-River Gorges

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Tour Summary

Duration

Duration:
3 hours

Group

Group:
2-12

Tour Type

Tour Type:
Daily Tour

Difficulty

Difficulty:
Moderate

Transport

Transport:
Shuttle Available at Extra Cost

Distance

Distance:
6km

About the Tour

Step into the heart of Mauritius and uncover the hidden wonders of the Black River Gorges National Park, a 67.54 km² expanse of untouched wilderness. Known as the “lungs of Mauritius,” this world-unique eco-system is home to numerous varieties of species such as the Echo-Parakeet, the Mauritian Kestrel or the Pink Pigeon.

During this hike we will discover different viewpoints from which we can contemplate different parts of the park and its surroundings. Half-way up our climb, we discover the “Mare aux Joncs Gorge” that we like to call the “Bats Valley” because of the thousands of Mauritan Fruit-Bats we can observe there.

This adventure is more than just a hike—it’s an opportunity to reconnect with nature, breathe in the fresh air of ancient forests, and witness the incredible biodiversity of Mauritius up close. End your hiking experience with a refreshing swim in the river (optional).

 

What’s Included?

Certified guide

Certified guide

Safety briefing and support throughout the activity

Safety briefing and support throughout the activity

Storytelling and insights about the park’s history, flora & fauna

Storytelling and insights about the park’s history, flora & fauna

Why Yanature?

Pionneer in the hiking and trekking tourism sector

In Mauritius since January 2004

We are friends and passionate mountain lovers

Our desire to bring people on discovery

Excursions in the wilderness is what we live for

Fast, friendly support you can count on

What you’ll do

  • Meeting point & transfer (15 min)
    Meet your guide at the designated meeting point. Once all participants have arrived, you will follow the guide by car (4.3 km) to the starting point of the hike, located at the park’s parking lot. A short safety and orientation briefing will be given there before setting off.
  • Hike to Bats Valley (1h)
    Begin your ascent through lush forest trails. After about one hour of hiking, reach the first viewpoint: Mare aux Joncs Gorge, also known as Bats Valley, where thousands of fruit bats soar above the canopy. Take a 10–15 minute break to drink some water, take photos, and enjoy the scenery.
  • Continue to Plateau Remousse (45 min)
    Resume the climb until the second viewpoint, Plateau Remousse, offering panoramic views over the park and its surrounding mountains. Pause again to rest, hydrate, and capture photos.
  • Descent to the river (45 min)
    Continue your hike downhill through beautiful forested paths, leading to the river.
  • Optional river swim (15–20 min)
    End your adventure with the option of a refreshing dip in the river before heading back to the parking lot.

Highlights

  • Guided hike in Black River Gorges National Park, the “lungs of Mauritius”
  • Spot rare endemic birds such as the Echo Parakeet, Pink Pigeon, and Mauritian Kestrel
  • Enjoy panoramic viewpoints over the park and surrounding landscapes
  • Discover “Bats Valley” and observe thousands of Mauritian Fruit Bats
  • Reconnect with nature in ancient forests and diverse ecosystems
  • Optional refreshing swim in the river at the end of the hike

What to bring?

  • Comfortable hiking shoes
  • Light sportswear (preferably quick-dry)
  • Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
  • Reusable water bottle (at least 1.5L)
  • Snack or energy bar
  • Swimwear & towel (if you’d like to swim in the river)
  • Rain jacket (weather can be unpredictable in the mountains)
  • Insect repellent

Not suitable for

  • Pregnant women
  • People with serious back, knee, or heart problems
  • Persons with limited mobility
  • Children under 10 years old
  • Elderly individuals with health issues or limited stamina
  • Individuals recovering from surgery or injury.

Meeting Point

Riverview Commercial Center in Black River (facing “La Balise Marina” / “Trois Bras Store”) – Please note that the meeting point is not where we start the hike, once all the participants have arrived, you will have to follow the guide by car to the starting point of the hike (4.3kms further away, at the park’s parking lot).

Know before you go

  • Duration: about 3 hours (moderate level hike)
  • Activity subject to weather conditions
  • A reasonable level of fitness is required
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Wildlife sightings are common but cannot be guaranteed

What people say about us:

User avatar

Incredible view after incredible view. A memorable trail run guided by the very capable and welcoming Gilles.

Aug 26, 2025
The early start to meet my guide Gilles at Black River Gorges National Park for a 17km technical trail run was really worth it. The views the whole way were incredible – the sun rising over the mountains, the coast line, the different plants. I’ve run lots back home in the U.K. but never a technical run like this. Gilles was great at ensuring I felt comfortable with the difficult sections and the pace. He also told me lots about the local wildlife and plants. We went up to bench 828 where the 360 degree view was incredible. There were some very muddy sections along the way – I loved it. We saw waterfalls and had river crossings. It had everything. I really enjoyed the experience. Definitely the slowest run I’ve ever done but up there as one of the most enjoyable.
User avatar

Amazing 🤩 Experience!!

Aug 25, 2025
Highly recommend!! Very friendly guides, Rowin & Yudish, 🙏🏼 with a lovely group of people.

We had so much fun hiking 🥾 and the guides were very patient with everybody, always making sure we were safe 🤗.

They gave us the history of the mountain ⛰️ and could speak not only French, but English too ensuring everyone understood.

We couldn’t climb 🧗‍♀️ all the way to the top due to unsafe weather conditions, but still was a memorable experience 😊

User avatar

Short and sweet

Aug 24, 2025
The hike was rather easy (we only reach the first part) and the views were gorgeous. The guide Rowin from Yanature was very thoughtful. I highly recommend this experience
User avatar

Perfect views and super nice guide ROWIN

Aug 24, 2025
My favorite views in the island and the guide ROWIN was all the time with us explaining and having conversation.
Good explanation in english and french.
Nice day 😊
User avatar

Great tour, great guide

Aug 24, 2025
Our great guide Yudish showed us the Tamarin River. I would recommend this tour and guide to everyone visiting this area.
2,300

Full 100% Deposit Required

Where you’ll be?

Cancellation policy

A cancellation fee of 50% of the total price is asked for bookings cancelled on the day preceding the hike and 100% on the day.

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Discover the Black-River Gorges
Discover the Black-River Gorges
This reservation is non-refundable.
Date
Thursday, Jul 17, 2025
10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Guests
1 adult
Hotel Pickup Shuttle
Price details
$52.91 x 1 adult $52.91
Total USD $52.91

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