Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WORTH A TRIP
SCENIC DRIVE: BLACK RIVER GORGES NATIONAL PARK
Although we strongly recommend that you explore the Black River Gorges National Park on foot, if that's not
possible you can still get a taste for this beautiful region. Before we get started, a word of warning: if possible
avoid making this trip on weekends as the otherwise quiet roads are flooded with locals driving slowly and stop-
ping by the roadside while they hunt for wild berries.
Begin along the coast road on Mauritius' western coast at Case Noyale (around 1.5km north of La Gaulette and
around 7km south of Black River), where a signpost points inland towards Chamarel; if you're looking for a land-
mark there's a cream church set back from the corner. After crossing the coastal plain, the road begins to climb
steeply through increasingly dense forest. Around 4km after leaving the coast road, close to the top of the first
ridgeline, a lookout on your right offers fine, sweeping views of the coastal plain and out to sea.
Passing through Chamarel, ignore the signs to Terres de 7 Couleurs (
Click here
), which is not a patch on the
scenery in the national park up ahead, and bear left through Chamarel. After passing the entrance to the Rhumerie
de Chamarel, continue climbing through the forest for around 6km to the
Gorges Viewpoint
OFFLINE MAP
. On
a clear day the views from here across the gorge rank among the best on the island. Look for the
Piton de la
Petite Rivière Noire
(Black River Mountain peak; 828m) on your left, and keep an eye out for the Mauritius
kestrel, tropic birds and fruit bats.
A further 2km along the paved road, you pass the
Plaine Champagne Police Post
(trailhead for the Parakeet
Trail), with the turn-off for
Alexandra Falls
a further 2km on. Turn right off the main road, passing beneath a
pretty honour-guard of trees, then follow the short path out to the falls'
viewpoint
OFFLINE MAP
. While there,
you can admire the cloud forest of Mt Cocotte (771m) and the view down to the south coast.
Back on the main road, turn right towards Chamouny at the roundabout 2.5km beyond the Alexandra Falls
turn-off and follow the road down the hill through the thinning forest. After around 3km, pull into the unpaved
parking area on the right (west) side of the road - from the low ridge of dirt and rock there are good views down
into a the crater lake called
Bassin Blanc
. If you wait here long enough, you might just see some of the region's
rare birds passing through, although none breed here.
Return up the hill and continue straight ahead at the roundabout. After just over 2km, turn right and follow the
signs to
Grand Bassin
, an important pilgrimage sight for the island's Hindus 2.5km from the turn-off. Long be-
fore you arrive, you'll see the massive, and curiously hypnotic Shiva statue that watches over this sacred spot.
Return the 2.5km to the main road and at the T-Junction you'll see the Pétrin Information Centre (
Click here
).
Even if you're not planning to hike, park your car and wander around the back to an enclosure where (at last
count) six pairs of pink pigeons were being prepared for release into the wild.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Chamarel
POP 786
Known throughout the island for its hushed bucolic vibe and cool breezes, Chamarel is a
hidden hamlet tucked into the western hills. It's well-known for its excellent eating scene
and we also love it as a stop en route to/from the Black River Gorges National Park.
Sights & Activities
