Black River Park in Mauritius: A Natural Gem in the West of the Island

Black River Gorges and Chamarel at a glance: hours, tickets, time needed

The viewpoints - Gorges Viewpoint, Alexandra Falls and Tamarind Falls - are free, and about 30 minutes is enough for each. The paid stops are around Chamarel: the Seven Coloured Earths Geopark (600 MUR) and Ebony Forest (460 MUR). These stops make up days 6 and 7 of our 10-day Mauritius itinerary.

Chamarel: Seven Coloured Earths, Ebony Forest and the Le Morne viewpoint

1. Chamarel Geopark

This is not just a tourist attraction, but a true encyclopedia of nature collected in one picturesque corner of the island. Here nature showcases its most spectacular creations that impress thousands of travelers each year.

💧 Chamarel Waterfall

The highest waterfall in Mauritius plummets from a height of about 100 meters, framed by dense tropical vegetation. It is an ideal place for photography - the views are breathtaking. The contrast of the white water and the lush green foliage around is particularly impressive.

🌋 Seven Coloured Earths

This unique geological phenomenon features dunes made of naturally colored sand in seven shades: from purple and red to yellow and blue. The most astonishing thing is that these colors do not mix, even if you try. The place looks like it’s from another planet, especially at dawn or during sunset.

Chamarel Geopark

2. Ebony Forest Reserve Chamarel & Le Morne Viewpoint - Encounter with Wildlife

An ecological reserve where nature is restored. Here you can walk along wooden paths through the tropical forest, climb to bird-watching platforms, and, of course, reach the Le Morne Viewpoint. The view of the famous mountain symbolizing freedom is one of the best on the island. A place where history and nature merge into one. At the entrance, you are given a convenient map - with it, you can easily navigate and not miss any key points on the route.

Ebony Forest Reserve Chamarel

3. Le Chamarel Restaurant & Viewpoint - A Gastronomic Break with a Great View

After hiking or visiting Chamarel - it’s time to rest. In this atmospheric restaurant, you will be offered local dishes with French notes, fresh seafood, and homemade wine. And from the terrace, there is a view of the Chamarel valley - especially enchanting in the evening light. Delicious, cozy, picturesque.

Le Chamarel Restaurant

Black River Gorges National Park viewpoints

4. Gorges Viewpoint

This place is worth seeing at dawn or after rain - when a light mist floats over the gorges, and the forest sparkles in the sunlight. The most famous viewpoint in the park offers a breathtaking view of the tropical forest, mountain ranges, and the ocean in the distance. Here, you want to be silent - and just look.

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5. Alexandra Falls Viewpoint

A small turn from the road - and you are at the platform with a view of the Alexandra waterfall cascading through dense forests. It falls from a height of 30 meters, merging with the green valley below. The waterfall itself is not very visible through the trees, but the place has a great atmosphere. Here you can make a short stop, breathe in the freshness of the mountain air, take a few photos - or set off on a small hike into the surrounding forest.

Nearby: Bois Chéri, Grand Bassin and Tamarind Falls

6. Bois Chéri Tea Plantation - A Tea Journey

Immerse yourself in the aromatic world of Mauritian tea at the oldest tea plantation on the island. Among the green waves of hills, you will walk through fields where leaves for the famous Bois Chéri are grown. Entry to the area is free - you can peacefully stroll among the tea bushes and take beautiful photos. In the tea museum, you will learn the secrets of production, see the packaging process, as all tea here is packaged. And at the end - a tasting of fragrant tea with vanilla, ginger, or coconut on the terrace overlooking the endless green hills. The taste of Mauritius - in every sip.

Bois Chéri

7. Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao) - The Spiritual Heart of Mauritius

In the misty crater of an extinct volcano lies a sacred lake - one of the most sacred places in Mauritius. Here stands a 33-meter statue of the god Shiva, and around it - silence, prayers, the smell of incense, and an atmosphere of deep tranquility. You can see how Hindus perform rituals - washing the statues, lighting incense, making offerings. It is particularly magical here during Maha Shivaratri when thousands of pilgrims walk here. Even if you are not Hindu - you will feel the power of this place.

Some temples can be visited from the inside, but for that, you need to remove your shoes. We did not do this - just walked around the area and entered only where it was not necessary to take off our shoes.

Also, there are many cute but nimble monkeys living here - be careful with your belongings!

8. Tamarind Falls (Seven Cascades)

Seven cascades flowing down from high cliffs into green valleys - this is one of the most impressive hiking routes. Some parts of the paths are steep, sometimes slippery, but each level of the waterfalls offers a new scene - lagoons, natural pools, streams. It’s perfect for adventurers. You can go alone or with a guide - it all depends on your confidence and desire for wild experiences.

This time we limited ourselves to the viewpoint: from here there is a beautiful view of the waterfalls, and that was more than enough to feel the scale and beauty of this place.

For the rest of the island, see our things to do in Mauritius, from swimming with dolphins to La Vanille’s giant tortoises, and the best beaches in Mauritius.

From the Shop

Mauritius Google Map - 50+ Handpicked Locations (Beaches, Viewpoints, Photo Spots)

50+ personally visited locations - beaches, viewpoints, photo spots, waterfalls, and activities - organized and ready to open in Google Maps.

Google Maps

EUR 9.50View →

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