Black River Gorges National Park was created in 1994 and covers 67.5 square kilometres. It protects most of the island's remaining rainforest and all its endemic birds, among them the Mauritius kestrel, the pink pigeon and the echo parakeet. There are two information centres, picnic areas and 60 km of trails, including the path up Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire, at 828 m the highest point on the island.

Close by, Tamarind Falls drop down the Tamarin river in a chain of seven cascades. We arrange a private guide who chooses the route for your fitness and time, from a short walk to the viewpoints to a full day on the trail.