Black River Gorges National Park

Whether you're a nature lover, a trekking fiend, an avid bird-watcher, or even just someone who appreciates beauty, Mauritius' biggest and most impressive national park is a vast expanse of rolling green hills and thick forests, and covers approximately two percent of the island's surface area. Home to several of the island's native species, the Black River Gorges National Park was once a prime hunting ground until it was declared a protected preserve back in 1994, when scientists identified over 300 species of plants, nine species of bird and even a giant population of fruit bats inhabiting its vast expanse. In addition, it is home to three of the island's most endangered bird species—the pink pigeon, the Mauritius kestrel and the echo parakeet. ​Although there are several ways of exploring the area—adrenalin junkies will love quad biking through its uneven terrain—the best way to take it all in, is to go on a guided hike all the way up to Black River Peak viewpoint, which will offer you the most unforgettable view of the island, and take you through a beautiful route littered with waterfalls all the way through.