Trails from Black River Visitor Centre
Several walks start from the Black River Visitor Centre. Further, the three we chose to walk on several different days were about 6 km to 8 km return. Moreover, all three walks encompass part of the Macchabee Trail, easygoing until the final crossing over the Black Water River.
Macchabee Trail and Lower Viewpoint
An easygoing to moderate trail until the escarpment climb to the plateau.
Macchabee Lower Viewpoint
The panorama is from Macchabee Lower Viewpoint at Plateau Remousse in the Black River Gorges National Park.
Macchabee Trail to Lower Viewpoint (Plateau Remousse)
Macchabee Trail to Lower Viewpoint (Plateau Remousse)
The Macchabee Trail walk to the lower viewpoint at 260 m took us about two hours return, albeit with photo stops. Soon after leaving the visitor centre, there was a guttural toad (Sclerophrys gutturalis), aka African common toad, on the trail. The toad is an introduced invasive species. At first, the path was easygoing, crossing the river and its tributaries. After the Parakeet Trail turnoff, the path zigzagged up a 100 m escarpment with occasional views of the gorges. Finally, we reached another easy section, turning off a short track to the lower viewpoint (Plateau Remousse). After admiring the view from the plateau, we backtracked to the visitor centre, looking for flora and fauna to photograph.
Pink Pigeon
Close to the visitor centre, we spotted an endemic Pink Pigeon (Nesoenas mayeri) perched in the forest. I photographed the rare bird, one of an estimated 240-260 endangered individuals, IUCN Red List 2013 refers. The latest red shows an estimated stable population of 250-999 vulnerable individuals confined to the National Park area. Furthermore, the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation has an ongoing Pink Pigeon Conservation Project (Ref 1).
Parakeet Trail
From the visitor centre, we followed the Macchabee Trail before a right turn onto the Parakeet Trail. We walked as far as the ford over the river, about two and a half kilometres. We intended to walk further on, but as it looked like rain, we turned back.
Riviere Noire (Black River)
The Riviere Noire flows near to the Parakeet Trail in the Back River Gorges National Park.
Parakeet Trail
Parakeet Trail
We did not see much wildlife, just a few butterflies and no parakeets. It was still worth walking; several places have lovely river views as far as the river crossing. Along the trail, some stretches had the invasive cattley (Chinese) guava overtaking the indigenous trees. On our return, we crossed the river on the way back to the carpark. As shown in the final photo, there was a group of schoolchildren on a field trip.
Mare aux Joncs Trail
Our third walk also started at Black River Visitor Centre and followed the Macchabee Trail for a kilometre or so. Then a signpost to the left points the way for the Mare aux Joncs (Ref 2) and Pilgrims Tail.
Mare aux Joncs Trail
Mare aux Joncs Trail
The trail is easy going, following a tributary of Riviere Noire, except for some stretches alongside the river. When the trail runs alongside the river, it is challenging to stay on the path. Inevitably, one ends up walking in the river. So, walking boots would have been more practical rather than shoes or trainers. Despite having to walk through the river sections, it is worth the hike. We eventually turned back, not reaching the cascade as the trail became difficult to follow.
Giant African Snail
References and Bibliography - Online Resources
1. Pink Pigeon Conservation Project. 2012. [Online] Available from Mauritian Wildlife Foundation [Accessed 25-Novl-21].
2. Black River George and Mare Aux Joncs Circular. 2021. [Online] Available from All Trails [Accessed 27-Novl-21].