Black River Gorges Park

This beautiful highland area south west of Curepipe is unlike anywhere else on the island. About 6km south of Curepipe, you will arrive at the dam wall of the park's large reservoir, Mare aux Vacoas. About 6km south east of Mare aux Vacoas is the sacred lake of the Hindu's Grand Bassin and a few kilometres further east, Plaine Champagne, the rainiest spot and largest natural area on Mauritius. Towards the east end of the plain, the Riviere Noire overlook affords spectacular views of waterfalls and the 830m Piton de la Petite River Noire, the highest point on Mauritius.

The best time to visit Black River Gorges National Park is during the flowering season between September and January. Look for the rare tambalacoque or dodo tree, black ebony trees and the exotic birds that perch in them. You may also be lucky enough to run into a band of monkeys, deer or wild pigs.