Moris
View from Black River Peak over the gorges and the west coast
Photo: Julesthemoose / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

🥾 Hikes · Black River Gorges

Black River Peak (Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire)

The highest point of Mauritius (828 m), reached by an easy-to-moderate trail from Plaine Champagne, with views over the whole west coast.

🚗 From the villa35 min · 19.3 kmoff-peak estimate
⏱️ Time needed2–3 hnot counting the drive
🕓 Best time of day🌅 Sunrise · ☀️ Morning
💰 PriceFree
🥾 Trail6 km · +250 mModerate · out and back · guide not needed

Mauritius's highest summit is a surprisingly accessible hike. The trail starts on the Plaine Champagne road, crosses endemic forest and heath, and climbs gently before a short steep section to the rocky top. From there you see the Black River Gorges, Le Morne, Tamarin Bay and, on clear days, the whole island.

It's the best 'big view' for the effort, and the trailhead is 35 minutes from the villa.

  • Highest point of Mauritius
  • Views over the Black River Gorges and the west coast
  • Endemic forest and birds
View from Black River Peak over the gorges and the west coast
Photo: Julesthemoose / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The forested Black River Gorges
Photo: Lukas von Daeniken from Schweiz / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Trail map

Well-marked path; muddy after rain. A short rocky scramble at the top.

Trail (moderate)
600 m700 m800 m 0 km1 km2 km 802 m
One way; you come back the same way. Elevation from SRTM satellite data (±10 m).

Trail traced on OpenStreetMap paths: check the signs on the ground, and take the OSM or an offline map app (Organic Maps, maps.me) with you.

What to expect on this hike

MudMedium
ShadeMedium
Exposure / vertigoSome
WaymarkingPartial
ViewpointsAlong & at the end
RopesSome
📍 Where it starts
On the Plaine Champagne road (B104), about 400 m east of the Gorges viewpoint: a small signposted parking area on the roadside ('Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire').
🧭 The route
The first 2 km are almost flat: a narrow path through heath, dwarf forest and guava thickets along the plateau, with glimpses into the gorges. Then the path climbs steeply through the forest with roots and rocks; the last few minutes are a short rocky scramble to the summit (828 m) and its 360° view. A newer path avoids the old rope section. Back the same way.
🪨 Terrain
Narrow forest path with roots; muddy after rain; rocky and steep near the top.
👁️ Views
A few openings over the gorges on the way; the big panorama (Le Morne, Tamarin, the whole west coast) is at the top.
🪢 Ropes
Old fixed rope on the steepest part; a newer path goes around it.
🔁 Loop?
No loop. Experienced hikers can continue down the 'Black River Peak to Black River' trail to the visitor centre (steep, 2–3 h, arrange a pick-up).
🦟 Insects
Some mosquitoes in the forest part, more after rain.
💧 Water
No water. Bring 1–1.5 litres.
👥 Crowds
Moderately busy at weekends, quiet on weekdays.
📶 Phone signal
Patchy on the plateau, good at the summit.
🎒 Bring
Shoes with grip (it can be muddy) · Mosquito repellent · Light rain jacket · 1–1.5 litres of water · Snack
  1. Trailhead (roadside)
  2. Summit, 828 m · Highest point of the island

Getting there

Driving route from the villa

🚗 By car: 35 min (19.3 km) off-peak. Park on the side of the Plaine Champagne road at the signposted trailhead. Directions in Google Maps ↗

  • 🚕 Taxi from the villa: about Rs 800–1,050 one way per car (agree the price first; a return trip with waiting time is often negotiable).

Tips

  • 💡 Clouds often cover the peak by late morning: start at 7:00.
  • 💡 The last 10 minutes are steep and rocky; take care when wet.

Our notes & votes