Macchabée forest loop (Black River Gorges)

From the Pétrin information centre on the central plateau, the Macchabée trail follows a wide forest track through endemic forest to the Macchabée loop. The loop dives down to the top of the Mare aux Joncs waterfall, then climbs back up over roots and boulders to rejoin the track.

It's 3–4 hours in cool, shady forest, and one of the best chances to see the endemic birds that were saved from extinction here: the pink pigeon, the echo parakeet and the Mauritius kestrel. Add the short detour to the Macchabée viewpoint for a view straight down the gorges to the sea.

• Endemic forest
• Top of the Mare aux Joncs waterfall
• Pink pigeons, echo parakeets, kestrels

Trail map

Well signposted with coloured markers. The descent to the waterfall and the climb back are steep, with roots and boulders.

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

📍 Where it starts

At the Pétrin information centre on the Grand Bassin road (B103), with a free car park and toilets. Maps on the boards; park staff sometimes on site (weekdays 7:00–17:00, weekends from 9:00).

🧭 The route

A wide, flat forest track (about 3 km) through the Macchabée forest, then the loop: a steep descent to the top of the Mare aux Joncs waterfall, and a harder climb back up over roots and boulders. A short detour leads to the Macchabée viewpoint, straight down the gorges to the sea. Back to Pétrin on the same track.

🪨 Terrain

Wide track, then narrow rooty path; very muddy after rain.

👁️ Views

Forest views all along; the Macchabée viewpoint (detour) and the waterfall top are the highlights.

🔁 Loop?

Yes: the Macchabée loop, joined by the same track from Pétrin.

🦟 Insects

Mosquitoes: bring repellent.

💧 Water

No drinking water on the trail; toilets at Pétrin.

👥 Crowds

Quiet on weekdays; a few groups at weekends.

📶 Phone signal

Weak signal in the forest.

🎒 Bring

Shoes with grip (it can be muddy) · Mosquito repellent · Light rain jacket · 1–1.5 litres of water · Snack

1. Pétrin information centre
2. Start of the loop
3. Top of Mare aux Joncs waterfall

Getting there

Tips

• 💡 Mosquito repellent and a rain jacket.
• 💡 Walk quietly in the morning to see birds.

Our notes & votes