The Black River Peak (more commonly referred to in French as Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire) is the highest mountain in Mauritius, at 828 meters AMSL. It lies within the homonymous range of the Black River Gorges National Park in the island’s southwest. After climbing the lower but more difficult and rewarding peaks of Pieter Both, Le Morne, and the Lion Mountain, I reserved this easy hike for my last outdoor adventure in Mauritius.
The summit of the Black River Mountain is accessible via three separate routes:
- The Machabee Trail from the north, starting from the headwaters of the Black River (trailhead location); 4.6 km, 721 m elevation gain.
- The Black River Peak southwestern trail, starting from Chamarel (trailhead location); 3.6 km, 497 m elevation gain.
- The Black River Peak southeastern trail, starting from the Black River Gorges Viewpoint (trailhead location); 3.1 km, 171 m elevation gain.
The last one is obviously the easiest and most popular approach. Since I had limited time and was after a smooth walk, it was also the trail I took today.
Following a pleasant ride from Mahebourg along the scenic Plaine Champagne Road, I arrived in the late morning. I could have left my scooter at the above-linked trailhead (you too can park your car there, if that’s how you’re coming). But to ensure it’s safe, I preferred to leave it in the viewpoint’s parking lot and walk an extra couple hundred meters down the road. If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can arrange a transfer on this site.
The trail was wide, marked, and evident. You can’t miss it even if you try. There were only two minor issues: 1) mosquitos—they will have a ball on you if you don’t bring repellent and long clothes; and 2) mud—by the end of the hike I was like a happy pig.
Amid melodious bird chirps and fragrances of nature, I trotted along the first part of the path. It led me to an opening atop a lower peak called Piton Saint Denis. Two short side trails were cleared to two viewpoints (so far nothing but vegetation was visible). The first viewpoint was better, offering a wonderful sight of Le Morne and the surrounding lagoon.
The trail continued, gentle and concealed from the sky, until the foot of the Black River Peak. That’s where it turned steep and extremely slippery. A rope was installed to assist with the ascent. Nothing too tricky for an experienced hiker, but use caution.
The route soon concluded on the highest summit of Mauritius, where a dazzling, 360-degree vista opened up to waterfall-sided peaks, vast green slopes, and the boundless blue of the Indian Ocean. There was a bench, which would accommodate my bum if it wasn’t already occupied by a group of Germans. They were one of a handful of hikers’ companies I encountered throughout the trip. Given its easiness and title as the country’s top peak, I had expected it to be more crowded on a Sunday.
I had my lunch standing, complementing it with guavas from the trees surrounding the peak, and left. It had taken a bit more than an hour to reach the top. Then it took less than an hour to get back down. I rested a little at the gorge viewpoint, marveling at the gorgeous scene. Besides a human crowd, a troop of macaques hung out on the spot. Finally, I mounted my bike and drove home.
Video
Photos
View (and if you want use) all my photographs from Black River Peak in higher resolution.
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