Mauritius is famous for its natural beauty. The tropical weather ensures that the island country has a large forest cover, palm groves and fruit orchards. The Black River Gorges area of Mauritius is famed as a bird watchers' paradise, with thousands of bird species inhabiting the highlands of the national park.
The Black River Gorges region was declared a national park in 1994. It is as famous for its waterfalls, mist covered hill slopes and clear pools as it for its wildlife. The Black River Gorges National Park lies on a plateau slightly higher than the surrounding plains, so the temperature at the Black River Gorges is lower than in the plains. The Alexandra waterfalls provide a beautiful backdrop to the lush hillocks in the Black River Gorges National Park. From the National Park, a visitor can have a splendid view of the southern shores of Mauritius. A trek through the Park is invigorating, as you pass through trails lined with Chinese guava trees and pass through fields of wild sugarcane.
The Plaine Champagne is the highest point in the Park, and as you look down into the valley below, you will get a taste of what paradise might look like. Many tourists who have looked at the panoramic view from the Plaine have felt a sense of awe as they looked down into the Gorge below.
The wildlife at the park includes macaque monkeys, which have lost all fear of humans through a long period of contact. They will calmly pose for photographs and beg for food, though it is not advisable to feed them.
At the end of the trek, you can dine at the little café at the edge of the park, a favorite with nature lovers and honeymooners. The café overlooks the surrounding valley and you can have a nice meal while gazing out at the green vistas God seems to have opened up for your contemplation.
