Black River Gorges National Park, Mauritius

A deep gorge slices through lush land, waterfalls tumble from dramatic heights and swaths of old-growth ebony carpet the rolling terrain to create mile upon mile of rippling green – Mauritius showcases earth’s eden-like abilities with the Black River Gorges National Park. 

Established in 1994 to protect the flora and fauna found here, its wild forests now cover roughly 3% of the island’s surface. This is Mauritius’ largest national park and with 60 km of twisting trails, the hikes here are some of the region’s most rewarding. It pays to get off of the beach on this island getaway, we promise. 

Any avid bird watchers are in for a treat as the park is home to nine endemic species. But, if you don’t know your kestrels from your pigeons, not to worry as there is plenty more to see here. Between stumbling across oasis-like volcanic lakes, noting the 300 varieties of plants that make up the jungle-like expanse and being spellbound by pretty cascades, it’s likely that the hours will pass without you even noticing the time. 

And the beauty of this wilderness is its ever-changing nature. Start in the east and you’ll experience damp, rainy uplands, but make your way to the west and you’ll come across drier, lowland forest. The varying microclimates just adding to the sense of a Jurassic Park-esque adventure.