Hiking the Black River Gorges: Full-day with Lunch and Transfer
Traveler rating
3.8/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hiking the Black River Gorges: Full-day with Lunch and Transfer worth booking?
Hiking the Black River Gorges: Full-day with Lunch and Transfer is a 5-hour experience in Trou d'Eau Douce, Mauritius, from $137 per person. It scores 48 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.8/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 48 / 100
- Rating
- 3.8/5 (5)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $137 per person
Come and experience the true beauty of nature in Mauritius on this hiking trip. Feed the adrenaline junkie in you with this package by Freshverde Holidays, which takes you through the lush forests, crossing rivers and admiring absolutely sensational views with a professional guide by your side. The Black River Gorges is worth visiting for all trekkers, as well as for the pure nature lovers and bird-watchers. Black River Gorges is the largest national park in Mauritius. Famous for its waterfalls, vistas and hiking, the gorge is in the central highlands, making it cooler than much of the island. The views you will encounter during this hike are breathtaking- a wide, beautiful gorge (canyon) curving dramatically down between a series of mountains; spectacular waterfalls cascading down the hillside with a range of mountains behind them, and many more. As part of this trip, Lunch will be served, and refueling your energy with the complimentary snacks, Cakes & Juice.
What you get
About this experience
Come and experience the true beauty of nature in Mauritius on this hiking trip. Feed the adrenaline junkie in you with this package by Freshverde Holidays, which takes you through the lush forests, crossing rivers and admiring absolutely sensational views with a professional guide by your side. The Black River Gorges is worth visiting for all trekkers, as well as for the pure nature lovers and bird-watchers. Black River Gorges is the largest national park in Mauritius. Famous for its waterfalls, vistas and hiking, the gorge is in the central highlands, making it cooler than much of the island. The views you will encounter during this hike are breathtaking- a wide, beautiful gorge (canyon) curving dramatically down between a series of mountains; spectacular waterfalls cascading down the hillside with a range of mountains behind them, and many more. As part of this trip, Lunch will be served, and refueling your energy with the complimentary snacks, Cakes & Juice.
What's included
Included
- Photography and Video session
- Lunch (Veg or Non Veg Meals)
- Bottled water, energy drinks & Mauritian dry snacks
- Services of a fully high Qualified Private Guide
- Personal safety & Hiking equipments
- Private transportation in a fully air-conditioned vehicle
- Pick-up and drop-off at any hotel or accommodation in Mauritius
Not included
- Gratuities (Optional)
What you'll see and do
Your hiking trip to Black River Gorge begins with a hotel pick-up anywhere in Mauritius. You will meet & be greeted by our certified guide & after boarding to your comfortable vehicle, then set off for your first stop.
15 minutes here
Black River Gorges National Park
Located in the hilly southwest of Mauritius, the Black River Gorge extends over an area of 6,754 hectares of the surface of Mauritius Island! With the help of the guides, you will discover Mauritius' natural heritage in this unique area which houses one of the rarest forests in the world. It harbors over 300 species of native and endemic flowering plants and 9 species of birds, which are found only in Mauritius. If the thought of getting worn out is holding you back, then you have nothing to worry about! This is a fairly easy trail that anyone can undertake, irrespective of fitness level. It’s a popular hike among the teens but also the elderly people, requiring no experience whatsoever. This hike will take you into the heart of the indigenous Machabee forest with many panoramic views. Seize this unique chance to learn about the native vegetation as well as the endemic and exotic bird life. The guide will be keen to share interesting insights into the marvelous fauna and flora.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Black River Gorges National Park
Other than expanding your knowledge of our native wildlife, having a guide by your side gives you a feeling of reassurance. You don't need to worry about being left behind- getting lost is out of question. With years of experience, the guide has also learned the trail inside out, hence, you might access shortcut paths and secret alleys that lead to wondrous spots that you’d have never expected. The views you will encounter during this hike are breathtaking- a wide, beautiful gorge (canyon) curving dramatically down between a series of mountains; spectacular waterfalls cascading down the hillside with a range of mountains behind them & many more. The park protects most of the island's remaining rainforest. Many endemic plants & animals can be found in the park, including the Mauritian flying fox and all endemic birds: Mauritius kestrel, Pink Pigeon, Mauritius Parakeet, Mauritius Cuckoo-Shrike, Mauritius Bulbul, Mauritius Olive White-Eye, Mauritius Grey White-Eye & the Mauritius Fody.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Black River Gorges National Park
you can also take a relaxing swim in the lagoon-type basin at Black river National park. Afterward, you will take your lunch nearby the river ( Picnic style).
60 minutes here · Admission included
About the guide and the spirit of the trip All hiking excursions and treks will be under the experienced and professional guidance of one of the top guides in Mauritius while sharing his local knowledge, passion for sports, and love of nature. Each trip is carried out with total respect towards nature and while making it a top priority to stress the importance of its preservation. The trip will take you around some of the most beautiful places in Mauritius and you will get to learn more about the fauna and flora and what’s being done towards its preservation, making this a unique and enriching experience. Duration: 9:00 am - 14:00 pm After a long day at exploring, your Hiking Trip ends with return transport to your hotel.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- hi, no, de, sv, ru, fi, pt, en, hr, it, fr, hu, es, cs, ar, uk, ja, sk, zh-CN, pl, ro, da, ur, tr, nl
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Freshverde Holidays
Know before you go
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Please advise of any food allergies or illness
- Minimum age requirement: 10 years and above
- It is recommended to bring backpack, suitable clothing, swimming clothes and various protections (sun cream, insects’ repellent)
- Participants must be medically fit to participate in this hiking trip
- Participants must bring additional clothes and should wear non-slippery shoes
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Pace and timing
1 mentionSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Hiking the Black River Gorges: Full-day with Lunch and Transfer. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Hiking the 7 waterfalls, a must-do!!!
We appreciated the pickup at the hotel by our taxi Manav, who provided us with plenty of information throughout the journey. Arriving at the meeting point, it was Steve who was our guide, very kind, considerate, full of little details about our walk, and we were able to taste the samosas and sandwiches he had prepared for us. The walk is magnificent, a bit sporty but really worth it; the waterfalls are impressive.
Response from the operator: Merci beaucoup pour votre retour 🌿 Nous sommes ravis que la prise en charge avec Manav et la randonnée avec Steve aient rendu votre expérience si agréable. Ils seront heureux de savoir que leurs attentions, leurs informations et les petites préparations comme les samosas et sandwiches ont été appréciées. Quelle belle récompense aussi de lire que vous avez aimé la balade et les cascades malgré le côté sportif 🌴 Au plaisir de vous accueillir à nouveau pour d’autres découvertes à Maurice !
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Last minute cancelation
The tour operator canceled our tour with no explanation at 12:22am when we were supposed to be picked up at 7am (they did refund our money though). We were already asleep and did not see until 5am. It was too late to book a different tour at that point. Very disappointing when we only had 2 days left of vacation and had we known earlier we could have booked a different hiking tour for that day. Do not recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry that the experience did not fully align with your expectations. We were informed late that the excursion was cancelled due to bad weather conditions. We strive to provide clear information and consistent service, and we appreciate your comments. Please feel free to contact us directly so we can better understand the situation.
via Tripadvisor
Hilly and hard going at times, but worth the effort
We really enjoyed our day, but be aware that the route is pretty strenuous at times. It included some very steep ascents and descents, both of which were slippery where muddy. Our guide wasn't very talkative - he seemed more to see his role as showing us where we were going by walking the route around 20ft or so in front of us, and making sure that we didn't get lost by turning back to check that we were still there and that he wasn't setting the pace too fast, rather than telling us much about what we were seeing. That suited us well, but I can see that it might not be what everyone would be looking for from a guide. The park itself is simply stunning - incredible views, lush vegetation, and some beautiful birds.
Response from the operator: We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the stunning views, lush vegetation, and wildlife in the park 🌴✨ Thank you for your feedback about the route and the guide’s style — it’s helpful to know that while the guide’s approach suited you, others might prefer more commentary. We’ll keep this in mind to better match guests’ expectations in the future. We’d love to welcome you back to Mauritius for more unforgettable nature experiences!
via Viator
Great day in the wood
Great day in the wood. Our driver pick us very early at 05.30 at the hotel. It worth the early wake up. We had a great day exploring the black river gorge. Our guide daryo is a great person. Always taking care of us.. we seen plenty of endemic plsnts.. finally, we reach a viewpoint which was out of this world.. food was good.. definitely recommend!!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Freshverde Holidays, who run 66 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 48.5.
See everything Freshverde Holidays runsWhy this scores 48
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hiking the Black River Gorges: Full-day with Lunch and Transfer: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Trou d'Eau Douce.
How much does Hiking the Black River Gorges: Full-day with Lunch and Transfer cost?
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Prices start at $137 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Trou d'Eau Douce usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Hiking the Black River Gorges: Full-day with Lunch and Transfer take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Trou d'Eau Douce is not rushed.
Is Hiking the Black River Gorges: Full-day with Lunch and Transfer worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 48 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.8/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Trou d'Eau Douce, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Hiking the Black River Gorges: Full-day with Lunch and Transfer?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Hiking the Black River Gorges: Full-day with Lunch and Transfer suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Hiking the Black River Gorges: Full-day with Lunch and Transfer?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Trou d'Eau Douce can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Trou d'Eau Douce and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hiking the Black River Gorges: Full-day with Lunch and Transfer start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Trou d'Eau Douce within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Trou d'Eau Douce?
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On Outty we rank every Trou d'Eau Douce experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Mauritius full day : Private north tour, Ile Aux Cerfs full day shared catamaran with BBQ lunch & drinks, Southern Tales Tour: Crocodile Park, 23-Colored Earth & Lunch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Trou d'Eau Douce?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Trou d'Eau Douce?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Hiking the Black River Gorges: Full-day with Lunch and Transfer?
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Included: Photography and Video session; Lunch (Veg or Non Veg Meals); Bottled water, energy drinks & Mauritian dry snacks; Services of a fully high Qualified Private Guide; and Personal safety & Hiking equipments. Not included: Gratuities (Optional). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Hiking the Black River Gorges: Full-day with Lunch and Transfer include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 109 listed pickup locations in and around Trou d'Eau Douce. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Hiking the Black River Gorges: Full-day with Lunch and Transfer offered in?
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It is offered in Hindi, Norwegian, German, Swedish, Russian, Finnish, Portuguese, English, Croatian, Italian, French, Hungarian, Spanish, Czech, Arabic, Ukrainian, Japanese, Slovak, Chinese, Polish, Romanian, Danish, Urdu, Turkish and Dutch. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Hiking the Black River Gorges: Full-day with Lunch and Transfer?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Hiking the Black River Gorges: Full-day with Lunch and Transfer wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Hiking the Black River Gorges: Full-day with Lunch and Transfer if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Hiking the Black River Gorges: Full-day with Lunch and Transfer?
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Across 5 reviews averaging 3.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, value for money, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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