Black River Gorges National Park is a must-see for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Located in the southwestern part of Mauritius, the park covers 2% of the island and consists of drier lowland forest, humid upland forest, and marshy heathland. There are endemic plant and animal species, and rare birds.
This is mainly a hiking/trail running destination, with 60 km of trails. Many of the trails are hilly, with challenging footing.
There are trail maps at the Visitor Centre, and kiosks with maps at key points in the park. A couple of trail running recommendations:
Flickr: carrotmadman6
Macchabée Trail.8.6 km out and back, 156m gain. This is the easiest longer running option in the Park. The trail, which is mainly a flat dirt road, leads to the spectacular Macchabée Viewpoint. ROUTE MAP
Black River Gorges National Park is a must-see for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Located in the southwestern part of Mauritius, the park covers 2% of the island and consists of drier lowland forest, humid upland forest, and marshy heathland. There are endemic plant and animal species, and rare birds.
This is mainly a hiking/trail running destination, with 60 km of trails. Many of the trails are hilly, with challenging footing.
There are trail maps at the Visitor Centre, and kiosks with maps at key points in the park. A couple of trail running recommendations:
Flickr: carrotmadman6
Macchabée Trail.8.6 km out and back, 156m gain. This is the easiest longer running option in the Park. The trail, which is mainly a flat dirt road, leads to the spectacular Macchabée Viewpoint. ROUTE MAP
Essentials
Macchabée Trail starts from Le Pétrin Information Centre off Grand Bassin Rd./B102
Visitors' Centre off Les Gorges Rd.; B103 (Plaine Champaigne Rd.) goes through the southern part of the park;
A 9 km 'runseeing' tour of Mauritius' capital city hits the highlights: waterfront, gardens, Citadelle, a loop around Champ de Mars, and some historic buildings and mosques. It's one of the more 'runnable' longer runs on Mauritius.
Some excellent hill and trail running options in and near Port Louis. More 'runnable' are Marie Reine/Signal Mountain, and the trail along Canal Anglais to the Plateau. Hiking/challenging trail options in the La Dauguet area.
Le Morne is a scenic peninsula at the southwestern tip of Mauritius. Run the flat Le Morne trail along the water, or for a challenge, run/hike the trail to Le Morne Cross.
At the southwestern end of Mauritius, there some decent running on the 6 km coastal road between Blue Bay and Mahebourg. It's a quieter road and less trafficked. Flat, with some nice water views. The 0.6 km Esplanade in Mahebourg is the highlight.
A unique running experience! La Vallée de Ferney is a 'tropical agrihood' consisting of lush, green farm valleys and endemic forests. There's a network of scenic trails, ranging from easy to challenging. One of our favorite spots on Mauritius for running.
The Palmar area is a popular visitor spot on Mauritius, for its beach and beautiful water views. Running options include ~1.5 km of firm sand road alongside the beach, or some quiet farm roads Inland from Belle Mar.
There are some decent running options in this popular area at the northern end of Mauritius. Grand Baie Beach and Mont Choisy Beach are 'runnable'. The Coastal Road leading to Mont Choisy Beach is quieter, and there are sections of the B13 Road that have a sidewalk.
Bras d’Eau National Park, located in the northeast of Mauritius, is a good spot for a fairly easy trail run through a forest consisting of mangroves and other endemic trees. The Coq des Bois Trail is a 5 km out and back from the Bras D’eau Visitor’s Centre.
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Essentials
Macchabée Trail starts from Le Pétrin Information Centre off Grand Bassin Rd./B102
Visitors' Centre off Les Gorges Rd.; B103 (Plaine Champaigne Rd.) goes through the southern part of the park;
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Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!