Black River: History and Landscape

Explore Black River through two distinct themes: the history of Trou Chenille and Le Morne, and the volcanic landscape of Chamarel. In the wider travel area on Mauritius, Black River Gorges National Park offers an additional focus on nature and hiking. You can plan your stay around local history, geology, and hiking landscapes.

History of Trou Chenille and Le Morne

Near Le Morne, Trou Chenille is considered the birthplace of settlement in southwestern Mauritius following the abolition of slavery in 1835. The village is also regarded as the first village of Le Morne where descendants of enslaved people lived. These two associations give Trou Chenille a special place in the history of the southwest.

A project to reconstruct the village aims to raise awareness among visitors from Mauritius and abroad of the historical and cultural significance of the former village, and to inform them about it. The project therefore focuses on sharing its history.

On Mauritius, the Le Morne Cultural Landscape is located at the island’s southwestern tip; it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on 10 July 2008. It illustrates the history of slavery in Mauritius and the quest for freedom in the 17th and 18th centuries. The mountain served as a fortress and refuge for escaped enslaved people; physical and oral evidence documents this use. Le Morne’s history therefore encompasses both the memory of slavery and resistance to it.

Chamarel: Volcanic Sand and Waterfall Views

Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earths are a natural formation of volcanic sand. At Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth, a 3 km trail leads from the main entrance to the dunes and passes two viewpoints overlooking Chamarel Waterfall. The route thus connects the dunes with viewpoints along the way. Check current trail conditions before your visit.

Aldabra giant tortoises can be seen at the Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earth Geopark. Animal exhibits may change, so check current conditions before your visit. The geological formation, trail, and animal viewing are distinct aspects that may shape your visit.

Hiking in the Wider Travel Area on Mauritius

In the wider travel area on Mauritius, Black River Gorges National Park is located in the southwest of the island. The park covers 6,574 hectares of forest and includes Piton de la Rivière Noire, which rises to 828 m. Around 60 km of hiking trails offer views and opportunities to observe nature. The park has different microclimates: hiking from east to west takes you from humid, rain-soaked mountain forest to drier lowland forest. Along with the views, the changing forest landscape is a characteristic feature of these hikes. Check current trail conditions locally.

Plan Your Trip and Hotels

When planning, you can give each focus a different priority: Le Morne represents the history of the place, Chamarel offers volcanic sand, a trail, and viewpoints, while Black River Gorges National Park adds hiking in the wider travel area on Mauritius. Bus services operate in various regions of Mauritius and provide access to almost every place on the island. If you plan to travel by bus, check current routes and timetables for your specific destinations.

Explore more destinations: La Preneuse, Albion, Chamarel, La Gaulette, Petite Riviere, Black River, Tamarin, Le Morne, Flic En Flac

View the main travel guide: Mauritius.