Black River Gorges National Park is the wild heart of Mauritius — 68 square kilometres of dramatic ravines, endemic cloud forest, and one of the last significant habitats for the island's native wildlife. Established in 1994, it covers the rugged south-western highlands and is the most biodiverse place on the island.

The park is the success story of Mauritius conservation. The pink pigeon, echo parakeet, and Mauritius kestrel — all once critically endangered — have been rescued here through intensive breeding programmes and now breed freely in the forest. If you walk the ridge trails in the early morning, you'll hear the echo parakeet calling before you see it; its bright green flash against the dark canopy is one of the great wildlife moments on the island.

Hiking is the main draw. The main trails depart from the visitor centre at Black River (Rivière Noire) on the west coast, from Plaine Champagne on the plateau above, or from the south coast near Gris Gris. The Macchabée Ridge Trail is the signature walk: a full-day, 10-kilometre round trip that climbs through ebony forest to a clifftop ridge with vertiginous views down into the gorge and out to the open ocean. The shorter Parakeet Trail (2 hours, from Plaine Champagne) is excellent for wildlife, especially on misty mornings when the canopy drips and the birds move through the lower branches.

Cascade 500 Pieds is the park's hidden centrepiece — a waterfall that drops 500 feet (152 metres) straight into the base of a gorge. Getting there requires a guide or good navigation skills and takes around 3 hours from the nearest access point. Seeing it in full flow after heavy rain is one of the most spectacular experiences in Mauritius.

The best months are May to October when the trade winds keep the highlands cool and clear. Go early — the plateau clouds over in the afternoon and the trails can become slippery. Bring more water than you think you need, solid walking shoes (not sandals), and insect repellent.