Forest ravines, waterfalls and coloured earths
Black River Gorges National Park covers the forested uplands of south-west Mauritius, protecting much of the island's remaining native forest. Trails lead to viewpoints over the gorges and waterfalls, and patient walkers may see endemic birds such as the pink pigeon and Mauritius kestrel, both brought back from the brink of extinction. Just outside the park, Chamarel has a waterfall and the Seven Coloured Earths, dunes of banded volcanic soil. The sacred crater lake of Grand Bassin, a Hindu pilgrimage site, is nearby.