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Endemics of Mauritius: A Curated Walk (Bird-Watching)
(2373 reviews)
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Tour Summary
Duration:
3-5 hours
Group:
2-12
Tour Type:
On demand
Difficulty:
Easy
Transport:
Shuttle Available at Extra Cost
Distance:
6km
About the Tour
Step into the heart of Mauritius’ most scenic national park for a unique bird watching experience. This gentle guided walk takes you through lush forest trails, where you’ll have the chance to observe some of the island’s most iconic and endemic bird species in their natural habitat.
During the tour, we usually spot around 5 to 6 out of 9 endemic bird species. Among the most commonly seen are the Mauritius Cuckooshrike, Echo Parakeet, Mauritius Bulbul, Grey White-eye, Mauritius Fody, Pink Pigeon, and occasionally the elegant Paradise Flycatcher. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the rare Mauritius Kestrel, which has been seen on roughly 2 out of 10 tours. We sometimes also spot the Mascarene Swallow and Mascarene Swiftlet, endemic to the Mascarene islands.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Black River Gorges National Park, its mountains, forests, waterfall, and the distant
1 pair of Binoculars is provided during the tour for the group.
Whether you’re an experienced birder or simply a nature enthusiast, this outing offers a peaceful and immersive way to discover the rich biodiversity of Mauritius.
What’s Included?
Certified guide
Safety briefing and support throughout the activity
Storytelling and insights about the park’s history, flora & fauna
Why Yanature?
Pionneer in the hiking and trekking tourism sector
In Mauritius since January 2004
We are friends and passionate mountain lovers
Our desire to bring people on discovery
Excursions in the wilderness is what we live for
Fast, friendly support you can count on
What you’ll do
- 06:50 | Meet your guide
Meet your Yanature guide at the entrance of the Black River Gorges National Park for a short briefing about the park’s unique biodiversity and the species you might encounter. - 07:00 – 10:30/11:30 | Guided birdwatching walk
Follow your guide along forest trails and scenic viewpoints as the island awakens. You’ll explore around 6 km of easy paths (with a few short climbs), stopping to observe and identify different endemic bird species. Listen for their songs, learn to recognize their silhouettes, and hear fascinating stories about the conservation efforts that saved many of them from extinction. - 11:30 | End of tour
Take a quiet moment to enjoy the forest atmosphere before returning to the starting point.
Highlights
- Discover Mauritius’ 9 endemic bird species in their natural habitat
- Visit exclusive and protected areas within the Black River Gorges National Park
- Learn about the island’s remarkable bird conservation success stories
- Observe rare species such as the Mauritius kestrel, Pink pigeon, and Echo parakeet
- Enjoy a peaceful walk surrounded by lush tropical forest and breathtaking views
- Peaceful and educational nature experience suitable for all levels
What to bring?
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Light sportswear (preferably quick-dry)
- Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle (at least 1.5L)
- Snack or energy bar
- Rain jacket (weather can be unpredictable in the mountains)
- Insect repellent
Not suitable for
- Pregnant women
- People with serious back, knee, or heart problems
- Persons with limited mobility
- Children under 12 years old
- Elderly individuals with health issues or limited stamina
- Individuals recovering from surgery or injury.
Meeting Point
The meeting point will be at Pétrin Information Centre
Know before you go
- This activity starts early morning to increase chances of sightings
- Difficulty: easy — mostly flat with a few short climbs, no technical parts
- Binoculars are provided, but you may bring your own if preferred (1 pair per group, to be shared among participants)
- The tour may be rescheduled in case of heavy rain for safety reasons
- Wildlife sightings are common but cannot be guaranteed
- The guide will be the only contact person on the day of the tour. You will receive the guide’s contact details upon booking or on the eve of the activity date by email (make sure to check your spams if you did not receive the email)
What people say about us:
Wild South with Yanature
This one was amazing – walking along the cliffside to reach the Cascade Mamazelle. But the cherry on the top was going down to the natural pool right next to the ocean with waves crashing right next to it. Did this trek with Henry again post the Black sea over Trek. And Henry was very helpful in guiding us to the right spot and ensuring safety all along. Thank you Henry, Yanature – see you guys someday soon again.
Great Experience with Yanature and Henry
Loved the experience with Henry – who paced our trek very well, was very knowledgeable and ensured that everyone in the group was well taken care of and left fully satisfied and with a smile on their face. The forest itself is amazing – a living ecosystem of greens. And the hike was a 6km loop with an elevation gain of 300m with good views – with the ascent in the first half with a gradual descent in the second half.
Family fun time on the river
Enjoyed the time with Eliza on the river. She was great with the kids and made the experience fun for all of us. We arrived early and had coffee at the shop up the street. Then got the kids ready and went on the river. The first part was a bit of work but after 5 minutes it was smooth sailing.
Amazing- very beginner friendly
My guide was Henri and he was amazing. Though I was a complete beginner and didn’t know how to use mountain bike, he was patient in teaching. He took his time and didn’t rush us. The tour was amazing and is very beginner friendly.
Great photo shoot in a wonderful place!
This adventure turned out to be one of the most exciting and memorable experiences I've had on the island! Our guide, Paj, was there to help us along the entire route. He told us about the waterfalls, answered all our questions, and took lots of amazing photos! This is important to me, as I am traveling alone. This wasn't just an organized tour on paved paths, but a true jungle trek! 🙂
₨3,300
Full 100% Deposit Required
This booking is made on request
Where you’ll be?
Cancellation policy
A cancellation fee of 50% of the total price is asked for bookings cancelled on the day preceding the hike and 100% on the day.
