Endemics of Mauritius: A Curated Walk (Bird-Watching)

4.9Trip Advisor Reviews Image(2327 reviews)
Best Tour Award

×

What is Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best?

According to TripAdvisor, this award is their highest recognition and is presented annually to businesses ranked in the top 1% of worldwide.

Learn More

Tour Summary

Duration

Duration:
3-5 hours

Group

Group:
2-12

Tour Type

Tour Type:
On demand

Difficulty

Difficulty:
Easy

Transport

Transport:
Shuttle Available at Extra Cost

Distance

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

Certified guide

Safety briefing and support throughout the activity

Safety briefing and support throughout the activity

Storytelling and insights about the park’s history, flora & fauna

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:

User avatar

Great hike with amazing view

Dec 06, 2025
It was an awesome experience but the hike is not for beginners. Be prepared for rock climbing type of situation so must have shoes with a good grip. We booked a guide for the hike – Rowin – and the guy was really helpful. He provided clear directions about the path and made sure we stepped on the right places while going up and coming down as well. Would definitely recommend having a guide on this hike since they know the terrain much better than a tourist which is non-negotiable in such a difficult hike. Don’t forget to carry sunscreen and enough water for the 7 km adventure. Enjoy!
User avatar

Le Morne Brabant hike

Dec 06, 2025
We had a great time during this hike!! Views were breathtaking. Throughout the guide Rowin was helpful – giving us information and helpful tips on what to do and what not to do. Overall great guy and great adventurous experience!
User avatar

Amazing experience of hiking in honey moon!

Dec 02, 2025
That was great experience! We went to waterfalls with Gilles (guide guy) and he was really gentle. He told us about everything, showed us a lot of breathtaking views and made super photos! We are glad to choose this guide!!!!
User avatar

Rewarding Hike up Le Morne Brabant!

Dec 01, 2025
We had a great hike up Le Morne Brabant with our very attentive and informative host Rowin! It’s a very humid affair and can be a slippery decent, but Rowin helped us navigate the hike easily and stopped at various points to tell us interesting history about the mountain!
User avatar

Great hike to start the day!!

Nov 27, 2025
Great hike with the guide Genri, knowledgeable of the area!
Some steep sections that can be challenging but definitely worth and recommended!!
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.

Go BackConfirm & Pay

Endemics of Mauritius: A Curated Walk (Bird-Watching)
Endemics of Mauritius: A Curated Walk (Bird-Watching)
This reservation is non-refundable.
Date
Thursday, Jul 17, 2025
10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Guests
1 adult
Hotel Pickup Shuttle
Price details
$52.91 x 1 adult $52.91
Total USD $52.91

100%% Secure Checkout