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

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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

River kajaking with Rowin

Nov 16, 2025
It was a great experience, with a very friendly guide. No noise no crowd just us on the river. Get ready to get wet a little bit and to enjoy the sun. Really good for a shorter trip.
User avatar

Outstanding

Nov 16, 2025
This hike was absolutely amazing and the sight was breath taking. The guide was very kind and knowledgeable. Highly recommended tour.
User avatar

A must

Nov 15, 2025
An amazing experience, and our guide Rowin made it even better. The technical part of the climb was so fun and slightly challenging but Rowin was there to make it a much easier time. This is a must if you’re in Mauritius.
User avatar

Go hiking with Yanature !

Nov 15, 2025
A super hiking experience with Rowin as our guide, a very thoughtful and interesting person. We enjoyed a nice view up there and the hiking was filled with good laughs and histories. I highly recommend you go hiking with a guide and choose Yanature ! Thanks again Rowin, you made our trip unforgettable !
User avatar

Enjoyed it!

Nov 14, 2025
It was a great hike to 4 of the 7 Waterfalls (we get to see the fifth from the top), and it was a bit of a challenge due to the rains. The guide was great, patient, helped the people wherever needed, and was striking conversations well. Good way to spend half a day.
3,300

Full 100% Deposit Required

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.

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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

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