Mauritius, a beautiful island nation in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its stunning beaches, clear blue waters, and amazing wildlife. Among its many attractions, the Black River (Rivière Noire) district stands out as a region of exceptional natural beauty and cultural significance. Rivière Noire translates to Black River.
Nestled between the sea and mountains on the western side of the island, Rivière Noire offers a unique blend of historical sites, outdoor adventures, and serene landscapes. The Black River District derives its name mainly from the natural greyish and black basaltic mountainous rocks that are the trademarks of the region. This area, known for receiving less rainfall than other parts of the island, provides a diverse range of experiences for every traveler.
Map of Mauritius island with Black River District highlighted.
Tamarin: A Picturesque Beach Village
Choose the village of Tamarin for a picturesque beach vacation. Tamarin (Mauritian Creole pronunciation: [tamaʁɛ̃]) is a village on the western coast of Mauritius. It has long been the seat of the council district of Rivière Noire (Black River). An old fisherman village, Tamarin has developed into a residential area and a moderated holiday resort. The village is surrounded by hills and is very picturesque.
For generations, this area was renowned for some of the best surfing conditions in the world. Though the waves and currents have changed, Tamarin remains a prime surfing spot. Spend idyllic days on this glorious beach and swimming in its tropical waters.
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At dawn spot wild dolphins at Tamarin Bay. Take an early morning boat ride out to see bottlenose dolphins frolicking in the bay. Marvel at these beautiful creatures up-close as trained guides take you swimming with the dolphins.
Choose an oceanfront apartment for your Tamarin stay. In the evenings, listen to live jazz tunes floating through the air from the iconic Crazy Fish Bar. Experience Mauritian nightlife with concerts every night. Taste a selection of wines under timber kiosks, as local and international musicians create incredible music together.
Reach Tamarin by rental car or taxi in 1 hour from Mauritius International Airport.
Historical and Cultural Sites
Explore the small museum inside the Martello Tower, one of five defensive towers built by the British in the 1830s for protection against French invaders. Learn about this tower’s history and design from a guide or posted information. From atop the fortress, enjoy stunning ocean views.
Nearby La Route du Sel, the 18th-century salt flats on Tamarin’s main road, offers a 15-minute guided tour of the last site in Mauritius where salt is still produced. Tamarin is the main salt pan in Mauritius. Its hot and dry environment provides ideal conditions for salt making. Salt production dates back to the French period and the tradition of its making is almost unchanged after nearly two centuries. Water is pumped directly from the nearby sea and allowed to evaporate in the basins. By 2012 cheap imports (mostly from India) had been allowed and the production became uneconomic except for niche high value fleur de sel.
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At lunchtime, visit a luxurious beach restaurant and enjoy a stylish, resort-like outdoor atmosphere. Relax with local patrons on wicker chairs by expansive pools. Sample an array of island dishes as you rest under coconut palms. Take a refreshing swim and indulge in fresh, tropical cocktails.
Driving South towards la prairie from Tamarin the journey can be broken at La preneuse and some two kilometres away at La Grande Riviere Noire, a little further down at petite riviere noire. All these villages are found on the western coast. The opportunity to stop at La Preneuse cannot be missed. La Preneuse has a two-century old cemetery. It contains tombs of great visitors and administrators.
La Grande Rivière Noire is another coastal village with a population of around 2000 inhabitants, mostly fishermen formerly, but now moving to more sophisticated jobs that tourism and the hotel industry are providing them with. The village has become famous as a major centre of big game fishing. It has a modem shell museum called “Snellorama”, the first of its kind in the Indian Ocean region. The church deserves a visit as it is decorated with beautiful paintings including the masterpiece of a local artist named Alfred de la Hogue.
Petite Rivière Noire is a small, poor village that never suffers from hunger. Such was the remark of a writer some time back. It lies between Grande Rivère Noire and Case Noyale. It is well-known for its saltpans and present a resplendent view on a nice sunny day.
Black River Gorges National Park: A Natural Reserve
Black River Gorges National Park | Mauritius explored
Black River Gorges National Park (BRGNP) that stretches from latitudes 200 21'S to 200 29'S and longitudes 570 22' E to 570 31' E, is a site covering 6,574 hectares (ha) comprising of entirely State Land representing 3.5 % of the island and lies in its south-west corner, and comprises 2 portions as follows:
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PORTION No. 1: This portion of 6,372 ha, is bounded as follows:
- Towards the North starting from boundary stone NR3/1 on the summit of Tamarin Range, along a line running south-east on the southern boundaries of State Lands St. Francois and Boucherville on 1070.45 m to stone U, then across State Land Mare Longue on 487.68 m to stone U4, then along the southern boundary of State Land Loulie to its junction with western boundary of State Land Sainfray, then along its prolongation being in part the crest of Mare Longue Reservoir to Mare Longue Road, then south along the eastern edge of Mare Longue Road to its junction with a forest road leading to Macchabee Road, then in a South-westerly direction along the northern edge of that forest road to Rivulet Gros Piquet, south along the eastern bank of Rivulet Gros Piquet across State Lands Florin and Desgranges to a point lying 370 m east of Riviere des Aigrettes, then along a line running in an easterly direction to a forest road, then south along the eastern edge of that forest road to its junction with another forest road leading to Les Mares Road, then along the northern edge of that forest road to Riviere des Aigrettes, then by the eastern bank of Riviere des Aigrettes and its tributary, Feeder Peche, to stone NR7 near les Mares Road.
- Towards the east, from Stone NR7 across State Land Maudave (Terrain Raoul) on a straight line of 894.27 m to stone NR1 near Rivière du Poste, then along the eastern bank of Rivière du Poste to its junction with Grand Bassin Road, then in a westerly direction along the northern edge of Grand Bassin Road to its junction with Les Mares Road on 928.71m, then south along the eastern edge of Les Mares Road through stone U34 to its junction with a forest road, then in a south-easterly direction on a developed length of 1.3 km along the northern edge of that forest road across State Land Les Mares, then in a north-easterly direction through the summit of a hill lying 995780E, 973000N, and following a ridge to the western boundary of State Land Le Juge, then south-east by that boundary to stone U21. Then by the eastern edge of a forest road in State Land Le Juge running in a north-easterly direction to its junction with another forest road. Then along the southern edge of that forest road running easterly though State Land Le Juge to the northern boundary of State Land Combo, then in a southerly direction to Combo Ridge, then east and south on a line along Combo Ridge to its junction with River Savanne, then south by the eastern bank of River Savanne to stone U54.
- Towards the south, starting from stone U54, along the boundary of private property to stone U55, then along the crest line of Savanne Range to stone U22, then by a straight line to stone U23, then by the Mountain Reserves of Savanne range and by the crest of Mount Cocotte to stone U26, then by Mountain Reserves and private property along three lines passing through stones U27 and U28 to stone U29/WF73, then by private property on two lines through stones WF74 and WF75, then along the eastern bank of Rivulet Jacobie up stone WF59, then again by private property on two lines through stones WF60 and WF61.
- Towards the west, starting from stone WF61 along the boundary of State Land Bel Ombre on three lines passing through stones WF62 and WF63 to stone U. Then by the boundary of State Land Fantaisie on three lines running through stones U. Then by the boundary of State Land Bele Vue on 52.12m, then by the boundary of State Land Petit Val along a spur on five lines running through stones U to a stone D.B, then in a north-easterly direction along the boundaries of State Land Petit Val and Petit Nuage. Then by the boundary of State Land Petit Nuage to stone WF65. Then by the boundary of State Land Bel Ombre on five lines running through WF66, WF67, WF68, WF69 and WF70. Then by the southern boundary of State Land Corbeille on two lines to a stream. Then following the northern bank of the stream in a north-easterly direction to the southern boundary of State Land Coin du Mouchoir. Then by the western boundaries of State Lands Coin de Mouchoir and St Denis on six lines passing through stones U, MRL14, MRL13 and MRL12 to MRL11. Then along Ligne Buguth running in a north-westerly direction on two lines to stone MRL27, and by its extension to the crest line of Rivière Noire Range. Then by Mountain Reserves along the crest line of Rivière Noire Range, passing through Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire to State Land Bele Vue. Then by the southern and western boundaries of State Land Bele Vue and Mountain Reserves on five lines to State Land Kushparwanahine. then along the western and northern boundaries of State Land Kushparwanahine on five lines, then by the western boundaries of State Land Black River Gorges Valley on seven lines passing through stones U28, U9, U8, U7, U6 to U5. Then by the prolongation of the line passing through stones U6 and U5 in a north-easterly direction to the crest of Tamarin Range, then following that crest in easterly and northerly directions to the starting point NR3/1.
PORTION No. 2: This second portion of about 202 ha.
Indeed, this region is composed of the Black River Gorges National Park, an essential stopover for passionate nature lovers and sportsmen. This idyllic and authentically natural site is a reserve protected by UNESCO. There are many trails that can be done on foot and in some places, by bike, which uncover awesome flora and fauna. It’s a natural territory for several animals, but one can also spot a few hundred species of endemic or native plants. Along the paths, there flow streams and rivers that lead to beautiful waterfalls, offering an exquisite panorama to the many runners who crisscross this region each year during the various organized trails.
Black River Gorges National Park.
Other attractions
One of Rivière Noire’ s gems is undeniably Le Morne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which needs no introduction. Its legendary mountain and its kitesurfing and windsurfing spots, located along one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, attract aficionados.
Without doubt, Rivière Noire remains one of the most popular meeting points for sea outings. We strongly recommend a most authentic experience, a day of dolce farniente spent at Ile aux Bénitiers enjoying an exquisite turquoise lagoon while indulging in some freshly caught seafood, prepared Mauritian style.
Rivers of Mauritius
Mauritius has many rivers, each with its own unique path and features. Rivers are natural flowing watercourses, usually freshwater, flowing towards an ocean, sea, lake, or another river. In Mauritius, most rivers are relatively short because the island itself is small. They often start in the central highlands and flow outwards towards the coast. These rivers, though not as long as some famous rivers around the world, are vital to the life and beauty of Mauritius.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Western side of Mauritius |
| Area | 259 square kilometres (100 sq mi) |
| Population (2015) | 80,939 |
| Key Attractions | Tamarin Beach, Black River Gorges National Park, Martello Tower, La Route du Sel, Le Morne |
| Unique Features | Driest district of the island, diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage |
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