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Amazing conservation work has been done over the past 40 years and The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation’s Echo Parakeet Project is the world’s most successful parrot recovery programme. It has helped move this endemic species off the endangered list.

There are now hundreds of these pretty parakeets on the island and you might be lucky enough to spot one in Black River Gorges National Park.

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With opportunities for hiking, both guided and self-guided, as well as 4×4 tours, you can reconnect with nature and appreciate an incredible variety of indigenous species, many of which are rare or threatened. Keep a look-out for the Pink Pigeon and the Mauritian Echo Parakeet as you wander through ebony wood, takamaka trees and bois clou. By visiting La Vallée de Ferney, you’re actively contributing to the maintenance and conservation of this special region.

Finish your time here with a meal at Ferney Falaise Rouge Restaurant, which has incredible views over the ocean. On the menu, you’ll find delicious dishes using seasonal fruit and vegetables, supporting the local suppliers and growers on the island.

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Visitors can enjoy a private visit to the bird release aviaries to see rare species such as the Pink Pigeon and Echo Parakeet or take a tour with experienced bird conservationists in search of the Mauritius kestrel. Enjoy a safari jeep tour of the forest or walk along the 300m raised walkway through ancient forest, where you can soak up the sights, smells and sounds of this tropical wonderland. And if you’d like to play a part in the forest’s conservation, you can. Couples can book to plant a ‘love tree’ – intertwining your story with the story of the forest.

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Make your way around mangrove-lined bays and navigate peaceful rivers – looking out for monkeys and fruit bats in the tree-lined banks and cooling off in waterfalls. Kayak down the Grand River South East, the longest river in Mauritius, and get a close-up of its waterfalls. Or go paddleboarding towards the sunset with Le Morne just behind you.

Whether you embark on a kayaking adventure alone or with a guide, it’s a wonderful way to explore the island.

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Pont Naturel

The bumpy roads you’ll traverse to reach this dramatic natural landscape are well worth the journey. Pont Naturel (or natural bridge) is a volcanic rock formation stretching two metres across swirling glacier blue and white waves. It might look like a man-made construction, but it’s entirely formed by natural processes. Water pours through tiny holes in the rock, making eerie whistling sounds known as “le souffler”, which means “a blower”. The sea here is strong and fierce, with waves smashing against the cliffs. For this reason, it’s not suitable for swimming, but it’s a magical spot to contemplate the power and beauty of nature. It’s also a great spot for photographs – just make sure you don’t veer too close to the edge…

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This small islet is surrounded by a ring of coral and ebony forest covers its landscape.

In 1965, Île aux Aigrettes was declared a nature reserve and incredible conservation work has helped create a habitat for rare species that had long disappeared from the island.

You can enjoy a guided tour, keeping a lookout for rare plants, reptiles, tortoises and beautiful birds, including the pink pigeon, Mauritius fody and Mauritius olive white-eye.

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Located on the northeast of the island, much of Bras d’Eau’s land was used for plantations of non-native trees. However, original biodiversity remains, including two species of the giant Mauritian ebony trees and the Bois de Fer, as well as critically-rare ferns and orchids. Thanks to the area’s National Park status, these precious species are well protected and given room to thrive.

Pop into the Visitor Centre to learn about the trails, historic ruins and wildlife. The gentle Coq Du Bois Loop makes Bras d’Eau a great spot for walkers of all abilities and features an orchard with around 2000 mango and 200 litchi trees.

There’s also fantastic bird watching opportunities – if you’re lucky you might catch sight of sparrows, Mauritius Fodys, canaries, white-eyes or the rare Mascarene Paradise Flycatcher. Mare Sarcelle lake, within Bras d’Eau National Park, is also a natural sanctuary for migratory birds. Finish your trip at the nearby Poste La Fayette beach or one of the park’s picnic tables for lunch.

Bras d’Eau National Park

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