Black River Day Trip Routes and Distances
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Day trip routes from Black River
Three routes cover most of what people want from a day out: up to Chamarel and the plateau, along the wild south coast, or north to Port Louis. Distances here are approximate, and a hired car with a driver makes all three easier because the mountain roads are steep and public buses do not serve them.
Route 1: Chamarel and the plateau, about 65 km
| Stop | Distance or detail | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Case Noyale to Chamarel | about 10 km on the B104 | none |
| Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark | dunes, waterfall viewpoints, tortoises | Rs 800 adult, Rs 400 child |
| Plaine Champagne lookouts | about 8 km further on the B103 | free |
| Grand Bassin | about 12 km on, a sacred lake at 550 m | free |
| Bois Cheri tea estate | tour and tasting | roughly Rs 500 to 600 |
The B104 and B103 have blind hairpin bends. Do not drive them after dark, when unlit shoulders and stray dogs add risk. The gorge lookouts are home to macaques, which bite when fed, so keep snacks in the bag. Grand Bassin and Bois Cheri lie in Savanne District, beyond the Black River boundary. At Grand Bassin, cover shoulders and knees and keep quiet near the shrines.
Route 2: the south coast on the B9
This is a drive of about 45 km and 1.5 hours each way, from La Gaulette past the Le Morne peninsula and Baie du Cap to Bel Ombre and Souillac.
- Macondé Viewpoint. The road bends around a basalt headland, and stone steps lead to a free platform above the surf.
- Gris Gris and La Roche Qui Pleure. The reef ends at this southern tip, so ocean swells strike black cliffs directly. It is free to see and unsafe to swim.
Route 3: Port Louis
The capital is 30 to 35 km north, about 45 to 60 minutes by car on the A3. The Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO site marking where indentured workers landed from 1834, is free and opens roughly 09:00 to 16:00 on weekdays and 09:00 to 12:00 on Saturdays. The Central Market is the place for spices, cloth and dholl puri, and the Blue Penny Museum at the Caudan Waterfront shows rare early Mauritius stamps.
Choosing a route
- For scenery and a small walk, pick the plateau.
- For sea views with few stops, pick the B9.
- For food and history, pick Port Louis.
A full day with a driver typically needs a fare agreed in advance. Do not drive after a rum tasting.
Read more: the paid attractions page and the multi day stay planner .
Compare guided trips on Viator . Official sources: Chamarel geopark and the national parks service .