One of the three national parks in Mauritius is called Bras d'Eau and covers 500 hectares in the north-eastern part of the island. The other national parks are the more famous Black River Gorges and Islets National Park, comprising 8 islands including the famous Ile aux Cerfs or Ile aux Fouquets.

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The indigenous Mauritian forest

The original flora of the Mauritian forests was almost completely destroyed during the colonisation of the island, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries. The original forests were replaced by plantations or non-native tree species suitable for logging.

However, the Bras d'Eau National Park area has remained intact and you can still see what the original Mauritian forests looked like in the past.

Partially native forests can also be found in the south-west in the Black River Gorges National Park.

The most important plant species found here are the native giant Mauritian ebony trees.

Hiking trails through the forest

Bras d'Eau is a very small national park and there are only 2 relatively short marked and very comfortable trails through it.

The trails are also suitable for children or the elderly and low-trained travellers.

Both routes start at the visitor centre and lead to the small lake Mare Coq de Bois:

• Mare Sarcelle Trail - 2 km one way (4 km total), see map
• Coq de Bois Loop - 5 km circular route, see map

How to get there

The main circular road around the island runs right through the national park and you can park for free at the car park at the trailhead.

There are no bus routes through the national park.

Entrance fees and opening hours

The hiking trails are open 24/7.

Admission is free.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Mauritius.