Hiking from Ganga Talao to Black River Peak and Chamarel - Part 1

Most of our hikes have started from Henrietta, Grand Riviere Noire (west) or Ganga Talao and ended at these places as well. Easy bus access to these places from where we live. Today we decided on a different hike that started out  from Ganga Talao (there are buses from Curepipe) and ended at Chamarel village, via Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire 

We caught the bus at 07:45 from La Gare Jan Palach Sud,  Curepipe  to Ganga Talao , which takes about 45 minutes. Endless stretch of 2.4 km / 1.5 miles from Ganga Talao to Petrin, the main entrance to Black River Gorges National Park 

The first junction after Petrin; Les Marres,  the roads lead to Chamouny (straight) and  Plaine Champagne and Chamarel village (right). 

On the road towards Plaine Champagne. The weather broke and we had nice weather the rest of the day.

Gorgeous bottle brush trees in full bloom along the roadside

Stunning scenery, I love this! Nature on its best! 

We have reached the beautiful alley leading  to Alexandra Falls. 

We have been to Alexandra Falls several times so didn't want to waste time here again. It's a beautiful place, but also another tourist hot spot...

We have reached the highest point on the road, at Plaine Champagne Police Post, 744 meters / 2441 feet above sea level. In the distance is Montagne Cocotte 771 meters / 2529 feet. 

Just after the Police Post, you will find the trail-head for the Trochetia Trail. It's an easy hike and takes you straight to the famous tourist hot spot; Gorges viewpoint. 

Splendid view from Trochetia Trail (just before Gorges viewpoint)

Hawkers everywhere on the island! .... at the Gorges viewpoint too! 

We had a short break here at the viewpoint, before we continued further down the road to  Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire (Black River Peak) trail-head.

To continue... Part 2