Ebony Forest Reserve Chamarel - Take a Hike Tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Imagine one of the last remaining places on Mauritius where majestic black ebony trees stand tall and Paradise Flycatchers and Mauritius Black Bulbul chase each other through the trees. Once home to the Dodo, Ebony Forest, remains a refuge for threatened native flora and fauna. Visitors will be treated breathtaking views from Sublime Point and unique mid-canopy walkways. With less than 2% native forest remaining in Mauritius, Ebony Forest is a jewel for nature lovers and those wishing to escape from the beaches and hustle and bustle of Mauritius.
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Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Discover the history of the island, from its volcanic origins to the arrival of humans and the destruction of the forest in our Ebony Experience Museum. Then see our amazing forest restoration efforts to conserve the native fauna and flora. Its first stop is the Flycatcher Forest where you will be treated to a 30 minute guided tour along a raised walkway through one of the best preserved ebony forests remaining in Mauritius. Spot the native birds, learn about the value of ebony wood and hug some trees!
After your tour, to get to Sublime Point you hike along the idyllic Ridgeline Trail (1.1 km) with amazing views of Ile aux Benitiers and Le Morne. The name says it all, Sublime is a view not to be missed during your visit to Mauritius. Relax and watch the bats flying, white tail tropic birds soaring and acrobatic performances of the Mascarene swiftlets. Why not enjoy some local snacks to full savour the experience.
For those energetic visitors, we recommend a hike to the summit of Piton Canot for a spectacular view of the south-west coast and village of Chamarel.
If hungry, you can purchase some local snacks at Sublime Point, why not grab some snacks, along with a souvenir, from our boutique which sells mostly local artisanal products. Profits generated are reinvested into our ongoing forest restoration work (weeding and planting) and reintroduction of birds. We have planted more than 148,000 native trees, but we have a lot more work to do. Be part of our forest restoration project by visiting us.
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
What To Expect
Ebony Forest Reserve
A warm welcome awaits you at our Visitor Centre. We are located just beside the Seven Coloured Earth near Chamarel so follow the signs and join us at our luscious tropical paradise. Be sure to stop and admire the Chamarel Waterfalls. We recommend you arrive at our entrance by 15:00 at the latest to ensure you have plenty of time to enjoy your visit. What can you expect? • 30 minute guided tour along a raised (0.5m – 4m high) walkway through the Flycatcher Forest • Breathtaking views of the south and west coast from Sublime Point • Witness 8 million years of history in our Ebony Experience Museum • Meet our endemic and rare threatened birds (Mauritius Flycatcher, Mauritius Black Bulbul, Pink Pigeon, Echo Parakeet, Kestrel) • Easy hikes along our ridgeline trail with spectacular views of Le Morne UNESCO World Heritage Site • Optional hike to Piton Canot for a 360̊ panaroma • Hug an ebony tree that stood at the time of the dodo
Options
Ebony Forest Reserve Chamarel - Take a Hike Tour
What‘s Included
Professional guide upon availability
Museum
Food and drinks
Lunch
Drinks
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
119 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A must-do if you enjoy walking.
768odilet,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you to Damien for the informative tour on the walkway. The viewpoint was superb, and the hike to the canot peak was also wonderful.
Our choice was to explore trails on our own 🤩👀
petermK8561FK,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Having already visited Chamarel Waterfall and the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths during a previous trip to Mauritius, our actual goal was to explore the “Ebony Forest reserve” in the same region. We didn't want a guided tour, but rather to explore the hiking trails on our own. This was possible @ an entrance fee of 510 rupees per person. We hiked several trails to beautiful viewpoints (Kestrel Trail, Ridgeline Trail to the “Le Mourne Viewpoint) and we walked in total 1,5 hours. We enjoyed 👍🏻 our trip walking through the retored native nature. 💟 Peter & Gaby
Great time to think and observe
herbertw440,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour started after a council by the friendly personnel in the visitor centre. Upwards I used the trails. Signs on the way give relevant background information. Even at noon it's worthwhile.
Superb activity to do absolutely!
Cruiser81240,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We made the Jeep tour with friends with children including 1 baby. The young guide was very interesting throughout the visit. She took the time to show us geckos on trees or explain several trees in the reserve. The driver was also very nice. It was exciting!
Insightful guided trek
scubajason,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A really worthwhile experience visiting the Ebony Forest restoration project. The guide was really knowledgeable and gave us loads of insight into the history of the Mauritian ecosystem and the work to restore it from centuries of destruction. The hike is fairly intense, in places very open and extremely hot in the sun. The route to the top peak is hard going even if you consider yourself “gym fit” but well worth the effort for the panoramic views around the island. We walked with a family who had a young child with them. The guide was amazing with her and kept her going long after a lot of kids legs would have given up (they didn’t go up to the top peak). Take good shoes, lots of water and plenty of insect repellent. If you don’t enjoy a hard walk, the jeep tour would be an excellent alternative.
A hike with a purpose
christinegV3950QP,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our hike at Ebony Forest was so much more than a beautiful walk in nature — it was an experience with meaning. From the moment we arrived, we could see the passion behind this incredible conservation project. The trails are well maintained and wind through restored native forest, with breathtaking views over Chamarel and the southwest coast. Along the way, we learned about the endemic plants and birds of Mauritius, and the inspiring work being done to restore what was once lost. What makes this visit truly special is knowing that every ticket directly supports the NGO behind Ebony Forest. Your visit helps fund native forest restoration, species recovery, conservation training, and climate change adaptation efforts. It feels good to know that simply by hiking, you are actively contributing to protecting Mauritius’ unique biodiversity. The guides are knowledgeable and genuinely enthusiastic, sharing stories of rare species and ongoing rewilding efforts. It’s inspiring to see conservation in action — not just talked about, but lived every day. If you are looking for one of the most meaningful things to do in Mauritius, this is it. Stunning scenery, fascinating insights, and the chance to make a positive impact — all in one unforgettable experience. Highly recommend.
GREAT EXPERIENCE
ledesigner,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We chose the Jeep tour. It may not be the + ecological, but bcp more relaxing than walking in intense heat (plus it climbs hard at times). The guide was very good, we learned bcp!! To do absolutely! In addition, you will contribute to the restoration and maintenance of the remaining 3% of the island's primary forest.
Amazing forest adventure
michael desilva235,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Truly amazing experience and really fortunate to go on a one to one tour with guide Damian, a fantastic young man with great knowledge. He will even try and conjure up some birds for you with his bird calling! Get off the beach and spend some time here to support the endangered plants of Mauritius as this is a vital conservation site for the country.
Wonderful place
Laurevs,Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an exceptional place! I highly recommend it. Pleasant Welcoming. We did all the hiking and we had been able to meet a turtle that was walking then what to say about the exceptional panoramas it will avoid you to go to the dreary! And besides, there are few people.
A must when staying in this area.. Really worthwhile
emmawT3421KQ,Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00What a super place to visit and the ticket price helps to keep tbe reserve going. Booked tickets for a hike after reading that you could get a short guided tour across the flycatcher walkway, when we got there the lady in the ticket desk actually explained it was a self guided tour but there might be a guide hanging around by the Flycatcher walkway.. She radioed ahead and said if we could be there by 1230 then a guide would help us.. We were really lucky to get Damien as our guide and as it was only me and my husband we could ask him lots of questions.. Damien was such a good guide, very knowledgeable and funny and told us all about Mauritius and it's flora and fauna and how they are trying to rewild indigenous plants at the reserve, if we hadn't have had a guide we would have missed out on so much. Had a lovely hike up the the Ridgeway trail to the lookout which gives some exceptional views of La Morne and Île aux Benetiers and enjoyed meeting several giant tortoise on the way. The museum was also worthwhile and overall the whole experience was very good, so much better than the 7 coloured sands park next door which is very touristy.. A small coffee shop and somewhere to sit after your hike would be the only improvement to make.
Related Experiences
Operated by Ebony Forest Chamarel