Ebony Forest Discovery (Chamarel)
Embark on a nature lovers’ trip at the Ebony Forest. You will spend the day amidst the lush green nature the west coast has to offer. Stroll through the forest, discovering the beautiful nature and learn about the history of Mauritius at the museum. Choose between a hike or a jeep ride to discover the beauty of the place.
For hiking aficionados, the Take a Hike option would be the best one. This option allows you to visit the museum to learn about the rich fauna and flora history of the forest throughout the years. You will also get to watch a short film about the island’s wildlife before taking a guided tour of the Ebony Forest where you can spot the beautiful ebony trees and take a walk on the Flycatcher raised walkways. Keep an eye out for endemic birds flying above you. The view when you reach the Sublime Point upon continuing your self-guided walks on the nature trails, will leave you breathless! The highlight of this option is undeniably the hike up to the summit of Piton Canot. This hike will take you 542 metres above sea level for an unobstructed view of the forest from above. Take this opportunity to breathe in the crisp fresh air and to fill your heart with peace and happiness.
If you would prefer a more relaxed day then the Take a Drive option is what you would want to choose. Before you hop on the jeep to begin your nature discovery in the wild, visit the museum and gain some insight on the fauna and flora of the forest and learn more about the wildlife of the island by watching a short educational film. You will then be cruising through the forest with stops at places of interest to take pictures and walk around to look for endemic birds and plants. This option also gives you access to a guided tour of the Ebony forest and the Flycatcher raised walkway which would take you to the Sublime Point for an incredible view of the scenery.
Additional Info about the Ebony Forest
Ebony Forest
While making your way through the forest, you will get to admire the native fauna of Mauritius, such as fruit bats, swiftlets and tropicbirds soaring high along the mountains’ ridgeline. The two mid-canopy walkways through the Ebony Forest will give you the surreal sensation of floating through one of the best-preserved forests on the island. If you are a keen bird watcher, you will be able to spot the endemic birds that the Ebony Forest hosts, such as the Mauritius Paradise Flycatcher, Mauritian Black Bulbul and grey-white eyes.
The Sublime Point offers a breathtaking view of Le Morne Brabant and the surrounding bays where you can also see a lot of tropical birds, including the white-tailed tropicbird.
Museum
The Ebony Forest Museum is where you can witness 8 million years of the island’s history, including the history of the unique animals and plants that inhabited Mauritius. The museum provides an overview from the volcanic eruption millions of years ago, to the flora & fauna that inhabited our island including how man’s actions have ultimately destroyed the island’s unique environment.
You will also be able to see the effort made in order to restore the island’s fragile habitats and how some habitats have been rebuilt.
Ebony Forest Trails
Ridgeline Trail
This trail runs along the mountain top. To the west, you will see Le Morne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Île aux Benitiers, while to the east you will see the south-east coastline and the different plant restoration sites. From there, you can either walk down from Sublime Point, or up from the Flycatcher Raised Walkway. This is a relatively gentle trail of 1.1 km and is expected to take 30 minutes at average pace.
Piton Canot
This 400m trail is a continuation of the Ridgeline Trail and is accessible from Sublime Point. If you are feeling energetic, you can hike up to the peak of Piton Canot (542 m) where you will be rewarded by a 360-degree view. The trail ascends around 140 m, and will take a return trip of around 45 minutes. The hike up Piton Canot will provide you with breathtaking panoramic views of the south-west of Mauritius.
Routes
Visitor Centre to the Flycatcher Raised Walkway – 1.3 km
Flycatcher Raised Walkway to the Sublime Point – 1.3 km
Visitor Centre to Sublime Point – 2.4 km
Raised Walkways
Flycatcher Raised Walkway
A guide will accompany you on this mid-canopy walkway of 300 m through one of the bestpreserved ebony forests in Mauritius. You will encounter some of the rarest plants in Mauritius, see ebony trees and may meet the Mauritius Paradise Flycatcher and Mauritius Bulbul.
There are 14 guided tours per day, each 30 minutes in length. The first tour starts at 9:45 and the last one at 16:15. This walkway is at times 4m in height, so if you suffer from vertigo, please let the guide know beforehand.
Sublime Point Raised Walkway
This short-raised walkway of 90 m leads to Sublime Point where you can take in the stupendous views! Relax and admire the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Le Morne, to the south and the Moka range, with the distinctive Pieter Both Mountain to the north. Fruit bats, swiftlets and tropic birds soar along the ridgeline.
Note: You can access the raised walkway either from the Ridgeline Trail, Piton Canot Trail or at the safari jeep drop off point.
Safari Jeeps
Safari jeeps are available at Ebony Forest; the use of safari jeep is available only on pre-booking. There are four times at 09:30, 11:30, 13:30 and 15:30.
From the Flycatcher Raised Walkway, the next jeep will head towards the Sublime Point and back to the Visitor Centre.
Each jeep has a capacity of 9 visitors, so availability is not guaranteed. Walking through the Ebony forest is recommended for a more immersive experience.
Plant Nursery
Visit the native plant nursery, situated at the Visitor Centre, which is the only nursery in Mauritius dedicated to propagating only native and endemic species. It specialises in growing species from coastal to upland areas, including rare and threatened species.
Mauritius has one of the most threatened island floras, where almost 90% of its endemic plant species is at risk of extinction. The Nursery aids in conservation work to ensure that the island can maintain a high genetic diversity with strong and healthy plants, all whilst protecting the wildlife of the island. You will find a large variety of trees, shrubs, creepers, palms and ground cover plants here.
Facilities at The Ebony Forest
Visitor Centre
Boutique
Sublime Point Snack
Toilets
Native Plant Nursery
Ebony Museum
Private and Exclusivity option
Exclusive Ebony Forest Visit
You also have the option of booking a private Exclusive Visit where you will be able to enjoy the tour at ease.
Your visit will begin at the museum where you can witness 8 million years of the island’s history, including the history of the unique animals and plants that inhabited Mauritius. You will also be able to see the effort made to restore the island’s fragile habitats.
A private jeep ride will then bring you to the Flycatcher Raised Walkway where you will have a private guided tour. Here, you will learn more about the forest and the species that inhabit it and since this is a private tour, you can ask all the questions you have.
You will then head for the Sublime Point where you can take in the amazing views and some refreshments will be offered, including juice and some local snacks.
What to bring/wear
Sun cream
Hats
Mosquito Repellent
Bottle of water
Walking shoes
Comments & Notes
Activities/ Facilities which are not included in your selected option are subject to an additional cost.
Maximum group size for “Take a Drive” option: 9 persons
Ebony Forest is closed on 25th Dec & 01st Jan.
Children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Any child not accompanied will be refused access.
The Sanctuary shall not be responsible whatsoever, for any loss, damage and/or theft of your personal belongings.
The hikes are graded as easy, based on international standards. Just let your guide know what pace you would like to go at.
Ebony Forest Reserve is a natural site and hence there are risks from falling branches and steep slopes. It also undergoes active forestry activities. Please pay attention.
Rules and Regulations
It is forbidden to bring any illegal substances, alcohol, firearms and/or generally any other object which is likely to be offensive, dangerous and/or is illegal.
It is forbidden to disturb or harass the animals and tranquillity of Ebony i.e, by musical instruments, audio equipment, screaming, shouting etc.
It is forbidden and a criminal offence to remove from Ebony, any animal, plant, part of the landscape and/or any other structure and/or to damage or deface any of the aforesaid.
It is forbidden for any visitors to picnic, climb stone walls or trees, or litter.
Chamarel, West Region
Operational Days: Everyday (except 25th Dec & 01st Jan)
April – October (Winter)
09h00 – 17h00
November – March (Summer)
09h00 – 17h30
You are requested to descend from Sublime Point at or before 17h00, regardless of the season
The Sublime Point snack is operational from 09h30 to 16h00
Take a Hike
Activity Time: 09h30 – 16h00
Total Duration: 1 – 4 hours
Guided Flycatcher Raised Walkway Tour:
every 30 minutes
Last departure time to walk up Piton Canot:16h00
It is recommended to arrive latest at 14h30 to access all areas of the site
Take a Drive
Activity Time: 09h30 – 15h30
Total Duration: 2 hours
Jeep Tour Times: 09h30, 11h30, 13h30 & 15h30
Guided Flycatcher Raised Walkway Tour: every 30 minutes