EBONY FOREST RESERVE CHAMAREL
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Conservation, awareness and protection area sheltering one of the last endemic forests of Mauritius
A must-see, this conservation, awareness and protection area is home to one of the last endemic forests in Mauritius, remarkable for its ebony trees. Discover this fascinating ecosystem on an easy 25-minute guided walk, which also includes a small museum and a tree nursery. With a little more time, you can reach a 300-meter-long observation deck for a guided forest immersion, followed or not by one or more marked treks enabling you, if you're lucky, to observe endemic birds (Pink Pigeon, Grosse Cateau verte...) and giant tortoises. Those who don't want to walk too much can opt for the 2-hour guided jeep safari, which takes you from one point of interest to another, and in particular to Sublime Point : an observation platform with a café, offering a literally sublime panoramic view of the whole of West Mauritius, the mountain ranges and the surrounding countryside. A magical moment of contemplation while sipping a fresh juice and nibbling a few snacks.
From here, you can take a 45-minute round-trip hike (maximum) to the summit of Piton Canot and its 360-degree view.
The estate also offers a number of exclusive activities on reservation, such as birdwatching walks, private tours, sunset with drinks and snacks, and more.
Each of these tours and activities contributes to funding the various conservation projects run by Ebony Forest.
Did you know? This review was written by our professional authors.
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Opening time and information on EBONY FOREST RESERVE CHAMAREL
7d/7, 9h-17h/17h30. 240 Rs per adult for a 30-minute guided Green Loop tour + choice of à la carte activities - trekking, safari.
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Members' reviews on EBONY FOREST RESERVE CHAMAREL
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
We thought we would first be taken into the forest by a guide, and then allowed to explore on our own. But there was no one available. So we found a guide after a short hike to the raised walkway. He then gave us a largely rote description (most of which was already on the information boards placed along the walkway), and the rest was more about the procedures rather than the species of birds and animals being saved from the brink of extinction. At the wildlife film room, the screen was blank and the room, empty. The museum had a lot of information but the room was musty because of which we couldn’t spend much time inside. Overall, it was evident that the reserve was established with a vision and a lot of effort went into creating it. But we felt the enthusiasm in running the daily operations is a bit lacking…
Our self-guided hike was good though – the view was great; and we saw a Mauritian flying fox, a Mascarene paradise-flycatcher, a couple of giant tortoises (up close in the wild!), and even two tropicbirds in the distance! The trails are marked. Hikers can click a photo of the route map and take the paths they wish to at their own leisure. It is highly recommended to carry mosquito repellent, water bottles (can be refilled at the Visitor centre), cap and sunscreen.