Birdwatching & Hike at Ebony Forest
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Operating Hours :
09:00 - 17:00
Operating Days :
All Days
Duration :
Flexible
Activity Time :
09:00 - 13:00
Transportation :
Offered as Supplement
South West
Birdwatching & Hike at Ebony Forest - Overview
Birdwatching & Hike at Ebony Forest - Overview
Are you an avid bird watcher who loves spotting different species or simply enjoys their sweet chirping in their natural habitats? If so, this birdwatching trip with a scenic hike through the Ebony Forest is an experience you’ll treasure.
Watching Mauritius’ endemic birds in their native forest environment and capturing these moments in photos is a rare and rewarding experience - especially when paired with a guided walk through Ebony’s beautifully restored forest. Depending on your preference, you can explore the area via the Ridgeline Forest Trail, a moderate shaded forest walk surrounded by native trees and birds, or the road trail, a gentler paved route that’s easier for families or visitors with mobility needs.
This eco-tour combines breathtaking scenery with the chance to spot rare endemic birds such as the Echo Parakeet, Pink Pigeon, and Mauritius Paradise Flycatcher, making it a rewarding experience for nature lovers, families, and schools.










- Discover The Ebony Forest of Mauritius with a guided tour
- Enjoy a private visit to the bird release aviaries to see the rare Pink Pigeon and Echo Parakeet feeding in the wild
- Spot endemic birds including the Mauritius Paradise Flycatcher, Mauritius Black Bulbul, Mauritius Kestrel, and Grey White-eye
- Take a guided tour of the Flycatcher raised walkway
- Admire breathtaking views at Sublime Point
- Experience the peaceful forest ambiance, ideal for nature photography and relaxation
- Family and school-friendly – educational yet enjoyable for all ages
- Explore self-guided hikes along the Ridgeline and Piton Canot trails
- Visit the museum for an enriching learning experience
- Choose your hiking experience:
– Ridgeline Forest Trail: A scenic natural trail through restored endemic forest with shady paths and panoramic viewpoints. Ideal for active walkers and nature lovers.
– Road Trail: A smooth, tarred path used by jeeps and maintenance vehicles. Easier to walk but less immersive, mostly exposed to the sun and suitable for visitors with mobility issues or small children. - Enjoy refreshing drinks along with authentic local snacks
- Knowledgeable guides, eco-friendly facilities (sorting bins, water fountains), and clean toilets at main viewpoints ensure a comfortable and sustainable visit
You can build your own adventure at one of Mauritius' wildest parks! The Tailor Made Day at Vallé Advenature lets you customise your ideal day with activities ranging from quad biking to ziplining.
Birdwatching & Hike at Ebony Forest includes:
- 4-hour guided excursion for birdwatching in the heart of the Ebony Forest
- Access to the hiking trails
- Visit to the museum to learn about the history of endemic plants and animals
- Short documentary about the island’s wildlife and flora – available in English (6 minutes) or French (8 minutes)
- Private guided visit of the bird release aviaries
- Guided tour of the Flycatcher raised walkway
- Panoramic views from Sublime Point
- Refreshments at Sublime Point – local snacks and a selection of drinks

Transport is available for an additional supplement and will include pick up and drop off from any place /place of accommodation in Mauritius.
You can choose from a selection of vehicles types:
All drivers speak fluent English and French (Upon special request we can organise drivers who speak additional languages). The drivers, citizens of Mauritius, will be happy to provide you with information about Mauritius and each of its sights.
All drivers are very professional, time efficient and friendly. There is high emphasis on being always on time and providing reliable devoted service to customers.
Chamarel, South West Region
Park Operating Hours: | 09:00 - 17:00 |
First Tour: | 09:00 |
Duration: | The duration of the activity is 4 hours |
This tour is offered every day | |
Departure Time: | Morning |
Birdwatching & Hike at Ebony Forest
Get ready for a truly special birdwatching adventure in one of Mauritius’ most beautiful endemic forests - one of the few places where six of the island’s nine remaining endemic bird species still thrive. Enjoy exploring this hidden natural treasure with passionate guides who share fascinating stories about the island’s ecology, restoration work, and wildlife.
Your adventure begins at the museum, which offers an easy-to-understand overview of Mauritius’ geology, history, and unique biodiversity. Your guide will summarise how human activity shaped the island’s natural environment and explain why its native birds are so precious. You can revisit the museum freely after your tour.
Afterwards, you’ll set off on your hike through the luxuriant Ebony Forest - either along the shaded Ridgeline Trail for a more immersive nature experience, or the smoother road trail for a gentle walk - to reach the bird-watching aviaries. There, you’ll enjoy a private encounter with conservationists and observe several endemic birds such as the Echo Parakeet, Pink Pigeon, Mauritian Bulbul, Grey White-eye, and the curious Mauritius Paradise Flycatcher.
Next, you’ll continue through the forest to the Flycatcher Raised Walkway, a 300m mid-canopy trail through one of the best-preserved ebony forests in Mauritius. As you walk, keep an eye out for ebony trees, delicate orchids, and rare birds fluttering nearby. After birdwatching, you’ll make your way towards Sublime Point, accessible on foot or by Jeep, where refreshing drinks and local snacks await - along with breathtaking panoramic views over the island’s west coast, Le Morne Brabant, and surrounding mountain peaks.
Throughout your visit, expect a peaceful forest atmosphere, clean facilities, and a strong eco-conscious approach with sorting bins, water fountains, and knowledgeable guides who make the experience both educational and inspiring.
About Endemic Birds in Mauritius
The Mauritius Grey White-eye (Zosterops Mauritianus) is the most abundant of the endemic bird species.This is the only endemic bird to have adapted itself to man-made conditions. Gregarious, it moves in bands of 6 to 20 throughout the year.
The Echo Parakeet, on the other hand, is one of just nine surviving bird species that are found only on Mauritius. These birds remain in pairs throughout the year and may be seen feeding each other in courtship rituals for much of that time.
The Pink Pigeon, the largest of all the pigeons and doves found on Mauritius, is another highly endangered species. The pink pigeons became nearly extinct in the 1990s and are still very rare. It is the only Mascarene pigeon that has not gone extinct.
The Mauritius Paradise Flycatchers (Tersiphone desolata) are endemic songbirds that experienced population declines in Mauritius. This inquisitive bird, threatened due to habitat loss, has found refuge at Ebony Forest. You will often see two birds together as male and female birds.
About the Ebony Forest
One of the most exciting conservation initiatives in Mauritius in the last few years, the Ebony Forest seeks to recreate a small pocket of indigenous native forest, the likes of which covered the entire island just 250 years ago. The forest covers 45 hectares with 7 km of hiking routes, two raised walkways that climb into the mid-canopy and an interpretation centre (Museum) with a small shop.
As one of the best-preserved endemic forests on the island, the Ebony Forest, in the southern region of Mauritius, is actively restoring and preserving the rare and threatened fauna and flora of Mauritius. Visitors can participate and become Guardians of the Forest by planting a tree or sowing a seed.
Mauritius Wildlife Foundation has begun introducing two of Mauritius' most endangered signature species: the pink pigeon and echo parakeet. Other bird species to watch out for along the Ebony Forest's trails are the Mauritius paradise flycatcher, grey white-eye, Mauritius black bulbul, white-tailed tropicbird, Mascarene swiftlet and Mascarene swallow.
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.
Ebony Forest Trails
Ridgeline Trail
The Ridgeline Trail is the main natural forest path - a moderately easy 1.3 km walk along the mountain ridge through restored endemic forest. It’s shaded, scenic, and ideal for active visitors who want an authentic forest experience. To the west, you’ll see Le Morne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Île aux Benitiers; to the east, sweeping views of the south-eastern coast and forest restoration sites. The trail connects the Flycatcher Raised Walkway to Sublime Point and takes around 30 minutes at an average pace.
Trail Tip: Wear proper walking shoes (no sandals or flip-flops), carry water and insect repellent, and avoid hiking during heavy rain as the ground may become slippery. This trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Those who prefer an easier route can follow the road trail, a smooth tarred path also leading to Sublime Point. While it’s easier and more accessible, it’s exposed to the sun and used by jeeps, so children must be supervised at all times.
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 with 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 southwest 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 best-preserved 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. Clients are requested to descend from Sublime Point before 17:00.
Safari Jeeps (subject to availability and additional cost)
Safari jeeps are available at Ebony Forest; the use of safari jeeps is available only on pre-booking. There are four times at 9:30, 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 are 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
- Le Takamaka restaurant
- Sublime Point Snack
- Clean and accessible toilets near key viewpoints
- Native Plant Nursery
- Ebony Museum
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Backpack
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Bottle of water
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Hiking shoes
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Sunscreen
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Hat
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Mosquito repellent
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Camera
Birdwatching & Hike at Ebony Forest | |
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Price per Adult (Min 2 Adults Required) | 55 Euros |
Price per Child (5-17) | 35 Euros |
3Choose Booking Option
When booking for a specific date, you will be asked to enter your preferred date for the activity, as part of the order process. This option will entitle you to reserve your place for this activity on a specific preferred time and date that best suits you, provided that you confirm the availability with one of Mauritius Attractions’ agents firsthand. Please note that in case you order any activity which takes more than 1 day, the preferred date represents the date on which you would like to start the activity.
(Valid for 3 months)
By ordering an Open Voucher you will be able to choose your preferred date for this activity during a later stage (when you already have full knowledge of the schedule for your trip) and not during the order process. This way you benefit maximum flexibility regarding the date of the desired activity. The open voucher can be used to go on this specific activity during a period of 3 months from the date of its purchase. To learn more about the option of an open voucher, please read our Order & Payment Methods page.
Rules and Regulations