Ebony Forest Love Tree Tour - Plant Your Own Endemic Tree

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The Guided Tour at Ebony Forest (Love Tree) includes:

• Entrance to Ebony Forest Reserve
• Two-hour guided experience at Ebony Forest
• Opportunity to plant and label your own endemic love tree
• One drink (lemongrass juice, tamarind juice, soft drink, or beer) with vegetarian snacks
• Guided tour through the forest by 4x4 jeep
• Guided walk along the raised walkway to Sublime Point
• Spectacular views of the mountains and tropical birdlife
• Access to self-guided hiking trails within the reserve
• Short film about Mauritius’ wildlife (English - 6 min / French - 8 min)
• Ebony Forest souvenir gift
• Visit to the museum showcasing Mauritius’ natural history
• Contribution to ongoing reforestation and endangered species protection
• Access to the shop and toilets (wheelchair accessible)

About the Love Tree Experience at Ebony Forest

The Love Tree Experience is made for visitors who want to turn a moment on Mauritius’ west coast into something truly meaningful. Set within the Ebony Forest near Chamarel, this experience is about slowing down, sharing time, and leaving behind a living symbol that continues to grow long after your visit.

This experience is especially suited to honeymoons, anniversaries, birthdays, family milestones, or personal moments of reflection - but it’s just as fitting for anyone wanting to mark a story in a quiet, natural way.

Understanding the forest and its story

Your visit begins at the Visitor Centre with an introduction to Ebony Forest and its conservation mission. You’ll explore the Ebony Experience Museum, created by Dr Julian Hume, British palaeontologist and co-author of Lost Land of the Dodo, followed by a short film (English or French) explaining Mauritius’ unique biodiversity.

This first step provides clear, accessible context - helping you understand how this forest evolved, what was lost, and why restoration matters today.

Access to the endemic forest

A scenic 4x4 jeep ride takes you deeper into the reserve, passing restoration zones where native plants are gradually replacing invasive species. The drive leads to the Flycatcher raised walkway, one of the key areas of the forest.

Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll walk along raised pathways within the endemic forest, gaining a mid-canopy perspective while learning about endemic species behaviour and the historical use of ebony wood during colonial times.

• Guided walk inside restored native forest
• Mid-canopy views above the forest floor
• Clear insights into ecology and history

Wildlife encounters and peaceful forest moments

As you move through the forest, look out for endemic geckos, forest birds, and rare native trees such as the Bois Corail, known for its coral-shaped flowers. The cooler air, shade, and quiet surroundings create a naturally calming atmosphere.

Panoramic viewpoints at Sublime Point

The jeep ride then continues uphill to Sublime Point, a peaceful lookout where wildlife often steals the show. As you pause to take in the scenery, watch the endemic Mauritian Fruit Bat gliding below, while Mascarene swiftlets, Mauritius Kestrels, and White-tailed Tropic Birds perform effortless aerial displays above the forest and coastline.

The wide views stretch across Le Morne, Ile aux Bénitiers, and surrounding mountain ranges, adding a dramatic natural backdrop to these memorable wildlife encounters.

As you take in the scenery, you may spot the endemic Mauritian Fruit Bat gliding below, while Mascarene swiftlets, Mauritius Kestrels, and White-tailed Tropic Birds circle effortlessly above the forest and coastline.

Here, you’ll pause with a refreshing drink and light local vegetarian snacks, allowing time to take in the scenery and slow the pace.

The Love Tree ritual

This is the emotional core of the experience. You’ll be invited to write a personal note - for a partner, family member, friend, or in memory of someone special. Your handwritten message is placed beneath your planted tree, becoming part of its story.

Planting and labelling your endemic tree

With your guide, you’ll visit a nearby restoration site to learn about your endemic love tree and its role in conservation. You’ll plant and label the tree, knowing it directly supports forest restoration and endangered species protection.

To return to the Visitor Centre, you may choose between:

• Hiking the 2.4 km trail (approx. 30-50 minutes)
• Safari jeep return (approx. 15 minutes)

The jeep option is recommended for families with young children, as some sections of the terrain can be steep.

A memory that continues to grow

Before leaving, you’ll receive a small souvenir - a simple reminder of an experience rooted in nature, connection, and long-term impact.

• Sun cream

• Hats

• Mosquito Repellent

• Bottle of water

• Hiking shoes strongly recommended

• Activities/ Facilities which are not included in your selected option are subject to an additional cost.
• Minimum number of participants: 2 adults
• Booking confirmation is essential.
• Entrance to the Ebony Forest Reserve is included in this package.
• Children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Any child not accompanied will be refused access. For visitors with young children, using the jeep to reach Sublime Point is advised for safety and comfort.
• Clients are requested to arrive 10 minutes before the activity time.
• The Flycatcher raised walkway is more than 4m in height, so if you suffer from vertigo, please inform our staff in advance.
• The Reserve shall not be responsible whatsoever for any loss, damage and/or theft of your personal belongings.
• 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.
• You can fill up your water bottle for free from the water fountain at the onsite shop.

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 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 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.
• Any food and drink purchased within Ebony Forest Reserve must be consumed within the designated zones.
• Footwear must be worn at all times. No shirtless/topless dress is allowed. Bottoms must be worn at all times.

Transport is available for an extra fee, with pick-up and drop-off from any accommodation in Mauritius.

How is the Transportation Fare calculated?

For transportation not included as part of the tour, the fare is calculated based on the set activity duration, the distance between your accommodation and the activity location (round trip).

Transport Payment

The payment for transportation is divided into two parts:

"Deposit": Payable at the time of booking, alongside your activity reservation. This deposit covers a portion of the total transportation fare.

"Amount Due to Driver": The remaining balance is payable in cash directly to the driver on the day of the activity. This final amount is calculated by subtracting the deposit from the total transportation cost.