Birdwatching & Hike at Ebony Forest

The Blue Penny Museum is home to two of the rarest stamps in the world.

Birdwatching & Hike at Ebony Forest includes:

• 4-hour guided birdwatching forest excursion
• Access to Ebony Forest hiking areas
• Guided visit to bird release aviaries
• Guided walk on Flycatcher raised walkway
• Access to museum and wildlife documentary
• Panoramic viewpoints including iconic Sublime Point
• Local snacks and drinks at Sublime Point

Birdwatching & Hike at Ebony Forest

Ready to slow down and tune into nature? This birdwatching and hiking experience takes you into one of Mauritius’ most beautiful endemic forests - one of the rare places where six of the island’s nine remaining endemic bird species still live in the wild. It’s a relaxed, 4-hour guided escape filled with birdsong, forest paths, and meaningful moments.

Start at the Museum: a quick intro

The experience kicks off at the Ebony Forest Museum, where your guide sets the scene with an easy, engaging overview of Mauritius’ natural history and conservation story. It’s the perfect warm-up before heading into the forest - and you can always pop back in after the tour.

Fun fact: the museum spans around 8 million years of island history.

Into the forest: birds all around

From the Visitor Centre, you’ll walk deeper into the forest towards the bird release aviaries. Keep your eyes (and ears) open - you may spot the Echo Parakeet, Pink Pigeon, Mauritius Paradise Flycatcher, Grey White-eye, or Mauritian Bulbul along the way.

Eye-level with the canopy

The Flycatcher Raised Walkway is a real highlight. This 300-metre mid-canopy path lifts you up to 4 metres above the forest floor, offering a fresh perspective on ebony trees, orchids, and birdlife passing close by.

Worth knowing: guided walkway visits last about 30 minutes and run daily from 09:45 to 16:15.

Sublime Point: the wow moment

The walk continues towards Sublime Point, reached on foot or by safari jeep. This is where most people pause, breathe, and reach for their cameras - views stretch across the west coast, Le Morne Brabant, and the surrounding mountain peaks. Local snacks and refreshing drinks are waiting too.

Just so you know: the raised walkway to Sublime Point is 90 metres long, and visitors should descend before 17:00.

How far will you walk?

The experience flows along natural forest paths, including sections of the Ridgeline Trail. It’s scenic, shaded, and pleasantly paced - perfect for soaking it all in.

• Visitor Centre to Flycatcher Walkway: 1.3 km
• Flycatcher Walkway to Sublime Point: 1.3 km
• Visitor Centre to Sublime Point: 2.4 km

Another fun fact: Ebony Forest covers 45 hectares and offers around 7 km of walking routes, including two raised walkways.

A calm, eco-conscious escape

Expect a peaceful atmosphere, well-kept facilities, and an eco-conscious approach throughout - simple touches that make the experience feel easy, natural, and unforced.

This birdwatching and hiking experience is ideal for travellers who enjoy nature at a gentle pace, beautiful views, and moments that feel quietly special.

• Backpack

• Bottle of water

• Hiking shoes

• Sunscreen

• Hat

• Mosquito repellent

• Camera

• It is recommended to partake in this activity in the morning.
• The guided hike includes the Flycatcher Raised Walkway and access to Sublime Point via either the Ridgeline Forest Trail (moderate, shaded) or the road trail (easy, exposed). Families with small children or limited mobility are advised to use the Jeep option for safety and comfort.
• Booking should be done 48 hours prior to visit
• Minimum number of participants: 2
• Activities/ Facilities which are not included in your selected option are subject to an additional cost.
• Children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Any child not accompanied will be refused access.
• The Reserve 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.
• 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.