Endemic Mauritius Nature Tour

Mauritius has a Photography Museum with actual daguerreotypes, antique cameras, and relics from 19th-century photography.

Endemic Mauritius Nature Tour - Inclusions

• Full-day guided nature tour across two key conservation sites in Mauritius
• Boat transfers across the lagoon to and from Île aux Aigrettes
• Guided visit of the Île aux Aigrettes nature reserve
• Entry to Ebony Forest Reserve, including a 4x4 jeep tour within the forest
• Contribution to ongoing reforestation and endangered species conservation programmes
• Private transportation between all sites
• Pick-up and drop-off from any hotel or place of accommodation across Mauritius

• Pick up at 08:30 from place of accommodation
• Road trip and sightseeing from vehicle on the way to Ile aux Aigrettes
• Departure by boat from the shore to head to Ile aux Aigrettes
• Arrival and introduction to Ebony Forest + Museum Visit
• Jeep Trip through Ebony Forest - Hop on hop off at points of interest
• Drop off at 18:00 at your place of accommodation

Endemic Mauritius Nature Tour - About the Sites

Ile aux Aigrettes

Ile aux Aigrettes is an island nature reserve created in 1965, offering a rare glimpse into what Mauritius’ ecosystem looked like before human settlement. This small coral island has been carefully restored and today serves as a living showcase of the island’s original flora and fauna.

As you explore the reserve with a guide, you will discover a variety of endemic species that have been reintroduced and protected here. These include the pink pigeon, the Mauritius Fody, the Mauritius Olive white-eye, the vividly coloured day gecko, Telfair’s Skink and Aldabra giant tortoises.

• Endemic birds and reptiles found nowhere else in the world
• Restored native forest ecosystems
• Giant tortoises roaming freely across the island

If you are lucky, you may even encounter Big Daddy, a 100-year-old tortoise who fathered most of the young tortoises living on the island today.

Fun fact: Ile aux Aigrettes is one of the most successful conservation projects in the Indian Ocean, with several species saved from near extinction through long-term restoration efforts.

The reserve is managed by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF), a local NGO dedicated to the conservation of rare species. Extensive work has been carried out on this 26-hectare coral island, including replanting endemic forest and reinstating native species, allowing visitors to better understand Mauritius’ fragile natural heritage.

Ebony Forest

Next stop: Ebony Forest, in the south-west near Chamarel. After exploring Île aux Aigrettes in the south-east lagoon, the journey continues across the island to one of Mauritius’ most important conservation areas.

Ebony Forest complements the island visit with a scenic 4x4 jeep experience through one of Mauritius’ most important conservation areas. The visit begins at the Visitor Centre, where a museum and short educational film introduce the island’s flora, fauna and conservation story.

You will then explore the forest by jeep, stopping at selected points of interest to take in the landscapes, observe endemic plants and enjoy panoramic viewpoints while moving comfortably through the reserve.

• Jeep-based exploration through protected forest areas
• Stops at viewpoints and conservation highlights
• Access to elevated walkways and scenic lookouts

Along the route, you may spot native wildlife such as fruit bats, swiftlets and tropicbirds. The experience includes access to mid-canopy walkways and viewpoints such as Sublime Point, offering a memorable view of Le Morne Brabant and the surrounding coastline.

Good to know: While the terrain is generally moderate, the jeep route and concrete tracks make several key areas accessible, including viewpoints and walkways. These sections can be explored comfortably by visitors with reduced mobility, although the reserve is not fully wheelchair accessible.

Before leaving, you may visit the native plant nursery at the Visitor Centre, the only nursery in Mauritius dedicated exclusively to propagating native and endemic species.

Together, these visits offer a balanced nature experience, combining conservation, education and discovery across two of Mauritius’ most significant protected sites.

• The starting site for the day's itinerary depends on your place of accommodation, and the driver will brief you accordingly on the day of the trip.
• As this is a private trip, we can adjust the tour times to suit your preferences, within certain limits. Please note that the route is fixed, and pick-up and drop-off must be at the same hotel.
• Note: Ile aux Aigrettes is not an islet where clients can swim/picnic; you need to be properly dressed with closed shoes for the guided tour.

Rules and Regulations - Ebony Forest

• Activities/ Facilities which are not included 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Closed shoes are required; hiking shoes strongly recommended for Ebony Forest.

Holiday Closure*

• Île aux Aigrettes is closed on 25 December, 1 January, and 2 January.
• Ebony Forest is closed on 25 December and 1 January.

Transport is included in this package and includes pick up and drop off from any hotel / place of accommodation anywhere in Mauritius

Transportation:

The Transportation prices are Per Vehicle (and not per person). You can choose the vehicle type according to the number of passengers in your group.

Endemic Mauritius Nature Tour Prices:

Total Tour Price Per Person including Private Transportation and Entry Tickets to all the sights: