Ebony Forest Reserve, Chamarel
A conservation reserve for Mauritius's endemic forest: canopy-level walkways, replanted ebony trees and the Sublime Point lookout over the south-west coast.
Tip: Take a Hike: Rs 600 non-resident adult, Rs 370 child (5-17); residents Rs 400 / Rs 250. Jeep tour (Take a Drive): Rs 1,600 / Rs 1,080, book online. Sublime Point is worth the climb.
360° view
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An ebony forest being brought back
Ebony Forest is run by a Mauritian NGO that has been restoring one of the island's last ebony forests since 2006. Walking in, you pass restoration plots at different stages, where invasive plants have been cleared and native species replanted.
The highlight is the 300 m raised walkway, visited with a guide in about 30 minutes: fruit bats, Phelsuma day geckos, endemic birds and the bois corail, one of the rarest trees on earth. Some 20 Aldabra giant tortoises roam free in the reserve and help restore it, and a small museum covers the island's natural history.
Ticket options and prices
The basic "Take a Hike" entry is Rs 600 for a non-resident adult and Rs 370 for ages 5 to 17; residents pay Rs 400 and Rs 250; under-5s free (new rates confirmed by the reserve in October 2026).
If you would rather walk less, the "Take a Drive" jeep tour (Rs 1,600 per non-resident adult, Rs 1,080 for ages 5 to 17; residents Rs 1,050 and Rs 630; about 2 hours, online booking required) stops at the museum, the walkway and Sublime Point. Guided treks and a sunset drinks experience at Sublime Point are also on offer.
Trails, Sublime Point and Piton Canot
Depending on your route, the walk covers 2.3 to 6.1 km. Reaching the walkway from the visitor centre takes 15 to 20 minutes (1.3 km). The trails are graded easy.
Sublime Point is a built lookout where snacks are sold. If you have energy left, climb Piton Canot, a 542 m summit: 400 m of trail with 140 m of ascent and a 360-degree view over the west and south-west coasts, Chamarel village and the Black River Gorges. The Ridgeline Trail back takes 30 to 50 minutes.
Opening hours and time needed
The reserve closes at 5pm. Guided walkway tours leave every hour from 9.30am to 4pm, and the reserve suggests arriving before 2.30pm. The last recommended start up Piton Canot is 4pm.
Allow 1 to 4 hours depending on whether you climb Piton Canot. Hours can change, so check the official website.
Practical tips and nearby stops
Wear trainers or walking shoes, bring insect repellent and a refillable bottle (free water fountain in the shop; no plastic bottles sold). Picnics are not allowed. Parts of the walkway are over 4 m high, so mention it if you suffer from vertigo. The visitor centre is wheelchair accessible; the trails are not.
Ebony Forest is on the same road as the Seven Coloured Earth and Chamarel Waterfall, with the Chamarel Rum Distillery and Curious Mauritius close by.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the entrance fee to Ebony Forest?
Take a Hike costs Rs 600 for a non-resident adult and Rs 370 for ages 5 to 17 (residents: Rs 400 and Rs 250). The jeep tour is Rs 1,600 per non-resident adult and Rs 1,080 per child.
How long should I spend at Ebony Forest?
1 to 4 hours depending on your route; climbing Piton Canot adds time. The reserve closes at 5pm.
How do you get to Sublime Point?
On foot along the reserve's trails or by jeep on the Take a Drive tour. The walk back down to the visitor centre on the Ridgeline Trail is gentle.
Is Ebony Forest good for kids?
Yes, the trails are graded easy and under-5s go free. Pushchairs are awkward on the walkway and paths.
