Ebony Forest Reserve Chamarel - Take a Hike Tour

Lovely conservation project. You can see ebony trees and learn about the original fauna and flora of mauritius. We took the hiking tour. Highly recommended.

We had a great time in this forest. As we are fit, we chose to hike and not take the jeep. It was not hard. The walk was pleasant; the guided visit, very interesting; the view breathtaking! We had the most memorable fresh tamarind juice ever at Sublime! A huge thank-you from the bottom of my heart to all the volunteers and staff who help protect endangered species and keep Mauritius green.

Was a good day, the sublime view point was nice, but the hike was rather boring (lots of same scenery). Also make sure to bring mosquito crème because we did not know that was really a must.

Being a relatively unfit person, I did a lot of googling to try & find out how difficult the hikes were at Ebony Forest but did not learn much.

So now that I have done it, here is my review. Please refer to the photo which shows the main tracks & the footpaths. Main tracks means vehicles i.e. the jeeps, use these tracks so they are “paved”. Footpaths means jungle tracks so a bit rougher but still cleared & easy to follow with even ropes in places to help you.

Main track A-B is 1.2 km was ok for a relatively unfit person.

Footpath C-D Ridgeline - we took that route for the better views & to feel that you are walking in a forest so it was an alternative to the “inland” route which is the paved & main track. But the footpath was also quite challenging in places. Fortunately, ropes are placed in strategic spots which helped give us some “support”. As some people said, they brought sticks as there is nothing for you to hold onto/help you if you need it.

Many of our group which also comprised young children, stopped at D, the Sublime viewpoint. A few of us who couldn’t resist the last 20-30 mins or so went up further to Piton Canot for the 360 degree view from the west coast, inland to the south coast & back to the west coast. See video attached. (PS could not attach video!) They all said it was a “steep” climb & difficult for those who are unfit, with weak knees & even the coming down was difficult as the ground was slippery. It’s only 0.4 km away so it is doable but be warned.

We all came back from Sublime viewpoint via the Main Track which is mainly flat as the jeeps use it but the last bits are a bit “steepish” going down.

In summary, it is doable for a relatively unfit 50+ person, man or woman, although we were very stiff & sore the next day! We were in a group & started off at 1450 leisurely & we were back at 1730 after having spent about an hour or so at Sublime Viewpoint resting & enjoying the truly Sublime views! But we didn’t get a chance to visit the museum or do the guided walk because of time so I guess, we have to go back!

Booked the guided trek. Our guide Avish was friendly, knowledgeable and fun. The tour starts with a tour through museum where Avish explains the changes which have occurred to the island which makes their work so important.
The tour starts with 2 shortish but steep climbs then it flattens out, then follows walks along raised metal walkway (not high, but you're not standing on the plants and trees etc.
You then gou up a path which is root covered and sometimes a bit rocky, not difficult but the guide will help and talk you through the area and point out interesting facts, plants, animals plus the bird boxes. This is handy as I was checking not to trip while listening to the information.
You then get to the fantastic viewpoint with a small cafe.
Finally there is the descent on more raised walkways and finally you walk down the steep path you walk up at the start.
Throughout our guide was mindful of the need for breaks and was happy to stick to our walking speed.

If you are in the region of Chamarel, you should not miss visiting Ebony Forest! It was the highlight of the day! The guided tour on the raised walkway was super interesting and the walk on the ridgeline trail was fantastic. When you reach the sublime point you are merely amazed by the breathtaking view. You even get some drinks and snacks there. We had an interesting and nice talk with Avish, who was on duty at this time. So please visit Ebony Forest, it's worth it.

We booked onto a 09:30 jeep drive and combined it with a walk around the forest. Seeing the Ebony trees was really pleasant but also made me sad for all the deforestation that has occurred on the island which is also the same for the rest of the world. The jeep took us to a raised walkway where you could see certain types of flora and fauna, and our guide Jean Francois was very helpful, courteous and knowledgeable. We got to the top and had a splendid view over the vista. We opted to walk the rest of the way, but you can just take the jeep backdown. If you walk the rest of the way you get the opportunity to walk up Piton Canon which is a prominent peak at the south west end of the island, and you can get views across much of the southwest with a 360 panorama. The walk there is quite steep in places and be careful if you do it when it rains as we did. There is useful handropes along the way.
We were staying in Chalets Chamarel which is part of the geopark with other activities and sites such as 7 coloured earth, Chamarel waterfall and an adventure park so it was very close for us to get to. If you are not staying in the geopark you will either need to hire a care, get a driver or book a taxi in advance. Definitely worth the trip though.

Moderate hike within the forest with a rewarding views at the end. 100% recommended. Bring mosquito repellent, sun block, hats & water.

We did the classic tour and absolutely loved it. It felt great to connect with Mother Nature and to see the great job the team did to conserve the forest. Also appreciate the knowledge imparted by the guide!

We absolutely loved our visit at the Ebony Forest Reserve. The guided tour was led by a very friendly and learned young lady, who informed us about the activities done to preserve the little that is left of the original fauna and flora of Mauricius. We greatly admire their work and hold our fingers crossed they succeed! After the guided tour, we took a hike towards the Sublime Point and continued up to the peak of nearby mountain. Definitely worth every rupee! Strongly recommend.

it was an amazing place, ideal for hikers and nature lovers. The team is helpful and passionate about restoring the forest back to its original state. Enriching experience and made accessible for people of all ages.

The park is located in Chamarel. We participated in the classic tour, which included a visit to the on-site museum, where we could learn a lot about Mauritius' past and how the island looked like many years before other species and plants had been introduced. A guided jeep tour around the area of Ebony forest was also integrated. There are walkways through the Ebony forest. You can also spot birds, such as the flycatcher or cute geckos. The guides and team of Ebony forest have a strong dedication to conserving the natural, endemic biodiversity of Mauritius.

At the sublime point, we enjoyed a marvellous view over Chamarel, Tamarin bay and Le Morne, the Indian Ocean looks fascinating from above. There is even a small restaurant, which sells snacks and cold drinks. From the top you could either walk down to the beginning of the tour or you can take the jeep back.

At the entrance is also a shop, where you can buy locally produced products and thereby support the Ebony forest. Furthermore there is also the possiblity to plant your own tree or go for bird-watching.

It was one of the best tours we've made and we really enjoyed the day.

Visited Ebony Forest which is after th Chamarel water fall. Normally a 4x4 picks you up to drive you but group was in front of me so I walked. Very steep way and not for the faint hearted ! Having arrived you ar guided through the Ebony forest on a creatd path through the shady forest. Lots of interesting information and unique plants shown. They remove plants that invaded the forest and endanger locally grown plants. Then the guide makes a picture with you. I chose "Be the forest with you" :)

Ebony Forest is a must for any local or tourist to visit as I have been amazed by the flora and fauna in this 50 hectares of forest. To end your visit, you are brought to the summit of the reserve some 462 m above sea level for an amazing view that you surely shall never forget. The guided visit of the different ebony trees and the history of the island from the colonisation of the Dutch to the French and British make it worthwhile.
However the amazing work being done by the staff and the owners to restore the little bit of forest still left on the island has to be hailed and appreciated.
You shall not be disappointed.

We were at the Ebony forest for the second time with friends. Jean Francois, our guide was very nice and he is a native of chamarel. For the first visit, we had Avish as guide, and he also was very helpful. At the Sublime Point, there is a guy in charge of the snack - he also was very helpful and very nice to us. For the second time, Still the view was breath taking and splendid. We had lunch at the restaurant. We noticed that we received bread and butter this time while a week ago, we did not received the same for lunch - different service for different days?? We had paninis - we rate it 1.5 out of 5. The salad was not good at all. We still rate the restaurant 2.5 out of 5. The service quality has to be improved. And the review checklist has to be given to client at the table itself to give a proper review. But we still recommend the visit to the Ebony Forest.

Wonderful visit in the southwest of Mauritius very great time with friends and its an amazing experience in nature also discover the history of Mauritius and those who love nature and sightseeing you Will be breathtaking

Perfect location.
The staff was very welcoming and professional. We had a great experience, it was the best hike i had in mauritius.
Will surely come back.