Ebony Forest of Chamarel

Top choice in Chamarel


One of the most exciting conservation initiatives in Mauritius in the last few years, the Ebony Forest seeks to recreate a small pocket of indigenous native forest, the likes of which covered the entire island just 250 years ago. When finished the forest will cover 45 hectares; around a third has been completed. There are 7km of hiking routes, two raised walkways that climb into the mid-canopy, safari jeeps, and an interpretation centre with a small shop.

Mauritius Wildlife Foundation has begun introducing two of Mauritius' most endangered signature species: the pink pigeon and echo parakeet. Other bird species to watch out for along the Ebony Forest's trails are the Mauritius paradise flycatcher, grey white-eye, Mauritius black bulbul, white-tailed tropicbird, Mascarene swiftlet and Mascarene swallow.

Ask about the special packages, which include birdwatching, guided hikes, and even a package for honeymooners called the 'Love Tree'.

To get here, you need to enter through the gate for Terres de 7 Couleurs.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Chamarel attractions

1. Terres de 7 Couleurs

0.48 MILES

Chamarel Coloured Earths have become one of the sights on the island's usual tourist circuit. Some travellers (and we're among them) find them quite…

2. Chamarel Waterfall

1.14 MILES

About halfway (1.5km) between the entrance gate to Terres de 7 Couleurs and the colourful sands is a scenic viewpoint over the waterfall, which plunges…

3. Curious Corner of Chamarel

1.51 MILES

This eclectic place is utterly unlike anywhere else on the island. Essentially an interactive gallery of illusions and art, it has an upside-down room, a…

4. Rhumerie de Chamarel

2.09 MILES

Set among the vast hillside plantations of Chamarel, the rhumerie is a working distillery that doubles as a museum showcasing the rum-making process. The…

6. Le Morne Public Beach

3.59 MILES

The resort hotels of Le Morne may have grabbed long stretches of ocean frontage here, but this public beach, between Dinarobin and Lux Le Morne is just as…

7. Matthew Flinders Monument

3.62 MILES

Standing on the shore 500m west of Baie du Cap, the Matthew Flinders Monument was erected in 2003 to honour the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the…

8. Gorges Viewpoint

4.21 MILES

On a clear day, the views from here across the gorge and down towards the west coast rank among the best on the island.

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "mauritius/chamarel/attractions/ebony-forest-of-chamarel/a/poi-sig/1613557/1331459",
      "destination": "Chamarel",
      "continent": "Africa",
      "country": "Mauritius",
      "city": "Chamarel",
      "position": "superzone"
    }