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Mauritius🇲🇺 | national parksEbony Forest ReserveEbony replanting, pink pigeon aviary, plant nursery, 4x4 ride | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Ebony Forest Reserve
🌟 Highlightnational park ranked #3
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Ebony Forest Reserve is one of the few places where you can walk among endangered Mauritian wildlife, since the reserve runs a restoration project that has brought back native ebony trees and released pink pigeons into the forest. It sits in the Chamarel area in the southwest of Mauritius, up on the plateau above the Black River Gorges side. Here is how it works. The reserve is small and fenced, so you won’t get a wilderness trek, but that is why the paths are well marked, the birds are easy to spot, and a first-timer won’t get lost. Trails are short, from a gentle loop to a steeper climb, and you can also take a guided walk or a cart ride if your legs are tired. The mood is calm, with birdsong, damp earth and tall trees, and crowds stay thin on weekdays. Bring a light rain jacket, because showers pass through fast on the plateau, and book your slot ahead if you want the guided walk, since groups are capped and fill up.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #3 national park in MauritiusWhat sets this place apart

Backpackers pick Ebony Forest Reserve because it answers a question the rest of the island leaves open: what did Mauritius look like before sugarcane and introduced species took over? The Mauritian ebony trees are the heart of it, slow-growing hardwoods that were nearly logged out, and here you can see saplings and mature specimens side by side with a guide explaining the restoration work. The second draw is wildlife you won’t casually meet elsewhere. The pink pigeon aviary lets you see a bird once reduced to a handful of individuals, and the Mauritius kestrel is another conservation success story told on site. It also fits a budget itinerary because it sits right beside the Chamarel waterfall and Seven Colored Earths, so one hired scooter or shared taxi covers all three. Guided walks mean … read more 👉
Backpackers pick Ebony Forest Reserve because it answers a question the rest of the island leaves open: what did Mauritius look like before sugarcane and introduced species took over? The Mauritian ebony trees are the heart of it, slow-growing hardwoods that were nearly logged out, and here you can see saplings and mature specimens side by side with a guide explaining the restoration work. The second draw is wildlife you won’t casually meet elsewhere. The pink pigeon aviary lets you see a bird once reduced to a handful of individuals, and the Mauritius kestrel is another conservation success story told on site. It also fits a budget itinerary because it sits right beside the Chamarel waterfall and Seven Colored Earths, so one hired scooter or shared taxi covers all three. Guided walks mean you learn the names of the plants rather than just photographing green. It is not a place for independent bushwhacking, but for a half day of context it beats any museum on the island.

💡 HighlightsMust-see experiences and standout moments

  1. Ebony Forest restoration walk: The signature experience, a stroll among native Mauritian ebony trees with a guide who explains how the forest is being regrown from degraded slopes.
  2. Pink pigeon aviary: A chance to see this rare, rosy-feathered bird at close range, with explanations of the breeding program that pulled the species back from the edge.
  3. Mauritius kestrel viewpoint: One of the island’s rarest raptors, brought back by conservation efforts, and sometimes spotted wheeling over the canopy.
  4. Native plant nursery: Rows of seedlings of endemic species awaiting replanting, which shows how much work stands behind each new tree.
  5. Hilltop viewpoints: Open clearings on the upper slopes look across the forest toward the southwest hills and, on clear days, the sea.
  6. Guided 4x4 ride up the reserve: A ride
… read more 👉
  1. Ebony Forest restoration walk: The signature experience, a stroll among native Mauritian ebony trees with a guide who explains how the forest is being regrown from degraded slopes.
  2. Pink pigeon aviary: A chance to see this rare, rosy-feathered bird at close range, with explanations of the breeding program that pulled the species back from the edge.
  3. Mauritius kestrel viewpoint: One of the island’s rarest raptors, brought back by conservation efforts, and sometimes spotted wheeling over the canopy.
  4. Native plant nursery: Rows of seedlings of endemic species awaiting replanting, which shows how much work stands behind each new tree.
  5. Hilltop viewpoints: Open clearings on the upper slopes look across the forest toward the southwest hills and, on clear days, the sea.
  6. Guided 4x4 ride up the reserve: A ride in an open vehicle spares your legs on the steepest section and lets the guide stop for birds and plants along the way.
  7. Forest picnic area: A shaded spot to eat among the trees after your walk, with birdsong replacing traffic noise.
Ebony Forest Reserve pairs easily with the Chamarel waterfall and the Seven Colored Earths nearby, since all three sit within a short drive and can fill one unhurried day.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Ebony Forest Reserve

Ebony Forest Reserve Chamarel - Take a Hike Tour

Ebony Forest Reserve Chamarel - Take a Hike Tour

4.8(140)
From €13
per personViator
Fascinating Nature Tour Incl Ebony Forest, 7 Coloured Earth,Lunch

Fascinating Nature Tour Incl Ebony Forest, 7 Coloured Earth,Lunch

5.0(5) 8h
From €140
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Best time to explore Ebony Forest Reserve

  • Cool, Dry Season (May to November): Ebony Forest Reserve is most comfortable now, with days of 22 to 26°C (72 to 79°F) and cooler nights near 16 to 18°C (61 to 64°F). Trails stay firm and the Chamarel hills are less muggy.
  • Hot, Wet Season (December to April): Expect 28 to 32°C (82 to 90°F), heavy humidity and afternoon downpours. Cyclone warnings can close the reserve for a day or more, mostly January to March.
  • Daylight: Days run about 10.5 hours in June and 13.5 in December, so the guided walks, which start in the morning, fit any month.
  • Crowds and Prices: July, August and the December holidays bring the most visitors and the highest hotel rates in the southwest. March to May and September to October are quieter and cheaper.
  • Wildlife: Pink pigeons and Mauritius kestrels are visible all year,
… read more 👉
  • Cool, Dry Season (May to November): Ebony Forest Reserve is most comfortable now, with days of 22 to 26°C (72 to 79°F) and cooler nights near 16 to 18°C (61 to 64°F). Trails stay firm and the Chamarel hills are less muggy.
  • Hot, Wet Season (December to April): Expect 28 to 32°C (82 to 90°F), heavy humidity and afternoon downpours. Cyclone warnings can close the reserve for a day or more, mostly January to March.
  • Daylight: Days run about 10.5 hours in June and 13.5 in December, so the guided walks, which start in the morning, fit any month.
  • Crowds and Prices: July, August and the December holidays bring the most visitors and the highest hotel rates in the southwest. March to May and September to October are quieter and cheaper.
  • Wildlife: Pink pigeons and Mauritius kestrels are visible all year, but birds are most active in the cool early hours.
Book the first morning slot to get cooler air, clearer light and fewer people on the boardwalks.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: highly recommended for travelingJULJuly: good for travelingAUGAugust: good for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: highly recommended for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Mauritius

No accommodation exists inside Ebony Forest Reserve, so you sleep in the villages around it. Chamarel is the closest base, about 10 minutes by car, with a handful of guesthouses and small lodges from US$45 to 110 a night. It is quiet after dark, with few restaurants and a cool, green setting. Prices rise in July, August and December.

Cheaper beds are on the coast. Le Morne has hostels and guesthouses with dorm beds from US$15 to 25 and private rooms from US$40 to 80. It is the best choice for backpackers, with kitesurfing, the Le Morne Brabant hike and a few cafes. Expect 40 to 50 minutes by … read more 👉
No accommodation exists inside Ebony Forest Reserve, so you sleep in the villages around it. Chamarel is the closest base, about 10 minutes by car, with a handful of guesthouses and small lodges from US$45 to 110 a night. It is quiet after dark, with few restaurants and a cool, green setting. Prices rise in July, August and December.

Cheaper beds are on the coast. Le Morne has hostels and guesthouses with dorm beds from US$15 to 25 and private rooms from US$40 to 80. It is the best choice for backpackers, with kitesurfing, the Le Morne Brabant hike and a few cafes. Expect 40 to 50 minutes by road to the reserve.

Bel Ombre and Souillac, further southeast, offer self-catering apartments and family-run guesthouses at US$35 to 70, with a more local feel and less tourist traffic. Flic en Flac on the west coast has the widest range of budget hotels and apartments from US$30, plus restaurants and nightlife, about 45 minutes away.

The reserve has no public transport at its gate, so choose a base where you can rent a scooter or car, or share a taxi. Book Le Morne ahead for July and August.
Best hostels in Mauritius


Best quality hotels in Mauritius

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)Typical daily expenses

A day at Ebony Forest Reserve costs roughly US$70 to 145 including a guided walk, food and getting there. Ebony Forest Reserve charges entry per activity, and most visitors pay for a guided walk, with prices varying by length and season.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance and Guided WalkUS$25 to 45Ebony Forest Reserve sells walks of different lengths, with the longer ones including a viewpoint and guide. Online booking is advised in high season.
Accommodation (High Season)US$20 to 45Dorm beds or basic guesthouse rooms in Le Morne or Flic en Flac. Chamarel is pricier at US$45 to 110.
Local TransportUS$10 to 25Buses stop far from the gate, so most use a shared taxi, a scooter at around US$15 to 20 a day, or a hired car.
Food and DrinkUS$10 to 20Takeaway dholl puri and roti cost US$1 to 2,
… read more 👉
A day at Ebony Forest Reserve costs roughly US$70 to 145 including a guided walk, food and getting there. Ebony Forest Reserve charges entry per activity, and most visitors pay for a guided walk, with prices varying by length and season.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance and Guided WalkUS$25 to 45Ebony Forest Reserve sells walks of different lengths, with the longer ones including a viewpoint and guide. Online booking is advised in high season.
Accommodation (High Season)US$20 to 45Dorm beds or basic guesthouse rooms in Le Morne or Flic en Flac. Chamarel is pricier at US$45 to 110.
Local TransportUS$10 to 25Buses stop far from the gate, so most use a shared taxi, a scooter at around US$15 to 20 a day, or a hired car.
Food and DrinkUS$10 to 20Takeaway dholl puri and roti cost US$1 to 2, local restaurant meals US$6 to 10. The reserve has an on-site cafe with higher prices.
ExtrasUS$5 to 10Water, repellent and small snacks. Prices are paid in local currency or by card.
Total Daily BudgetUS$70 to 145About US$105 for a typical day
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsTrail guide for Ebony Forest Reserve national park

Ebony Forest Reserve offers gentle, guided-style walking on forested slopes in the Chamarel uplands, with a few steeper sections and the option of an open vehicle for the climb. Terrain is a mix of packed earth, gravel and short stretches of steps under tall native trees. Wildlife is the draw: pink pigeons, Mauritius kestrels and a variety of endemic birds, plus geckos and plants found only on the island.
  • Main forest walk: A loop through the replanted ebony forest with stops at information points, about 1 to 2 hours at an easy pace, easy to moderate, with a few uphill stretches.
  • Aviary and nursery
… read more 👉
Ebony Forest Reserve offers gentle, guided-style walking on forested slopes in the Chamarel uplands, with a few steeper sections and the option of an open vehicle for the climb. Terrain is a mix of packed earth, gravel and short stretches of steps under tall native trees. Wildlife is the draw: pink pigeons, Mauritius kestrels and a variety of endemic birds, plus geckos and plants found only on the island.
  • Main forest walk: A loop through the replanted ebony forest with stops at information points, about 1 to 2 hours at an easy pace, easy to moderate, with a few uphill stretches.
  • Aviary and nursery route: A short, flat detour of around 30 minutes to see the pink pigeons and seedlings, easy and suited to all ages.
  • Upper viewpoints: A steeper climb, or a ride by 4x4, to clearings with views over the surrounding forest and, in good weather, toward the coast, moderate effort.
  • Full visit: Allow roughly 2 to 3 hours including the aviary, nursery and viewpoints.
Ebony Forest Reserve is best reached by car, scooter or taxi from Chamarel village, as public buses do not run directly to the gate and the final stretch is uphill. It is quieter than the waterfall site next door, especially early in the day, when you can have the trails almost to yourself. Entry is ticketed and varies by program, typically around US$20 to 35 for the standard visit. Wear closed shoes, bring a light rain jacket because showers pass quickly over the hills, and carry water. The reserve is open in daytime hours only.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyTraveler Safety Guide

Ebony Forest Reserve is a well-managed, low-risk place to walk, with marked paths, boardwalks and guides on the main routes. Rain is the main variable. The Chamarel uplands catch showers quickly, so steps and exposed roots turn slick, and shoes with real tread matter more than anything else you pack. Humidity is high, so carry at least a liter of water and a light rain jacket. Sun protection is needed on the open stretches.

The longer hikes climb steadily, so start early and keep a pace you can talk at. Follow the signed trails, because the forest is dense and a wrong turn is easy.

There is no dangerous wildlife. Macaque monkeys may come close, so keep food zipped away and never feed them. Stay quiet and on the path near the birds being restored, including the pink pigeon, and keep your … read more 👉
Ebony Forest Reserve is a well-managed, low-risk place to walk, with marked paths, boardwalks and guides on the main routes. Rain is the main variable. The Chamarel uplands catch showers quickly, so steps and exposed roots turn slick, and shoes with real tread matter more than anything else you pack. Humidity is high, so carry at least a liter of water and a light rain jacket. Sun protection is needed on the open stretches.

The longer hikes climb steadily, so start early and keep a pace you can talk at. Follow the signed trails, because the forest is dense and a wrong turn is easy.

There is no dangerous wildlife. Macaque monkeys may come close, so keep food zipped away and never feed them. Stay quiet and on the path near the birds being restored, including the pink pigeon, and keep your distance from aviaries. Mosquitoes are present, so bring repellent. Cell signal can be patchy, so tell someone your plan.
Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Ebony Forest Reserve

One day is enough for Ebony Forest Reserve, since the main guided walks last about 1 to 3 hours. Add a second day if you want to combine it with nearby Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth, which is about 10 minutes away by car, and the Black River Gorges National Park viewpoints. Starting early gives cooler air and better bird activity.
Ebony Forest Reserve is hard to reach without a car, because public buses do not stop at the gate. Buses run to Chamarel from Quatre Bornes or Port Louis with a change, taking around 1.5 to 2.5 hours, then a taxi covers the last stretch. A shared taxi or private driver from Le Morne costs roughly US$25 to 45 each way, and a rented scooter or car is the most flexible option.
Yes, Ebony Forest Reserve charges an entrance fee, paid per activity, and no separate permit is needed. Guided walks start around US$25 to 45 depending on the length, and booking online ahead is wise in July, August and December. Children and local residents usually pay less, and you can pay by card on site.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Mauritian national parks near Ebony Forest Reserve

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We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

Ebony Forest Reserve is at its best early in the morning, when the air is cool, the birds are active and the tour buses haven’t reached the hills yet. I would aim for the first slot after opening and skip the midday heat entirely. Pack a light layer, because mornings at this altitude feel noticeably cooler than the coast.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Mauritius. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

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