Ebony Forest Reserve

Ebony Forest at Chamarel is a private conservation project on about fifty hectares of hillside, where introduced species have been cleared and hundreds of thousands of native seedlings planted to rebuild the ebony forest that once covered this part of the island. The site is set up for visitors: a canopy walkway runs through the trees, marked trails cross the restoration areas at different stages of recovery, and a viewpoint at Sublime Point looks out over the southwest coast to Le Morne and the lagoon. Pink pigeons and Mauritius kestrels are present, and a shuttle runs up to the viewpoint for those who prefer not to walk. Entry fees pay for the planting work, and visitors can sponsor a tree.

The landscape

• The canopy walkway - the raised path through restored forest.
• Replanting areas - sections at different stages of recovery.
• Sublime Point - the viewpoint over the coast toward Le Morne.
• Endemic birds - pink pigeons and kestrels in the reserve.

When to go

May to December for drier trails and clearer views from the viewpoint. Mornings are cooler and better for birds. Chamarel catches cloud in the afternoon.

Practical notes

This is a young restoration, so the forest is small trees rather than mature woodland. Entry is charged and not cheap. The trails involve real climbing unless the shuttle is used. Cloud often obscures the coastal view.

Nearby

Chamarel and its coloured earths lie below; Black River Gorges is east.