Ebony forest

Hiking

Spend the day hiking, strolling, sauntering or simple meandering along the trails and tracks at Ebony Forest. With the exception of the trail to Piton Canot, where there are some areas of steeper terrain, none of our trails are particularly difficult. Along the trails you will find secluded spots with benches and spectacular viewpoints. Savour in the tranquility of the forest and discover nature’s hidden treasures.

All times provided represent an average pace.

Forest Trails

For those wanting to spend more time hiking, we recommend the following trails.

Ridgeline Trail

As the name suggests, this trail runs along the mountain top. To the west, you will see Le Morne World Heritage Site and Île aux Benitiers, while to the east you will see the south-east coastline and the different plant restoration sites.

Either walk down from Sublime Point, or up from the Flycatcher Raised Walkway. This is a relatively gentle trail of 1.1 km and is expected to take 30 minutes at average pace.

Piton Canot

This 400 m trail is a continuation of the Ridgeline Trail and is accessible from Sublime Point. If you are feeling energetic, you can hike up to the peak of Piton Canot (542 m) where you will be rewarded by a 360 degrees view of the south-west of Mauritius. The trail ascends around 140 m, and will take a return trip of around 45 minutes. Some level of physical fitness is required and in places the terrain is loose.

Walking the road

Rather than take the safari jeep or if you would prefer to walk along a concrete rather than forest track, you can walk the track that leads from the Visitor Centre to the Flycatcher Raised Walkway and Sublime Point. You will be able to see the restoration work in action and spot the inquisitive birds. You can choose to walk the track in parts and catch the jeep, if space is available, when you wish.

Routes Time Distance

Visitor Centre – Flycatcher Raised Walkway 20 mins 1.3 km

Flycatcher Raised Walkway – Sublime Point 30 mins 1.3 km

Visitor Centre - Sublime Point 50 mins 2.4 km

Please note that this track is used by the safari jeep.

Hiking alone

If you are coming alone and wish to hike along with the Ridgeline Trail or Piton Canot Trail, we recommend you inform one of our members of staff and take the contact details of our Visitor Centre. Along the trails are emergency contact numbers should you require assistance.

Raised Walkway

Many wonders of the forest occur above ground level, so getting up into the mid-canopy is the best way to explore it properly. Float through the majestic ebony forest, rich in endemic flora and fauna. Our two mid-canopy walkways are unique in Mauritius.

Flycatcher Raised Walkway

A guide will accompany you on this mid-canopy walkway of 300 m through one of the best-preserved ebony forests in Mauritius, once home to the Dodo. You will encounter some of the rarest plants in Mauritius, see ebony trees and may meet the Mauritius Paradise Flycatcher and Mauritius Bulbul.

There are 14 guided tours per day, each 30 minutes in length. The first tour starts at 9:45 and the last one at 16:15. This walkway is at times 4m in height, so if you suffer from vertigo, please let the guide know beforehand.

Sublime Point Raised Walkway

This short raised walkway (90 m) leads to Sublime Point where you can take in our stupendous view! Relax and admire the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Le Morne, to the south and the Moka range, with the distinctive Pieter Both mountain to the north. Fruit bats, swiftlets and tropic birds soar along the ridgeline.

Have a beverage (soft drink, cocktail or beer) and snack (samosa, roti, gateau piment) while taking a break from the stresses of life!

Toilets are located at the safari jeep pick up point.

You can access the raised walkway either from the Ridgeline Trail, Piton Canot Trail or at the safari jeep drop off point.

Safari Rides

Our open-air safari jeeps will transport you to our key attractions, the Flycatcher Raised Walkway and Sublime Point.

A jeep leaves the Visitor Centre every 30 mins, on the :00 and :30. Catch the first one at 9:30 to the Flycatcher Raised Walkway. After a 30 minute guided tour, another jeep will transport you to Sublime Point, where you can enjoy the viewpoint and have a snack and drink.

Vehicles leave Sublime Point pick up for the Visitor Centre on the :00 and :30. The last one leaves at 17:00 in the summer (1st November – 31st March) and 16:30 in the winter (1st April – 31st October).

Please note that each jeep has a capacity of 9 visitors and so we cannot guarantee availability. If you can, we recommend walking.

If you want to visit the raised walkway through the Flycatcher Forest, Sublime Point and the Visitor Centre, we recommend you arrive at Ebony Forest at the latest by 15:20 to catch the safari jeep shuttle which departs at 15:30. But, to thoroughly enjoy your Ebony Forest Experience, we recommend a minimum of ½ a day.

The safari jeep shuttle is included in the entrance ticket.

Please note that the jeeps have to respect a schedule and so can only stop at the authorized pick up point.