Ebony Forest Reserve | Chamarel

Information

Landmark: Ebony Forest Reserve
City: Chamarel
Country: Mauritius
Continent: Africa

Ebony Forest Reserve, Chamarel, Mauritius, Africa

Ebony Forest Reserve is a 50-hectare private conservation area located in the Chamarel mountains of southwest Mauritius. It serves as a biodiversity sanctuary dedicated to the restoration of highly degraded native forests and the protection of endangered endemic species.

Visual Characteristics

The reserve features a vertical landscape with elevations ranging from 300 to 550 meters above sea level. The terrain is dominated by dense canopy restoration plots and basaltic rock outcrops. Key structures include "Sublime Point," a raised wooden observation deck, and over 4 kilometers of elevated boardwalks designed to prevent soil compaction. The vegetation is characterized by the dark, dense wood of the Diospyros tessellaria (Ebony tree) and various species of the Screw Pine (Pandanus).

Location & Access Logistics

The entrance is located on the Seven Coloured Earth Road in Chamarel. Access from the coastal road (B104) requires an ascent through Chamarel village.

Driving: Follow signs for "Seven Coloured Earths"; the reserve entrance is situated before the main geopark gate. Free on-site parking is provided.

Public Transport: No direct bus service reaches the entrance. Visitors must take a bus to Chamarel village and arrange a taxi or walk approximately 2 kilometers to the site.

Internal Transport: The reserve provides 4x4 jeep shuttles to transport visitors between the visitor center and the higher elevation boardwalks.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Established in 2006, the reserve is a long-term ecological restoration project aimed at reversing the impact of invasive species and historical logging. Since its inception, over 140,000 endemic and native plants have been reintroduced. Ecologically, it is a critical release site for the Mauritius Flycatcher, the Pink Pigeon, and the Echo Parakeet, all of which were once on the brink of extinction.

Key Highlights & Activities

Guided tours focus on the "Flycatcher Raised Walkway," an elevated path through the forest canopy. Visitors can participate in "Plant a Tree" programs to contribute to the restoration efforts. The "Sublime Point" hike or shuttle ride offers a 360-degree view of Le Morne Brabant and the Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire. The on-site museum provides a chronological history of Mauritian ecology from the volcanic formation to the arrival of humans.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The visitor center includes an ecology museum, a gift shop, and a small cafe serving snacks and drinks. Restrooms are located at the visitor center and at Sublime Point. There is consistent 4G cellular coverage throughout the reserve. Shaded areas are provided at the main hubs, and the boardwalks are mostly under the forest canopy, protecting visitors from direct sun.

Best Time to Visit

The reserve is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00. Birdwatching is most productive in the early morning (09:00–10:30) when endemic birds are most active. The summer months (December to April) offer the most lush vegetation, though rainfall is frequent. The winter months (June to August) provide cooler temperatures for the uphill hiking trails.

Facts & Legends

A specific operational secret is the "Weeding" program; the reserve employs a dedicated team to manually remove invasive plants like Chinese Guava to ensure the survival of slow-growing Ebony seedlings. Historically, Ebony wood from Mauritius was so highly prized in Europe during the 17th century that it was used as a primary currency for trade by the Dutch East India Company.