Ebony Forest Chamarel Birdwatching Tour: Seven Endemic Birds

Walk among the world's rarest birds and watch them feed in their native forest.

A 3–4 hour guided birdwatching tour through Ebony Forest Reserve in Chamarel, Mauritius, where you spot seven of the nine remaining endemic bird species in an Important Bird Area. The tour includes a museum visit, exclusive access to bird release aviaries, a raised walkway through the Flycatcher habitat, and refreshments at Sublime Point overlooking the wild south coast.

The experience

The tour opens in the museum, where you learn the restoration work behind Ebony Forest's conservation effort, then moves to the bird release aviaries for an exclusive look at wild Echo Parakeets and Pink Pigeons feeding. From there, your guide leads you through the forest itself: one of the few places in Mauritius where seven of the nine remaining endemic birds still live. You'll spot the Mauritius Kestrel, Mauritius Paradise Flycatcher, Black Bulbul, Olive-white eye and Grey-white eye, along with White-tailed tropic birds, Mascarene swallows and Mascarene swiftlets soaring overhead. The guide carries binoculars for the group and knows where to find each species.

The route splits between walking and driving: you choose which sections to cover on foot and which to traverse by safari jeep, so the pace adapts to your interest and fitness. The Flycatcher Raised Walkway puts you at eye level with the canopy, and Sublime Point delivers views of the rugged southern mountains while you rest with local snacks and drinks. Your guide, fluent in English or French, explains the ecology and the individual birds as you move through the reserve, and the whole outing fits inside an afternoon.

What’s included

• Binoculars.
• snacks and local drinks at Sublime Point.
• museum entry.
• guided access to the bird release aviaries.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Child (5 to 17 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 9

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Ebony Forest Chamarel

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or French, so choose the language that matches your comfort level. A minimum of two adults is required to book, and the tour suits anyone with moderate fitness who can walk uneven forest terrain or prefer to ride the jeep sections instead.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 17 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the rarest birds I'll actually see on this tour?

The Pink Pigeon and Echo Parakeet are the headline species. You'll see them in the release aviaries at the start. In the forest itself, the Mauritius Kestrel, Mauritius Paradise Flycatcher and Black Bulbul are among the world's most endangered birds, and the tour is designed around spotting them in their native habitat.

Can I walk the whole tour or do I have to use the jeep?

You choose which sections to walk and which to cover by safari jeep, so you set the pace. The Flycatcher Raised Walkway and the forest trails are walkable, and your guide will adapt the route to your preference and fitness level.

How long does the tour actually take?

The tour runs 3 to 4 hours from start to finish, including the museum, the aviaries, the forest walk or drive, and the stop at Sublime Point for refreshments.

What is Sublime Point and why do we go there?

Sublime Point is a viewpoint overlooking the wild, rugged south coast of Mauritius. You rest there, enjoy local snacks and drinks, and your guide points out the mountains and landscape features while you catch your breath.

Do I need binoculars or any special equipment?

Binoculars are provided as part of the tour. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection. A camera is useful but not included, so bring your own if you want photographs.