Leggy, Colourful, Flirtatious… Think Mauritius Is Just Beaches? Think Again.

Discover one of the most unforgettable things to do in Mauritius: birdwatching in a restored native forest.

Most visitors are drawn to Mauritius by its crystal-clear lagoons and white sandy beaches — and who could blame them? That’s how the island is often branded.

But Mauritius offers something far rarer. Something found nowhere else on Earth.

On this tiny island live bird species that exist only here — jewels of evolution that attract passionate birdwatchers and nature lovers from across the globe.

For those searching for meaningful and unique things to do in Mauritius, birdwatching at Ebony Forest in Chamarel should be high on the list.

Mauritius: A Global Birdwatching Destination

Mauritius’ endemic birds entice serious birders determined to spot one of the rarest parrots in the world - the Echo Parakeet - or the iconic Pink Pigeon. Others come simply with curiosity and a love of nature.

Perhaps beaches dominate social media because they are easier to find - and easier to photograph - than our feathered treasures. Spotting endemic birds requires patience, knowledge, and sometimes a little luck.

So how do you find and photograph Mauritius’ rare birds?

We asked local bird photographer and author Jacques de Speville, creator of Birds of Mauritius and Rodrigues.

“Many people think you only need a good camera,” Jacques explains. “Equipment matters, but understanding your subject matters more.”

Bird photography demands:

• Knowing your camera inside out
• Shooting in RAW format for maximum flexibility
• Understanding bird habitat and behaviour
• Constant practice
• And above all — patience and perseverance

Hours spent standing quietly in the forest, mosquito repellent in hand, are often part of the process.

Jacques recommends starting with a “super-zoom” or “ultra-zoom” camera: affordable, compact, and offering strong telephoto reach.

For those ready to advance, a DSLR or mirrorless camera paired with a lens of at least 400mm focal length provides greater performance.

But even the best equipment cannot replace patience.

One of Jacques’ most difficult subjects was the female Mauritius Cuckoo Shrike: elusive and reluctant to pose. After numerous attempts and a final determined visit to Black River Gorges National Park, luck and persistence paid off.

Another challenge: the Mascarene Swiftlet. Always in flight, erratic in movement, dark against the sky: a nightmare for autofocus systems. Only careful planning, perfect light, and extensive practice delivered the perfect shot.

Mauritius Cuckoo Shrike (Male)

Mauritius Cuckoo Shrike (Female)

Mauritius offers excellent birdwatching and wildlife opportunities.

For endemic species, Jacques recommends:

• Ebony Forest, (of course)
• Black River Gorges National Park
• Ferney Valley
• Île aux Aigrettes,
• And Rivulet Terre Rouge Estuary Bird Sanctuary for migratory species

At Ebony Forest, birdwatchers regularly encounter seven of the nine endemic birds in the restored native forest:

• Mauritius Kestrel
• Echo Parakeet
• Pink Pigeon
• Mauritius Paradise Flycatcher
• Mauritius Olive White-eye
• Mauritius Grey White-eye
• Mauritius Bulbul

As a registered conservation NGO, entrance fees directly fund forest restoration and endemic species recovery.

For travellers seeking meaningful things to do in Mauritius, a guided birdwatching walk at Ebony Forest offers both unforgettable sightings and direct impact.