Overview
Highlights:
• Stunning sunset of the west coast
• Exclusivity of Sublime Point
• Unlimited selection of local drinks and Mauritian snacks at the breath-taking Sublime Point
• Guided tour on our 300 m raised walkway through an ancient ebony forest
• Open air safari ride through a forest at night
Includes:
• Access to self-guided hiking trails
• Film in English (6 mins) or French (8 mins) about the island’s wildlife
• Raised walkway to the spectacular Sublime Point
• Museum about the island’s natural history written by bird expert Dr Julian Hume
Suitable for:
all ages, couples, families, groups, corporates. As Ebony Forest is located on a mountain slope, access by push- or wheel-chair to the raised walkway and hiking trails is limited. The Shop, museum, ecology centre and toilets are accessible to wheel- and push- chair users. If you need assistance, please contact us for advice.
Group size:
minimum 2 adults.
Difficulty level:
The Flycatcher raised walkway has 113 steps up and 142 down, which you will hardly notice on your guided tour. The hikes are graded easy, based on international standards. In some places, the Flycatcher raised walkway is more than 4m in height so if you suffer from vertigo, please inform our staff in advance.
Duration:
2 -3 hours. Tours start at 15:30, so we recommend you arrive ten minutes before. You can request a later jeep tour in summer (1st November – 31 March) as the sun sets later. Should you wish to do some hiking, come earlier. If you just want to watch the sunset then this is also possible.
Distance:
0.5 – 6 km, depending on if you hike earlier in the afternoon. The 0.5 km refers to the distance along the Flycatcher Forest raised walkway and Sublime Point walkway.
Booking:
is necessary.
What to bring:
we recommend trainers or hiking shoes if you are planning on hiking in the afternoon. Mosquito repellent is advised, and of course your camera.
Parking:
available. If you come by bicycle, let us know and we can find somewhere safe to store it
Food and drink:
as part of the Sublime Sundowner Tour, you will be offered a selection of drinks and snacks. Each person is entitled to 6 beers, 6 soft drinks, 2 cocktails and snacks. As part of our commitment to the environment, we do not sell drinks in plastic bottles, but you can fill up your water bottle for free from our water fountain in our Shop.
Buying your ticket:
purchase your ticket either online to benefit from 10 % discount or when you visit. If you would like us to arrange transport for you between your hotel and Ebony Forest, let us know in advance.
Resident Rates:
Adult: Rs 3300
5-17 years: Rs 1800
0-4 years: free of charge
Non-Resident Rates:
Adult: Rs 3600
5-17 years: Rs 2000
0-4 years: free of charge
For large groups call or email us for a discounted rate. Profit generated from ecotourism activities are reinvested into the conservation of the flora and fauna, which has been on-going since 2006. Thank you for visiting and supporting our conservation efforts.
Sublime Sundowner
Enjoy an exclusive sunset over the Indian Ocean at the best viewpoint in Mauritius
Few things are more invigorating that watching a sunset. Mauritian sunsets are stunning. But Mauritian sunsets observed from the tranquillity of a private mountain top, with a drink in one hand, are unforgettable. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a must. Enjoy an afternoon visit to Ebony Forest and when all other visitors have gone home, relax and watch the changing colours and transformation of the west coast from the private vantage point of our nature reserve.
Every sunset is different. So be different. If you are searching for romance with your partner, or want to celebrate an event or simply hang out with your friends, family, colleagues or corporate partners, what better than to unwind and let nature bond you as the sun sets. At your service is a waiter to meet your food and drinks needs and a driver for your night safari ride through the forest.
Before you spend your exclusive evening at Sublime Point watching the sunset, enjoy a visit to one of the last ebony forests remaining in Mauritius. Start with a self-guided tour of our museum, Ebony Experience, written and illustrated by British palaeontologist and artist, and critically acclaimed co-author of Lost Land of the Dodo, Dr Julian Hume. If you are short of time, a must-see is the 6-8 minute film in English or French about the Island’s unique and fragile biodiversity, sponsored by the Mauritius Commercial Bank and produced by Mystic Mauritius.
To see the majestic black ebony trees, you can either walk (15-20 mins, 1.3 km) or take an open-air safari jeep (10 mins) from the Visitor Centre to the Flycatcher Forest. En route you will pass through our forest restoration sites, where we are continually weeding the non-native vegetation and planting native species so that Ebony Forest will be a refuge for the Island’s threatened biodiversity.
Explore one of the best-preserved ebony forests in Mauritius on our unique raised walkways with one of our experienced local guides. On this 30 minute guided tour, you will feel the density of ebony wood and understand why it is one of the most valuable woods in the world. See Fruit Bats hanging in the trees or eating fruits, endemic Phelsuma geckos sunbathing, pic pic birds hopping around the canopy looking for insects and one of the rarest trees in the world, the bois corail or Coral Tree, named for its magnificent coral-shaped flowers. Breathe in the sweet scents of the fresh and cool forest air and learn about why palms, once common in Mauritius forests, are now missing from most remnant native forests.
Next stop, Sublime Point. Either hop on a jeep or take the Ridgeline Trail. This gentle and tranquil trail through native forest offers breath-taking views of Le Morne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the crystal clear waters surrounding the island of Ile aux Benitiers. Spot Mauritius Paradise Flycatchers as you pass through their territory and these inquisitive birds join you on your walk. If you only have time for one walk, we recommend the Ridgeline Trail. It is 1.1 km long and takes about 30 minutes from the Flycatcher Forest to Sublime Point.
Sublime Point. As the name suggests, it is just sublime. One of the best views in Mauritius, if not THE BEST. Stunning views await you at Sublime Point of Le Morne, Ile aux Benitiers, Tourelle du Tamarin, Montagne du Rempart, Corps de Garde, Trois Mamelles, Le Pouce, Pieter Both, Piton Canot and the island’s highest peak, Piton de la Riviere Noire. With a unique vantage point, watch the endemic Mauritian Fruit Bat flying below, White-tailed Tropic Birds delight you with their aerial acrobats, Mascarene swiftlets, and Mauritius Kestrel. While you relax and enjoy the view, your waiter will serve you local snacks and drinks, such as gateaux piments, samosas, beer, wine, cocktails, tamarind juice, lemon grass juice at our Sublime Snack.
Have you seen the green flash? Sublime Point, which faces west, offers the perfect spot to enjoy the vibrant glow on Le Morne UNESCO Heritage Site, Ile aux Benitiers and Tourelle du Tamarin as the sun sets and the colours constantly change. No two sunsets are the same. Each one will leave you feeling grateful, at peace and inspired.
Once the sun has set and the light has faded, your waiter and driver will lead you back to the safari jeep for the 15 mins drive back to the Visitor Centre. Experience a unique opportunity by driving through the forest at night. The Shop will be closed so if you want to grab a souvenir, be sure to do it beforehand.
Small acts