Ebony Forest Sublime Sundowner - Guided Tour & Open-Air Safari

Mauritius 3 most famous islands, Gabriel Island, Ile aux Cerfs and Benitiers Island are awaiting to be visited with our 3 Days - Sea Activities Tours Package.

The Sublime Sundowner package at Ebony Forest includes :

• Entrance to Ebony Forest Reserve
• 3-4 hours guided tour at Ebony Forest
• 30-minute guided experience on the raised walkway to the spectacular Sublime Point
• 6 beers or 6 soft drinks, 2 cocktails, and snacks per person
• Open-air safari through the forest at night
• Access to self-guided hiking trails
• Film in English (6 mins) or French (8 mins) about the island’s wildlife
• Visit to the Museum about the island’s natural history
• Contribution to the protection of endangered species and restoration of native habitats
• Opportunity to enjoy a safari jeep ride
• Access to the shop and toilets (wheelchair accessible)

About the Sublime Sundowner Tour, including a Safari Jeep Ride - Ebony Forest

The Sublime Sundowner is designed for those who want to experience Mauritius at its most atmospheric. As the day gently fades, this exclusive late-afternoon and evening tour offers a peaceful way to enjoy nature, connect with others, and watch the island transform as the sun sets.

It’s an ideal experience for couples, friends, and small groups looking to slow down, share a special moment, and enjoy one of the most beautiful viewpoints on the west coast.

Discovering Ebony Forest before sunset

Your visit begins at the Ebony Forest Visitor Centre, where you can explore the Ebony Experience Museum at your own pace. Created by Dr Julian Hume, British palaeontologist, artist, and co-author of Lost Land of the Dodo, the museum introduces Mauritius’ natural history and conservation story.

If time is limited, a short 6-8 minute film (available in English or French) offers a clear and engaging overview of the island’s unique and fragile biodiversity.

Into the forest: jeep ride and raised walkways

You’ll then make your way towards the forest either on foot (15-20 minutes) or by open-air safari jeep, covering the 1.3 km route to the Gobemouche Forest. Along the way, you’ll pass active restoration zones where native species are replanted to support endangered wildlife.

Accompanied by experienced local guides, you’ll enjoy a guided walk along the raised walkways, offering a rare mid-canopy perspective through one of the best-preserved ebony forests in Mauritius.

• Guided walk through restored native forest
• Clear explanations about endemic species and reforestation
• Unique viewpoints above the forest floor

Endemic wildlife and forest atmosphere

As you move through the forest, watch for endemic Phelsuma geckos, forest birds, and the remarkable Bois Corail (Coral Tree), one of the rarest trees in the world. The cooler air and quiet surroundings make this part of the visit especially calm and immersive.

Sublime Point: sunset, birds, and wide horizons

The journey continues to Sublime Point, a panoramic viewpoint offering sweeping views over Le Morne, Ile aux Bénitiers, and the surrounding mountain ranges, including Montagne du Rempart, Trois Mamelles, Le Pouce, Pieter Both, Piton Canot, and the island’s highest peak, Piton de la Rivière Noire.

As the sun sets, wildlife activity increases. Look out for the endemic Mauritian Fruit Bat gliding below, while White-tailed Tropic Birds, Mascarene Swiftlets, and the Mauritius Kestrel circle above the forest and coastline.

At the viewpoint, you’ll be served local snacks and drinks, including beer, wine, cocktails, and refreshing local juices, giving you time to relax and fully enjoy the changing colours of the sky.

After dark: open-air night safari

Once daylight fades, the experience continues with a night-time safari jeep ride back to the Visitor Centre. Driving through the forest after dark adds a different perspective, as the forest takes on a quieter, more mysterious character.

Please note that the boutique closes in the evening, so souvenir purchases should be made earlier during the visit.

Additional information about Ebony Forest

Ebony Forest

Ebony Forest is home to a wide range of native wildlife, including fruit bats, swiftlets, tropicbirds, and several endemic bird species such as the Mauritius Paradise Flycatcher and the Mauritian Black Bulbul. Raised walkways allow visitors to experience the forest from a unique vantage point.

Entrance fees and purchases at the onsite shop support long-term conservation efforts, with ecotourism revenue reinvested into habitat restoration and endangered species protection since 2006.

Museum

The Ebony Forest Museum traces over 8 million years of Mauritius’ natural history, from volcanic origins to the evolution of its unique flora and fauna, highlighting both human impact and ongoing restoration efforts.

Facilities at Ebony Forest

• Visitor Centre
• Boutique
• Sublime Point Snack
• Toilets
• Native Plant Nursery
• Ebony Museum

• Mosquito Repellent

• Bottle of water

• Trainers or hiking shoes

• Camera

• Activities/ Facilities which are not included in your selected option are subject to an additional cost.
• Minimum number of participants: 2 adults
• Booking confirmation is essential.
• Entrance to the Ebony Forest Reserve is included in this package.
• 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.
• Children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Any child not accompanied will be refused access. For visitors with young children, using the jeep to reach Sublime Point is advised for safety and comfort.
• The Flycatcher raised walkway is more than 4m in height, so if you suffer from vertigo, please inform the staff in advance.
• Clients are requested to descend from Sublime Point before 17:00.
• The Reserve shall not be responsible whatsoever for any loss, damage,/or theft of your personal belongings.
• Ebony Forest Reserve is a natural site, and hence there are risks from falling branches and steep slopes. It also undergoes active forestry activities. Please pay attention.
• You can fill up your water bottle for free from the water fountain at the onsite shop.

Rules and Regulations

• It is forbidden to bring any illegal substances, alcohol, firearms, and/or generally any other object which is likely to be offensive, dangerous and/or illegal.
• It is forbidden to disturb or harass the animals and tranquillity of Ebony, i.e, by musical instruments, audio equipment, screaming, shouting, etc.
• It is forbidden and a criminal offence to remove any animal, plant, part of the landscape and/or any other structure and/or to damage or deface any of the aforesaid.
• It is forbidden for any visitors to picnic, climb stone walls or trees, or litter.
• Any food and drink purchased within Ebony Forest Reserve must be consumed within the designated zones.
• Footwear must be worn at all times. No shirtless/topless dress is allowed. Bottoms must be worn at all times.

Transport is available for an extra fee, with pick-up and drop-off from any accommodation in Mauritius.

How is the Transportation Fare calculated?

For transportation not included as part of the tour, the fare is calculated based on the set activity duration, the distance between your accommodation and the activity location (round trip).

Transport Payment

The payment for transportation is divided into two parts:

"Deposit": Payable at the time of booking, alongside your activity reservation. This deposit covers a portion of the total transportation fare.

"Amount Due to Driver": The remaining balance is payable in cash directly to the driver on the day of the activity. This final amount is calculated by subtracting the deposit from the total transportation cost.