Mauritius Guide › Hiking › Ebony Forest and Piton Canot
Ebony Forest and Piton Canot
A replanted ebony forest, self-guided trails from 2.3 to 6.1 km and a peak at 542 metres, on the heights above Chamarel.
Hike · Chamarel · 542 m
What can you actually walk at Ebony Forest?
This is the ideal way in for anyone who wants to walk in forest without committing to a summit. The reserve offers self-guided trails from 2.3 to 6.1 kilometres — one to four hours of walking depending on what you choose, on waymarked and maintained ground.
The climb to Piton Canot, at 542 metres, is an optional extension: around 140 metres of ascent and an hour round trip from the junction, for a view over the entire south-west coast.
It is also the only hike in this guide with a substantial entry fee. What you get for it is visible on the ground: an ebony reforestation programme that has rebuilt a native forest where very little was left.
In this guide
The route
Several loops leave from the welcome centre; the climb to the peak grafts onto them in an hour.
The Flycatcher walkway
A raised walkway covered on a guided visit of about thirty minutes, offered every hour from 9.30 am to 4 pm.
The ridge trail
Around thirty minutes, self-guided, through the replanted forest.
The climb to Piton Canot
Optional extension: 140 metres of ascent, an hour round trip from the junction, summit at 542 metres.
The return
Thirty to fifty minutes back to the welcome centre depending on the route you take.
Access and parking
Getting to the trailhead
The reserve is on the heights above Chamarel, in the south-west, within reach of the seven coloured earths and the waterfall of the same name.
See the trailhead →Parking
Parking is at the reserve's welcome centre. Large groups and visitors with reduced mobility are best advised to call ahead.
When to go
Best season
All year round — the forest shade makes summer far more bearable than open ground.
Essential timing
Arrive in the morning — the last ascent to the peak closes at 4 pm and the site at 5 pm.
Plan for
Half a day — forest and peak back to back take three to four hours.
What else to do around Ebony Forest
Frequently asked questions
How much does Ebony Forest cost?
Rs 400 for a resident adult and Rs 600 for a non-resident adult. From 5 to 17 years, Rs 250 resident and Rs 370 non-resident. Free under 4.
How high is Piton Canot?
542 metres. The climb represents around 140 metres of ascent from the junction, roughly an hour round trip.
Until what time can you climb Piton Canot?
The last ascent is allowed at 4 pm, and the site closes at 5 pm.
Do you need a guide at Ebony Forest?
Not for the self-guided trails. A guided visit of the Flycatcher walkway is offered every hour from 9.30 am to 4 pm.
Sources and checks
Checked on 2 September 2026. Opening times, fees and access conditions change: confirm them before you set off.
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