Ebony Forest Reserve is one of the most remarkable conservation achievements in Mauritius — a 450-hectare restoration project on the Chamarel plateau that has rebuilt what was once the most widespread forest type in Mauritius: the ebony-dominated dry forest that once covered most of the island's lowlands and has now been reduced to less than 2% of its original extent.

The forest was cleared for agriculture and development over three centuries. What remained at Chamarel in the early 2000s was a degraded mix of invasive guava, privet, and traveller's palm with a few isolated ebony trees. The reserve's owners began systematic invasive removal and replanting with endemic species in 2010, and the transformation is visible in the health and density of the vegetation today. Over 100,000 endemic trees have been planted.

The guided trails (there is no self-guided access — a guide is required for all visits) pass through sections of forest at different stages of restoration, which gives a real sense of the project's scale and methodology. The guides are knowledgeable about both the ecology and the conservation challenges, and the identification of endemic plants — ebony, bois de pomme, bois de natte, bois blanc — is integrated throughout the walk.

Wildlife is improving as the habitat recovers. Echo parakeets are regularly seen in the canopy, and the endemic Mauritius grey white-eye is resident. The views from the path edges out over Chamarel village and the south-west coast are extraordinary — the combination of endemic forest, panoramic scenery, and the conservation story makes this one of the most rewarding and emotionally satisfying visits in Mauritius. Wear solid walking shoes; parts of the path are uneven.