Endemic Mauritius Nature Tour

Endemic Mauritius Nature Tour - Inclusions:

• Full day tour of sites with endemic species
• Boat ride in the lagoon to & from Ile Aux Aigrettes
• Visit to the Ile aux Aigrettes island
• Visit to the Ebony Forest plus a 4x4 jeep trip through the forest
• Transportation to all the sites
• Pick up and drop off from any hotel / place of accommodation anywhere in Mauritius

Transport is included in this package and includes pick up and drop off from any hotel / place of accommodation anywhere in Mauritius

• Pick up at 08:30 from place of accommodation
• Road trip and sightseeing from vehicle on the way to Ile aux Aigrettes
• Departure by boat from the shore to head to Ile aux Aigrettes
• Arrival and introduction to Ebony Forest + Museum Visit
• Jeep Trip through Ebony Forest - Hop on hop off at points of interest
• Drop off at 17:30 at your place of accommodation

Endemic Mauritius Nature Tour - About the Sites

Ile aux Aigrettes

Ile aux Aigrettes, an island turned into a nature reserve in 1965. It invites all nature lovers to discover what the ecosystem was like before the arrival of man. This green haven is filled with unique endemic species waiting to be discovered. While exploring the island, you will come across native species such as the pink pigeon, the Mauritius Fody, the Mauritius Olive white-eye, the beautifully coloured day gecko, the Telfair’s Skink and Aldabra giant tortoises. If you are lucky, you might even spot Big Daddy, a 100-year old tortoise who fathered most of the young tortoises on the island.

The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF), a local NGO, dedicated to the conservation of rare species, has put tremendous efforts in this 26-hectare coral island, to restore the place to its original state by replanting the endemic forest and reinstating endemic species. Your guided visit of the nature reserve will allow you to learn more about the flora and fauna of the island.

Ebony Forest

Embark on a nature lovers’ trip at the Ebony Forest with a jeep ride. Before you hop on the jeep to begin your nature discovery in the wild, visit the museum and gain some insight on the fauna and flora of the forest and learn more about the wildlife of the island by watching a short educational film. The reserve’s museum will take you on a journey to over 8 million years ago. Discover the unique animals and plants that once lived here and the destructive impact that humans have had in the last 400 years.

You will then be cruising through the forest with stops at places of interest to take pictures and walk around to look for endemic birds and plants.

While making your way through the forest, you will get to admire the native fauna of Mauritius, such as fruit bats, swiftlets and tropicbirds soaring high along the mountains’ ridgeline. The two mid-canopy walkways through the Ebony Forest will give you the surreal sensation of floating through one of the best-preserved forests on the island. If you are a keen bird watcher, you will be able to spot the endemic birds that the Ebony Forest hosts, such as the Mauritius Paradise Flycatcher, Mauritian Black Bulbul and grey-white eyes.

The Flycatcher raised walkway leads to the Sublime Point for an incredible view of the scenery. The Sublime Point offers a breathtaking view of Le Morne Brabant and the surrounding bays where you can also see a lot of tropical birds, including the white-tailed tropicbird.

Visit the native plant nursery, situated at the Visitor Centre, which is the only nursery in Mauritius dedicated to propagating only native and endemic species. It specialises in growing species from coastal to upland areas, including rare and threatened species.

Due to road diversions, you are advised to plan your time wisely at all the sites. Should you wish to extend your visit to one site, you may have to shorten your time at other sites or skip some of them. Please note that no refunds will be given for sites omitted.

Please note that the starting site for the day's itinerary depends on your place of accommodation, and the driver will brief you accordingly on the day of the trip.

• Note: Ile aux Aigrettes is not an islet where clients can swim/picnic; you need to be properly dressed with closed shoes for the guided tour.

Rules and Regulations - Ebony Forest

• Activities/ Facilities which are not included are subject to an additional cost.
• Children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Any child not accompanied will be refused access.
• The Sanctuary shall not be responsible whatsoever, for any loss, damage and/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.
• 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 is 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 from Ebony, 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.

Transportation:

The Transportation prices are Per Vehicle (and not per person). You can choose the vehicle type according to the number of passengers in your group.

Endemic Mauritius Nature Tour Prices:

Total Tour Price Per Person including Private Transportation and Entry Tickets to all the sights: