Ebony is a beautiful forest reserve near the Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark. In fact, being more interested in nature than touristic locations, we decided to visit the geopark only because we had booked a hike in the Ebony forest. To our surprise, the former was more rewarding. Not that the reserve or the hike were not great. But their website had given us higher expectations about the guided tour, especially after our experience at Île aux Aigrettes (details in its review). We thought we would first be taken into the forest by a guide, and then allowed to explore on our own. But there was no one available. So we found a guide after a short hike to the raised walkway. He then gave us a largely rote description (most of which was already on the information boards placed along the walkway), and the rest was more about the procedures rather than the species of birds and animals being saved from the brink of extinction. At the wildlife film room, the screen was blank and the room, empty. The museum had a lot of information but the room was musty because of which we couldn’t spend much time inside. Overall, it was evident that the reserve was established with a vision and a lot of effort went into creating it. But we felt the enthusiasm in running the daily operations is a bit lacking… Our self-guided hike was good though – the view was great; and we saw a Mauritian flying fox, a Mascarene paradise-flycatcher, a couple of giant tortoises (up close in the wild!), and even two tropicbirds in the distance! The trails are marked. Hikers can click a photo of the route map and take the paths they wish to at their own leisure. It is highly recommended to carry mosquito repellent, water bottles (can be refilled at the Visitor centre), cap and sunscreen.