Mauritius & Réunion Birding Tours
The Mascarene Islands of Mauritius and Réunion offer one of the most extraordinary birding experiences in the Indian Ocean. These two small volcanic islands, set amidst turquoise seas, are home to a suite of rare and endemic birds, many of which have been rescued from the brink of extinction. For birders seeking the unusual, the endangered, and the beautifully remote, our Mauritius and Réunion birding tours are not to be missed.
Though close neighbours, Mauritius and Réunion each offer a distinct set of species, landscapes, and birding highlights. Combined, they make for a superb Indian Ocean birdwatching holiday — rich in target species, conservation stories, and tropical scenery.
On our Mauritius birding tours, you’ll explore native ebony forests, coastal cliffs, and well-managed reserves in search of globally endangered species such as the Pink Pigeon, Echo Parakeet, and the charismatic Mauritius Kestrel. The island has seen one of the greatest conservation turnarounds in birding history — and visiting these sites gives you direct insight into how intensive protection efforts have saved species once reduced to just a handful of individuals.
Over on Réunion, the highland trails and remnant forests are home to a different suite of specialities. The elegant Réunion Harrier, striking Réunion Cuckooshrike, and elusive Réunion Olive White-eye are all high on the list — with stunning volcanic backdrops and cloud forest scenery adding to the experience.
Both islands also offer strong supporting casts, including White-tailed Tropicbird, Mascarene Swiftlet, Mascarene Paradise Flycatcher, and a host of interesting seabirds and shorebirds depending on season.
These tours are tailor-made, typically running between 8 and 12 days depending on whether you’re visiting one or both islands. They can also be combined with Seychelles or Madagascar for a broader sweep of Indian Ocean endemics.
Our expert guides work with local conservationists and reserve managers to ensure access to the best sites, while your visit directly supports the ongoing protection of these precious birds.
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Tailor-made Mauritius & Réunion Birding Tours
At Wild Birding, all our Mauritius and Réunion birding tours are tailor-made. We don’t run fixed departures — instead, we design each itinerary around your travel dates, birding goals, and preferred pace.
Whether you’re aiming to see all the Mascarene endemics in one trip, or you’d prefer a more relaxed island break with some quality birding included, we’ll build the ideal route for you. Tours can be customised to focus on one island or combine both for the full experience.
We work closely with local guides and conservation groups to ensure access to sensitive areas, maximise your chances of seeing the trickier species, and keep your trip conservation-positive.
All logistics — internal flights, transfers, reserve permits and accommodation — are arranged for you, allowing you to focus fully on the birds and the incredible landscapes around you.
Reasons to Go on a Tailor-made Birding Tour in Mauritius & Réunion
- Target all the Mascarene endemics with expert local guidance
- Combine two unique islands in one efficient birding itinerary
- Travel at your own pace, with your own group or solo
- Explore dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush forest trails and island reserves
- Add snorkelling, hiking, cultural visits or relaxation to your birding holiday
- Stay in characterful ecolodges or comfortable boutique hotels
- Support island conservation efforts and see species few birders ever encounter
- Pair this trip with Madagascar or Seychelles for the ultimate Indian Ocean birding tour
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Endemic Birds of Mauritius and Réunion
Mauritius Endemic Birds (8 extant species)
Mauritius Kestrel (Falco punctatus)
– Echo Parakeet (Psittacula eques)
– Pink Pigeon (Nesoenas mayeri)
– Mauritius Cuckooshrike (Lalage typica)
– Mauritius Bulbul (Hypsipetes olivaceus)
– Mauritius Grey White-eye (Zosterops mauritianus)
– Mauritius Olive White-eye (Zosterops chloronothos)
– Mauritius Fody (Foudia rubra)
Total extant endemic bird species: 8
Extinct endemics (not counted above):
– Dodo (Raphus cucullatus)
– Broad-billed Parrot (Lophopsittacus mauritianus)
– Mauritius Blue Pigeon (Alectroenas nitidissimus)
– Others include rails, owls, and songbirds lost post-colonisation
Réunion Endemic Birds (6 extant species)
– Réunion Harrier (Circus maillardi)
– Réunion Cuckooshrike (Lalage newtoni)
– Réunion Bulbul (Hypsipetes borbonicus)
– Réunion Grey White-eye (Zosterops borbonicus)
– Réunion Olive White-eye (Zosterops olivaceus)
– Mascarene Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone bourbonnensis)
Total extant endemic bird species: 6
Note: Some lists consider the Mascarene Paradise Flycatcher a subspecies of the Seychelles one — but most modern sources treat it as a valid endemic species for Réunion.
Combined Total
Mauritius: 8
Réunion: 6
Combined Mascarene endemic total: 14 extant species
Country info
Country
Mauritius & Réunion (Réunion is an overseas region of France)
Visa Requirements
Mauritius: Visa-free for most nationalities for stays up to 90 days. Réunion: As part of France, Schengen rules apply — EU, UK and most travellers do not require a visa for short visits
Languages spoken
Mauritius: English (official), French, Mauritian Creole. Réunion: French, Réunion Creole
Currency used
Mauritius: Mauritian Rupee (MUR) Réunion: Euro (EUR)
Area (km²)
Mauritius: 2,040 km² Réunion: 2,512 km²
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When to Visit Mauritius and Réunion for Birding
The best time for Mauritius and Réunion birding tours is between September and April, when most endemics are active, breeding, or most visible.
- October to December: Peak bird activity, warm weather, best for endemics and photography
- January to March: Still excellent birding, though some risk of tropical storms
- May to August: Cooler and drier, but some birds are less active — good for hiking extensions
Mauritius Kestrels are most visible during the breeding season (Oct–Feb), while seabirds and nesting tropicbirds are easy to find on both islands year-round.
We’ll advise the best dates based on your personal targets and preferences.
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Sustainability & Citizen Science
The story of bird conservation in Mauritius and Réunion is one of the most hopeful in the world. Several species once listed as Critically Endangered — like the Mauritius Kestrel and Pink Pigeon — have made remarkable recoveries, thanks to long-term protection, habitat restoration and international support.
By joining one of our Mauritius and Réunion birding trips, you’re directly supporting these efforts. We work with local conservation organisations including the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) and partners in Réunion to ensure our tours contribute to the long-term protection of these rare species.
We encourage all guests to log sightings on eBird, take part in citizen science, and offset their carbon through our optional scoring and mitigation programme.
These islands are fragile and extraordinary — and by travelling thoughtfully, we help ensure they remain a sanctuary for birds and people alike.
What to Bring on Your Mauritius & Réunion Birding Trip
Although both islands have mild tropical climates, you’ll want to come prepared for a variety of conditions — especially if you plan to explore upland forests or coastal reserves.
We recommend bringing:
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Waterproof jacket or poncho for forest hikes
- Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots
- Binoculars (essential) and spotting scope (optional)
- Camera with zoom lens (for kestrels, pigeons, and forest birds)
- Insect repellent and sun protection
- Swimwear and travel towel (for optional beach/snorkelling add-ons)
Field guides:
- Birds of the Indian Ocean Islands by Ian Sinclair & Olivier Langrand
- Threatened Birds of the Mascarene Islands (for conservation background)




