Black River Gorges tour: Waterfalls, volcano, colored earth

Two volcanic viewpoints and a dormant crater in one morning loop

A full-day tour of Mauritius's south coast visits Black River Gorges National Park, Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark, Grand Bassin temple complex and Trou aux Cerfs volcano with a live guide in English, French or Hindi and hotel pickup included. The itinerary covers viewpoints of the southeast and west coasts, waterfalls, and the 108-foot statues at Grand Bassin, with stops at local craft shops and a ship model factory.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Seven Coloured Earth Geopark1h
2. Trou aux Cerfs Volcano30m

South Mauritius sightseeing tour

• Visit Grand Bassin holy site
• See 108 feet statues and temples
• Explore Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth
• View Chamarel waterfalls
• Tour Black River Gorges National Park
• See Alexandra Fall
• Visit Ganga Talao
• Stop at ship model factory
• Visit Adamas diamond factory
• Shop souvenirs and handicrafts
• Enjoy southeast viewpoint and waterfalls
• Visit west coast viewpoint with monkeys
• See Ile aux Benitiers viewpoint
• Visit Trou aux Cerfs dormant volcano

The experience

The tour starts with pickup from your hotel and heads to Grand Bassin, a sacred Hindu temple site where two 108-foot statues overlook a lake full of fish and turtles. Your guide explains the Hindu cultural significance of the complex as you walk the grounds. From there, the route moves south to Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark, where the earth itself shifts through bands of red, brown, green and purple. You'll also see the Chamarel waterfall and pass through the Rhumerie de Chamarel distillery area.

Black River Gorges National Park makes up the heart of the day. The tour stops at a viewpoint of the southeast coast and waterfalls, then moves to a second viewpoint on the west side where monkeys often appear among the souvenir stalls. A third stop overlooks Île aux Bénîtres offshore. The final major stop is Trou aux Cerfs, a dormant volcano surrounded by views across the island. You walk to the crater rim and look down into the caldera. Throughout the day, the air-conditioned vehicle handles the driving between sites, and your guide provides the history and context at each stop.

The tour runs 7 to 8 hours total. Geopark entry fees are paid on-site directly. Lunch and drinks are not included, though you'll pass shops and local vendors at several stops. Pickup is included from your accommodation.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle throughout the day.
• hotel pickup and return.
• live guide in English, French or Hindi.
• stops at Grand Bassin temple complex, Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark, Black River Gorges National Park viewpoints, and Trou aux Cerfs volcano.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French and Hindi

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 17

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Mauritius Magical Tours

Is this one for you?The 7- to 8-hour commitment covers the south coast in one loop, so you see the gorge, waterfalls, colored earth and volcano without backtracking. If your day is shorter, this tour fills most of it and leaves little room for other activities.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French and Hindi.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the 108-foot statues at Grand Bassin?

Grand Bassin is a sacred Hindu temple complex where two massive 108-foot statues stand overlooking a lake filled with fish and turtles. The site holds deep cultural significance in Mauritius's Hindu community, and your guide explains the religious meaning of the statues and the temple structures as you walk through the grounds.

Can I see waterfalls on this tour?

Yes. The Chamarel waterfall is a stop on the route, and from the Black River Gorges viewpoints you see waterfalls flowing through the gorge itself, particularly from the southeast coast viewpoint.

What is the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth?

The Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark displays bands of earth in different colors (red, brown, green, purple and others) created by volcanic mineral deposits. You walk through the geopark to see the colored earth formations up close. Entry is paid directly on-site and is not included in the tour price.

Will I see animals on this tour?

Monkeys often appear at the west coast viewpoint in Black River Gorges National Park where the tour stops. You may also see fish and turtles in the lake at Grand Bassin.

How long is the tour and what time does it start?

The tour runs 7 to 8 hours total. Your guide will confirm the exact pickup time when you book, and the itinerary is designed to fit the full day from your hotel pickup through all the main sites and back.