Chamarel nature tour: Ebony Forest, Seven Coloured Earth & lunch

Eight hours through Mauritius's south: volcano rim, forest canopy, colored earth and coastal viewpoints

A private full-day tour of Chamarel and the southern highlands, traveling by air-conditioned safari vehicle through Ebony Forest Reserve, the Seven Coloured Earth Geopark, Black River Gorges National Park and four scenic viewpoints, with a local guide in English or French, hotel pickup, bottled water and a three-course Mauritian lunch included. Children from age 3 are welcome. The eight-hour itinerary starts early and returns by late afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Trou aux Cerfs Volcano1h · entry included
2. Black River Gorges National Park25m · entry included
3. Seven Coloured Earth Geopark45m · entry included
4. Ebony Forest Reserve1h · entry included

Explore nature and scenic viewpoints

• Visit Trou Aux Cerfs volcano
• Stroll around the crater
• Visit Ganga Talao sacred Hindu site
• Explore Black River Gorges Nature Park
• View Alexandra waterfalls and Gorges Viewpoint
• Drive through Chamarel village
• Enjoy Mauritian lunch at local restaurant
• Admire Chamarel coastal and mountain views
• Discover Chamarel waterfall and Seven Coloured Earth
• Take safari jeep tour in Ebony Forest
• Visit unique viewpoint atop Ebony Forest
• See Maconde Viewpoint at Baie Du Cap coastline

The experience

The day opens at Trou aux Cerfs, a dormant volcano where you walk the crater rim for panoramic views across the island's south. From there the safari truck heads to Ganga Talao, the most sacred Hindu site in Mauritius, ringed by colorful temples and religious statuary. The route then cuts through Black River Gorges National Park to the Alexandra waterfalls and the Gorges Viewpoint, where the endemic flora and fauna of the reserve come into focus.

After the morning's high points, you drive through the authentic village of Chamarel itself to a local restaurant for a three-course lunch: vegetarian, non-vegetarian or Halal options available. The afternoon pivots to the geological: the Chamarel Viewpoint opens onto the coastal line from Le Morne to La Gaulette and the île aux bénitiers islet, then the Seven Coloured Earth Geopark reveals why the village is named for its soil. The different mineral colors come from nature itself, layered and visible in the earth.

The final stretch moves into Ebony Forest on the safari jeep, where the guide points out the endemic birds and plants that exist nowhere else on earth. The jeep climbs to a viewpoint at the forest's top for a view across the canopy, then closes at Maconde Viewpoint on the coastal line near Baie Du Cap. Your guide is a knowledgeable local. The vehicle is fully air-conditioned, and pickup and drop-off happen at your hotel anywhere in Mauritius.

What’s included

• Safari tour through Ebony Forest Reserve with a knowledgeable local guide in English or French.
• entry to all parks visited (Ebony Forest, Black River Gorges National Park, Seven Coloured Earth Geopark).
• a three-course Mauritian lunch at a local restaurant in Chamarel with vegetarian, non-vegetarian and Halal options.
• bottled water.
• private, fully air-conditioned vehicle.
• hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Mauritius.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 90 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (3 to 5 years): free · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Audio guideSpanish, German and Italian

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.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Paradise In Your Palm Tours

Is this one for you?Eight hours is a full morning and afternoon, so plan the rest of your day before or after: the tour returns by late afternoon. The private vehicle means only your group travels together, and the fixed itinerary hits all the major sites in one route, so no time is spent choosing between them.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (3 to 5 years): free. Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

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 birds and plants will I see in Ebony Forest?

Ebony Forest Reserve is home to endemic species found nowhere else on Mauritius. The guide will point out the endemic birds and flora as the jeep moves through the reserve and climbs to the forest viewpoint.

How does the Seven Coloured Earth actually look different colors?

The Seven Coloured Earth Geopark's soils are naturally layered with different mineral compositions that create distinct color bands. The geopark is what makes Chamarel village unique for this geological feature.

Is lunch included, and what are the options?

Yes, a three-course Mauritian lunch is included at a local restaurant in Chamarel village, with vegetarian, non-vegetarian and Halal options available.

What time does pickup happen and when do I return?

The tour is eight hours long and includes hotel pickup and drop-off at any accommodation in Mauritius. Your guide will confirm the exact pickup time when you book.