Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth tour: Private 9-hour southern route

Rum tasting, crater views over five cities, and seven bands of colored earth in one day

A private 9-hour tour of southern Mauritius takes up to five passengers through Chamarel, Black River Gorges National Park, and other landmarks in a comfortable air-conditioned car with a driver-guide who speaks English, French, German and Hindi. Pickup is included. Entrance fees at Chamarel and the rum distillery are separate. The route moves at your pace, with time to stop for photos and explore without the pressure of a larger group.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Seven Coloured Earth Geopark1h
2. Trou aux Cerfs Volcano20m
3. Black River Gorges National Park20m

Explore Mauritius Southwest highlights

• Guided visit and rhum tasting
• Visit Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth
• Admire views at Trou aux Cerfs volcano
• Visit Grand Bassin sacred lake
• See Alexandra Falls waterfall
• Stop at Black River Gorges viewpoint

The experience

The day starts at a rum distillery where you taste different varieties before heading to Chamarel's Seven Coloured Earth Geopark: the striped mineral formations that give the site its name. From there, the route climbs to Trou aux Cerfs, a dormant volcano crater whose rim opens onto views across five cities spread across the island below. The driver-guide narrates each stop in your choice of language and points out details most visitors miss.

The itinerary also takes in Grand Bassin, a crater lake ringed with temples and giant statues that serves as a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site; Alexandra Falls, where water drops through rainforest in the Black River Gorges area; and the Black River Gorges Viewpoint itself, the highest lookout in Mauritius. The viewpoint offers a 50% chance of spotting wild monkeys among the deep valleys and native forest. Complimentary water travels with you, and the air-conditioned vehicle keeps the heat manageable across the nine hours.

Because the tour is private, the pace is yours. You set how long to linger at each stop and which hidden spots to explore. The driver-guide adjusts the route based on what interests you most, and there is no waiting for a group to gather or a schedule that rushes you past a view worth a second look.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned car for up to five passengers.
• pickup from your location.
• a driver-guide providing commentary in English, French, German or Hindi.
• complimentary bottled water.
• WiFi on board the vehicle.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 09:00

Book up to2h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French, German 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$ 20

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Emerald Car Hire- Mauritius Private Guided Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you are traveling as a small group or family and want to move through southern Mauritius without the pace and noise of a larger group tour. The private car and flexible schedule let you spend extra time at whichever stops matter most to you, whether that is the volcano views, the colored earth formations, or the rainforest waterfall.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French, German 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 exactly is the Seven Coloured Earth at Chamarel?

The Seven Coloured Earth Geopark displays bands of mineral-rich sand in distinct colors (rust, purple, green, yellow and others) layered across a hillside. The stripes form a natural geological pattern created by different mineral deposits, and visitors walk through the park to see the formations up close and photograph them from various angles.

Can I see the view from Trou aux Cerfs volcano crater?

Trou aux Cerfs is a dormant volcano, and the crater rim is the main stop. From the top, you look out across five cities and the surrounding landscape in a panoramic sweep. The viewpoint is designed for photos and taking in the scale of the island from that height.

Is lunch included in the 9-hour tour?

Lunch is not part of this tour. The driver-guide can recommend spots to eat along the route, and the nine hours allows time to stop for a meal if you choose, but food is your own arrangement.

How many people can fit in the car?

The private car seats up to five passengers, so families or small groups travel together without sharing space with strangers. Luggage fits in the vehicle, and the air conditioning keeps everyone comfortable across the full nine hours.

Do I need to pay extra for entry to Chamarel or the rum distillery?

Entrance fees for the Seven Coloured Earth Geopark and the rum distillery are not included in the tour price and are paid separately at each site. The driver-guide will let you know the cost when you arrive.