Mauritius: Chamarel 7 Colours, Waterfalls & Rum Tasting Day Trip

Summary

Chamarel’s wild colors, waterfalls and Mauritian rum in one relaxed day

You’ll feel Mauritius with all your senses: walk along volcanic craters at Trou aux Cerfs, breathe in incense at Ganga Talao lake, hear Alexandra Falls rush below you, then taste local rum at Rhumerie de Chamarel before lunch overlooking endless green hills. Every moment feels unhurried — just how this island wants you to see it.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the faint smell of sugarcane drifting in through the car window as we climbed up from Curepipe — our driver, Rajesh, pointed out the rim of Trou aux Cerfs volcano before I’d even had my second sip of coffee. The crater was bigger than I expected, with mist hanging over it like a secret. Rajesh said locals sometimes walk here at sunrise for luck. I liked that detail. We kept moving; the air felt cooler as we drove higher.

Ganga Talao was hushed except for a group of women in bright saris lighting incense by the water’s edge. It felt almost too peaceful to photograph, so I didn’t. Later at Alexandra Falls, you could hear nothing but water and birds — and Rajesh humming some tune under his breath while we leaned over the railing. He told us about how people come here just to sit in the shade and listen. Honestly, I get why.

By midday we’d reached Black River Gorges — somewhere between all that green and blue you just stop trying to take photos because it never matches what your eyes see anyway. There was a little shop selling ice cream (passionfruit flavor!) right by the lookout; maybe not essential to the tour, but it made me happy. Then came Chamarel Viewpoint: sunlight bouncing off rooftops below, Le Morne rising way off in the haze — sunglasses definitely needed here.

I thought I knew what “Seven Coloured Earth” meant until we walked up and saw those rippling sand dunes in reds and purples and yellowish stripes, almost fake-looking under the sun. Kids were arguing about which color was best (I’m still team violet). The tortoise park next door was slower-paced — literally — but oddly soothing after all that color.

Last stop: Rhumerie de Chamarel for rum tasting. Our guide there joked that you can taste the sunshine in every glass (not sure if that’s true but after three samples I believed her). The vanilla one stuck with me most — sweet but not too much. Lunch was fresh fish at a local spot Rajesh suggested; he laughed when I tried to pronounce “vindaye.” Still think about that view from our table sometimes, honestly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Chamarel and Southwest Mauritius

• Visit Trou aux Cerfs Volcano
• See Ganga Talao crater lake
• Relax at Alexandra Falls
• View Black River Gorges National Park
• Tour Rhumerie De Chamarel distillery
• Enjoy rum tasting session
• Visit Chamarel Viewpoint
• Have lunch at local seafood restaurant
• Explore Seven Colored Earth Geopark

Top questions

How long does the Chamarel 7 Colours & Waterfalls tour take?

This private day trip covers major southwest Mauritius sights over a full day—expect around 8 hours including stops for lunch and tastings.

Is hotel pickup included on this Mauritius day trip?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included for your comfort during this Chamarel tour.

What do you see on this Chamarel day trip?

You visit Trou aux Cerfs volcano crater, Ganga Talao lake temple, Alexandra Falls, Black River Gorges lookout, Chamarel Viewpoint, Seven Coloured Earth Geopark with tortoise park, and Rhumerie de Chamarel for rum tasting.

Are meals or drinks included on this tour?

Bottled water is included; lunch is suggested at a local restaurant (at own expense), and unlimited rum tastings are part of the Rhumerie visit.

Is this private tour suitable for families or kids?

Yes—the tour is family-friendly with stroller access and activities like tortoise watching at Seven Coloured Earth Geopark.

Can infants join this Mauritius southwest tour?

Infants are welcome; specialized infant seats are available upon request for safe travel during the day trip.

What languages do guides speak on this Chamarel tour?

Your driver/guide speaks English and will help translate or explain local customs throughout your journey.

How far is Chamarel from central Mauritius hotels?

The drive from central areas like Curepipe or Flic en Flac to Chamarel takes about 45-60 minutes depending on traffic and stops along the way.

What’s included

Your day includes private air-conditioned transportation with hotel pickup and bottled water on board; WiFi is available during drives between sights. You’ll have entry to all main attractions—like Seven Coloured Earth Geopark—and enjoy guided rum tastings at Rhumerie de Chamarel before returning comfortably in the evening.