Mauritius: Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth & Private Southwest Day Tour

Summary

Chamarel’s shifting sands, waterfalls and quiet roads in southwest Mauritius

You’ll wander Chamarel’s surreal Seven Coloured Earth with a local guide who knows every story behind those shifting sands, hear waterfalls echo through lush forest, taste fresh island coffee, and share lunch far from crowds. This private day tour from Mauritius’ southwest is all about small surprises — and maybe one big one when you see those colors for yourself.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I’d seen photos of the Seven Coloured Earth before, but standing there in Chamarel, it didn’t feel real. The ground looked like someone had spilled powdered spices across the hills, all reds and purples and a kind of rusty blue. Our guide, Jean-Paul (he grew up nearby), grinned when he caught me staring. “It changes with the light,” he said. He was right — clouds moved and suddenly the colors shifted again. I tried to take a photo but it just wasn’t the same as seeing it with your own eyes.

The drive through southwest Mauritius was quieter than I expected. We passed tiny villages where kids waved at our car, and once we stopped for coffee — strong, almost chocolatey, grown right there in Chamarel. There was a moment at Chamarel Falls when everyone else wandered off and I just listened to water pounding into the pool below. It smelled green, if that makes sense? Like wet leaves after rain. Lunch was simple but good — grilled fish with something tangy on top (I forgot to ask what). Jean-Paul laughed at my face when I tried the local chili sauce. Too spicy for me.

I liked that it was just us — private transport meant no rushing or waiting for a big group. The air-con was a relief (it got sticky by midday), and WiFi on board meant I could send a photo to my mum right away. The tour includes all entrance fees so you don’t have to think about tickets or cash. Wheelchair access too — saw another traveler getting around just fine with help from their partner.

There’s something about seeing those colors in person that sticks with you longer than you expect. Even now, I catch myself thinking about how quiet it felt out there compared to busy Grand Baie or Port Louis. If you’re looking for a day trip from anywhere in Mauritius that’s more about slow moments than ticking boxes… well, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Chamarel and natural attractions

• Visit Chamarel village
• See Seven Colored Earth
• View Chamarel Falls
• Explore Black River Gorges National Park
• Learn about local coffee and rum distillery

Top questions

Is lunch included in the Mauritius southwest day tour?

Yes, lunch is included as part of the private day trip.

Are entrance fees covered for Seven Coloured Earth Geopark?

Yes, entrance fees for both Seven Coloured Earth and Chamarel Falls are included.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on this tour are wheelchair accessible.

How many people will be on this tour?

This is a private tour; only your group will participate.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

The tour includes private transportation with pickup arranged directly with you.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English and French fluently.

How long does the day trip last?

The full-day tour covers several stops in southwest Mauritius; exact timing depends on your pace but usually lasts most of the day.

Is WiFi available during transport?

Yes, WiFi is available onboard your air-conditioned vehicle during transfers.

What’s included

Your day includes private air-conditioned transportation with WiFi onboard, hotel pickup if needed, all entrance fees for Seven Coloured Earth Geopark and Chamarel Falls, an English- or French-speaking guide from Mauritius itself, plus lunch served locally before heading back in comfort later on.