Mauritius: Private South Tour with Ebony Forest & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★ 3.89 (47 reviews) 55% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellation

1/31

Duration7h–8h

GroupPrivate

LanguagesEN · HI +1

PickupAt your hotel

Explore Mauritius’ wild south, waterfalls, forest & sacred lake

You’ll travel through Mauritius’ wild southwest with a private guide—walking volcanic rims at Trou aux Cerfs, breathing incense at Grand Bassin temple, tasting local curry in Chamarel village, and riding by jeep through ancient Ebony Forest. Expect moments of silence broken by birdsong or laughter over lunch—a day that lingers long after you’re home.

7h–8h

Step-by-step itinerary

Southwest Mauritius nature and views

Hotel pick-up and meet guide
Visit Trou Aux Cerfs volcano
Stop at Mare Aux Vacoas reservoir
Visit Grand Bassin Hindu temple
See Alexandra Falls and valley
View panorama at Gorge viewpoint
Explore Chamarel village and viewpoint
Enjoy 3-course Mauritian lunch
Visit Seven Colored Earth dunes
See Chamarel Waterfall
Tour Ebony Forest by 4x4 jeep
Admire views at Maconde viewpoint
Pass Riviere des Galets stone rock
Return to hotel

The Experience

We rolled out of Curepipe just after sunrise, windows down because the air felt different—cooler, almost mossy. Our driver, Rajesh, pointed out the rim of Trou aux Cerfs before I even spotted it. The crater’s edge was soft underfoot and the trees around us were thick with birdsong (and some kind of spicy scent I couldn’t place). I tried to imagine the volcano waking up after 700,000 years—Rajesh just grinned and said not to worry.

We stopped at Mare Aux Vacoas for a few minutes. It’s not flashy but there was something calming about the water stretching out behind those old pines. Then Grand Bassin—Ganga Talao—where incense drifted over the lake and women in bright saris left offerings by the temple steps. The statue of Shiva is massive up close; you sort of feel watched but in a gentle way. I asked if we could linger and our guide didn’t rush us.

Somewhere between Alexandra Falls and Black River Gorges National Park, the road started winding tighter. We got out at a viewpoint—wind whipping my hair everywhere—and looked down into this green tangle that seemed to go on forever. There were monkeys in the trees (one tried to steal my snack). Lunch came later in Chamarel village: rice, chicken curry, fresh salad—the chef explained every dish and laughed when I mixed up “dholl puri” with “farata.”

The Seven Colored Earth looked unreal—like someone spilled paint on sand dunes—but it’s all natural. Chamarel Waterfall was louder than I expected; you can feel the spray if you stand close enough. The highlight for me was bouncing through Ebony Forest in an open jeep, branches brushing past as our local guide pointed out rare birds (I only caught a glimpse). By Maconde viewpoint, late afternoon light made everything gold. I still think about that drive back—quiet except for the sound of tires on old roads.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel anywhere in Mauritius, all entry fees (including Ebony Forest Reserve and Seven Colored Earth), a guided jeep safari through ancient forest trails, bottled water on arrival, plus a traditional 3-course Mauritian lunch—with both vegetarian and halal options—before returning comfortably by private vehicle in the evening.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Freshverde Holidays