Mauritius South Coast Tour: Private Day with Trou aux Cerfs

A crater lake, a 33-meter statue, and a waterfall hidden in jungle: all in one afternoon.

A seven-hour private day tour of Mauritius's south coast, departing from your hotel and visiting five major sites: the dormant Trou aux Cerfs volcano crater at 605 meters elevation; Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao), a crater lake ringed by temples and the island's tallest statue; Black River Gorges National Park with its gorge viewpoint; Alexandra Falls deep in the rainforest; and La Vallée des Couleurs with its 23 colored earth formations. Your guide speaks English or French, and the air-conditioned vehicle is yours alone for the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Trou aux Cerfs Volcano30m
2. Black River Gorges National Park30m

Explore southern Mauritius highlights

• Pick up from hotel
• Drive through Curepipe town
• Visit Trou aux Cerfs crater
• Stop at Mare Aux Vacoas reservoir
• Visit Grand Bassin Hindu Temple
• Stop at Gorge Viewpoint in Black River Gorges
• Admire Alexandra Waterfall
• Drive scenic route to Bassin Blanc
• Explore La Valley des Couleurs
• Return to hotel

The experience

Seven hours means you leave your hotel in the morning and return by late afternoon, moving through the island's southwestern landscape without backtracking. The route begins at Trou aux Cerfs, a dormant volcanic crater 350 meters across and 100 meters deep, surrounded by indigenous forest and giant pine trees. From the crater rim you get a 360-degree view of Curepipe, the Rempart Mountain, and the Port-Louis-Moka range. The crater itself has been inactive for 700,000 years, though geologists say another eruption remains possible.

The second stop is Grand Bassin, also called Ganga Talao: a crater lake 550 meters above sea level where a 33-meter statue of Lord Shiva stands on the shoreline beside temples and shrines. The lake sits 18 meters deep and holds fish and eels. It draws Hindu pilgrims and tourists year-round. From there the tour heads into Black River Gorges National Park, where 17,000 acres of rainforest, rolling hills and deep valleys occupy the southwestern region. At the gorge viewpoint you stop to take in the panorama, and on the path you may encounter monkeys. The park protects most of Mauritius's remaining rainforest and its wildlife.

Alexandra Falls comes next: a waterfall tucked inside the jungle of the Black River Gorges, surrounded by the cloud forest of Mount Cocotte and offering a view down to the south coast and its turquoise water. The final stop is La Vallée des Couleurs in Chamouny, home to 23 colored earth formations and a mix of plateaus, mountains, valleys and crater lakes where you can walk among the local flora and fauna. Your driver, who speaks English or French, handles all transport and can recommend restaurants if you want to eat along the way. You're welcome to bring your own food.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle for the full day.
• hotel pickup and return.
• English or French-speaking guide.
• access to Trou aux Cerfs crater, Grand Bassin temple and lake, Black River Gorges National Park, Alexandra Falls, and La Vallée des Couleurs.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

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 today

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats available

Operated by The Palm Taxi Service

Is this one for you?The seven-hour span means a full day of driving and stopping rather than a morning or afternoon outing, so it suits travelers with a clear day free and the stamina to move between five sites. Private transport lets you set the pace at each stop and skip ahead if a site doesn't hold your interest, unlike a shared tour on a fixed schedule.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and French.

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 is Trou aux Cerfs and why is it on this tour?

Trou aux Cerfs is a dormant volcanic crater 605 meters above sea level, 350 meters across and 100 meters deep, surrounded by indigenous forest and giant pine trees. It has been inactive for 700,000 years and offers a 360-degree view of Curepipe and the surrounding mountain ranges, making it one of Mauritius's most visited natural attractions.

What is Grand Bassin and what will I see there?

Grand Bassin, known as Ganga Talao, is a crater lake 550 meters above sea level in the mountainous southwest. On its shoreline sits a temple with shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and other Hindu gods, and a 33-meter statue of Lord Shiva: the tallest statue on the island. The lake is 18 meters deep and popular with pilgrims and visitors who come to pray, meditate or walk the shoreline.

What is included in the price, and what costs extra?

The tour includes private air-conditioned transportation, hotel pickup, and an English or French-speaking guide for the full seven hours. Entry fees to the sites, lunch, and any restaurant meals are not included. Your driver can recommend places to eat if you wish.