Mauritius South: Colored Earth, Crocodile Park & Lunch Tour

Colored sands, sacred lakes & sea cliffs in southern Mauritius

You’ll travel through Mauritius’ lush south with a private guide—from misty lakes to rainbow-colored earth and dramatic sea cliffs at Gris-Gris. Watch temple rituals by Grand Bassin’s crater lake, taste home-style Mauritian lunch, then end face-to-face with crocodiles and giant tortoises in rainforest shade. This day leaves you with more than photos—it sticks with you long after.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from anywhere in Mauritius by private air-conditioned vehicle, all entry fees—including La Vanille Crocodile Park and Colored Earth—plus bottled water on arrival and a full Mauritian lunch (vegetarian or non-vegetarian) with drinks before returning you safely to your hotel in the evening.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Southwest Mauritius highlights

• Hotel pick-up and meet guide
• Visit Mare aux Vacoas lake viewpoint
• See Grand Bassin Hindu Temple and statue
• Admire Alexandra Falls and valley view
• Stop at Gorge Viewpoint for panorama
• Explore Bassin Blanc dormant volcano crater
• Visit Twenty Three Colored Earth dunes
• View Chamouze waterfall
• Drive through Souillac village
• Enjoy 3-course Mauritian lunch
• Visit Gris-Gris sea cliffs viewpoint
• Explore La Vanille Crocodile Park
• Return to hotel

The Experience

“If you see the monkeys near Grand Bassin today, it’s good luck,” our driver Ravi grinned as we wound up the misty road toward Mare aux Vacoas. I didn’t spot any monkeys at first—just that cool, earthy smell after rain and a stillness over the reservoir that made me whisper without meaning to. The air was so much fresher than by the coast. Ravi pointed out wild guava trees and told us how this lake keeps half the island hydrated. I’m not sure I’d ever really thought about where island water comes from before.

Grand Bassin was next—Ganga Talao—with its giant Lord Shiva statue looming over the temple grounds. The incense smoke curled through the air, mixing with a faint whiff of petrol from passing scooters. We watched women in bright saris toss flower petals into the crater lake. Ravi quietly explained some of the rituals; I tried to pronounce “prasad” properly and he laughed (not unkindly). Then came Alexandra Falls—the kind of place you think will be crowded but wasn’t. The falls were just a white ribbon far below us, and birds kept darting through the valley. It felt like time slowed down for a minute there.

The Black River Gorges viewpoint was only a short walk but wow—the green just goes on forever. I leaned on the wooden rail and tried to spot parrots (no luck), but did hear something rustling in the trees behind us. There’s always that feeling here that something wild is watching back. At Bassin Blanc crater, we stood at the edge and looked down into what felt like another world—so deep it made my stomach flutter. Ravi said it hasn’t erupted in 700,000 years but “never say never.”

I’d seen photos of the twenty-three colored earth before but seeing those rainbow sand dunes up close is…strange? Like nature playing a trick with colors that shouldn’t sit together but do anyway. There were slow-moving tortoises nearby and kids running around trying to pick their favorite color patch (mine was this weird purple-gray). Lunch was at a small local place—rice, chicken curry, lots of fresh herbs—and honestly I could’ve napped after that meal.

We ended at Gris-Gris cliffs where wind whipped my hair everywhere and waves crashed so hard you felt it in your chest. There’s this rock called Roche Qui Pleure—it really does look like it’s crying when you catch it from the right angle. Last stop: La Vanille Crocodile Park. Not just crocs—giant tortoises too, plus fossils of extinct birds I’d never heard of before (the dodo bones are oddly moving). By then my shoes were muddy and my head full of new smells and stories. Still thinking about those cliffs now.

Top questions

How long does this Mauritius south tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours including all stops.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at any hotel or accommodation in Mauritius are included.

What is special about the Twenty-Three Colored Earth?

The site features unique sand dunes with distinct layers of multiple colors due to volcanic clay minerals.

Are meals provided during this tour?

A 3-course Mauritian lunch is included, with vegetarian options available if requested when booking.

Can children join this private tour?

Yes, children are welcome; kids aged 3 years & under join free and infant seats can be arranged if needed.

Is entry to La Vanille Crocodile Park included?

Yes, entrance fees for La Vanille Crocodile Park are covered in your tour price.

Do I need special shoes or clothes for this trip?

Comfortable clothes and non-slip shoes are recommended due to walking on uneven paths near viewpoints and waterfalls.

What wildlife might we see in Black River Gorges?

You may spot endemic birds like parrots as well as monkeys along forested trails.

Is transportation private or shared?

This is a fully private tour with air-conditioned vehicle just for your group.