Mauritius South Tour: Seven Colored Earth & Black River Gorges

Four natural landmarks in one day: crater lake, dormant volcano, gorge viewpoint and the island's most vivid geological formation.

A private full-day tour of Mauritius's southwest takes you from your hotel to Chamarel's major sites: the Seven Colored Earth Geopark, Black River Gorges National Park viewpoint, the crater lake at Ganga Talao with its 33-meter Shiva statue, and Trou aux Cerfs volcano surrounded by indigenous forest. A bilingual guide travels with your group in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the route is flexible to your pace.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Seven Coloured Earth Geopark1h · entry included
2. Black River Gorges National Park15m
3. Trou aux Cerfs Volcano30m

Explore Chamarel and Surroundings

• Visit Seven Colored Earth Geopark
• Stop at Gorge Viewpoint for panorama
• Explore Black River Gorges National Park
• Visit Ganga Talao lake and temple
• See Trou Aux Cerfs volcanic crater
• Tour Le Port Ship Model Factory

The experience

The tour starts with pickup from your hotel anywhere in Mauritius and heads to Chamarel, a village of 700 in the southwest known for its natural sites. Your first stop is the Seven Colored Earth Geopark, where mineral-rich volcanic soil creates bands of red, brown, purple and other hues across a hillside. From there you move to the Black River Gorges viewpoint, where you stand above 17,000 acres of rainforest rolling into deep valleys. A waterfall drops from the right side of the overlook, and the path up passes souvenir stalls and sometimes groups of monkeys.

The tour then reaches Ganga Talao, a crater lake 550 meters above sea level ringed by a temple and shrines. The 33-meter statue of Lord Shiva overlooks the water, the highest statue on the island. After that comes Trou aux Cerfs, a dormant volcanic crater 605 meters high with a 350-meter diameter, surrounded by lush forest of indigenous plants and giant pine trees. The volcano last erupted 700,000 years ago. The route ends with a stop at Le Port Ship Model Factory to watch artisans craft detailed wooden ship models by hand.

Your guide speaks English and French, travels in the vehicle with you, and can adjust stops to match your interests. The air-conditioned van includes WiFi. The full tour runs 6 to 8 hours depending on how long you spend at each site.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi.
• bilingual guide in English and French.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from anywhere in Mauritius.
• flexible stops tailored to your group's pace.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to10h 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.

Paid on siteUS$ 17.18

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Turquoise Voyages

Is this one for you?If you're staying at a hotel without a rental car, the included pickup and private vehicle solve the logistics of reaching Chamarel's scattered sites. The flexible stops mean you set the rhythm at each landmark instead of moving with a larger group 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 the Seven Colored Earth Geopark like when you get there?

The Seven Colored Earth is a hillside where volcanic minerals create distinct bands of red, brown, purple and other colors across the landscape. It's the most photographed natural formation in Chamarel and the centerpiece of the tour's first stop.

Can I see wildlife on the Black River Gorges viewpoint walk?

Yes, groups of monkeys sometimes cross the path leading up to the viewpoint, and the 17,000-acre rainforest reserve below the overlook is home to native flora and fauna. The viewpoint itself sits above deep valleys and a waterfall visible from the right side.

How high is the Shiva statue at Ganga Talao?

The statue of Lord Shiva at Ganga Talao stands 33 meters tall, making it the highest statue in Mauritius. It overlooks the crater lake from the temple and shrine complex on the shoreline.

Is the tour accessible if I have mobility concerns?

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and the vehicle is air-conditioned. Infants and small children can travel in a pram, stroller or specialized infant seat. All physical fitness levels are suitable for the stops included.

What does hotel pickup cover?

Pickup and drop-off from any hotel in Mauritius are included in the tour price. Your guide meets you at your accommodation and returns you there at the end of the day.