Mauritius Southwest: Chamarel Waterfall, Seven Coloured Earth & Rum Tasting

Summary

Chamarel’s colors, wild gorges, local rum and Mauritian warmth in one day

You’ll circle volcano craters at Trou aux Cerfs, stand close enough to Chamarel Waterfall to feel its spray, taste local rum straight from oak barrels, and see earth that looks painted by hand. With pickup included and a Mauritian lunch along the way, this day trip lets you experience southwest Mauritius through all your senses—and maybe leaves you a bit changed.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell—sort of earthy sweet—when we stepped out at Trou aux Cerfs. Our guide Ashwin grinned and pointed at the volcano crater rim, saying it’s always misty in the morning. The air felt cool on my skin, but somehow sticky too. There were a few locals doing their morning walk, nodding as they passed us (one had a radio playing sega music quietly). I tried to imagine what it’d be like living with a volcano just down the road. Didn’t expect that.

We zigzagged through the south west of Mauritius in this minivan that had seen better days but got us everywhere just fine. Stopped at a jewelry workshop—my partner was way more into it than me—and then this ship model place where an old guy named Raj let me touch one of the tiny wooden hulls before he started telling stories about his grandfather building boats for real. I still think about how his hands moved over the polished wood, almost like he was remembering something else entirely.

Lunch happened after Black River Gorges Viewpoint (which is wild by the way—green everywhere and birds you can actually hear). The food was simple: rice, lentils, something with pumpkin? Ashwin kept checking if we wanted more. He laughed when I tried to say “merci” in Creole (I definitely butchered it). Afterward came Chamarel Waterfall—louder than I thought—and then that weirdly hypnotic Seven Coloured Earth. The colors really do look painted on from some angles; I took too many photos and none of them quite catch it.

Rum tasting at La Rhumerie de Chamarel was last for us (maybe not for everyone?), and by then I’d stopped trying to keep track of time. The air inside smelled sharp-sweet from all the barrels stacked up. We clinked glasses with two sisters from Port Louis who said they come every year for their birthday. Walking out into late afternoon sun felt oddly peaceful—I guess there’s something about seeing so much color and water in one day that leaves you kind of quiet inside.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore South West Mauritius Highlights

• Visit Le Port ship model factory
• Shop at Adamas Jewellery factory
• See Trou aux Cerfs volcano crater
• Explore Black River Gorges viewpoint and forest
• Visit Grand Bassin temple
• Taste rum at La Rhumerie de Chamarel
• View Chamarel Waterfall
• See Seven Coloured Earth
• Visit Alexandra Fall viewpoint
• View Black River Gorges waterfall and viewpoint
• Enjoy Case Noyale panoramic viewpoint

Top questions

How long does this Mauritius southwest tour last?

This is a full-day tour covering multiple stops from morning until late afternoon or early evening.

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for your convenience.

Are entrance fees covered in this day trip?

All entrance fees—including Chamarel Rhum Factory and Black River Gorges—are included.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

A traditional Mauritian lunch is included; vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

Can I do rum tasting on this tour?

Yes, rum tasting at La Rhumerie de Chamarel is part of the itinerary for guests aged 18 or older.

What are some highlights of this southwest Mauritius tour?

Main stops include Trou aux Cerfs Volcano, Black River Gorges Viewpoint, Chamarel Waterfall, Seven Coloured Earth Geopark, and a rum distillery visit.

Is this day trip suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; most activities involve light walking only.

Do I need to bring my passport for this tour?

You’ll need to provide passport details (name, number, expiry date) when booking for each participant.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Mauritius’s main areas, entry tickets to places like Black River Gorges Viewpoint and Chamarel Rhum Factory (with tastings), plus a Mauritian lunch with non-alcoholic drinks before heading back in the evening—all arranged so you can just show up and enjoy it.