Mauritius Southwest: Private Scenic Day Tour & 3-Course Lunch

Summary

Volcano craters, sacred lakes and wild cliffs in Mauritius’ lush southwest

You’ll ride through Mauritius’ southwest with a local guide, from volcanic craters and sacred lakes to jungle waterfalls and wild sea cliffs. Taste a traditional 3-course Mauritian lunch along the way. Expect moments of silence, laughter with your guide, and views that linger long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the smell—sort of piney, almost sharp, when we stepped out at Trou aux Cerfs. Our guide, Ajay, joked it’s “volcano air,” which made me laugh because the crater’s been asleep for ages. You can see Curepipe town way down below and all these blue-green folds of mountains. I tried to picture what it looked like when this place was spitting fire instead of just mist. We kept pausing because the view just keeps changing as clouds drift over.

Mare Aux Vacoas reservoir was quieter than I expected—just some locals fishing and a couple of kids skipping stones. It felt like a pause button before Grand Bassin. There’s something about that lake; maybe it’s the incense or the way people move so softly around the shrines. The statue of Shiva is huge but somehow gentle. Ajay told us stories about pilgrimages here—I probably butchered the name trying to say “Ganga Talao” and he grinned but didn’t correct me.

After Alexandra Falls (the air there is cool and mossy), we hit Black River Gorges viewpoint. Monkeys were hanging around—one stole half my snack bar, not kidding. The forest rolls forever out there, thick and tangled. Lunch came right after: three courses at a small spot where the chef actually came out to ask if we wanted chicken or fish curry (I went chicken). The rice had this buttery smell I still think about sometimes.

The colored earth at Chamarel looked unreal—like someone spilled paint on sand dunes and left it for years. Ajay explained how the colors never mix even if you try (I didn’t believe him until I saw it). Last stop was Gris-Gris cliffs; wind whipping so hard it felt like my shirt might fly off. Waves crashed straight into rock with no reef to break them up—loud enough that we all went quiet for a second just watching.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Southwest Mauritius full-day scenic tour

• Hotel pick-up and meet guide
• Visit Trou Aux Cerfs volcano
• Stop at Mare Aux Vacoas reservoir
• Visit Grand Bassin Hindu temple
• Admire Alexandra Falls and jungle
• View panorama at Gorge viewpoint
• Enjoy traditional Mauritian 3-course lunch
• Explore Twenty-Three colored earth dunes
• See Chamouny waterfall
• Drive scenic route to Bassin Blanc
• Visit Gris-Gris viewpoint and cliffs
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long is the Mauritius southwest private scenic tour?

The tour lasts approximately 7-8 hours including all stops and lunch.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Mauritius are included.

What kind of lunch is served during the tour?

A traditional 3-course Mauritian lunch is provided with vegetarian or non-vegetarian options.

Are entrance fees to attractions covered?

Yes, entry fees for Twenty-Three Colored Earth and Chamouny Waterfall are included.

Can children join this private day trip?

Yes, children are welcome; infant seats are available upon request and kids under 3 go free.

Will we visit Grand Bassin temple on this tour?

Yes, Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao) temple is one of the main stops on the itinerary.

Is private transportation provided throughout the tour?

Yes, you’ll travel in a fully air-conditioned private vehicle with bottled water supplied.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Mauritius, entry fees for sites like Twenty-Three Colored Earth and Chamouny Waterfall, bottled water on arrival, a certified private guide/driver throughout, comfortable private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, plus a traditional 3-course Mauritian lunch (with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options) before heading back in the evening.