South Mauritius tour: Chamarel, 7-Coloured Earth & volcano

Climb a dormant volcano, walk through rainbow-striped earth, and spot wild monkeys in the gorges

A 7–8 hour guided tour of southwest Mauritius starting from your hotel, visiting five major sites across the volcanic landscape: Trou Aux Cerfs volcano for 360-degree island views, the sacred Grand Bassin lake with its temples, Black River Gorges where monkeys roam, Chamarel Waterfall, and the Seven Coloured Earth Geopark where you walk among Aldabra tortoises. Lunch at a local restaurant and all entry fees are included. Your guide speaks English, French, Italian, German and other languages.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Trou aux Cerfs Volcano25m
2. Black River Gorges National Park30m
3. Chamarel Waterfall20m · entry included
4. Seven Coloured Earth Geopark45m · entry included

Explore Mauritius southwest highlights

• Visit Trou Aux Cerfs volcano viewpoint
• Visit Grand Bassin sacred lake and temples
• Stop at Alexandra Viewpoint for photos
• See Black River Gorges valley and monkeys
• Enjoy Mauritian lunch in Chamarel village
• Visit Chamarel Waterfall
• Walk around Seven Coloured Earth Geopark
• Stop at Chamarel Viewpoint
• Admire coastal view from Maconde viewpoint
• Return to hotel

The experience

The tour starts at Trou Aux Cerfs, a dormant volcano where you climb to the rim and look out across the entire island from high altitude. From there the route moves through the forest to Grand Bassin, the sacred lake ringed with temples and statues that anchor Hindu pilgrimage in Mauritius. The drive continues to Black River Gorges National Park, where you stop at the viewpoint overlooking the valley (this is where wild monkeys appear among the trees), and then to Chamarel Waterfall, a 100-meter drop visible from the overlook.

After lunch at a local restaurant (3-course meal, vegetarian and halal options available), you walk through the Seven Coloured Earth Geopark. The earth here shifts through bands of red, brown, purple, green and other shades as you move through the park. Aldabra tortoises graze in the enclosure. The final stops are Chamarel Viewpoint and Maconde Viewpoint, both positioned for coastal views before the drive back to your hotel. Throughout the day you travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a certified driver-guide. Bottled water and non-alcoholic drinks during lunch are included.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned transport with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• a certified driver-guide.
• entry to Trou Aux Cerfs volcano, Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao), Alexandra Viewpoint, Black River Gorges viewpoint and the Seven Coloured Earth Geopark.
• a 3-course lunch with vegetarian and halal options.
• bottled water and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 85 years) · Youth (15 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 14 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French, German, Italian, Hindi and Urdu

Audio guideSpanish, German and Italian

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 levelStroller friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Paradise In Your Palm Tours

Is this one for you?The 7–8 hour commitment means you can fit the entire southwest in one day without rushing the major sites, though it leaves little room for other activities. If your schedule is tighter, this tour fills a full morning and afternoon. If you have flexibility, the length allows time at each stop without feeling hurried.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French, German, Italian, Hindi and Urdu.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 17 years); Child (6 to 14 years); Infant (under 6): free.

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 exactly is the 7-Coloured Earth and why does the earth have so many colors?

The Seven Coloured Earth Geopark is a natural geological formation where volcanic minerals create distinct bands of red, brown, purple, green and other hues in the soil. You walk through the park on a marked path and can see the color shifts as you move. The site also has an enclosure where Aldabra tortoises live.

Is Trou Aux Cerfs actually a volcano and can you go inside it?

Trou Aux Cerfs is a dormant volcano. It is no longer active. You climb to the rim at high altitude and look out across the island from the top. You do not descend into the crater itself.

Will I see wild animals on this tour?

Yes, wild monkeys appear at Black River Gorges National Park, especially at the gorges viewpoint. You will also encounter Aldabra tortoises in the enclosure at the Seven Coloured Earth Geopark.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

The tour includes a walk through the Seven Coloured Earth Geopark and stops at multiple viewpoints where you stand and take in the views. It is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

Does the tour include lunch and what are the food options?

Yes, a 3-course lunch at a local restaurant is included. Vegetarian and halal options are available, and non-alcoholic beverages are served with the meal.