South Mauritius tour: Volcano, waterfalls, rum tasting & lunch

Five landmarks and a working vanilla plantation in one day

A full-day guided tour of South Mauritius covering Trou aux Cerfs volcano, Grand Bassin sacred lake, Alexandra Falls, Black River Gorges National Park, Gris Gris Beach and the Saint Aubin vanilla and rum estate. You hike volcanic crater rims, walk through temple grounds, view cascading waterfalls and dramatic coastal cliffs, then taste rum and tour a working vanilla plantation before a 3-course Mauritian lunch in Souillac.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Trou aux Cerfs Volcano45m
2. Black River Gorges National Park30m
3. Gris Gris Cape30m
4. St. Aubin House & Sugar Estate1h · entry included

Explore South Mauritius natural and cultural sites

• Hike Trou aux Cerfs volcano
• Visit sacred Grand Bassin lake
• See Alexandra Falls viewpoint
• Enjoy Gorges Viewpoint panorama
• Lunch with local Mauritian flavors
• Walk along Gris Gris Beach cliffs
• Tour Saint Aubin vanilla plantation
• Rhum tasting at Saint Aubin estate

The experience

The day starts at Trou aux Cerfs, a dormant volcanic crater in the highlands where a guided hike leads through forest to 360-degree views of Curepipe and the surrounding landscape. From there you move to Grand Bassin, a sacred crater lake ringed by Hindu temples with 33-meter sculptures of Shiva and Durga. The site draws monkeys and local worshippers, and the quiet makes it a place to pause rather than rush through.

The route then turns to water and geology. Alexandra Falls drops from forest trails where you can photograph the cascade from multiple angles, and the Gorges Viewpoint in Black River Gorges National Park opens onto valleys that stretch to the sea: a vantage where Pink Pigeons and monkeys appear if you wait. Gris Gris Beach is the day's most dramatic stop: waves crash against rugged cliffs, and a rock formation called Roche Qui Pleure sits at the cliff edge, the spray creating the illusion of weeping stone.

Lunch is a 3-course Mauritian meal in Souillac with vegetarian and halal options. The afternoon ends at Saint Aubin, a working estate where you walk through vanilla plantations to see how orchids become aromatic pods, then tour the artisanal rum distillery and taste the output. A private air-conditioned vehicle and driver guide move the group between stops. Bottled water is provided throughout.

What’s included

• A private air-conditioned vehicle with driver guide.
• entrance fees to the vanilla plantation and rum distillery.
• a 3-course Mauritian lunch with vegetarian and halal options.
• bottled water throughout the day. The guide speaks English, French, German, Arabic and additional languages.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (6 to 16 years) · Child (2 to 5 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French, German, Arabic, Danish, Polish and Turkish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats available

Operated by Paradise In Your Palm Tours

Is this one for you?The day involves several guided walks at different sites (volcano rim, temple grounds, waterfall trails, coastal cliffs and plantation paths), so choose this tour if you're comfortable with a mix of hiking and standing time across the day. An early start and full itinerary mean you cover five distinct landscapes and two heritage sites in one outing, which suits travelers who want breadth over depth.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French, German, Arabic, Polish, Danish and Turkish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 16 years); Child (2 to 5 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What is Grand Bassin and why is it on this tour?

Grand Bassin is a sacred crater lake surrounded by Hindu temples honoring Shiva, Durga and Ganesh, with towering 33-meter sculptures visible from the water's edge. The site draws pilgrims and visitors for its spiritual significance and the quiet woodland setting where monkeys move through the trees.

Do I walk much on this tour?

Yes. You hike through forest at Trou aux Cerfs volcano to reach the crater rim, walk trails to Alexandra Falls, explore the Gorges Viewpoint on foot, and stroll the coastline at Gris Gris Beach. The pace is guided and suitable for all fitness levels, but the day involves several walking sections across different terrain.

What happens at the Saint Aubin estate?

Saint Aubin is a working vanilla plantation and rum distillery. You tour the vanilla plants to see how the orchid is grown and processed into pods, then visit the distillery to watch traditional rum-making methods and taste the finished spirits.

Is the 3-course lunch included, and what are the options?

Yes, lunch is included at a restaurant in Souillac. The menu offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, with halal options available, all made from fresh regional ingredients.

How long does this tour take?

The tour runs 6 to 8 hours depending on pace and time spent at each stop. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.