South West Mauritius tour: Casela Park, volcano & sacred lake

A dormant volcano, a towering statue of Lord Shiva, and an alpine coaster all in one day

A full-day private tour of southwest Mauritius covering seven to eight hours, starting with hotel pickup and moving through five major stops (Trou aux Cerfs volcanic crater, Grand Bassin sacred lake, Alexandra Falls, Black River Gorges viewpoint, and Casela Nature Park) with a certified guide, Mauritian lunch, and the Tulawaka Gold Coaster ride included. The guide speaks English, French or Hindi, so you choose the language that works for your group. Children from age one are welcome, and vegetarian meals are available on request.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Trou aux Cerfs Volcano40m · entry included
2. Black River Gorges National Park30m

Southwest Mauritius full-day tour

• Hotel pick-up and meet guide
• Visit Trou aux Cerfs volcanic crater
• Stop at Mare aux Vacoas reservoir
• Visit Grand Bassin sacred lake and statue
• Explore Alexandra Falls and viewpoint
• Admire views at Gorge Viewpoint
• Drive through Chamarel village
• Enjoy 3-course Mauritian lunch
• Stop at Chamarel Viewpoint
• Visit Casela Nature Park animal viewing
• Experience Tulawaka Gold Coaster ride
• Take African Truck Safari in park
• Walk through Bird Paradise aviary
• Watch immersive 4D cinema experience
• Return to hotel

The experience

Your day starts with pickup from your hotel anywhere in Mauritius and a drive to Trou aux Cerfs, a dormant volcanic crater 605 meters above sea level with a diameter of 350 meters. The crater sits inside a forest of indigenous plants and giant green pines, and from the rim you get a 360-degree view of Curepipe, the Rempart Mountain, and the Port-Louis–Moka range. From there you move to Mare aux Vacoas, the island's largest reservoir at nearly 26 million cubic meters, ringed by thick forest and offering a quiet break from the usual pace.

Next comes Grand Bassin, a crater lake at 550 meters elevation where a 33-meter statue of Lord Shiva stands on the shoreline beside temples and shrines. The lake itself is about 18 meters deep and draws Hindu pilgrims and visitors who come to walk the shore and meditate. After that, Alexandra Falls drops from a wooden platform viewpoint 700 meters above sea level, with a panoramic view of the southeast coast and turquoise ocean beyond. The Gorges Viewpoint follows, opening onto the Black River Gorges National Park: 17,000 acres of rainforest with rolling hills, deep valleys, and waterfalls that protect most of the island's remaining native vegetation and wildlife.

Lunch is a three-course Mauritian meal at a local restaurant in Chamarel village: fresh salads, rice, soup, and your choice of chicken curry, fish, or vegetables, with the chef explaining each option. After eating, you stop at Chamarel Viewpoint for views of the southwest coast, green mountains, Le Morne Brabant, and the turquoise lagoon. The final stretch is Casela Nature Park, where you ride the Tulawaka Gold Coaster (a 760-meter alpine luge with cable lift, steep descents and bends, and views of the west coast), then take an African Truck Safari to see zebras, ostriches, white rhinos, impalas, and wildebeest. The park also includes a bird aviary walk and a 4D cinema experience before your return to the hotel.

What’s included

• Private transportation in a fully air-conditioned vehicle.
• hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Mauritius.
• services of a certified guide in English, French, or Hindi.
• entrance to Casela World of Adventures.
• African Truck Safari tour.
• Tulawaka Gold Coaster ride.
• three-course Mauritian lunch with vegetarian or non-vegetarian options.
• bottled water upon arrival.
• and access to the bird aviary and 4D cinema at Casela.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:45

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 9 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French and Hindi

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Freshverde Holidays

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English, French, or Hindi. Pick the language that fits your group's comfort. The seven- to eight-hour span lets you move through five distinct landscapes and two major activity zones without rushing, so families with children from age one can keep pace, and anyone who wants a full day of variety without a predawn start will find the timing works.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French and Hindi.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (4 to 9 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

What is the Tulawaka Gold Coaster ride like at Casela?

The Tulawaka Gold Coaster is a 760-meter alpine luge that runs on a cable lift hill with steep descents and sharp bends, built for thrill-seekers who want speed and turns while looking out over the west coast of Mauritius.

Can I see animals up close at Casela Nature Park?

Yes. The African Truck Safari lets you encounter zebras, ostriches, white rhinos, impalas, and wildebeest in an open reserve. The park also has a petting farm with tortoises and farm animals, a viewing area for giraffes and pygmy hippos, and a Predator Kingdom with lions, caracals, and tigers.

What does the Mauritian lunch include?

Lunch is a three-course meal with fresh salads, rice, soup, and your choice of chicken curry, fish, or vegetables. Vegetarian options are available if you request them when booking.

How long is the full tour, and does it include transportation?

The tour runs seven to eight hours from pickup to drop-off. Hotel pickup and return transport in a fully air-conditioned vehicle are included, along with a certified guide who speaks English, French, or Hindi.

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

Grand Bassin is a crater lake 550 meters above sea level in the mountainous southwest, home to a 33-meter statue of Lord Shiva and temples on the shoreline. It is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site and one of Mauritius's most visited spiritual landmarks.