South West Mauritius tour: Seven Colored Earth volcano trip
One day through Mauritius's south: volcano, sacred lake, colored sand and forest
A guided tour of southwest Mauritius covering natural and cultural landmarks in a single day with private or shared transport, English or French-speaking guide, and air-conditioned vehicle. The route passes through Trou aux Cerfs volcano overlooking Curepipe, the sacred lake at Grand Bassin with its Hindu temples, Alexandra Falls in Black River Gorges National Park, and the Seven Colored Earth Geopark: a sand formation with seven distinct color bands formed over seven million years.
Options for this experience
4 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Explore Mauritius South West Highlights
- Visit local shopping area
- View Trou Aux Cerfs volcano
- Admire Grand Bassin lake
- See Alexandra Falls waterfall
- Explore Black River Gorges park
- Optional visit to Rhumerie rum distillery
- Observe Seven Coloured Earth dunes
- Visit ancient natural site
- Trou aux Cerfs Volcano 30m
- Black River Gorges National Park 30m
- Seven Coloured Earth Geopark 30m
What’s included
- Private or shared air-conditioned transportation.
- live guide in English or French.
- pickup from your accommodation.
Times
- Every day No fixed time
Before you book
Operated by Taxi Mauritius Tours
Prices and times updated 7 days ago
Need assistance?Message us on WhatsApp or by emailThe experience
The tour runs seven to eight hours and covers the main attractions of Mauritius's southwest region. You start with a stop at a local shopping area known for handmade ship models and diamond carving, then move to Trou aux Cerfs, a dormant volcano where you can see across to Curepipe town. From there the route takes you to Grand Bassin, the sacred lake ringed by mountains and temples, home to two of Mauritius's largest Hindu statues. The landscape shifts as you head toward Black River Gorges National Park, where Alexandra Falls drops from a rocky cliff into a forested ravine: a quieter spot than the more crowded sites earlier in the day.
Black River Gorges itself is a nature reserve with hiking trails and forest thick enough that monkeys move through the canopy. The final major stop is the Seven Colored Earth Geopark, where sand dunes display seven distinct color layers (rust, red, brown, purple, green, blue and yellow) a natural phenomenon that has existed for millions of years. The operator notes that a rum distillery stop is optional and requires a separate fee. Restaurants and snack places along the route can be added depending on your preference. You travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a live guide speaking English or French, and pickup is included.
Is this one for you?Choose the SUV or 7-seater option if you are traveling as a small family or group and want the vehicle to yourself. The minibus works better for solo travelers or pairs who don't mind sharing transport with others on the same route. The fixed itinerary means all the major sites fit into one day, though the pace depends on how long you spend at each stop.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and French.
What exactly is the Seven Colored Earth and why does it have so many colors?
The Seven Colored Earth Geopark is a natural sand formation where seven distinct color bands (rust, red, brown, purple, green, blue and yellow) appear in the dunes. The formation has existed for over seven million years, created by natural geological processes that separated minerals and iron oxides into visible layers.
Will I have time to walk around Black River Gorges or is it just a drive-through stop?
Black River Gorges National Park is a nature reserve with hiking trails and forest viewpoints, so you do more than drive past it. The tour includes time to walk and explore the lush forest where monkeys live, though the exact duration depends on the group's pace and the guide's route choices.
Is lunch included in the tour price?
Lunch is not included, but the operator notes that restaurants and snack places are available along the route and can be added to your itinerary depending on your preference. You can stop to eat at a location of your choice during the day.
Can I visit the rum distillery, or is that a separate tour?
The rum distillery stop is optional and requires a separate fee beyond the tour price. If you want to taste rum and see how it is made, you can add it to your booking, but it is not part of the standard route.
Do I need to be fit or experienced to do this tour?
The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. It combines vehicle travel with short walks at each stop, so you can participate at your own pace. Specialized infant seats are available if you are traveling with young children.
South West Mauritius tour: Seven Colored Earth volcano trip
7h–8h · EN · FR · at your hotel
from US$ 95 per group
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