Chamarel 7 Colours and Waterfalls – Exclusive South West Tour

See Mauritius in one big sweep. This private South West tour links volcanic craters, sacred lakes, waterfalls, mountain lookouts, rum tasting, and a beach stop into one long day. I like the private car and driver, which let you travel at your own pace, and I like the mix of nature, culture, food, and local rum rather than visiting only one attraction. The main consideration is timing: with seven to nine hours on the road and many stops, the day can feel full.

I also like that the group price is $125 for up to four people, making it strong value for a family or small group. Drivers such as Kevin and Sameer have been praised for safe driving, useful local guidance, and adding extra scenic stops. Still, you should confirm the exact schedule before setting out, since one low rating reported that several listed stops and lunch were missed.

Key points to know before booking

• A full South West circuit: You visit Trou aux Cerfs, Grand Bassin, Alexandra Falls, Black River Gorges, Chamarel, Seven Coloured Earth, and Flic en Flac Beach.
• Private transport for up to four people: Your group gets its own driver and can sometimes request more time at a stop.
• Rum tasting at Rhumerie Chamarel: The visit includes a guided look at rum production and samples of several agricultural rums.
• The strongest scenery comes in the mountains: Alexandra Falls, Black River Gorges, and the Chamarel viewpoint offer very different views.
• Admission fees are not all included: Rhumerie Chamarel and Seven Coloured Earth list separate admission charges.
• The day ends by the sea: Flic en Flac gives you time to swim, snorkel, relax with a drink, or watch the sunset.

Why this private Mauritius tour works well

Mauritius is compact enough to see much of it in a day, but the island’s sights are spread across different regions. This outing solves that problem with a private vehicle and a route through the central highlands and South West.

You are not tied to a large group. That matters when one person wants more time at a viewpoint, someone else wants photographs, or the family needs a slower pace. One especially useful detail from the feedback is that the driver accommodated a request for extra beach time. That kind of flexibility is difficult on a rigid coach excursion.

The price is also worth examining closely. At $125 per group of up to four, the cost is not per person. For four people, that works out to about $31.25 each before any separate entry fees, food, or drinks. For two people, it becomes $62.50 each, which is still reasonable if you value private transport and a full-day route.

The tour is advertised as lasting about seven to nine hours. That gives the driver room to handle traffic, weather, meal timing, and the different lengths of each stop. It also means you should not expect a slow, leisurely day at every attraction. This is a sightseeing day with a lot packed into it.

Trou aux Cerfs and the volcanic center of Mauritius

The first stop is Trou aux Cerfs in Curepipe, a dormant volcano at about 605 meters. Its crater is well defined, measuring roughly 300 to 350 meters across and about 80 meters deep.

You get around 30 minutes here, and admission is free. The stop is useful because it introduces Mauritius as a volcanic island before the tour moves into the mountain country. The crater itself is the main attraction, while the elevated setting gives you a sense of the island’s central terrain.

Do not expect a long walk or a major hike. This is a short viewpoint stop, best used for photographs and a quick orientation to the island. If cloud or mist rolls in, the view may be less impressive, so the flexible private format is helpful if the driver can adjust the timing.

Grand Bassin, the island’s sacred crater lake

Grand Bassin, also called Ganga Talao, is a crater lake in the Savanne district. It is regarded as the most sacred Hindu temple site in Mauritius.

The planned visit lasts about 45 minutes and costs nothing to enter. This is more than another scenic stop. It gives you a chance to see a place of active religious importance, surrounded by forest and mountain air. Keep your behavior respectful, especially around temple areas and religious statues.

The stop adds cultural depth to a day that could otherwise become a procession of viewpoints. You may find the atmosphere quiet and reflective, although the overall feel can vary depending on worship and visitor activity. Comfortable shoes help, but this is not presented as a strenuous walk.

Alexandra Falls and Black River Gorges

Alexandra Falls receives about 20 minutes. The waterfall sits in a shaded setting, where the sound of rushing water and the cooler air offer a welcome break from the sun.

This is a short stop, so you will mainly look, photograph, and enjoy the setting rather than spend a long time walking through the area. The shade is a real benefit during a warm day. If waterfalls are your main reason for booking, note that this stop is one of the clearest waterfall-focused parts of the schedule.

Next comes Black River Gorges National Park, also for about 20 minutes. The lookout offers broad views across the rugged western highlands toward the coast, with a waterfall visible from the area. There are tourist shops and ice cream near the car park.

I see this stop as a quick scenic pause, not a park hike. The limited time means you will not explore much of the national park on foot. Still, the lookout gives you a different view from Alexandra Falls, and the shops can be useful for a cold treat or a small souvenir.

Rhumerie Chamarel and the taste of local rum

The rum distillery visit lasts about 90 minutes. You get a guided introduction to the rum-making process, including the use of sugar cane and the production of agricultural rum.

The tasting is a major feature. You can sample different varieties and compare their flavors, with the overview describing unlimited tastings. This is a good fit if you enjoy learning through food and drink rather than simply looking at exhibits.

The distillery also gives the day a local connection. Sugar cane is central to Mauritius, and rum production helps explain how an island crop becomes a finished drink with different styles and flavors. The setting is described as warm and genuine, with the visit focused on both production and tasting.

Admission to Rhumerie Chamarel is not included in the listed tour price. Ask about the current entry cost before you go, and remember that the tasting is not a good reason to drink heavily when you still have road travel ahead. You can enjoy the samples without turning the afternoon into a contest.

Chamarel viewpoint and a possible lunch stop

The Chamarel viewpoint is planned for about an hour and is free. From here, you can look over the village and the surrounding green hills, with views toward the turquoise waters of the South West coast. Le Morne Brabant should appear to the left and La Tourelle du Tamarin to the right, with Ile aux Benitiers visible from the area.

Bring sunglasses and a camera. The open view can be bright, and this is one of the best places on the route for a broad photograph rather than a close-up waterfall shot.

The schedule also describes a local restaurant serving seafood for lunch. Food is not listed as included in the tour price, so plan to pay separately. More important, confirm with your driver when and where lunch will happen. One poor rating reported that no restaurant guidance or lunch break was provided, so this is the clearest point to verify before departure.

If you have dietary restrictions, you should ask about restaurant choices in advance. The supplied details specifically mention seafood, not a full range of alternative menus.

Seven Coloured Earth, Mauritius’s most famous oddity

The Seven Coloured Earth Geopark is the signature stop. The soil forms dunes in shades described as red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow. The colors developed as basaltic lava changed into clay minerals, creating a strange, almost moonlike patch among green plants.

You get around 45 minutes here, but admission is not included. Treat this as a viewing stop rather than a place to walk across the colored earth. The unusual tones are best appreciated from the marked viewing areas, and the contrast between the colored soil and surrounding vegetation makes the site photograph well.

The name can raise expectations. This is not a giant valley of rainbow sand. It is a contained geological attraction, and the experience depends on weather, light, and your interest in natural formations. I would still include it on a first visit to Mauritius, but I would not book this entire day only for the colors.

The tour description also uses Chamarel Waterfalls in its title. The detailed schedule lists Alexandra Falls and a waterfall view in Black River Gorges, but it does not give a separate timed stop for a Chamarel Waterfall viewpoint. If that specific waterfall matters to you, ask the operator to confirm exactly what you will see.

Flic en Flac Beach brings the day back to sea level

The last stop is Flic en Flac Beach, with about one hour available. After a day in the central highlands, this gives you a chance to slow down by the water.

The stated options include swimming, snorkeling, relaxing with drinks, and watching the sunset. The beach is described as one of the better places in Mauritius for sunset viewing. Since this is the final stop, it can also be a useful way to end the day without rushing straight back after the mountain sights.

One hour is enough for a short swim or a drink, but it may feel brief if you want a proper beach afternoon. If the beach is a high priority, discuss the timing with your driver at the start. A previous booking was adjusted to allow more beach time, which shows why the private format can be useful.

Bring the items you need for the water, but keep in mind that the provided information does not specify whether snorkeling equipment is supplied. Ask before relying on the stop for a snorkeling session.

Drivers and the value of a private vehicle

The driver can make or break a long island day. Kevin is praised for being informative, helpful, accommodating, and careful behind the wheel. Sameer is also singled out for outstanding service, and one visitor specifically suggested requesting him if he is available.

Those names do not guarantee a particular driver on your date, but they show the kind of service the operator aims to provide. The best part of a private outing is not simply having a car. It is having someone who can explain the places, suggest an extra viewpoint, and adjust the pace when possible.

Several positive comments describe additional natural stops that were not listed in the planned route. That can be a pleasant bonus, but I would treat extras as optional rather than guaranteed. The reverse is also important: clarify the must-see stops so the day does not drift away from your priorities.

Pickup is offered, and the tour runs daily during the stated operating period from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Confirmation is provided when you book, and the activity is private for your group only. Most people can participate, service animals are allowed, and the meeting area is near public transportation.

Who should book this South West day trip?

I would recommend it to first-time visitors who want a broad introduction to Mauritius without arranging several separate excursions. It also suits families and small groups who want their own vehicle, especially when the $125 group price can be shared among four people.

You will get the most from it if you enjoy variety. The day moves from a volcanic crater to a religious site, then to waterfalls, mountain views, a distillery, unusual geology, and a beach. No single stop receives a very long visit, but the range is impressive.

This is less suitable if you want serious hiking, a long beach session, or an unhurried lunch. The schedule is packed, and the short stops at Alexandra Falls and Black River Gorges are designed for sightseeing rather than extended walks.

Weather matters. The operator states that poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want maximum variety in one private day, especially if you are sharing the cost with three other people. The strongest reasons are the flexible driver, the excellent spread of scenery, the rum tasting, and the chance to finish at Flic en Flac.

Before paying, ask three direct questions: Is Chamarel Waterfall included as a separate stop? Will lunch at a seafood restaurant be arranged? Which entry fees must you pay on the day? If the answers match your priorities, this is a practical and good-value way to see the South West.

FAQ

How long does the Chamarel South West tour last?

The tour lasts approximately seven to nine hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $125 per group of up to four people.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates in the private tour or activity.

Is pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered.

Which places are included in the route?

The route includes Trou aux Cerfs, Grand Bassin, Alexandra Falls, Black River Gorges National Park, Rhumerie Chamarel, Chamarel viewpoint, Seven Coloured Earth Geopark, and Flic en Flac Beach.

Are entry tickets included?

Admission is listed as free for Trou aux Cerfs, Grand Bassin, Black River Gorges, Chamarel viewpoint, and Flic en Flac Beach. Admission is listed as included for Alexandra Falls. Rhumerie Chamarel and Seven Coloured Earth list admission as not included.

Is lunch included?

No. The price does not state that lunch is included. The schedule describes a local seafood restaurant, so you should confirm the lunch arrangement and expect to pay for food separately.

Can you swim or snorkel at the end?

The Flic en Flac stop allows time for swimming, snorkeling, relaxing with drinks, and sunset viewing. The provided information does not confirm that snorkeling equipment is supplied.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted or refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.