Chamarel 7 Colours and Waterfalls – Exclusive South West Tour

Seven colors, rum, and waterfalls in one day. This exclusive private tour strings together Seven Colored Earth magic, crater lakes, cool waterfall time, and a beach finish with sunset potential. I love that you’re in a small private group with a dedicated guide/driver so the pace feels yours, not rushed.

I also really like the stop at Rhumerie de Chamarel, with a guided distillery visit and unlimited rum tastings that tie directly to sugar-cane production. The main drawback to consider is timing: it runs roughly 7 to 9 hours and depends on good weather, so plan for a long day in the sun.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Private group pace: only your group, with a dedicated driver guiding the day
• Seven Colored Earth Geopark: a surreal mix of seven clay/sand colors in a small window of time
• Rhumerie de Chamarel rum tasting: guided tour plus multiple rum varieties to sample
• Water stops with variety: Alexandra Falls plus a national-park viewpoint and waterfall sighting
• Finish on the coast: Flic en Flac time for swimming/snorkeling and sunset watching

A full South West day, paced for real life

South West Mauritius has a way of stacking surprises. You start inland with volcanic shapes, then move toward sacred views, and finally hit the coast with water and sunset. This tour is built so you see the big-name sights without spending your day zigzagging by yourself.

Because it’s private (up to 4 people in your group), you can move at a comfortable rhythm. That matters here, since the day is long—about 7 to 9 hours—and you’ll be hopping between viewpoints and short walks.

The weather piece is real. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled for poor conditions you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. So if you’re going in the rainy season, keep a flexible mindset.

Price and logistics: what you pay, and what you get

The price is $125 per group (up to 4). That’s not a per-person price, which is a big deal if you’re traveling with family or friends. Split four ways and you’re looking at about $31.25 per person for the private driving + guiding portion, before any ticketed stops.

Also, you don’t pay for everything inside the tour. Some entrances are free, one falls stop is included, and other paid stops (like Rhumerie de Chamarel and the Seven Colored Earth Geopark) are not included. In other words, you’re paying mainly for transportation, local guidance, and the structure to hit several highlights in a single day.

Pickup is offered and the tour uses a mobile ticket. Service animals are allowed. And since it’s designed so most travelers can participate, it’s a good fit for many ages—just understand it’s a long day with a few outdoor stops.

Trou aux Cerfs: a crater view that sets the tone

The first stop is Trou aux Cerfs, a dormant volcano near Curepipe. You’re given about 30 minutes to take in the cone and crater. The volcano is listed as 605 meters high, with crater diameter commonly described around 300 to 350 meters and about 80 meters deep.

This part works even if you’re not a geology person. It gives you context for why Mauritius looks the way it does—high ground, volcanic features, and dramatic changes in terrain across short distances.

If you want the best photos, aim for time when the light is clear. Mauritius sun can be bright, and crater rims can look flat if you arrive with harsh glare.

Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao): sacred water in the mountains

Next comes Grand Bassin, also called Ganga Talao. It’s a crater lake tucked into a secluded mountain area in the Savanne district, and it’s considered one of the most sacred Hindu temple sites in Mauritius.

You get around 45 minutes here—enough time to wander, look around, and actually absorb the setting. The mood is very different from the volcano stop: quieter, more reflective, and focused on the water and the spiritual atmosphere.

This is also a good place to slow down. If your group tends to rush, you’ll appreciate this stop acting like a reset before the water-and-view segments.

Alexandra Falls: short visit, real payoff

Then you head to Alexandra Falls for about 20 minutes, and the admission here is included. The atmosphere is described as peaceful and shaded, with the sound of rushing water doing a lot of the work for you.

This stop is quick, so don’t count on it becoming a long picnic moment. But for a short detour that still feels like nature, it does the job. If you like “cool down” stops—places that feel away from the hot road—it’s a strong one.

Bring a light layer if you get chilly near the falls, but don’t expect a long hiking route. The time window is built for seeing and relaxing, then moving on.

Black River Gorges National Park: viewpoints and waterfall sighting

After the falls, you visit a rugged area of Black River Gorges National Park on the mountainous west coast. You’ll spend about 20 minutes at a lookout with views that stretch toward the coast, plus a waterfall that you can view from the area.

What I like about this stop is that it gives you depth. You’re not just looking at one thing—you’re getting layers: mountains, the drop toward the west, and that waterfall moment in the mix.

The car park area also has tourist shops with souvenirs and ice creams. That’s handy if your group needs a snack or a quick cold treat before the next drive.

Rhumerie de Chamarel: rum tasting that actually has context

The highlight for many people is the distillery stop at Rhumerie de Chamarel. Plan for about 1 hour 30 minutes, and note that admission here is not included.

This is not a drive-by store stop. You get a guided visit and a tasting session that includes unlimited rum tastings of the varieties the distillery makes. The tour focuses on the process and uses sugar cane as the starting point, so you’re not just tasting flavors—you’re learning where they come from.

If you’re a rum fan, this is the part where the day feels like a story with an ending. And if you’re not a rum fan, you can still treat it like a cultural food-and-drink stop. Just remember tasting means you’ll want to pace yourself and drink water after each pour.

In past experiences, drivers like Kevin or Sameer have helped make this part run smoothly and have been good at timing the day so you don’t feel rushed through the tasting.

Chamarel viewpoint and lunch: plan your camera moment

From the distillery, you move to the Chamarel viewpoint and nearby village overlook. You get about 1 hour here, with a panoramic view of the Chamarel area. On a clear day, you can see landmarks including Le Morne Brabant to the left and La Tourelle du Tamarin to the right, with Ile Aux Benitiers also visible in the view.

This is one of those places where your phone can look great if you take one minute and set it right. Use sunglasses to reduce glare, and bring a camera or stabilize your phone for steady shots.

You’ll then head to a local restaurant for lunch, and it’s positioned as a seafood-friendly option. That’s useful because you won’t have to hunt for food between stops. Just keep in mind that lunch time is part of your day’s clock, so go into it ready to relax instead of trying to squeeze in extra sightseeing right after.

Seven Colored Earth Geopark: your wow moment, with a ticket fee

After lunch, you reach the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark. You’ll have about 45 minutes at the site, and admission here is not included.

The big idea is simple and strange: layers of clay minerals and other changes created by the conversion of basaltic lava into clay minerals, resulting in a rainbow-like field of colors. The sand and earth are described as having seven distinct shades—red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow—spanning an area of dunes surrounded by lush vegetation.

This stop is only 45 minutes, so treat it like a photo and sensory session: walk the edges, look for the strongest color bands, and don’t overthink it. The place is meant to make you go wow fast.

If your group has different interests, this works because it’s visual first. Even if someone isn’t interested in rum or falls, they usually enjoy the color spectacle.

Flic en Flac beach time: swim, snorkel, and catch sunset

To finish, you’ll reach Flic en Flac Beach for about 1 hour. Admission here is free. This is your time for the sea: swimming, snorkeling, or just chilling with a drink.

Sunset is the point. Flic en Flac is often described as one of the best sunset areas in Mauritius, and having it at the end of a full day is smart. You’ll be tired. That’s normal. Let the ocean reset you.

This final hour is also where you decide how to spend your energy. If your legs are done, you can still enjoy the view. If you’re feeling good, snorkeling adds a fun “reward” element after all the inland stops.

Who this tour fits best (and who should choose carefully)

This is a strong match if you want:

• A private day without managing your own driving and timing
• A mix of nature + viewpoints + a cultural food/drink stop
• A group of up to four people who can share the $125 cost

It’s also good for families because the big stops are mostly short and viewpoint-based, not long hikes. Even so, it’s a long day, so if your group is sensitive to fatigue, you may want to plan for slower movement and rest during the beach hour.

One more consideration: the day is weather-dependent. If skies are poor, it can affect how enjoyable the viewpoints and sunset are, which is why flexibility helps.

Quick practical tips so your day feels smooth

• Pack sunglasses and a camera: bright glare is common around viewpoints.
• Wear comfortable shoes for short outdoor walks, especially at the Seven Colored Earth site.
• If you’re serious about rum tasting, slow down and hydrate so you can still enjoy later stops.
• Keep expectations realistic about time: each stop is designed for seeing and absorbing, not for long wandering.

If you want to reduce the chance of surprises, I recommend you confirm the key stops with your driver/guide before you head out and make sure everyone in your group knows the plan and the timing.

Should you book this private South West tour?

I think you should book this tour if you want a high-effort day with real variety—craters, a sacred crater lake, waterfall breaks, a proper rum tasting session, and a beach finish for swimming or snorkeling. The private group format makes the $125 price feel fair, especially if you’re traveling as two to four people.

Skip it (or choose carefully) if your group hates long days or if you’re traveling during a period when weather is unpredictable. Also, if you’re the type who needs very specific timing at every stop, build in a little flexibility—this day moves through several different settings, and that’s the whole point.

If you’re going to Mauritius and want one efficient South West day that feels like a guided highlight reel with breathing room, this is a very solid pick.

FAQ

How long is the Chamarel 7 Colours and Waterfalls private tour?

It runs about 7 to 9 hours.

How many people are included in the private group?

The price is for a group of up to 4 people, and it’s private, meaning only your group participates.

Is pickup offered?

Yes, pickup is offered.

Is there a mobile ticket?

Yes, you’ll receive a mobile ticket.

Are tickets included for Rhumerie de Chamarel and the Seven Coloured Earth?

Rhumerie de Chamarel and the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark are listed as admission ticket not included. Alexandra Falls is listed as included, and other stops are listed as free.

What’s included in the Rhumerie de Chamarel visit?

You’ll get a guided visit focused on rum-making and sugar cane, plus a rum tasting session with unlimited tasting of the distillery’s rum varieties.

What can I do at Flic en Flac Beach?

You’ll have about 1 hour to swim, do snorkeling, or just chill with drinks. Sunset is also mentioned as a great time to visit there.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.