Eight hours in the south feels like a week. This private day tour strings together Mauritius highlights fast, with short scenic hops between stops, plus Chamarel at the center of the day.

What I like most is the comfort and pacing. You get an A/C private vehicle with a driver (not a crowded bus), and you also get a 3-course lunch in Chamarel with a drink and veg options, so you’re not hunting for food mid-adventure.

The main thing to consider is timing. With only about 30 to 45 minutes between attractions, you’ll have just enough time to enjoy each viewpoint and photo spot, but it’s not built for long, slow stays.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Private A/C car + driver means you’re not squeezed into a big group day.
• Chamarel Coloured Earth entrance included so you spend less time queuing.
• 3-course lunch in Chamarel with a drink, veg options, and non-alcoholic beverages during lunch.
• A south-route packed with viewpoints including Black River Gorges and the Ile aux Benitier viewpoint.
• More than 9 points of interest in one day, with short travel gaps.
• Vehicle sanitised and COVID protocols followed, keeping things safer and calmer.

A packed south route, without the long-bus vibe

South Mauritius has a way of looking different every time you turn a corner. This tour leans into that. You’re not doing one big “main stop” and calling it a day. Instead, you bounce from lake and viewpoint to coloured earth and waterfall areas, usually with just enough drive time between them to reset, stretch, and keep moving.

That approach works especially well if you’re trying to cover a lot on a limited schedule. The island is compact, so the driver can keep things efficient. For you, the payoff is simple: you get multiple scenery types—sacred lake vibes, dramatic viewpoints, and the strange geology look of Chamarel—without spending the whole day stuck in traffic.

The private nature matters, too. In my book, Mauritius sightseeing is more enjoyable when you can pause for a photo, step aside for quick questions, and move at a human pace. With this setup, you’re not negotiating around 40 other people’s timing.

Private A/C driver logistics (and why it helps)

The tour includes an A/C private car and pickup at basically wherever you are staying. That’s a big deal on Mauritius, where you’ll otherwise spend energy figuring out transfers and where to meet.

A couple other practical touches make the day smoother:

• Ticket line skipping at the Chamarel area means less waiting.
• Snacks and bottled water are included, so you’re not trying to budget your energy between stops.
• The driver and guide run the schedule, so you can focus on looking out the window instead of tracking maps.

If you’re the type who hates surprises, there’s one thing you should keep in mind: the route can adjust. As of 20/02/24, 52 Turn Road is closed, and two viewpoints were replaced. That’s normal on islands—roads change, and operators adapt. The key is that the overall “south highlights” goal still holds.

Chamarel Coloured Earth: the stop everyone understands fast

Chamarel Coloured Earth is the anchor for this whole tour. Even if you’ve only seen photos, it’s one of those places you immediately get: the ground looks painted in bands of color. This tour includes entrance fees to 7 coloured earth, so you don’t need to plan payments on the fly.

What you’ll want to do here:

• Spend a bit of time walking slowly and comparing the color patches. The differences can look subtle from one angle and obvious from another.
• Take photos early, then come back for your favorite spots. Many people rush the first pass and regret it later.
• If you’re sensitive to strong sun, plan your photos around shade breaks; you’ll be exposed in open areas.

The big value is that this stop is built in, with time carved out, and you’re not relying on luck to coordinate entry tickets. Having it handled is part of what makes a private day tour feel easy.

Ganga Talao and the Black River Gorges viewpoint

After Chamarel, the day shifts toward bigger “Mauritius feeling” moments—water, sacred places, and big-sky viewpoints.

Ganga Talao (sacred lake)

You’ll visit Ganga Talao, which is described here as a sacred lake. Even without getting overly formal, these places have a quiet weight to them. For you, the practical tip is to keep your pace respectful: slower walking, slower talking, and time to just look.

Also, this type of stop benefits from having your guide/driver nearby. If you’re unsure where to stand for photos or which angles are better, you can ask right there instead of guessing.

Black River Gorges viewpoint

Next comes the Black River Gorges viewpoint. Viewpoints are where Mauritius turns into a “hold your breath” destination: wide horizons, layered terrain, and dramatic sightlines.

Here’s how to use your short visit well:

• Before you leave the viewpoint area, take one set of photos from the main spot, then move a few steps for a second angle.
• Don’t spend all your time only shooting. Watch the scene for a minute—conditions can shift quickly (clouds, haze), and you might catch a clearer look after a short pause.

This is one of the stops that makes the tour feel worth it, because it’s not just a scenic stop—it’s a clear example of how the south feels different from the coasts.

Waterfalls and the Chamarel area’s nature stops

This tour promises you access to waterfalls, including Chamarel waterfall, plus several nature-style stops. That combination is what turns the day from “look at things” into “feel the island.”

You’ll also visit areas described as:

• Lakes and a reservoir
• A dormant volcano viewpoint/stop
• Plus several additional point of interests

Now, because the exact walking paths and timing for each nature stop aren’t spelled out here, you should think of these as “stop-and-look” moments as well as light exploring. The pace is fast by design, so wear comfortable shoes and expect short outdoor stretches rather than long treks.

A small but useful mindset: with a packed day, you’re not collecting one perfect memory. You’re collecting many good ones. Waterfalls are great for that because even a brief stop gives you a different texture than viewpoints and dry-land sights.

Ile aux Benitier viewpoint: the photo payoff

Later, you’ll head to the Ile aux Benitier viewpoint. This is the kind of stop that gives you a strong “instant postcard” result.

For your planning, treat it like a photo checkpoint:

• Look for the best angle, then give yourself a minute to reposition for a second shot.
• If the viewpoint is windy or exposed (common at lookouts), keep your camera settings steady and protect gear.

This is one of the stops that helps you feel like you covered the south’s variety, not just one cluster of attractions.

Lunch in Chamarel: practical comfort, with veg options

The lunch is a real piece of the value here, not a token sandwich.

You get a 3-course lunch at a Chamarel restaurant, described as typical, with 1 drink included, plus non-alcoholic beverages during lunch. The tour also includes veg options, which matters more than people think when they’re booking a packed day.

Two practical tips:

• Plan to eat well and pace yourself. You’ll still have sightseeing after lunch, so don’t go too heavy too fast.
• If you’re picky about seating, it may help to ask how the restaurant will handle groups. One diner noted eating in a separate room compared with others. It wasn’t framed as bad food—more a small “client experience” mismatch.

Even with that minor note, the lunch is generally described as tasty and giving people choices.

Timing, comfort, and what to watch for at the end

Because the tour is private and includes pickup and drop-off, you avoid the common tourist headache: waiting around, splitting your attention, and losing momentum.

The schedule is tight, though, and that’s the trade-off. With about 30 to 45 minutes between key attractions, you should arrive ready to move. Bring sunscreen, a water bottle if you like having one beyond what’s included, and a light layer for comfort in and out of the car.

One more thing to keep in mind: a couple of diners reported an unwanted extra stop near the end at a shop area after they had said no. That’s not guaranteed for everyone, but it’s enough that I’d treat it as a “clarify early” item. If you’d rather not shop, say so clearly at pickup or right away.

Price and value: is $117 a smart deal?

At $117 per person for an 8-hour private tour, the value comes from how much is bundled.

You’re paying for:

• An A/C private car with driver
• Entrance fees to the Chamarel coloured earth area
• Access to waterfalls
• Lunch: 3 courses + a drink + non-alcoholic beverages
• Snacks and bottled water
• English/French live guidance
• Pickup and drop-off

If you try to do this yourself, even without counting your time, you’ll quickly hit costs for transport, separate tickets, and lunch coordination. Private driving alone isn’t cheap on a small island, and the entrance fees add up too. Here, your money is buying convenience and efficiency—especially if you want to hit multiple south highlights in one day.

Who this tour is best for

This is a strong fit for you if:

• You want a private day without the big-bus feel
• You’re short on time and want multiple south highlights
• You like the idea of a guide handling entrances and pacing
• You want lunch taken care of, including veg options

It might be less ideal if:

• You want long, unhurried time at just one or two places
• You plan to do extensive hiking or extended walks at every stop
• You dislike the idea of a very packed schedule with quick transitions

Guides and the on-the-ground experience

The experience here is heavily shaped by the guide and driver. Names like Jameel show up with consistent praise for being kind, attentive, and making the day comfortable, including taking photos at each hotspot. Nasir is also mentioned for being flexible and adjusting stops to better match what you want.

You can use that to your advantage. If you care about certain photos, less time in a spot, or skipping anything you don’t want, this kind of private setup usually responds well when you say it early.

Should you book South of Mauritius with Chamarel?

If your goal is a full south “greatest hits” day—Chamarel Coloured Earth, sacred lake, viewpoints, waterfalls, and an included lunch—then yes, I’d book it. The private car + bundled tickets + lunch are what make the day feel efficient instead of stressful.

But book with eyes open: the schedule is packed and designed for quick enjoyment. If you want deep lounging at a single viewpoint, you’ll probably prefer a slower option.

My quick recommendation: choose this if you want maximum variety in one day and you value convenience as much as scenery.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It runs for 8 hours total.

What’s included with lunch?

You get a 3-course lunch with 1 drink, plus non-alcoholic beverages during lunch and veg options.

Do I have to pay entrance fees separately?

Entrance fees are included for Chamarel Coloured Earth (described as the 7 coloured earth).

Is transportation included?

Yes. You get an A/C private vehicle with a private driver, plus pickup and drop-off.

How many stops do you visit?

The tour includes more than 9 different point of interests in the south, with several viewpoints and waterfalls.

What language is the guide?

The live tour guide is available in English and French.

Are snacks and water included?

Yes. Snacks and bottled water are included.

Is there ticket line skipping?

Yes, the tour offers skip the ticket line.

What happens if roads are closed?

As of 20/02/24, 52 Turn Road is closed, and two viewpoints were replaced.

Is cancellation free?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.