South-West of Mauritius Private Full-Day Scenic Tour

One day, ten big scenery stops—no sprinting. This private Southwest Mauritius tour strings together volcanic crater views, a sacred lake with a 33m Shiva statue, and cliffside ocean drama, all with hotel pickup and a relaxed pace.

I also love that the day includes a three-course Mauritian lunch with non-alcoholic drinks, so you’re not stuck guessing what to eat mid-drive. The only real drawback to plan around: the tour runs best in good weather, and rain risk or site closures can sometimes affect access to certain stops like the waterfall areas.

Key Things That Make This Private Southwest Mauritius Day Worth It

• Your own pace in a private car: you’re not bargaining with a group schedule.
• Big “wow” variety in one loop: crater forest, reservoir views, a sacred crater lake, gorges, dunes, waterfalls, and sea cliffs.
• Included entrance for the signature sights: Twenty-Three Colored Earth and Chamouny Waterfall are covered.
• Lunch that tastes local: you choose veg or non-veg, and drinks are included (non-alcoholic).
• Comfort is part of the value: fully air-conditioned transport plus bottled water.
• Plan for weather: if conditions turn, a few sites may be limited.

A Private Route Through Southwest Mauritius’s Biggest Hits

This is the kind of day that makes sense if you want variety without the stress of driving yourself. You start early, you cover a lot of ground, and you get time at each stop to actually look around, not just photograph and bounce.

The mix is smart. You’ll see volcanic landforms (Trou aux Cerfs), religious Mauritian culture (Grand Bassin/Ganga Talao), rainforest-and-falls country (Black River Gorges and Alexandra Falls), and then you shift to geology and ocean drama (colored earth, Chamouny, Gris Gris cliffs). It’s basically a greatest-hits sampler for Southwest Mauritius, with a lunch break built in.

Timing, Pickup, and What 8 Hours Feels Like on the Ground

The tour starts at 8:30am and runs about 8 hours. That timing matters because the drive between sites in Mauritius can eat up daylight quickly, especially with sightseeing stops added.

Pickup and drop-off are included from your accommodation anywhere in Mauritius, which is a huge convenience. You also travel in a fully air-conditioned vehicle, and you’ll have bottled water upon arrival, which helps when the weather turns hot and humid. For comfort and photo quality, I’d treat this as a morning-to-late-afternoon day, not a quick half-tour.

One more practical note: wear non-slippery shoes. Several stops involve paths, uneven ground, and a bit of walking, especially around crater views and the colored sand area.

Trou aux Cerfs Crater: A Dormant Volcano Garden at 605m

You begin with Trou aux Cerfs, a dormant volcanic crater high above the island—about 605 meters up. The crater itself is roughly 350 meters across and around 100 meters deep, which gives you that classic “hold your camera steady and look” feeling.

What makes this stop special is the setting. The crater isn’t just rock. It’s ringed by lush forest with indigenous plant species and even giant green pine trees. That contrast—volcanic bowl below you, forest canopy around you—makes the viewpoint feel more alive than a simple lookout.

Admission is free here, and you’ll have about 35 minutes. If clouds roll in or it’s raining, don’t be shocked if conditions affect access. On some days with bad weather risk, access to certain crater-area spots can be limited.

Mare aux Vacoas Reservoir: Where the Views Are Quiet and Wide

Next comes Mare aux Vacoas, the island’s largest reservoir, with a capacity of nearly 26 million cubic meters. It’s not the flashiest stop on the map, and that’s part of the appeal.

You’ll find a calmer rhythm here, with thick forest nearby and a reservoir view that’s worth a few clicks. Expect about 20 minutes, more of a breathing break than a big activity stop. This is a good place to regroup, check your photos, and refill your water before the religious and rainforest segments.

Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao): The 33m Lord Shiva Moment

Then you shift from nature to culture at Grand Bassin, also called Ganga Talao. It’s a crater lake in the mountainous Southwest region, around 550 meters above sea level, and the shoreline is home to a temple complex with shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and other gods.

The focal point is the 33-meter-high statue of Lord Shiva. It’s hard to describe in words because it’s the kind of thing you have to see from the ground to fully get the scale. The vibe here is peaceful and reverent, and the longer you look, the more you notice how the site blends faith, geography, and daily life.

This stop typically lasts about 45 minutes, and admission is free. If you’re visiting during a busy time, you’ll still have time to move around and take in the view, but I’d keep your expectations flexible for foot traffic.

Alexandra Falls in Black River Gorges: Rainforest Drama With a View

From there, you head to Alexandra Falls, where the rainforest and waterfall meet dramatic viewpoints. It sits in the Black River Gorges region, with Mt Cocotte cloud forest nearby, and you can look down toward the south coast from the area.

The best part here is the setting. You’re walking in deep jungle atmosphere, hearing birds and water, and catching glimpses of the drop surrounded by green. It’s a natural movie-scene moment, but it also can be affected by weather.

Plan for about 40 minutes, and admission is free. If rain risk ramps up, waterfall access can change. Keep that in mind if Alexandra Falls is your top priority. If it’s closed on your day, you’ll be trading that stop for time elsewhere, so your best strategy is to stay open and enjoy what’s available.

Gorge Viewpoint in Black River Gorges National Park: The “Look Down” Feeling

After Alexandra Falls, the tour goes into Black River Gorges National Park for a stop at a major viewpoint area. You’ll see panoramic views over wide green valleys and deep stretches of rainforest, and you’ll also notice how high the viewpoint is compared to the area below.

The park is huge—about 17,000 acres of rolling hills, deep valleys, waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna. At the viewpoint, you often spot souvenir stalls along the path, and you might even see monkeys nearby, depending on the day and how close you get to natural areas.

This stop is around 35 minutes. The viewpoint is where the photography really starts, and it’s also where a private guide helps—since they can point out which angles tend to be best for views and where to stand for the cleanest shots.

Bassin Blanc and the Scenic Road Bend: A Long Look at the Wild Road

Next is Bassin Blanc, and the main draw is the drive itself. The route to get there winds through dense forests, and there’s an especially memorable almost 180-degree bend that can feel a bit dramatic depending on the traffic and weather.

This is not a “theme park” stop. It’s more about stretching your eyes—watching the road cut through greenery and letting the day transition from sightseeing stops into a more reflective travel rhythm. Expect about 1 hour at this part of the route, with admission listed as free.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, I’d ask your driver to take turns smoothly and consider sitting where you feel least affected. The day is long, and the more comfortable you are, the more you’ll enjoy the views.

Twenty-Three Colored Earth: The Included Ticket Stop You’ll Talk About Later

Now we get to one of the most distinctive sites in Mauritius: Twenty-Three Colored Earth, located in Valle Advenature Park. The colors come from the transformation of basaltic lava into clay minerals over time.

What you’ll see is a surreal field of rainbow-hued sand dunes. The sands are described as coming in seven distinct colors—red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow. It’s one of those places where your photos don’t feel quite as dramatic until you’re actually there and the colors look almost too intense.

This is an included-entrance stop, and you’ll have about 45 minutes. Wear shoes you can walk in comfortably, and bring water. The site is an activity area in the sense that people walk and explore across colored grounds, and you’ll want to stay steady instead of thinking about your footing.

Chamouny Waterfall at Valle Advenature Park: The Famous Drop

Not long after colored earth, you’ll visit Chamouny (Chamuny) Waterfall. It’s described as a single-drop waterfall surrounded by dense vegetation, and it’s one of the best-known waterfalls in Mauritius.

The “why” is simple: it’s recognizable, it’s scenic, and the setting helps the waterfall feel like part of the bigger jungle picture. You’ll spend about 35 minutes here, and admission is included.

If you’ve already visited other waterfalls on the island, the trick is not to compare height or size. Instead, focus on the atmosphere—how the vegetation frames the water and how the air feels in that shaded, humid spot.

Souillac Lunch: Choice of Veg or Non-Veg With Local Staples

By the time you reach Souillac, you’re in the south coast zone where waves and cliffs feel more exposed. This area is known for a more rugged coastline compared with the calm lagoons many people associate with Mauritius.

Lunch happens after you explore the area. You’ll sit down for a three-course traditional Mauritian lunch that includes fresh salads, rice, soups, and then a main choice such as chicken curry or fish with vegetables. There’s also a vegetarian option, and you choose ahead or during the meal by preference. Drinks during lunch are included, but they’re non-alcoholic.

This part matters because it’s not just food. It’s fuel for the afternoon and a break from constant driving. About 1 hour is allotted here, and the chef will explain options and ask what you’d like.

If you have dietary needs beyond vegetarian (or allergies), make sure you mention them ahead of time so the meal can match your requirements.

Gris Gris Beach and Cliffs: Ocean Wind, Big Waves, and Benches With Views

To close out the day, you’ll head to Gris Gris Beach, known for its sea cliffs and the way the Indian Ocean winds pick up year-round. Coral reefs don’t surround this part of the coast, which means waves can crash directly on the cliffs with more force than you’ll see in reef-protected areas.

You’ll get viewpoint time where you can watch wave splash patterns against the rock faces. There’s also a small garden area with quiet benches—good for taking a breather and letting your eyes adjust from “photo mode” to “enjoy the view” mode.

There’s a path down toward a smaller beach area, and the stop typically lasts about 40 minutes. Admission is free, and it’s a solid final chapter because it shifts you from inland and waterfall humidity to ocean air.

Guides, Cars, and Comfort: The Details That Make It Flow

This is private transport in a fully air-conditioned vehicle, and that matters in Mauritius. Heat and humidity can be the difference between a stop that feels fun and one that feels like work. Bottled water and a certified private guide/driver also help keep the day smooth.

One of the most praised parts of the experience is how guides set a pace that doesn’t feel rushed. Names that show up in guide feedback include Sahil, Alan, Kevin, Yash, Anil, Vimal, Belinda, and Guru. The consistent theme is that these guides were patient, spoke good English, and made time for questions.

I’d treat that as part of the value: you’re buying more than transport. You’re buying a story of place—how to understand volcanic craters, why Grand Bassin matters, and what to look for when you reach viewpoints.

Value for $115.86 Per Person: When This Day Makes Financial Sense

At $115.86 per person for a full-day private route, the cost can feel high at first glance. But you get several things that usually cost money and time on their own.

First, you get private pickup and drop-off from accommodation anywhere in Mauritius. Second, you get the car plus a certified guide/driver for the day. Third, the included three-course lunch with non-alcoholic drinks saves you from hunting for a good meal while juggling driving.

Then there are two included entrances: Twenty-Three Colored Earth and Chamouny Waterfall. Those are major parts of the visual “why this tour” factor, and having them included reduces surprise costs.

Add it up, and the pricing starts to look reasonable—especially for couples, small families, or anyone who wants a calmer day than group tours. The overall rating is 4.6 with 90% recommended, which is a good signal that people feel they got what they paid for.

If you’re the type who likes to travel with your own schedule, this tour format is one of the better values in Mauritius. If you only want one or two highlights and don’t care about the rest, you might do better with a smaller, targeted half-day. But for a “see the south in a single shot” plan, this works.

Should You Book This Southwest Mauritius Private Full-Day Tour?

Book it if you want a structured, private, full-day overview of Southwest Mauritius with major sights in a calm pace, and you also care about getting lunch handled for you. It’s a strong fit if you’re visiting for a limited time and want to feel like you covered the island beyond the beach.

Skip it or adjust expectations if you’re chasing just one specific waterfall/crater viewpoint and you’re visiting during a weather-uncertain window. The tour requires good weather, and if conditions force closures or limit access, you may not see every single stop exactly as pictured.

My practical rule: if your goal is variety plus comfort, and you’re okay enjoying what’s open on the day, this private tour is a smart move.

FAQ

What time does the South-West of Mauritius private tour start?

It starts at 8:30am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 8 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from any accommodation in Mauritius.

What is included in the lunch?

You’ll get a three-course traditional Mauritian lunch. Veg or non-veg options are available, and non-alcoholic beverages are included during lunch.

Are the entrance fees included for the colored earth and Chamouny Waterfall?

Yes. Entrance is included for Twenty-Three Colored Earth and Chamouny Waterfall.

Do I need to bring anything for walking?

Wear non-slippery shoes. You’ll likely do some walking at several stops.

Is bottled water provided?

Yes. Bottled water is provided upon arrival.

What happens if weather is poor?

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