Embark on an exciting 8-hour private tour in Southwest Mauritius. Discover Hindu temples, majestic waterfalls, the unique Seven-colored Earth, and more!
- Trou aux Cerfs - Start your 8-hour tour with a hotel pick-up from anywhere in Mauritius. You’ll meet our guide, board a comfortable vehicle, and head to your first stop.
Your destination is Trou Aux Cerfs, a renowned natural attraction in Mauritius. This dormant volcanic crater stands about 605 meters above sea level, with a diameter of 350 meters and a depth of around 100 meters.
Unlike typical volcanic landscapes, the crater of Trou aux Cerfs is encircled by a lush forest filled with indigenous plants and towering green pine trees. It is believed that Trou aux Cerfs erupted once and has been dormant for the last 700,000 years, though experts think it could become active again.
One of the main highlights is the 360-degree view of Curepipe town and the stunning vistas of Rempart Mountain, Trois Mamelles, and the Port-Louis-Moka mountain range.
- Grand Bassin - Next, drive to Ganga Talao, a crater lake situated about 550 meters above sea level. On its shore, you’ll find a temple and several small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and other gods.
During your visit, you’ll be awestruck by the gigantic statue of Lord Shiva. But don’t worry, at Grand Bassin, Lord Shiva is depicted as smiling and peaceful. The statue stands 33 meters high, making it the tallest statue in Mauritius. Ganga Talao attracts many visitors who come to pray, meditate, or simply enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The lake is about 18 meters deep and teeming with fish.
- Alexandra Falls Car Park - Your next stop is Alexandra Falls, located about 700 meters above sea level and one of Mauritius’s most popular nature sites.
You’ve likely seen its images on postcards or in videos showcasing Mauritius’s beauty. Alexandra Falls is not only famous for its breathtaking scenery but also offers a unique experience with nature.
Don’t miss the chance to capture the panoramic view of the South-East Coast and its turquoise ocean from a wooden platform. To your right, you’ll see Alexandra Falls, a silent white stream cascading over rocky outcrops. You’ll also get a view of Mauritius’s untouched green valley, home to many endemic bird species and plants.
- Black River Gorges National Park - Next, head to the gorge viewpoint for a stunning panoramic view. Located midway between Chamarel and Alexandra Falls, this spot offers a spectacular vista just a 3-5 minute walk from the road. It’s a must-stop location on a road trip from Grand Bassin to Le Morne. The park spans nearly 17,000 acres of unspoiled rainforest, rolling hills, deep valleys, and stunning waterfalls in the southwestern region of Mauritius.
You’ll be amazed at the elevated viewing area above the gorge. To your right, there’s a beautiful waterfall. The national park is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, and the viewpoint offers a glimpse of its natural beauty.
The Black River Gorges National Park protects most of the island’s remaining rainforest and is home to many species of wild animals and birds.
- La Vallee des Couleurs - Then, visit the twenty-three colored earth, a natural phenomenon and major tourist attraction. The colors result from the conversion of basaltic lava to clay minerals, creating a surreal, lunar-like landscape of rainbow-hued sand dunes. Set amidst lush green vegetation, this geological wonder is truly mesmerizing.
The area features sand dunes in seven distinct colors: red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow. Interestingly, if you mix the colored earth, it will eventually separate into layers. The colors may even appear to play tricks on you, looking like shadows.
There’s also a Tortoise Park and a Souvenir Shop offering local products, while the Coffee Shop provides a pleasant cafe experience.
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La Vallee des Couleurs - After some time, visit the beautiful waterfall in Mauritius. The waterfall at Chamouny is one of the island’s most famous and recognized, making it a must-see for tourists.
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Souillac - After a short drive, you’ll pass through Souillac village, where you can experience the unique culture of this charming village, different from other parts of Mauritius.
Next, enjoy a 3-course Mauritian lunch at a local restaurant, featuring fresh salads, rice, soups, chicken curry, or fish and vegetables. You’ll have options, and the chef will explain and ask for your preferences.
- Gris Gris Beach - Afterward, head to Souillac to see the stunning view of Gris-Gris. The high cliffs here drop abruptly to the sea, and the refreshing winds of the Indian Ocean blow year-round.
Gris-Gris is known for its sea cliffs and offers a magnificent view from the top. Unlike other parts of the island, this area is not surrounded by coral reefs, allowing large waves to crash directly onto the cliffs.
You’ll have a great viewpoint to see the waves crashing against the cliffs. There’s also a small garden with quiet spots to relax and enjoy the sea views.
At ‘Roche Qui Pleure,’ if you look at the rock from the right angle, it appears as a face with tears streaming down as the waves crash.
- La Vanille Nature Park - Finally, visit La Vanille crocodile park to discover the flora and fauna endemic to Mauritius. You’ll see animals like Nile crocodiles, tenrecs, eels, iguanas, and turtles from Madagascar and Seychelles.
The park also features fossils of extinct animals like the dodo and the elephant bird of Madagascar. Additionally, there’s an insectarium with a rare collection of species from around the world.
Spanning 3.5 hectares, the park is home to many other animals, including monkeys, bats, deer, geckos, and wild boars. You can observe 2,000 Nile crocodiles at different growth stages.
Your tour concludes with a return transport to your hotel.
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- Entrance at La Vanille Crocodile Park
- Entrance at Vallee Des Couleur (Twenty-Three Colored Earth)
- Lunch (Veg and Non-veg) Note: Halal food
- Beverages during lunch (Non-Alcoholic)
- Services of a fully qualified certified private Guide/Driver
- Private transportation in a fully air-conditioned vehicle
- Bottled water upon arrival
- Pick-up and drop-off at any hotel or accommodation in Mauritius
- Gratuities (Optional)
In this 8 hours private tour, you will explore the Southwest of Mauritius including a visit to Grand Bassin to see the Hindu Temple & the gigantic statue of Lord Shiva.
Then head to Alexandra Falls to see the view of the south, waterfall & its dense valley. Next, head to Gorge Viewpoint to see the panoramic view of the flora & fauna which is the “lung of Mauritius”.
Next, you’ll see the scenic route to visit the Twenty Three Colored Earth which is unique because of its multi-colored sand. Next, continue to Chamouny waterfall which is undoubtedly the beautiful single-drop waterfall.
Later, you will enjoy a 3-course lunch and continue to visit the Dormant Volcano, Trou Aux Cerfs which is a highly popular attraction.
Then drive to Gris-Gris which is popular for its sea cliffs & finally visit the Crocodile Park which is home to various species of animals, reptiles & plants set in a beautiful rainforest valley.
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking
- Children ages 3 years and under are free. Please notify of CHILD/ INFANT SEAT at the time of booking
- Please advise of any food allergies or illness
- Please wear non slippery shoes
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.