All Inclusive Full Day Tour: Chamarel Rhumrie,7-Coloured & Lunch

This is an interesting day because it stitches together several South Mauritius highlights with one set of driving, so you spend less time plotting routes and more time at the sights. You also get culture, nature, and a factory visit in the same loop, which is a rare combo in a single day.

I especially like the included rum tasting at Rhumerie de Chamarel, and the 3-course Mauritian lunch (veg or non-veg). One thing to consider is that the pace is fairly scheduled, with short stops, so you should go in with a quick-picture mindset rather than a slow-and-chat style day.

Key Things You Will Notice on This Chamarel Day Trip

• Grand Bassin in about 30 minutes, with a guide explaining Hindu festivals and prayers
• Rhumerie de Chamarel factory visit plus rum tasting in roughly 45 minutes
• Black River Gorges National Park for forest scenery and fast monkey spotting
• Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark with the big waterfall views and time for photos
• Rochester Falls with an option to relax and swim, as long as you bring your own towel

Price and Logistics: Does $120 Feel Fair for a 7 to 8 Hour Loop?

At $120 per person, this tour is priced like a proper “day plan” that includes transportation and admission tickets across multiple places. In practice, you are paying for the convenience of pickup, a driver to handle the logistics, and several paid entries you would otherwise piece together yourself.

The schedule runs from 8:00 am for about 7 to 8 hours, and you get a mobile ticket plus round-trip transfers. It is also described as private, meaning only your group participates, with a stated minimum of 2 people per booking. That matters because you avoid the frustration of sharing narrow timing with strangers, at least within your own group.

My main caution is simple: you are stacking a lot into one day. If you prefer slow travel, long walks, and lots of guide talk, this might feel rushed. But if you want to check off major South highlights efficiently, the value can feel pretty solid.

Grand Bassin First: Hindu Pilgrimage Grounds, Fast Introduction, Real Atmosphere

Grand Bassin is a strong opener because it is not just a viewpoint stop. You spend about 30 minutes here, and the guide provides context about the Hindu festival traditions celebrated at the site, including how devotees pray and what the sacrifices mean in the local belief system.

This is a good stop to get in your headspace early, before the day turns into mostly nature photos and factory time. Dress and behavior matter here. Wear respectful clothing and keep your phone use calm, because the place functions as a meaningful religious location, not a theme park.

Also note: the admission ticket at this stop is listed as free, so you are not paying extra on the ground for this leg. It is a quick orientation stop, but it sets up the rest of the day better than a pure scenic warm-up would.

Rhumerie de Chamarel: Rum Factory Visit and Tasting Time You Can Actually Use

Next comes Rhumerie de Chamarel, and this is the most “activity-like” stop on the route. You get about 45 minutes for a factory visit that shows how Mauritian rum is produced, including different flavored rum options. The big win is that rum tasting is included.

Even if you are not a heavy rum person, a short tasting is a smart use of time in Mauritius. It can also be a practical shopping moment, since you usually taste the flavors first, then decide what to buy (if anything) instead of guessing later.

One tip: go in with a light hand on the tasting if you plan to drive or if you are sensitive to alcohol. You are still doing multiple stops afterward, including waterfalls and beach time.

Black River Gorges National Park: Quick Forest Scenery and Monkey Time

Then you shift into the green. At Black River Gorges National Park, you get around 20 minutes, with admission included, and the goal is to see the forest landscape and encounter monkeys.

This is a classic “short stop, high luck” situation. In a limited time window, monkeys might be visible right away, or you might only catch glimpses. Still, even without a guaranteed show, the scenery is the point here. Keep expectations realistic: you are not doing a full hike, you are doing a quick nature hit.

To make this stop easier on yourself, wear non slippery shoes. The ground can be uneven, and you will be glad you did not wear flip-flops. If you have binoculars, bring them. They can help you spot movement quickly.

Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark: Waterfalls, Colored Sand, Tortoises

This is one of the main reasons people do the tour. You get about 45 minutes at Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark, including time to see the 272 ft waterfalls, take photos, and visit the colored earth area. You also will see giant tortoises here.

If you only manage one of the tour stops to photograph well, prioritize this one. The waterfall viewpoint gives you a big “Mauritius postcard” moment, while the colored earth section offers a different kind of visual surprise. And the tortoises add a calm, slow-living contrast that makes the place feel more than just scenery.

Practical note: 45 minutes disappears fast once you start walking between viewpoints and checking out the colored earth area. Go with the flow but decide your photo order quickly, so you do not run out of time at the best viewpoint.

Le Morne: A Brief Look at the Mountain History

You also stop at Le Morne for about 15 minutes, with admission listed as free. You will view the mountain that enslaved people used to hide, which gives this short stop a serious, grounded meaning.

Because time is tight, do not expect a deep interpretive experience here. Think of it as a respectful pause to acknowledge the history tied to the landscape, then move on to the day’s natural highlights.

If you are the kind of traveler who likes to read a sign slowly, this might feel too short. Still, even a brief stop helps break up a day that otherwise becomes only parks, waterfalls, and beaches.

Rochester Falls: Photos, Relaxing, and Swimming If You Bring a Towel

After Le Morne comes Rochester Falls, with about 30 minutes on the plan. This stop is described as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the south, and the time includes picture taking and relaxing.

The best practical detail is the swim option. You can swim here, but you must bring your own towels. That means pack a small towel in your day bag, even if you think you will only dip your feet. Water conditions can change quickly, and towels save you from a very inconvenient late-day scramble.

Also be smart with safety. Watch your footing and avoid risky spots near the strongest current, since you are dealing with waterfall edges and slippery surfaces.

Gris Gris Beach After Lunch: Relax Time With Caution Built In

After the day’s lunch, you finish with Gris Gris Beach for about 30 minutes. This is your downtime stop, where you can relax and enjoy beach views.

The plan also calls it a dangerous beach. That does not mean you cannot enjoy it, but it does mean you should treat safety seriously. Stay aware of signage, keep away from rough areas, and do not assume calm water just because the beach looks photogenic.

If you want a beach moment that is mostly scenic rather than swimming-focused, this stop can be a good fit. If you want a full swim session, you may be happier planning your own time elsewhere, since the stop is short.

Lunch Setup: 3 Courses, Veg or Non-Veg, and the Allergy Check

Lunch is a big deal on this tour because it is included as a 3-course Mauritian lunch, with a vegetarian option available if you specify when booking. The tour also asks you to advise any food allergies or illness, which is the right moment to do it.

You should expect a real meal, not just a snack between stops. That is important for a day like this, because it keeps you from running on coffee and road-trip energy while you hit waterfalls and beaches afterward.

One more practical thought: the tour includes lunch, but drink inclusions are not clearly stated. I recommend packing a small bottle of water for the road, especially if your group has anyone who gets tired or irritable without it.

What the Tour Really Feels Like: Timing, Cars, and How to Avoid a Bad Day

A full-day loop in South Mauritius is always a balancing act. Even though the tour is about 7 to 8 hours, you will still spend meaningful time in the car. That is not a deal breaker, but it is a factor that shapes your mood all day long.

The stops themselves are brief: 15 minutes at Le Morne, 20 minutes in Black River Gorges National Park, 30 minutes at Grand Bassin, Rochester Falls, and Gris Gris Beach, plus 45 minutes at Rhumerie de Chamarel and the Seven Colored Earth Geopark. In other words, you are doing more “see and move” than “slow explore.”

This is also where guide expectations matter. The tour includes a driver/guide who handles logistics and offers explanations. Still, if you are hoping for detailed cultural storytelling at each stop, you may want to set your expectations for a more practical, mixed approach. A driver who is mostly focused on getting you on time can still be helpful, but you might need to ask more direct questions to get the most out of the day.

Making the Most of It: Small Habits That Improve Every Stop

Here is how I would set yourself up so the day feels smoother.

• Wear non slippery shoes from the start. You will visit multiple outdoor spots.
• Pack a small day bag with water and a light snack as backup.
• If you plan to swim at Rochester Falls, bring a towel.
• Use your “best photo first” strategy at Seven Colored Earth and the waterfall viewpoint, so time does not run away from you.
• Be ready to enjoy each stop quickly. This tour is built for momentum.

This is also a good match for first-time South Mauritius visitors who want an efficient highlights day. It is less ideal for travelers who want one place per day, long hikes, or deep, unhurried interpretation.

Weather and Day Safety: Plan for a Change in Rhythm

The experience notes that it requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. That is the kind of flexibility you want with outdoor-focused stops like waterfalls and beach time.

In short, if your dates are fixed and you hate uncertainty, build in a weather cushion. If you have flexible plans, you are likely to get more satisfaction from a good day outdoors.

Should You Book This Chamarel Rhumrie, 7-Coloured and Lunch Tour?

Book it if you want a high-efficiency day in South Mauritius with transport handled for you, plus a real meal and a rum tasting. You will likely enjoy it most if your priorities are the big-name stops: Grand Bassin, Rhumerie de Chamarel, Seven Colored Earth, and major waterfall scenery.

Skip it or think hard first if you are the type of traveler who needs lots of time in each place, or if you want lengthy cultural explanations and a slower pace. The timing is tight by design, and the day can feel car-heavy if you are not in the mood for quick hits.

If you do book, I suggest you treat it like a guided sampler platter. You will leave with several strong “wow” memories, and you will know what areas you might want to revisit on a slower, self-planned day later.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:00 am.

How long is the full day tour?

It lasts about 7 to 8 hours.

What is included in lunch?

Lunch is a 3-course Mauritian lunch, with a vegetarian option available if you tell the operator when booking.

Is rum tasting included?

Yes. At Rhumerie de Chamarel, you get a factory visit and rum tasting is included.

Which stops does the tour cover?

The day includes Grand Bassin, Rhumerie de Chamarel, Black River Gorges National Park, Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark, Le Morne, Rochester Falls, and Gris Gris Beach.

Can I swim at Rochester Falls?

You can swim there, but you must bring your own towel.

Does the tour offer pickup and transportation?

Yes. Pickup and round-trip hotel transfers are provided, and you receive a mobile ticket.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time.