Exotic South: Journey into the Nature (Full-Day Tour incl Lunch & Ebony Forest)

This one is interesting because it turns the classic beach trip sideways. In a single day you string together crater views, sacred lakes, big waterfall photos, and the Ebony Forest on jeep, with plenty of stops that feel very Mauritius but not very resort-like.

What I love most is the mix of natural sights that change every hour, not the same view over and over. I also like that you get a real 3-course lunch included, which matters because this is a long day and you will be doing lots of short walks and lookouts. One drawback to keep in mind is that the route is full and weather can soften the views, so you should be ready for mist, rain, and a bit of stair climbing.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• A full south loop that covers Trou aux Cerfs, Grand Bassin, Alexandra Falls, Chamarel, and the coast
• Ebony Forest by 4×4 jeep, plus the chance to hike parts of the reserve and look for rare birds
• Lunch included (3-course) with halal options and non-alcoholic drinks, so you do not lose time searching
• Multiple viewpoint moments, from crater rim angles to gorge overlooks and the Maconde coastal stairs
• Private guiding that can help you make sense of what you’re seeing, and names like Kevin, Salim, Hans, Manu, Irshaad, and Belinda come up in standout feedback

A full-day south route that feels like you’re seeing the real island

If you want the Mauritius “wow” without spending a whole week doing transfers, this is built for you. The route hits the island’s southwest natural highlights in a tight 7 to 8 hour loop, and you keep moving from one type of scenery to the next.

You’re also not stuck doing only lookouts. You’ll spend time at places where you can walk a bit, take photos from higher ground, and break up the day with lunch and a guided forest safari.

Just note that this is not a slow sightseeing cruise. It is more like “see a lot, then see it properly,” with enough pacing to keep things interesting but not enough slack for long detours.

Price and value: what you’re paying for at $147.50 per person

At $147.50 per person, the value comes down to what is actually included. You get round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Mauritius, a private air-conditioned vehicle, a certified guide/driver, bottled water, and a 3-course lunch (veg or non-veg, halal) with non-alcoholic beverages.

On top of that, key paid stops are included: Seven Colored Earth and Chamarel Waterfall, plus entry to Ebony Forest Nature Reserve and the jeep safari there. When you add up entrances, transport, and lunch for a full day, this price starts to look more reasonable than a patchwork of separate tickets and taxis.

The main “cost” to watch is time and energy. This is a packed day, and if you prefer long beach pauses or relaxed, minimal walking, you might find it feels rushed even when every stop is worthwhile.

Getting started: Trou aux Cerfs and why crater rims matter

You start at 8:30 am with pickup, then head straight to Trou aux Cerfs. This is a dormant volcanic crater sitting around 605 meters above sea level, with a diameter of about 350 meters and a depth near 100 meters.

What makes it special is the way the crater sits inside forest. You’re not just looking at a rock hole in the ground. You’re surrounded by indigenous plants and even some giant green pine trees near the crater rim, so the view feels alive instead of purely geological.

Tip for your photos: early morning light helps, especially if weather is patchy. Also, the walk is short, but wear non-slippery shoes, because Mauritius paths can get slick quickly after mist or rain.

Mare aux Vacoas: a quiet reservoir stop that resets your brain

Next you’ll reach Mare aux Vacoas, a reservoir with a capacity close to 26 million cubic meters. It is the largest reservoir on the island, and it sits tucked between thick forests in the south.

This stop is only about 30 minutes, and that’s perfect. You’re not meant to “do” this place for hours. You’re meant to get a breather between more dramatic stops, enjoy a view, and let the day breathe.

If you love nature photography, this is one of the easiest moments to slow down. If you’re chasing adrenaline, you might think it’s calmer than the rest, but that contrast helps the whole day feel balanced.

Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao): sacred lake views with a huge Shiva statue

Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao, sits around 550 meters above sea level in the mountainous southwest. It’s a crater lake from an extinct volcano, and it is considered sacred.

You will see a temple with shrines along the shoreline dedicated to Lord Shiva and other gods. The big headliner is the statue of Lord Shiva, 33 meters high, which you can take in from the main viewing areas around the lake.

Practical note: this is one of the stops where you can spend most of your time looking, not marching. Take your time with angles, and dress respectfully for a religious site.

Alexandra Falls: the classic postcard stop, plus an easy way to look down

Alexandra Falls is one of the most popular nature sites in Mauritius, and it’s often the moment people think of when they picture “South Mauritius waterfalls.” It sits around 700 meters above sea level.

The best part is the panoramic feel, especially when you can see the turquoise ocean beyond the waterfall area. You can often get a fuller view by climbing up to a wooden platform (time is brief, about 30 minutes).

Weather reality check: if mist rolls in, the photos may look softer. The upside is that the waterfall still works. Water keeps falling even when the horizon disappears.

Black River Gorges National Park viewpoints: a quick walk to a big view

After Alexandra Falls, you’ll go to a gorge viewpoint that is between Chamarel and Alexandra Falls. This stop is basically “walk a few minutes, get a stunning panorama.”

The National Park area here is massive, around 17,000 acres in the southwestern region, with rolling hills, deep valleys, waterfalls, and wildlife. You will not cover the whole park in a day, but you do get the visual payoff that makes the park feel worth protecting.

This is also where you’ll appreciate the driving route. You’re not stuck at one flat road. You’re consistently moving to higher ground, and the viewpoints make that effort visible in your photos.

Chamarel village, the viewpoint, and how to use the 2-hour stop well

Chamarel is more than a stop for one attraction. You first go through Chamarel village, then reach Chamarel Viewpoint for a family-friendly panoramic view over the area.

From here, you’ll see lush greenery, the turquoise southwest coast, Le Morne Brabant to the left, and La Tourelle du Tamarin to the right. This is one of those moments where sunglasses and a camera help, because the light can bounce hard off the water.

You have about 2 hours in this section, which is long enough to take breaks, walk at a sensible pace, and not feel like you’re rushing the views.

The smart move: decide early whether you care more about photos or walking. With a packed day, you want your time to match your mood.

Seven Colored Earth: why the colors look unreal and how mixing works

Then you hit the Seven Colored Earth Geopark, one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Mauritius.

The colors form through changes of basaltic lava to clay minerals. What you’ll actually see is a surreal, lunar-like field of rainbow sand dunes made up of seven distinct colors: red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow.

One neat detail you may get explained on-site is that the colors can appear to change when you mix the material. Even if you only care about the photo, it’s worth watching how the colors look in different angles and lighting.

Photo tip: go for wide shots first, then come back for closer texture shots. The area can look similar at a glance, but the color differences pop more once you’re closer.

Chamarel Waterfall: tall, powerful, and worth the short stop

Chamarel Waterfall is described as the tallest single-drop waterfall in Mauritius, around 100 meters high. It sits amid dense vegetation, fed by three streams that flow into the St. Denis River.

The peak flow rate is listed as over 40,000 cubic meters per minute, so even a short visit feels like you’re watching real force, not a trickle. The waterfall drops into an oval pool before running through a canyon toward Baie du Cap.

You get about 25 minutes here. It’s not a long “linger” stop, but it is long enough to see the fall, take your photos, and step back for a better viewpoint from different angles.

If you notice stairs during the day, you’re not alone. Some people find the stair count a surprise, so plan for that energy early, not at the last moment.

Ebony Forest Reserve: the jeep safari you’ll remember

This is the part many people treat like the highlight. Ebony Forest Reserve is where you discover endemic flora and fauna on a guided discovery tour from the reserve, with a jeep safari experience.

One of the big reasons it feels special is that it is an ancient forest, not a planted park. You go looking for local species, and the chance to spot rare birds is part of the excitement. The rare birds listed here include the Mauritius Paradise Flycatcher.

On the fauna side, you might have a shot at seeing Aldrabra tortoises (spelled that way in the tour info). Even when you do not spot everything, the guided nature walk or drive portion helps you understand what you’re seeing, and why it matters.

The route in the reserve may include a gentle trail, and there is also mention of a more adventurous option to climb toward the summit of Piton Canot. If you like walking, ask your guide what is realistic on your timing and weather.

Important practical tip: bring lots of bug spray. One highly-rated experience also specifically warned that bugs can be a real factor. Wear shoes you can grip, because you are walking on uneven natural ground, not museum tiles.

Baie du Cap and Maconde viewpoint: the stairs finish strong

The day continues with Baie du Cap and a stop at Maconde View Point. This is the “you feel like you’re in the middle of the ocean” kind of view, between Le Morne and Baie du Cap.

To get there, you access the viewpoint by climbing narrow stairs. Once you’re up, you can admire the ocean, the nearby coastal village, and even fishermen along the shore depending on the day.

After that, you pass by Riviere des Galets to see the flat stone rock that is unique in Mauritius.

This section is about finishing the loop with coastline drama. It’s also a nice reset after the forest, because the air tends to feel more open and the horizon gives your eyes a break.

What to pack and how to handle rain, mist, and long days

This tour requires good weather, and weather is a real factor in the kind of photos you get. If the first part of your day turns misty or rainy, views can be limited, but you can still get value from the stops that do not depend on a clear horizon.

Here’s what you should plan around:

• Non-slippery shoes (you’ll use them on uneven paths and stairs)
• Bug spray (especially for the Ebony Forest area)
• A light rain layer (even if you think the day will be sunny)
• A camera or phone ready for quick pull-offs, because some stops are short

Also, pay attention to pacing. You have multiple stops with tight time windows, and the day is scheduled for flow. One lesson from real-world experiences is simple: do not let yourself run late at the Ebony Forest jeep portion. If you miss your slot, it can affect what you get inside that part of the day.

The private guiding factor: when it turns from transport into a story

Even though you are in a vehicle most of the day, the guide quality can make a big difference. In positive experiences, guides like Kevin, Salim, Hans, Manu, Irshaad, and Belinda are mentioned for being friendly, flexible, and good at explaining what you’re seeing.

That flexibility can matter. One approach that gets praised is when the guide adjusts the order to match your interests while keeping the main targets on track.

For you, the practical takeaway is this: ask questions during the drive. If your guide is active, the long car time becomes part of the experience, not wasted time.

That said, be aware of a common travel risk: some people feel they did too much “driving between stops” instead of getting enough explanation. If you want more than scenery, bring your curiosity. And if anything feels off, ask early, not after you have lost the chance to rework the day.

Who should book this tour, and who might skip it

This is a strong match if you:

• Want a one-day sampler of Mauritius’ southwest nature
• Like waterfalls, volcanic features, and forests more than just beaches
• Are comfortable with a long day, including short walks and some stairs
• Want lunch included, so you are not hunting food mid-route

You might skip it if you:

• Prefer slow travel and long unplanned breaks
• Do not handle weather changes well, since views can soften in mist or rain
• Get frustrated when you feel the day is tightly scheduled, because you will be on a fixed route

For value-focused planning, remember that you are paying for transport, guiding, and included entries. If you would rather build your own route with taxis and eat whenever you want, this may feel less appealing.

Final call: should you book Exotic South: Journey into the Nature?

I think you should book this tour if you want a full, well-paced day that actually changes what you see, from crater to sacred lake, from rainbow sand to a jeep safari in the Ebony Forest. The standout reason is the combination of included lunch, entrance fees, and the Ebony Forest portion, which tends to be the memory-maker.

But book with eyes open. Weather can shift your viewing quality, the day is full, and the stair-and-walk total adds up. If that fits your style, you’ll end the day feeling like you truly covered the southwest, not just passed through it.

FAQ

What time does the tour start, and how long is it?

The tour starts at 8:30 am and runs for about 7 to 8 hours.

Does it include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are offered at any hotel or accommodation in Mauritius.

Is lunch included, and do you offer vegetarian or halal options?

Yes, lunch is included as a 3-course meal. Vegetarian option is available, and halal food is noted as available.

What’s included in the Ebony Forest part of the day?

Entrance to the Ebony Forest Nature Reserve is included, along with a jeep safari as part of the discovery tour.

Which attractions are included as paid entrances?

Entrance to Seven Colored Earth and Chamarel Waterfall is included, plus entry to Ebony Forest Nature Reserve.

What should I wear and plan for weather?

You should wear non slippery shoes. The experience requires good weather, and if poor weather cancels the tour, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.