Fascinating Nature Tour Incl Ebony Forest, 7 Coloured Earth,Lunch

This tour is interesting because it stacks the best south-coast sights into one smooth day, then adds a real nature focus with an Ebony Forest safari jeep ride. You start early and you move, but it never feels random. It has a clear “views first, then wildlife and plants” rhythm.

I love that it’s a private tour with an air-conditioned vehicle and hotel pickup, so you are not squeezed into other groups. I also like the practical mix: volcano panoramas, sacred Hindu scenery at Grand Bassin, and then the chance to learn about Mauritius’ endemic birds and forest life.

One consideration: it is an all-day circuit, so you will spend some time in the car. If you hate tight viewing windows or you get tired fast with lots of stops, you might want a slower option.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Ebony Forest safari jeep focused on Mauritius endemic wildlife and birds, not just scenery
• Private group format with hotel pickup and drop-off across Mauritius
• Seven Coloured Earth Geopark time plus Chamarel area views and waterfall area access
• Sights with big payoff in short stops, like Trou aux Cerfs crater views and Black River Gorges viewpoints
• Lunch included (veg or non-veg, halal available) at a local restaurant in Chamarel
• Multiple coastal viewpoints with sights from Le Morne to La Gaulette and Baie du Cap

A Private 7:30 am South Day That Feels Like a Route, Not a Rush

You start at 7:30 am, and the whole experience runs about 8 hours. That timing matters. Going early helps you catch better light for the viewpoints, and you avoid the worst mid-day heat while you are doing the walking parts.

This is designed as a private tour, meaning only your group rides together. That changes the feel right away. You can ask questions in the moment, and your guide can pace things around your group. You also get an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and door-to-door pickup and drop-off from your hotel or accommodation.

Value-wise, the big win is what’s wrapped in: admissions to the parks and stops are included, plus a safari jeep segment in Ebony Forest, plus lunch. When you price it out, the cost-to-time ratio looks strong because you are covering a lot of south Mauritius without having to coordinate separate tickets and transport.

Trou aux Cerfs: Volcano Crater Views With an Easy Stroll

Your first stop is Trou aux Cerfs, a dormant volcanic crater. The tour includes about 1 hour here, including the admission ticket.

What I like about this first stop is how it gets your bearings fast. You get panoramic views over the surrounding area, and the crater walk is straightforward. You are not dealing with a long hike or complicated navigation, but you still get that “Mauritius has layers of scenery” feeling right away.

Practical tip: wear shoes you can walk on comfortably. Even if the stroll is easy, viewpoints often mean uneven ground and short stretches of walking.

Possible drawback: because it’s early, you might feel rushed if you like a long coffee stop. The schedule is tight in the best way, but you should be ready to roll.

Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao): Sacred Water, Colorful Temples, and a Quiet Moment

Next up is Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao. You get another 1 hour here, with admission included.

This stop is different from the volcano viewpoint. Instead of open views, you’re entering a sacred Hindu setting surrounded by colorful temples and idols of gods and goddesses. It’s a calm pause in the middle of the morning, and it also gives context for why this part of Mauritius matters beyond beaches.

What to expect: you will likely spend time taking photos, reading the atmosphere, and enjoying the setting. The water area and the surrounding temple structures create strong visual contrast in daylight.

Consideration: dress and behavior matter in sacred places. Keep things respectful, and keep your camera use mindful of other visitors.

Alexandra Falls and Black River Gorges: Short Time, Big Nature Payoff

After Grand Bassin, you head toward Black River Gorges Nature Park, with two separate stops that focus on viewpoints and the falls area.

The tour lists:

• Alexandra Falls viewpoint time: about 35 minutes
• Black River Gorges National Park viewpoint time: about 25 minutes

Both include admission tickets.

This is where the day turns from “look at Mauritius” into “see what Mauritius is like.” Alexandra Falls is a standout cue in the park area. You are there for views of the waterfalls and the gorges viewpoints, and the stops give you a quick but satisfying taste of the park’s terrain.

If you’re hoping to spot lots of animals, you should manage expectations. The time here is short. But the value is that the guide can point out what you might otherwise miss, like plant forms and habitat clues that hint at why Mauritius has unique species.

Practical tip: bring a light layer. Parks near waterfalls and ravines can feel cooler, even if it’s warm elsewhere.

Chamarel Village Lunch and the Coastal View From Le Morne to La Gaulette

You reach Chamarel after a few minutes of driving through the village area. Lunch is included at a local restaurant, with 3-course meal options (veg or non-veg) and halal food available.

This is one of the best value parts of the itinerary. Many day tours include lunch, but here it’s timed inside the sightseeing flow instead of feeling like an extra stop you did not ask for.

After lunch, you head to Chamarel Viewpoint for about 2 hours. This viewpoint is built for photos and for understanding the south coast. You’ll admire the coastal line from Le Morne to La Gaulette, plus views of Île aux Bénitiers and the Le Morne Mountain.

Why this matters: it links the day’s inland scenery to the ocean side. Even if you came for nature and forest, the coastline views help you picture the geography that shapes where the forest and rivers sit.

Small reality check: 2 hours sounds long, but viewpoint time goes fast when you’re taking photos and checking angles. If you love pictures, you will enjoy it. If you hate standing still, ask your guide to build in shorter breaks and keep moving.

Seven Coloured Earth Geopark: When the Ground Looks Like a Story

Then comes Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark, with admission included and about 45 minutes on site.

The main idea is simple and memorable: the soils show different colors, and that natural mixture is what makes the Chamarel village area so distinctive. You’ll also hear about the connection to the waterfall area nearby, since the tour notes access to the Chamarel waterfall zone as part of this stop.

What you should do during your time here:

• Walk slowly along the colored mounds and compare shades in different light
• Take a few wide shots from one angle, then switch to close-ups

This is also a great stop for families and non-hikers. It’s visual, not athletic.

Possible drawback: the time is fairly short. If you want long photo sessions or you’re a serious geology fan, you may wish for more than 45 minutes. Still, it’s enough to get the key sights and your best photos.

Ebony Forest Reserve Safari Jeep: Endemic Birds, Plants, and a View From the Top

This is the star nature segment of the day. You head to the Ebony Forest Reserve for a 1-hour safari jeep tour, with admission included.

The tour is specifically positioned around endemic biodiversity in Mauritius. In plain terms, this is your chance to trade generic tropical “green scenery” for a more specific story about the island’s wildlife and forest ecology.

The safari jeep part is important. It gives you access and viewpoint angles without needing a long hike. You’ll also go to a unique viewpoint found at the top of the forest for a magnificent view.

About guides: this part of the day is where you’ll want a guide who likes to explain details. Some groups have had guides like Chris who focus on conservation programs and share information about local plants, birds, trees, and even turtles. If you get a guide with that teaching style, you’ll leave with a much better understanding of what you saw and why it matters.

What you should bring mentally: you are paying attention to cues. You might not see every bird or every animal, but the guide can point out what to look for and what the habitat suggests.

One consideration: jeep seating and tracks can be bumpy. If you have back issues, ask your driver about the best seating position on arrival.

Maconde Viewpoint: The Last Coast Hit Before the Return Trip

Your final viewing stop is Maconde Viewpoint, about 25 minutes with admission included. It’s located along the coastal line near Baie du Cap village.

This last stop matters because it gives you a final angle on the coastline after all the inland stops. It also helps the day feel like a connected loop, not disconnected sightseeing.

Practical note: 25 minutes is enough for photos and quick walking, but not enough for a long linger. If you want a calmer final photo moment, get there, take your shots early, then relax for the remaining time.

Price and Value: What You’re Paying For in This Private South Mauritius Loop

At $135 per person, you are not just buying transport. You are paying for:

• Private, air-conditioned vehicle plus hotel pickup and drop-off
• Bottled water
• A 3-course lunch with veg and non-veg, halal option
• Safari jeep time in Ebony Forest
• Admission tickets for the parks and stops listed

When you break it down, you’re paying less for the headache of coordination than the ticket cost alone would suggest. Doing this circuit independently means juggling entry fees, booking a safari component, and coordinating multiple drivers or long taxi rides.

Also, because it’s private, you’re less likely to waste time. You do not have to wait for a big group to shuffle through the same stops, and you can take photos without feeling like you are holding everyone up.

If you are traveling as a couple or small group, this pricing usually feels more fair. If you are traveling solo, it can still be worth it if you want a full day and want your time controlled tightly.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This tour suits you if you want:

• A private day with minimal coordination stress
• A solid mix of views, sacred sites, and nature
• A lunch that is planned into the schedule, not added on later
• A nature focus that includes Ebony Forest rather than just a single viewpoint

It’s less ideal if:

• You dislike back-to-back stops and prefer a slower pace
• You get motion-sick on bumpy roads
• You’re hoping for long time at only one place, like a long park hike

It’s generally described as something most travelers can participate in, so it’s not only for athletes. But you should still expect short walks and viewpoint time throughout the day.

Should You Book the Fascinating Nature Tour in Chamarel?

I think you should book it if your priority is a high-coverage south Mauritius day that still gives you a real nature component. The Ebony Forest safari is the reason to choose this, and it’s supported by a smart set of viewpoints and stops that keep the day varied.

If you’re the type who likes photos and learning small details on the way, this will land well. And if you want good value, the combination of private transport, lunch, admissions, and a safari segment is exactly what makes the price feel justified.

I would only skip or swap this if you want a slower pace or you know you will struggle with an all-day itinerary and car time.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 7:30 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 8 hours.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour, so only your group participates.

Do you offer hotel pickup and drop-off?

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

What meal is included?

The tour includes a 3-course meal, with veg or non-veg options and halal food.

Is bottled water included?

Yes, bottled water is included.

Are admission fees included?

Yes. Admission tickets are included for the parks and stops visited.

Do I need a physical ticket?

No. The tour uses a mobile ticket.

Is weather important?

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

What do I do if I want to cancel?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.