South of Mauritius : Full day Private with lunch & Chamarel

This south Mauritius private day tour is interesting because you get a full hit of the island’s natural icons without the usual headache of long drives. I love the air-conditioned private car and the way the schedule keeps you moving from wow spot to wow spot with short gaps between stops. I also love that lunch in Chamarel is part of the package, with entrance fees and key sights handled for you. The one real drawback to consider is that the day is packed, so you will want to speak up early if you need extra time at a single viewpoint.

What makes it feel personal is the human touch. Guides such as Jameel (and also Nasir or Kavi, depending on who you get) keep the day relaxed, share island context, and make sure you’re set up for photos at major hotspots. Even better, the vehicles are sanitized as part of Covid-19 protocols, and the service is wheelchair accessible.

Key Points at a Glance

• Short drives between sights: you typically have only 30 to 45 minutes between attractions, so the day feels efficient rather than tiring
• Chamarel Coloured Earth entry included: access to the park and the famed 7-colour earth stops are built in
• A full south highlights mix: Ganga Talao (sacred lake), Black River gorges viewpoint, Chamarel waterfall, and Ile aux Benitiers viewpoint
• 3-course lunch in Chamarel with options: you get a typical local lunch and vegetarian options
• Private, not crowded: an English or French live guide with pickup, plus a driver in a dedicated A/C vehicle
• Road reality handled: as of 20/02/24 the 52turn road is closed, and two viewpoints are replaced

Why This South Mauritius Day Feels Efficient (Not Rushed)

Mauritius is small, and this tour uses that fact. You are not stuck on a big loop for hours just to reach one sight. Instead, you hop between nature stops and lookouts, usually with only 30 to 45 minutes of driving in between.

That matters because the south is where a lot of the island’s most distinctive scenery lives. If you only have a day, the value is in stacking those highlights. You get waterfalls, viewpoints, and the iconic Chamarel coloured earth without spending your trip sitting in traffic.

If you are the type of traveler who wants long, lazy time at one place, this may feel busy. But if you want maximum variety with minimal transit pain, it is a strong format.

Private Driver and A/C Comfort: The Real Quality Upgrade

The biggest practical win here is the dedicated vehicle. You are traveling with a private group, with a driver and a live guide in English or French. That means you do not have to bargain for position at bus stops, and you are not waiting for 20 other people to return to the van.

The A/C car is also a bigger deal than it sounds. In Mauritius, heat and sun can make a short day feel longer fast. Being able to cool down between stops helps you enjoy each viewpoint properly, not just survive it.

One more comfort detail that comes up in real life: at hotspots, your guide will typically take photos of you. It is a small thing, but it saves time and stress, especially when you want a clean shot without needing to constantly ask strangers.

Chamarel Coloured Earth and Waterfall: The Stops Everyone Remembers

Your day includes the famous Chamarel coloured earth, with entry fees to the park included. This is one of those Mauritius sights that is both visual and story-driven. You look at the colors, and then you want the explanation behind how something like this exists.

What I like about building this into a private day is pacing. In a group setting, you often spend half your time waiting for the next cue. Here you can actually slow down for a minute, take photos, and look around at your own rhythm.

From there, you also get access to the Chamarel waterfall area. Waterfalls can be hit-or-miss depending on the day’s weather and water flow. The advantage on this tour is that your route is designed around nature stops in close sequence, so even if one waterfall moment is shorter than you hoped, you still have other scenery right after it.

If you are going during a busier period, your best move is to wear shoes with grip. Paths near waterfalls and viewpoints can be slippery when the weather turns.

Ganga Talao (Sacred Lake): A Calmer Side of the South

Not everything in this tour is about dramatic viewing points. You also stop at Ganga Talao, the sacred lake. This is a very different mood from colored earth and waterfalls.

The way this kind of stop works on a private day is that it gives your senses a breather. After bright, visually intense highlights, a calmer setting helps you process what you just saw. It also adds balance. You are not just collecting scenery. You are getting a feel for how different places connect to local meaning.

If you like religious or cultural context (without turning the day into a lecture), this stop is a good one. And if you prefer purely scenic viewing, it still works because the setting is naturally photogenic and peaceful.

Black River Gorges Viewpoint: Where the Island Shows Its Scale

This tour includes the Black River gorges viewpoint. Viewpoints are where you stop thinking in individual attractions and start thinking in geography.

In practical terms, the viewpoint makes sense because the south of Mauritius is not just about a list of sights. It is about seeing how the island’s interior and terrain shape the coast and valleys around you. Even if you do not know the exact names of the formations, the perspective helps you understand why waterfalls and certain parks feel so different from the beach side of the island.

A private guide helps here. You are more likely to get useful context tied to what you are looking at, not just generic facts read off a sign. And because this is your own car, you can usually take a few minutes to get the best angle without feeling like you are holding up a group.

Lakes, Reservoir, and a Dormant Volcano Stop

One of the more interesting parts of the itinerary is that it does not only focus on the most famous names. You also visit lakes, a reservoir, and a dormant volcano stop, plus several other points of interest.

This is the side of Mauritius that appeals to people who like variety. A day that includes just colored earth and waterfalls can feel repetitive after a while. Adding water bodies and geological features gives you something new to look for, something different to photograph, and another angle on how the south functions.

The best way to enjoy these stops is with a flexible mindset. Bring water, plan for some walking, and expect that some points may feel more observational than dramatic. You might find them quieter, but that is also why they work. They break up the day and prevent it from becoming a nonstop photo sprint.

Ile aux Benitiers Viewpoint: The Coastal Finale Mood

The Ile aux Benitiers viewpoint is included, and it helps the day land in a coastal frame. After a stretch of inland nature and lookouts, you get to shift your attention to the sea and islands offshore.

This is also the type of stop where timing can matter. If the light is good, photos look better. Even if you cannot control the exact timing, being in a private setup usually gives you a little more control over how long you stay.

If you are sensitive to wind, bring something light to cover your shoulders. Viewpoints can get breezy, and it is easy to underestimate that until you are standing there.

Lunch in Chamarel: 3 Courses, Vegetarian Options, and One Included Drink

Lunch is part of the package, with a typical 3-course lunch in Chamarel and vegetarian options. The tour includes one drink with lunch, and bottled water and snacks are part of the day.

This matters for value. Food can be a hidden cost on island day trips. Here, lunch is built into the price, which makes planning simpler and reduces decision fatigue when you are tired from sightseeing.

That said, lunch format can be a bit of a variable in the real world. One traveler noted the meal was served in a separate room that made it feel less like the group was treated the same as others. Another traveler felt the lunch space did not match expectations. The good news is that the food itself was described as delicious, with choices available to suit different tastes.

My practical advice: if you care about the dining setup, ask your guide on the day where lunch will happen and how long you will have. Being proactive helps you settle in and enjoy the break.

What You Actually Pay, and What You Get Back

The price is listed as $117 per person for an 8-hour private tour with an A/C car, driver service, a live guide, a 3-course lunch with a drink, entrance fees, and included access to multiple major natural sights.

So is it worth it? I think it usually is, if you care about three things:

• You want a private day rather than sharing a crowded vehicle with lots of strangers
• You want key paid entrances included, especially for Chamarel coloured earth
• You want the south highlights stacked efficiently without spending time organizing transportation

The value also comes from time. On an island where driving time between stops can be short but still adds up, having your transportation arranged means you spend more of the day outside the car.

A potential value risk is if you are the type who hates a tight schedule. Because the day is designed to cover many points, it is not ideal if you want to wander freely for hours in one place.

Timing, Road Closures, and How to Keep the Day Smooth

As of 20/02/24, the 52turn road is closed, and two viewpoints are replaced. That is exactly the kind of real-world detail that matters on a tour like this. Mauritius routes can change, and the plan accounts for it by swapping in different viewpoints.

If you are traveling around that period, do not assume the same exact viewpoint list you might see in other contexts. Expect adjustments, and treat the replacements as part of the day’s flexibility rather than as a downgrade.

Also, because stops are close together, you can end up feeling like you barely got your bearings before the next photo spot. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen, keep water handy, and wear footwear you trust.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Rethink It)

This tour fits you well if you want:

• A private, comfortable way to see the south without long drives
• A mix of iconic sights and practical variety, including cultural and natural stops
• A guide who talks you through what you are looking at, in English or French
• A lunch that is already included, with vegetarian options

It may not fit as well if you:

• Want an unstructured day with lots of downtime
• Have strong objections to any side stop that is not a core highlight, like a shop detour
• Prefer fewer stops with longer stays at each one

One traveler specifically mentioned being taken to a shop at the end even after saying no. So if you are strongly against shopping, say it clearly at the start of the day. A good driver and guide will respect that, but you should not assume it automatically.

The Bottom Line: Should You Book South of Mauritius With Chamarel?

I would book this if your goal is a high-impact south Mauritius day with minimal hassle. You get the big name scenery, important natural stops, and a real meal in Chamarel, all wrapped into a private A/C vehicle experience.

If your dream trip is slow and quiet, or if you want maximum control over how long you spend at each stop, then consider whether this 8-hour packed format matches your style. In that case, a more relaxed itinerary might suit you better.

But for most first-time visitors to Mauritius who want to see the south’s most memorable places in one go, this is a smart value. It is organized, comfortable, and built to keep the day moving while still leaving you enough time to enjoy the view.

FAQ

What is the duration of the South of Mauritius full day private tour with lunch and Chamarel?

The tour duration is 8 hours.

What is included in the tour price?

It includes an A/C private vehicle with a driver, entrance fees to Chamarel coloured earth (7 coloured earth), a 3-course lunch with 1 drink, access to waterfalls, and an 8-hour complete duration tour. Snacks and bottled water are also included as part of the day experience.

Is the tour guided, and what languages are available?

Yes. You get a live tour guide, available in English and French.

Do you get pickup and drop-off?

Pickup is included, and you can be picked up at any point. Drop-off is also provided as part of the service.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The tour is wheelchair accessible.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.