This south Mauritius day trip is interesting because it strings together volcanic viewpoints, a sacred Hindu lake, and cliffy seaside views in one 8 to 9 hour loop. I love the built-in way you get to see Seven Colored Earth and the Chamarel waterfall area with the right timing.

I also like that Rhumerie de Saint Aubin ends the day with a guided distillery visit and rum tasting. The one consideration: this kind of day is weather and road dependent, so a rainy day can shorten or change one nature stop.

Quick Hits Before You Go

Full-day southwest routing with frequent stops, not a rushed drive-through
Seven Colored Earth plus Chamarel waterfall access included, so you do not waste time in ticket lines
Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao) and its 33 m Lord Shiva statue, a real spiritual sight on the route
Gris Gris viewpoints built for photography, with clear guidance that swimming is not a good idea
Rhumerie de Saint Aubin rum tasting with a guided distillery visit, plus non-alcoholic drinks at lunch
Driver-guide quality can make or break the day, and names like Daren and Hans have been mentioned as especially helpful when things run smoothly

Why This Southwest Mauritius Route Makes Sense

This is the kind of island day that helps you “get the geography” fast. You start inland with a volcanic crater, work through reservoirs and sacred sites, then finish with ocean cliffs and rum at Rhumerie de Saint Aubin. In other words, you see a lot of Mauritius without needing to plan a thing.

I like the structure: each stop is long enough to look around, take photos, and ask questions, but not so long that you feel stuck. That matters in Mauritius, where driving time can add up and the weather can shift.

If your main goal is one specific wow moment like Seven Colored Earth, this trip is a practical way to stack it with other major sites nearby.

Price and Value: What $131.24 Buys You

At about $131.24 per person, you are not just paying for a bus ride. You are paying for round-trip pickup from your accommodation, air-conditioned private transportation, entrance coverage for key attractions, and a proper 3-course Mauritian lunch with non-alcoholic drinks.

This is where the value is real. Entrance tickets for Seven Colored Earth and the Chamarel waterfall area are included. You also get into Rhumerie de Saint Aubin for a guided distillery visit and tasting. If you were to piece this together yourself by taxi and tickets, the costs usually creep up.

Two things to keep in mind. First, this is a full-day circuit, so you trade some freedom for convenience. Second, lunch is included, but it is described as a simple roadside restaurant, so manage expectations and focus on the food, not the setting.

The Day at a Glance: Pickup, Timing, and Comfort

The tour starts at 8:30 am, with pickup offered from your hotel or accommodation anywhere in Mauritius. The vehicle is described as fully air-conditioned and private, and you also get bottled water upon arrival.

A typical stop pattern looks like this: lots of short viewing breaks (often around 20 to 40 minutes) plus a longer lunch and a rum-tasting window. That pacing is good if you like photos, viewpoints, and quick context, but it is not ideal if you want long unstructured time.

Also, bring non slippery shoes. Some viewpoints involve short walks or uneven ground. You do not want to save your energy for the scenery only to spend it balancing on slick paths.

Trou aux Cerfs: Volcanic Crater Views with a Forest Edge

Your day begins at Trou aux Cerfs, a dormant volcanic crater about 605 m above sea level. The crater is around 350 m across, with a depth near 100 m. It sounds like a “just a crater” stop, but the forest around it makes it feel more alive.

Instead of a barren volcanic bowl, you get lush plant life and giant green pine trees surrounding the crater. This is one of those places where the view is the headline, but the textures are what keep your eyes moving.

Practical tip: spend a few extra minutes scanning the trees and edges of the crater. The viewpoint angles here help you understand how deep and steep the interior feels.

Mare aux Vacoas Reservoir: Quiet Break Before the Big Stops

Next you head to Mare aux Vacoas, the island’s largest reservoir, with a capacity close to 26 million cubic meters. It is not as flashy as the crater or the colored earth. But that is exactly why it works in the itinerary.

This is a breather stop, tucked between thick forests, with a view that rewards a slower pace. When the day is full of eye-catching sights, a calmer reservoir view helps your brain reset before Grand Bassin and the waterfalls.

You will likely have around 20 minutes here. Use it for photos and just breathing, not chasing the perfect angle every second.

Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao): The 33 m Shiva Statue Moment

Grand Bassin is also called Ganga Talao, a crater lake in Mauritius’ mountainous southwest. It sits around 550 m above sea level and is known for Hindu shrines along the shoreline.

The star is the 33 m statue of Lord Shiva. The description stresses that he is smiling and peaceful, which is a good reminder that this site is not just a viewpoint. It is a living place of worship and devotion for many people.

The visit runs about 40 minutes, which is enough time to walk the shoreline area, take in the shrines, and pause for the main statue without feeling rushed. If you like cultural stops that are more than a quick photo, this is one you will appreciate.

Alexandra Falls and the Black River Gorges Viewpoint

From Grand Bassin, the itinerary moves toward Alexandra Falls, one of the most emblematic nature sites on the island. It sits about 700 m above sea level and is famous for postcard views, including the turquoise ocean beyond.

There is also the chance to climb to a wooden platform for a wider look. Even if you do not climb, the viewpoint itself is worth it, because you can see how the coastline and water color change with the angle.

Then comes a short walk viewpoint in Black River Gorges National Park. The stop is described as a 3 to 5 minute walk from the road, and the elevation is a big part of the magic. There is a waterfall off to the right, plus a dramatic view down into the gorge below.

Practical note: keep your expectations flexible here. If rain moves in, you might find footing and visibility less comfortable. This is why non slippery shoes matter.

Chamarel Seven Colored Earth: The Science Meets the Wow

The highlight for many people is Twenty-Three Colored Earth, better known as Seven Colored Earth. It is a surreal, lunar-like scene of rainbow-hued sand dunes set among green vegetation.

The color story is part of the fascination. The colors are linked to how basaltic lava breaks down into clay minerals over time. That is the kind of explanation that makes the sight stick in your mind because it is not random. It is geology with a sense of theater.

You will see sand in multiple colors, commonly described as red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow. The area is sizable, so you are not just looking at one tiny patch from behind a rope.

Time for this stop is about 40 minutes, which is enough for photos and a slow walk around the viewing areas. If you are picky about angles, arrive ready to spend a few minutes finding the best lighting.

Chamouny Waterfall: A Single-Drop Stop Worth Planning For

Right after the colored earth area, you visit Chamouny Waterfall, described as the single-drop waterfall in Mauritius. It is also described as the most famous and recognized waterfall on the island in this context.

This stop is shorter, around 25 minutes. That works well if you want the key view without turning your day into an all-day hike.

But here is the practical reality check: waterfall access can depend on road conditions and weather. On some days, paths and access can change. So if a waterfall shot is truly your must-have, do not treat that moment as guaranteed. I would still plan to enjoy the rest of the route because the colored earth and viewpoints usually deliver even when weather is less than perfect.

Gris Gris Beach: Cliff Views with Strong Water Outside the Swim Zone

Gris Gris is where your day turns ocean-side. You drive through Souillac and then arrive at Gris Gris for cliff views, waves crashing against the rocks, and a garden with quiet benches facing the sea.

There is also a path down to a small beach where you can view the water up close. The catch is important: despite the white sand, waves and currents are extremely strong, so swimming is not advised.

This is a great stop for photos and a calm pause. It is not a swim stop, and it is not the place to let your guard down near the water. Enjoy the surf, then keep moving back to drier ground.

You likely get around two hours here, which gives you time to see both the cliff viewpoint garden and the beach view without rushing.

Rhumerie de Saint Aubin: Rum Tasting with a Guided Distillery Visit

The day finishes at Rhumerie de Saint Aubin. This is where the tour shifts from scenery to story.

You visit the distillery to learn about rum making, including how sugar cane plays a role in the process. Then you get a rum tasting session featuring different rum flavors produced by the distillery.

What I like here is that it ends the day with something you can take home in your head. You remember the places, but you also leave with a sense of how Mauritius turns sugar into rum.

In terms of guidance, some driver-guide combinations have been praised by name, including Daren for patience and friendliness, and Hans for doing the driver and guide role together. If your group gets someone like that, the distillery visit feels less like a scripted stop and more like an explanation you actually want to hear.

Expect this part to be about an hour. That is enough time for the guided visit and tasting without dragging your evening.

Lunch, Drinks, and Food Reality Checks

Lunch is included and described as a traditional 3-course Mauritian meal, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available. The meal is also labeled halal, and non-alcoholic drinks are included.

The restaurant is described as simple and by the road, so do not expect a fancy dining room. I would treat lunch as fuel plus a chance to try flavors you might not taste on your own.

If you have food allergies or illness, the tour instructions ask you to advise ahead of time. That is worth doing early, because it takes time to coordinate kitchen needs properly.

Weather and Road Issues: How to Protect Your Must-See Moments

This experience requires good weather, and it can be canceled and rescheduled or refunded if conditions are poor. Even when a tour runs, access can still vary with road conditions and rainfall.

Some stops depend on safe access, especially anything involving waterfalls and viewpoints on uneven ground. If the weather is shaky, you might lose a stop or have a shorter version of it.

My advice is simple. If you are booking this as your one big southwest day, pack for change: a light rain layer, water, and non slippery shoes. And keep your attitude flexible, because Mauritius beauty is often best when it is a little dramatic.

Who Should Book This Tour?

Book it if you want a full southwest highlights day without planning routes, tickets, and timing. It is also a solid pick if you like cultural context as well as scenery, because Grand Bassin and the rum distillery add more than just views.

You might skip it if you only want one or two specific spots and you prefer deep, slow wandering. This tour is built around efficient stops and a set order, not free roaming.

And if you care a lot about getting real guiding explanations, ask yourself one question before booking: do I want a true guide experience, or am I okay with more of a driving-and-drop-off style? The day can vary based on the driver-guide assigned.

Should You Book This South of Mauritius Day Trip?

Yes, I think you should book it if you want a practical, high-value day that hits the big southwest hits in one go. The included lunch, entrance access for Seven Colored Earth and the waterfall area, plus the guided Rhumerie de Saint Aubin rum tasting make the cost feel reasonable.

Just go in with the right mindset. Wear non slippery shoes, bring a rain layer, and expect that weather and road conditions can influence a waterfall stop. If you can handle that, you are in for a strong mix of geology, spirituality, ocean drama, and rum at the end.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:30 am.

How long is the tour?

It runs about 8 to 9 hours.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from your hotel or accommodation in Mauritius.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is included as a traditional 3-course Mauritian meal, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, and halal food is noted. Non-alcoholic drinks are included during lunch.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes for Seven Colored Earth and Chamarel waterfall, and the Rhumerie de Chamarel entry is also included.

Will I have a place to sit during the rum tasting?

The distillery experience includes a guided visit and rum tasting session at Rhumerie de Saint Aubin, which typically includes time to participate in the tasting.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What should I wear?

Wear non slippery shoes, since some stops involve short walks and uneven terrain.