Mauritius: Full-Day Tour of the Southwest

Traveling through Mauritius’s southwest offers a rewarding mix of natural beauty, geological marvels, and cultural sights—all packed into an 8-hour guided trip. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, its detailed itinerary and glowing reviews suggest it’s a well-rounded way to see some of the island’s most iconic spots without the hassle of planning every detail.

What makes this experience appealing? First, the chance to see panoramic views from Trou aux Cerfs, a dormant volcanic crater, promises spectacular photo opportunities. Second, the visit to Chamarel’s 7 Colored Earths offers a unique geological wonder that’s both educational and visually fascinating. Third, the inclusion of rum tasting at a local factory provides a taste of Mauritius’s renowned spirit culture—something many visitors find delightful.

One possible drawback is that timing can be affected—notably during festivals like Mahashivaratree, when Grand Bassin may be inaccessible due to its status as a spiritual pilgrimage site. The tour is best suited for those who enjoy a mix of nature, culture, and scenic views, and who appreciate small-group experiences for a more personalized touch.

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Key Points

Diverse attractions: From a volcanic crater to colorful earth formations and a sacred lake.
Value for money: At $129, includes entrance fees, lunch, rum tasting, and transportation.
Small-group feel: Max 6 people, sometimes a private experience.
Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with local insights.
Flexible booking: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
Authentic experiences: Opportunities to taste local rum and see endemic flora and fauna.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction to the Full-Day Mauritius Southwest Tour

This full-day guided excursion provides a well-curated slice of Mauritius’s natural and cultural highlights. It is a great way to tick off major sights without the stress of self-driving or organizing multiple visits. The tour is especially appealing because it offers a mix of scenic vistas, geological wonders, and local flavors, making it a well-balanced introduction to the island’s diverse landscape.

The tour’s price point of $129 per person strikes a good balance when considering the inclusions: entrance fees, a hearty lunch, soft drinks, rum tasting, and a driver/guide. You’d find it hard to match this value doing everything independently, especially with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.

What makes this tour stand out is how accessible it makes Mauritius’s varied scenery. From the lush Black River Gorges to the vibrant, multi-colored sands at Chamarel, you’ll gain a richer appreciation of the island’s volcanic origins and unique geology. It’s also a chance to learn from guides who are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.

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Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Trou aux Cerfs: Panoramic Views from a Volcanic Crater

Your day begins at Trou aux Cerfs, a dormant volcano offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. According to reviews, travelers love the “breathtaking vistas” and the chance to stroll around the crater rim. It’s a relatively quick stop but one that provides memorable photo opportunities and a feel for the island’s volcanic roots. The drive up is scenic, and the site is accessible and well-maintained.

Grand Bassin: Sacred Lake and Spiritual Significance

Next, the tour takes you to Grand Bassin, a tranquil lake considered sacred by Mauritian Hindus. Visitors are often moved by the serenity of the site and the impressive statue of Lord Shiva. Note that during February and March, it might not be possible to stop here due to religious festivals like Mahashivaratree, when it becomes a pilgrimage site. If you’re visiting during another time, it offers a peaceful moment to soak in local spirituality.

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Mare-aux-Vacoas Reservoir and Black River Gorges

The journey continues through the Black River Gorges National Park, a biodiverse haven for endemic flora and fauna. The drive through Plaine des Champagnes offers spectacular views of Alexandra Falls, which guests describe as “an incredible sight—like a ribbon of water tumbling down the rocks.” It’s a fantastic spot for nature lovers, with plenty of opportunities for photos and gentle walks.

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Chamarel: The 7 Colored Earths and Rum Tasting

One of the tour’s highlight stops is at Chamarel, home to the famous 7 Colored Earths—a geological formation of dunes with vibrant hues caused by mineral deposits. The site is a favorite for its visual uniqueness and photo appeal. Visitors often comment on how surreal it feels to walk on multicolored sands that seem almost otherworldly.

Adjacent to this is the Chamarel Rum Factory, where you can enjoy tastings of various rums. Many reviews note that the guide’s knowledge adds depth to the experience, explaining the rum-making process and the different flavors. The factory entrance fee is included, making this stop both fun and informative.

Lunch in Chamarel Village

Following the rum tasting, the tour provides a lunch break in the village. While the specific restaurant isn’t detailed, guests generally find the meal satisfying and a good chance to relax before more sightseeing. Soft drinks are included, and alcohol during lunch isn’t, so keep that in mind if you plan to indulge.

Case Noyal Viewpoint and End of the Day

The final scenic stop is at Case Noyal, offering panoramic views of the island’s lush landscape. The guides often mention that this is the perfect place to reflect on the day and capture last photos. The tour concludes with a comfortable drive back to your hotel, often around 4-5 pm, leaving you with a full but relaxed day of exploration.

What Travelers Can Expect

You’ll be driven in a comfortable vehicle, with a small group (max 6 people), ensuring a more intimate experience. The timing is structured but flexible enough to accommodate spontaneous photo stops or brief walks. Guides are praised for their local knowledge and friendly demeanor, often sharing interesting stories behind each site.

The entire experience is designed for those who enjoy scenic nature, cultural insights, and a bit of adventure. It’s accessible for most fitness levels, and the inclusion of entrance fees and lunch means you won’t have to worry about additional costs.

However, it’s worth noting that timing at Grand Bassin might be limited or impossible during festival periods, so check the schedule if that’s a priority for your trip.

Value and Practical Considerations

At $129 per person, this tour offers good value when you consider the inclusions: entrance fees, rum tasting, lunch, soft drinks, and hotel transfers. Independent travelers might spend more piecing together these sites, especially with transport and entry costs.

The small-group format is a plus, providing a more personalized feel—many travelers appreciate the chance to ask questions and enjoy a relaxed pace. The flexibility to reserve and pay later adds convenience, and cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind.

Keep in mind that additional entrance fees for the Chamarel Geopark are separate (€13 approx per person), and alcoholic drinks during lunch are not included.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive, guided overview of southwest Mauritius without the hassle of planning multiple visits. Nature lovers will appreciate the stunning views and endemic flora, while culture enthusiasts will enjoy the spiritual and geological sites. The tour’s small size makes it especially suitable for those who prefer a more intimate experience.

It’s perfect for visitors with a full day to spare and those who want a balanced mix of scenic, cultural, and culinary experiences. If you prefer to explore independently or have specific sites in mind, you might find it less flexible, but for a curated overview, it hits the mark.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour of southwest Mauritius offers a compelling way to experience the island’s natural beauty, geological wonders, and cultural highlights in one seamless package. The combination of panoramic views, colorful landscapes, a sacred lake, and local rums keeps the experience diverse and engaging.

The small-group format, knowledgeable guides, and inclusive pricing make it a practical choice for travelers who want comfort and value. While timing at Grand Bassin can be affected during festival seasons, most other sites are accessible and offer memorable moments.

Ultimately, this tour suits those eager to see a broad swath of Mauritius’s highlights in a relaxed, guided setting—ideal for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a convenient overview of the southwest.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pick-up and drop-off are part of the package, making the day more convenient and stress-free.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 8 hours, from morning pickup to late afternoon return.

What is the group size?
It’s a small-group tour, with a maximum of 6 participants, which often means a more personalized experience.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, fees for the Chamarel Rum Factory and Black River Gorges National Park are included. However, the €13 fee for the Chamarel Geopark is separate.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, offering flexible planning.

Is lunch included?
Yes, lunch and soft drinks are included, but alcoholic drinks during lunch are not.

Will I get to see the 7 Colored Earths?
Absolutely, it’s one of the tour’s main highlights, and visitors often find it surreal and photogenic.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, especially since there’s walking involved at some sites.

Is this tour suitable during festivals?
During Mahashivaratree in February or March, Grand Bassin may not be accessible due to pilgrimage activities. Check the schedule before booking.