Travelers looking to explore Mauritius beyond its beaches often find that its inland treasures are just as captivating. This private South Mauritius tour offers a comprehensive look at some of the island’s most iconic natural and cultural highlights, all within a full-day adventure. From volcanic craters to sacred temples and vibrant earth formations, it’s a journey that balances scenic beauty with authentic local culture.
What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, the private nature of the experience ensures you won’t be racing with crowds — just your driver-guide and your group. Second, the knowledgeable guides make the stories behind each site come alive, adding depth to your understanding. Third, the value for money is clear, especially considering the all-inclusive pickup and drop-off from anywhere on the island. That said, it’s worth noting that entry to La Vallée des Couleurs isn’t included, so you’ll want to budget for that if you plan to explore the colored earths.
If you’re keen to discover Mauritius’s inland gems at a relaxed pace, this tour suits those who appreciate natural scenery, cultural insights, and the convenience of a personalized day trip. Whether you’re a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or simply eager to see the island’s diverse landscapes, this experience offers a well-rounded glimpse into the south of Mauritius.
Key Points
- Private, all-inclusive experience: Enjoy a tailored day with pickup and drop-off from any accommodation.
- Diverse sites: From dormant volcanoes and waterfalls to Hindu temples and colorful earth formations.
- Knowledgeable guides: Tour is guided by experts who share insights into the history and culture.
- Stunning vistas: Expect panoramic views of mountains, lakes, and lush greenery.
- Authentic cultural visits: The Grand Bassin Hindu temple offers cultural depth.
- Value for money: At $105 for the entire group, it’s a cost-effective way to see key sites.
An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary
This tour is thoughtfully designed to showcase some of Mauritius’s most scenic and culturally significant sites in a single day. Starting with a hotel pickup, you’ll be whisked away in a luxury minibus driven by a knowledgeable guide who keeps the atmosphere friendly and informative. The small group size means you’ll get personalized attention and flexibility.
Looking for more options in Curepipe? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
The Trou aux Cerfs — The Dormant Volcano with a View
Your first stop is the Trou aux Cerfs, an extinct volcanic crater that’s now a lush forested area. This site offers a 360-degree view of Curepipe and the surrounding mountains. Our guide (we had Pierre, who was both friendly and well-informed) explained how this volcanic crater was formed and its significance in local geography. Visitors love the peaceful vibe here, and the view of the city below makes for perfect photos. According to one reviewer, “We loved the way our guide went out of his way to show us all the sights, even overrunning time because of traffic but making sure we saw everything.”
The Sacred Grand Bassin Hindu Temple
Next is the Grand Bassin, a crater lake and Hindu pilgrimage site. The temple, surrounded by the lake, is a focal point for local culture, and the Shiva statue is notably the oldest and most revered. The site is a vivid display of Mauritius’s diverse religious fabric. Our guide shared stories about the significance of the Ganga Talao lake and how locals visit for prayer and reflection. Having a local guide meant understanding the customs and seeing the site through a cultural lens. Reviewers highlight that “learning about the Hindu culture in Mauritius at this site added a meaningful dimension to the visit.”
Black River Gorges & Alexandra Falls — Nature’s Spectacle
Moving on, the tour takes you to Black River Gorges, a national park known for its native flora and fauna. From the viewpoint, you’ll get sweeping vistas of the mountain ranges and lush forest. The nearby Alexandra Falls provides a refreshing stop to appreciate a stunning waterfall cascade. Our guide explained the importance of conservation efforts here, and you can expect to see various indigenous plants and birds. One visitor noted, “The view of Alexandra Waterfall is something I’ll never forget — it’s the perfect spot for photos and quiet reflection.”
More Great Tours NearbyLa Vallée des Couleurs — The Multi-Colored Earths
The finale of the day is the Vallée des Couleurs, famous for its 23 colored earth formations. The rolling mounds display an array of deep tones — reds, yellows, greens, and browns — caused by mineral deposits. It’s a photo-worthy spot and offers a chance for some local activities, such as short walks or simply soaking in the vibrant landscape. While the entry fee is not included, many find it worth the small extra cost for the chance to see this geological marvel. One of the reviews mentions: “The deep tones and rolling mounds are mesmerizing,” which captures the essence of this site.
The Practical Aspects
Transportation: The tour uses a luxury minibus, providing comfort throughout the day. Having a private vehicle means you avoid crowded buses and have flexibility in your schedule.
Timing: The full-day experience typically starts with a hotel pickup and wraps up with a scenic drive back, allowing you to see multiple sites comfortably. The reviews show that guides are flexible with timing, often going over schedule slightly to ensure you see all key points.
Cost & Value: At $105 per group up to 1 person, the price is quite reasonable considering the comprehensive itinerary and private guide. Entry fees at La Vallée des Couleurs aren’t included, so plan to budget roughly an additional $10-15 if you wish to explore the colorful earths.
Guides: The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude. Reviewers appreciated guides who provided context and personal stories, making the experience more engaging.
Flexibility & Booking: You can reserve with confidence, with the option to pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund — a great option for flexible travelers.
What We Love About This Tour
The personalized touch really shines through — the private guide ensures you’re not just another face in the crowd. The diversity of sites means your day is filled with contrasts: volcanoes, waterfalls, temples, and colorful earth, each offering a different perspective of Mauritius’s natural and spiritual landscape. The scenic drives and panoramic views make it a feast for the eyes, and the cultural insights shared by guides like Pierre bring the sites to life in a way that self-guided visits often can’t match.
The tour’s value for money becomes clear when you consider the cost of individual entry fees, private transportation, and guided commentary. While not every site’s entrance fee is included, the overall experience is well worth the small extra expense.
Considerations
The main point to consider is the entry fee at La Vallée des Couleurs, which isn’t covered by the tour price. If you’re particularly keen on the colored earths, you’ll want to budget for that separately. Also, while the tour is flexible, it’s a full day, so it’s best suited for those who enjoy a mix of outdoor exploration and cultural visits without feeling rushed.
Who Should Book This Tour?
This private guided tour is perfect for travelers seeking a comprehensive inland adventure in Mauritius. It appeals especially to those who value personalized service and want to learn about the island’s geological and cultural highlights from knowledgeable locals. Nature lovers, culture buffs, and photography enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy here.
It’s also suitable for travelers who prefer a set itinerary but with the comfort of a private vehicle and flexible timing. If you’re on a tight schedule or keen to see a mix of highlights with minimal hassle, this tour offers excellent value.
The Sum Up
In summary, this Mauritius private south tour offers a thoughtfully curated snapshot of the island’s interior landscapes and spiritual sites. Its private nature and expert guides elevate the experience, making it more engaging and personalized. The variety of stops — from volcanic craters to waterfalls and colorful earth formations — ensures you’ll leave with a well-rounded impression of Mauritius’s natural beauty and cultural diversity.
The value for money is compelling, especially considering the convenience and quality of guides. It’s best suited for travelers who want a flexible, insightful day without the stress of group tours or self-driving. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this tour promises a meaningful and visually stunning adventure into Mauritius’s south.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for most ages, especially since it involves scenic stops and cultural sites. However, you should consider the physical activity involved in walking around sites like Alexandra Falls or La Vallée des Couleurs.
What languages are the guides fluent in?
Guides speak English and French, making it accessible for most international travelers.
How long does the tour last?
It’s a full-day experience, starting with hotel pickup and concluding with a scenic drive back to your accommodation.
Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to stop at local eateries during the day.
Is this tour customizable?
While the itinerary is fixed, the private nature allows some flexibility—discuss with your guide if you’d like to spend more time at certain sites.
How much does the entry fee at La Vallée des Couleurs cost?
Entry is not included in the tour price; expect to pay around $10-15 if you wish to explore the colorful earths.
Can I book this tour last-minute?
Yes, with the “reserve & pay later” option, you can book close to your travel date and cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
What should I wear for the tour?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities, along with sun protection and sturdy shoes, are recommended.
Is there a recommended age limit?
Children who can comfortably walk and enjoy the sites will be fine; always check with your guide for specific concerns.
Overall, this tour offers a balanced mix of natural beauty and cultural insight, all delivered in a private, relaxed setting. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting to see Mauritius’s inland gems without the fuss, making for a memorable, hassle-free day.
You can check availability for your dates here: