Southern Mauritius: Volcanoes & Coloured Earth

Exploring Southern Mauritius: Volcanoes & Coloured Earth — A Truly Rich Day Out

If you’re looking to explore the diverse landscapes and cultural highlights of Mauritius in one day, the Southern Mauritius: Volcanoes & Coloured Earth tour offers a well-rounded experience. It promises a blend of natural beauty, fascinating craftsmanship, and spiritual sites, all wrapped up in a comfortable, guided package. From volcanic craters to rainbow-hued sands, this tour hits many of the island’s most captivating sights.

What makes this experience stand out for us? First, the expert-guided insight at each stop ensures you understand the significance of what you’re seeing. Second, the visual spectacle of the 7-coloured earth and volcanic landscapes is truly breathtaking. Third, the inclusion of a visit to the Holy Lake of Grand Bassin offers a chance to connect with local culture and spirituality. That said, a potential drawback is the full-day schedule, which might be tiring for some travelers, especially those not used to long tours.

This tour is ideal for those who want a comprehensive introduction to southern Mauritius, combining natural wonders, cultural visits, and some light adventure. It’s particularly suited for first-time visitors eager to see the island’s highlights without the hassle of planning multiple trips.

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Key Points

Natural Wonders: Experience the volcanic crater and colourful geological formations.
Cultural Significance: Visit the sacred Grand Bassin Hindu temple.
Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance understanding and appreciation.
Comfort & Convenience: Air-conditioned vehicle and hotel pickup/drop-off.
Value for Money: At $153 for a full-day tour, it offers a lot of sights in one package.
Flexible Booking: Reserve today, pay later, with cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

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Comfortable Transport & Guided Experience

From the outset, this tour makes an effort to keep things simple and stress-free. The pick-up and drop-off service is included, typically in a family-sized sedan, which ensures a relaxed journey rather than cramped group bus rides. The guides, part of Holidays R Us Mauritius, are described as helpful and knowledgeable, adding value with local insights.

Diamond & Ship Factory

Your day kicks off with a visit to the Diamond & Ship Factory. Here, you’re given a fascinating look into the craft of diamond cutting and polishing. Reviewers have mentioned how this stop offers a “fascinating insight” into the diamond industry—great for those interested in jewelry or local craftsmanship. It’s an educational stop that provides context about Mauritius’s role in gemstone trade, and a chance to see some sparkling examples up close.

The Volcano Crater

Next, you’ll visit the volcanic crater — a natural marvel that vividly displays the island’s volcanic past. The views from the crater are described as panoramic and awe-inspiring, offering a perfect photo opportunity. The raw power of nature is on full display here, and many visitors mention how the landscape is both stark and mesmerizing. It’s a reminder of how fundamental volcanic activity has shaped Mauritius’s terrain.

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Holy Lake of Grand Bassin

A highlight for many, the Grand Bassin is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites outside of India. The serene lake, surrounded by elaborate temples and statues, offers a peaceful atmosphere and a chance to learn about local spiritual practices. One reviewer pointed out the “ornate temples and statues,” emphasizing its importance for cultural appreciation. It’s a tranquil pause amid the day’s more energetic activities.

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Black River Gorges National Park

Heading inland, the tour takes you into the lush greenery of Black River Gorges, a lush rainforest teeming with wildlife. Expect winding trails and scenic viewpoints, perfect for nature lovers. Reviewers have appreciated the stunning vistas and the opportunity to spot rare wildlife, making it a refreshing contrast to the geological sights.

Lunch Stop (Optional)

Midday, there’s an option to enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant—though this incurs an additional cost. Many find this a chance to sample authentic Mauritian cuisine. Whether it’s fresh seafood, local curries, or tropical fruits, this meal is often described as satisfying and a good value, especially if you’re craving a break from sightseeing.

Chamarel & the Coloured Earth

The final major stop is the Chamarel complex, renowned for its 7-colored earth or the 23-colored earth geological site. Many reviews underscore how surreal and Instagram-worthy these landscapes are—multicolored sands and rocks that seem almost otherworldly. Alongside the geological wonder, the waterfall or valley offers additional stunning scenery. It’s an absolute must-see, with most visitors saying the view is worth the trip.

What Travelers Say About the Tour

Multiple reviewers praise the guides for their helpfulness and local knowledge, making each stop more meaningful. One shared that their guide, Rishi, was “super helpful and made sure everyone understood the significance of each site.” Others mention how the views at Chamarel and the volcanic crater provided “breathtaking photo opportunities,” confirming the visual appeal of these sites.

Some travelers appreciated the well-paced schedule, noting they had enough time at each stop to explore without feeling rushed. However, a few mentioned that the full-day itinerary could be tiring, especially if you’re not used to long periods of activity. Still, most felt it was a worthwhile way to see a lot of the southern part of the island efficiently.

Practical Considerations

The $153 per group rate (up to 4 people) makes this tour a reasonably priced all-in-one experience, especially considering the inclusion of hotel transfers, guide, and transport. The tour runs rain or shine, so be prepared for weather, particularly at the Gorges and volcanic sites. Many reviews mention that the guide was well-prepared and offered options or advice for changing weather conditions.

The language options—English, French, and Hindi—mean most travelers will feel comfortable understanding the commentary. Booking flexibility is available, with the option to reserve now and pay later, and cancellations possible up to 24 hours in advance.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a great mix of natural beauty, cultural insights, and fun geological sights. Its all-in-one approach is excellent for travelers who want a broad overview of southern Mauritius without the hassle of organizing each stop independently. The comfortable transportation and knowledgeable guides boost the experience, making it informative and enjoyable.

While it’s a full day, most travelers find the pace manageable, and the value for money is excellent given the number of attractions visited. If you’re a fan of landscapes that pop with color, like the 7-colored earth, or are intrigued by volcanic formations and spiritual sites, this tour hits all those marks.

In essence, it’s perfect for first-time visitors, culture enthusiasts, and nature lovers eager to tick multiple highlights off their list in one memorable day.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour covers hotel pickup and drop-off in a comfortable family vehicle.

What is the price for the tour?
It costs $153 for the whole group, up to 4 people, making it a cost-effective way to see many sights.

What language will the guide speak?
Guides can speak English, French, or Hindi, depending on your preference or group.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?
Yes, the tour takes place rain or shine, so be prepared for weather conditions.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Absolutely, you can cancel up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund.

Is there an option to have lunch during the tour?
Yes, you can enjoy lunch at a local restaurant for an additional cost, which many travelers find worthwhile.

How long does the tour last?
It’s a full-day experience, so expect to be out for several hours, with time allocated at each site for sightseeing.

In summary, the Southern Mauritius: Volcanoes & Coloured Earth tour combines natural spectacles with cultural depth, all within a manageable and comfortable package. It’s an ideal choice for visitors wanting a comprehensive yet relaxed exploration of the island’s southern treasures.