TAXI South guided tour.

If you’re looking to get a comprehensive taste of Mauritius’s southern highlights without the hassle of planning, the TAXI South guided tour might be just what you need. With a stellar 5.0 rating from 85 reviews and consistently high marks for value and guides, this private experience offers a well-rounded day exploring some of Mauritius’s most iconic sights.

What really stands out are the personalized service, the stunning landscapes, and the depth of local insights shared by guides like Asif and Rouben—guests often mention how these guides make the trip feel like a day out with a friend rather than a tour. Plus, the balanced itinerary combines natural landmarks, cultural insights, and leisure time, making it suitable for a variety of travelers.

One potential consideration is the weather dependency—some sights may be less accessible if the weather turns bad, but the guides excel at finding alternatives. This tour suits travelers who appreciate flexibility, authentic local experiences, and beautiful scenery—perfect for those eager to see Mauritius beyond the typical tourist stops.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience means you get a tailored day with your own guide.
• Stunning natural sights like volcanoes, waterfalls, and colored earths create memorable photo moments.
• In-depth local insights from guides who are knowledgeable and friendly.
• Includes tasting opportunities, especially at the rhum distillery, adding flavor to your day.
• Flexible timings and stops provide a good balance of sightseeing and leisure.
• Excellent value for money at $100 for a full-day private tour.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

This tour is designed to give you a well-rounded day, covering the most recognizable landmarks of Mauritius’s south. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a mix of nature, culture, and a peek into local craftsmanship—all in one day.

Trou aux Cerfs: The Dormant Volcano

Your day kicks off with a stop at Trou aux Cerfs, a dormant volcanic crater that offers panoramic views of Port Louis and the surrounding area. The visit is brief—about 15 minutes—but enough to snap some fantastic photos and get a sense of the island’s volcanic origins. Reviewers like Cristina_T mention how the guide made the visit feel like “a day out with a local friend,” which enhances the experience. The best part? No entrance fee, which keeps the cost down and the experience relaxed.

Grand Bassin: Sacred Lake and Shiva Statue

Next, you’ll visit Grand Bassin, a holy site for Hindus, featuring a towering 108-foot Shiva statue. Guests are often struck by the peaceful atmosphere and the cultural significance of the lake. Your guide shares explanations about the gods and their roles, enriching your understanding of Mauritius’s diverse heritage. Fahdah_a appreciated the opportunity to learn about the local religion, making this stop both visually and culturally meaningful.

Valle Advenature Park: Adventure and Color

This part of the trip is a highlight for many, combining colored earths, quad biking, and the third-longest zipline in the world. Visitors can easily spend hours here, soaking in the vibrant landscapes and adrenaline rushes. While the cost of admission isn’t included, the experience of witnessing the 23-coloured earth—a palette of natural hues—can’t be overstated. Some reviewers, like Cristina_T, mention how they felt they could spend the rest of the day exploring this park.

Alexandra Falls: A Quick View

A short stop at Alexandra Falls offers a scenic viewpoint to appreciate the lush surroundings and cascading water. The 15-minute visit is mainly for photos, but it leaves a lasting impression thanks to the fresh mountain air and the verdant scenery. Guests often comment on the tranquility and the opportunity to enjoy nature’s simplicity.

Black River Gorges National Park: Dramatic Views

The Black River Gorges National Park provides a stunning vista of mountains, valleys, and the ocean on the southern horizon. Although only a quick 15-minute stop, the views are breathtaking, and guests often mention how peaceful and photogenic the scenery is. It’s a perfect spot for a stretch and a few memorable shots.

Rhumerie de Chamarel: Rhum Tasting and Tour

A visit to Chamarel’s distillery offers an authentic look at how Mauritian rum is made from local sugarcane. Guests get to see the process firsthand and indulge in a tasting session, with many reviewers describing the experience as delightful. The tour lasts about an hour, and while the cost isn’t included, the chance to sample the different rums and learn about local craftsmanship makes it worthwhile.

Chamarel Seven-Coloured Earth Geopark: Unique Landforms

The tour wraps up at the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths, a geological wonder featuring sand dunes in a spectrum of colors, and the longest waterfall on the island. Visitors can spend around 45 minutes here, marveling at the vibrant mineral deposits and the natural beauty. Several guests praise this stop as a highlight, with some noting that weather or road closures (like the blocked access to the 9 Coloured Earths) can affect the experience, but guides tend to find good alternatives.

Transportation & Flexibility

The tour includes air-conditioned private transportation, ensuring comfort during the approximately 6 to 8 hours of exploration. Booking the same driver-guide for both the north and south of the island is a common feature of the service, allowing deeper insights and a more relaxed pace. Reviews repeatedly mention the friendly, knowledgeable guides—like Assif, Rouben, and Gokool—who tailor the experience based on your interests and answer questions with enthusiasm.

Most travelers find the timing flexible, with enough free time for lunch and shopping—an important aspect since some stops, like the rum distillery, include tastings and brief visits. While the price of $100 per group (up to 4 people) might seem like a significant investment, it covers personalized transportation and expert guidance, making it a good deal for those seeking a hassle-free day of sightseeing.

What’s Not Included?

You should budget additionally for lunch and entrance fees at certain parks and attractions. While the guide’s knowledge enhances the visits, you’ll need to pay for activities like quad biking or ziplining separately. Many guests recommend bringing some cash for souvenirs or extra tastings, especially at Valle Advenature Park and Chamarel.

Booking & Cancellation

The tour is popular, often booked 31 days in advance, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Weather can impact certain sights, but the guides are adept at adjusting the itinerary or suggesting alternative stops, which reviews echo as a major plus.

Authenticity and Value

This tour gets high praise for its authentic feel; guides like Assif and Rouben are repeatedly noted for their friendly demeanor and deep local knowledge. Guests mention feeling like they’re exploring with a friend rather than just a guide, which makes the experience more personal and memorable.

At $100 for a full day, including private transport and a flexible itinerary, the value is quite competitive—especially considering the personalized service. The tour’s focus on natural beauty, local culture, and unique landmarks makes it a well-rounded choice for anyone eager to see Mauritius beyond the beaches.

The Sum Up

This private guided taxi tour offers a thoughtful, flexible way to discover the south of Mauritius. It’s ideal for travelers who want a personalized, comfortable experience that balances natural wonders with cultural insights. The guides are consistently praised for their friendliness and knowledge, ensuring you leave with a deeper understanding of the island’s history, landscapes, and local customs.

If you value authenticity, scenic beauty, and expert guidance, this tour will meet and likely exceed your expectations. It’s especially suited for those who prefer a tailored itinerary and enjoy spending the day with a local friend sharing stories and tips.

While weather might occasionally sway the experience, the guides are well-known for their flexibility and resourcefulness, which keeps the day enjoyable. For a memorable, well-organized exploration of Mauritius’s south, this tour is hard to beat.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but the itinerary includes outdoor stops that require a bit of walking and some adventurous activities like ziplining, so consider the mobility of younger kids or older guests.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included, but there’s ample time during the day for you to grab something, and your guide can recommend good spots.

What about entrance fees?
Most attractions like Trou aux Cerfs, Grand Bassin, Alexandra Falls, and Black River Gorges are free to visit. Fees apply at Valle Advenature Park, Rhumerie de Chamarel, and Chamarel Geopark, but these are not included in the tour price.

How long does each stop last?
Stops vary from 15 minutes (Trou aux Cerfs, Alexandra Falls, Black River Gorges) to about 3 hours at Valle Advenature Park, allowing enough time to explore without feeling rushed.

Is this tour private?
Yes, it’s exclusively for your group, which provides a more relaxed and tailored experience.

What is the price per group?
$100, for up to 4 people, offering good value for a full-day private tour with transport and dedicated guide.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, giving you flexibility.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 31 days ahead, especially during peak season, to secure their preferred date.

What’s the best way to book or contact the provider?
You can book through the Viator link or contact the supplier directly via phone (+23052580905) or email ([email protected]) for personalized arrangements.

This guided tour of southern Mauritius offers a genuine encounter with the island’s most striking sights, combined with local stories, beautiful scenery, and a comfortable, private setting. Whether you’re after stunning landscapes, cultural insights, or simply a hassle-free way to explore, it’s a journey worth considering.