Visit south of Mauritius

Travelers looking to explore the southern part of Mauritius often seek a mix of natural beauty, cultural spots, and unique geological features. This “Visit South of Mauritius” tour offered by Mon Soleil Tours packs a surprising amount into a single day, making it an appealing option for those wanting a comprehensive glimpse of the island’s treasures without the hassle of planning each stop.

Our review covers everything from the highlights that make this trip memorable—like the Black River Gorges and Grand Bassin—to practical details like group size, price, and what you can expect at each stop. We’ll also highlight some of the honest feedback from previous guests, helping you decide if this tour fits your travel style.

What we like most? The knowledgeable guide, the stunning panoramic views, and the chance to see some of Mauritius’s most iconic sights in one day. A potential consideration? The lack of included entry tickets means you’ll need to budget for those separately.

This experience is best suited for travelers who appreciate natural landscapes, enjoy cultural learning, and prefer a well-organized, guided approach to sightseeing. If you’re after a relaxed but enriching day exploring the island’s south, this tour offers great value and authentic moments.

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Key Points

Comprehensive itinerary covers both natural and cultural highlights
Guided tour ensures informative commentary and local insights
Flexible booking with pay later option and cancelation up to 24 hours in advance
Cost-effective at $176 for a group of up to six
Highlights include dormant volcano, Hindu temple, and colorful earth formations
Not including entrance fees means additional expenses for tickets

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering the Best of Southern Mauritius

This tour offers an excellent overview of Mauritius’s south, blending scenic beauty, spiritual sites, and geological wonders into a single well-paced day. Starting at 09:00 am, a friendly driver doubles as your guide, ready to lead you through the island’s highlights. One of the strong points of this experience is the small group size—up to six people—which allows for personalized attention and easier interaction.

Looking for more options in Chamarel? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

The Itinerary Breakdown

1. Ship Model Factory
The day kicks off with a visit to a renowned ship model factory, where skilled artisans craft miniature replicas of historic ships. This spot offers a glimpse into Mauritius’s maritime past and artisanal craftsmanship. It’s a quieter start that sets a relaxed, educational tone for the day.

2. Trou aux Cerfs Volcano
Next, you’ll visit the dormant Trou aux Cerfs volcano, perched at 605 meters. The crater offers sweeping panoramic views of Curepipe and the surrounding landscape. Expect plenty of photo opportunities and an appreciation for the island’s volcanic origins.

3. Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao)
The journey continues to the sacred lake of Grand Bassin, a key Hindu pilgrimage site. Surrounded by mountains, the peaceful atmosphere is enhanced by impressive statues of Hindu deities, including a prominent Shiva statue. Visitors often comment on the profound spirituality of this place and its significance to local culture.

4. Alexandra Falls
Afterward, the group heads to Alexandra Falls in the Black River Gorges National Park. Here, lush greenery surrounds the cascading water in a tranquil setting. Nature lovers will appreciate the densely forested environment and the opportunity for photographs of the waterfalls and surrounding flora.

5. La Vallée des Couleurs
The day wraps up at La Vallée des Couleurs, famous for its Twenty-three Coloured Earths—a striking geological phenomenon caused by volcanic activity. This park also offers optional activities like zip-lining and quad biking, blending relaxation with adventure.

What Makes This Tour Special?

The guided aspect is one of the key strengths. The driver doubles as a guide, providing informative commentary and answering questions along the way, which previous guests, like Kescy, found “very informative.” The local knowledge enhances the experience, making it more than just sightseeing.

The views and landscapes are genuinely stunning, particularly from Trou aux Cerfs and La Vallée des Couleurs. Our own impressions align with many guest reviews that highlight the beautiful panoramas and the geological marvels. The small group size creates an intimate atmosphere, allowing for relaxed interactions and more personalized attention.

Practical Considerations

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Price and Value

At $176 per group, this tour offers good value considering the number of stops, the guide, and transportation included. However, keep in mind that entry tickets are not included, so you’ll need to budget a few extra dollars for access to certain sites. Still, the overall cost remains reasonable when you weigh the convenience of a guided, all-in-one experience.

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Transportation and Timing

The tour departs at 09:00 am, and the entire day lasts roughly 8 hours, which is quite generous for the price. The transport is private or semi-private, with a comfortable vehicle suited for small groups. The flexibility of a book-now-pay-later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance adds peace of mind, especially if your plans might shift.

Group Size and Guides

The small group size (up to six people) is ideal for travelers who prefer a more personalized experience. The guide’s knowledge is often praised, with guests appreciating the insightful commentary that adds cultural and historical context to each stop.

What Travelers Say

One guest, Kescy, summed it up by saying, “It was very informative!” which underscores the value of having an expert guide. Others note the stunning views at Trou aux Cerfs and the serene atmosphere at Grand Bassin as highlights. Several reviews mention the well-organized nature of the tour, making it easy to relax and enjoy the sights without worrying about transportation logistics.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits those who enjoy learning on the go and appreciate guided insights into local culture and natural features. It’s ideal for travelers who want a rundown of the south without the hassle of arranging individual visits. The small group size makes it perfect for couples or small families seeking a more intimate experience.

However, if you’re someone who prefers to explore independently or wants to avoid additional costs for entry tickets, you might consider other options or prepare for those extra expenses.

Final Thoughts

“Visit South of Mauritius” from Mon Soleil Tours offers a balanced, well-organized day filled with natural beauty, cultural depth, and geological wonder. For around $176, you gain access to multiple key sites with the comfort of transportation and expert guiding, making it a cost-effective way to see much of the island’s south in one go.

The experience is particularly suitable for travelers who value guided insights, gorgeous views, and a mix of history and nature. While you’ll need to budget separately for entry fees, the overall value remains high, especially for those wanting a hassle-free day with a focused itinerary.

This tour gives a genuine taste of Mauritius’s diverse landscape and cultural richness, making it a fantastic choice for first-time visitors or those short on time but eager to explore.

FAQ

Are entry tickets included in the price?
No, entry tickets are not included. You’ll need to budget for entrance fees at each site, like Grand Bassin and La Vallée des Couleurs.

What language is the guide speaking?
The guide speaks both English and French, so you can choose your preferred language if specified in your booking.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

What’s the group size?
The tour is limited to groups of up to six people, creating a more personalized experience.

Is food included?
No, lunch is not included. You might want to bring snacks or plan to purchase food at the stops.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9 am and wrapping up in the late afternoon.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the transportation is provided in a private or semi-private vehicle, suitable for small groups and comfortable for the day’s journey.

Who would this tour suit best?
It’s perfect for travelers interested in natural landscapes, cultural sites, and geological features, especially those who prefer guided tours with a small group for a more intimate experience.

In sum, the “Visit South of Mauritius” tour offers a well-rounded, engaging way to see some of the island’s most captivating sights, with knowledgeable guides, stunning landscapes, and excellent value—making it a great choice for your Mauritius adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: