How to visit Chamarel?
In the South West of Mauritius, Chamarel is a place you absolutely must visit during your stay!
The region concentrates a large number of sites of natural and cultural interest: a unique geological curiosity in the world, the highest waterfall on the island, lush forests but also a surprising museum and the Mauritian rum manufacturing factory !
To help you organize your visit and not miss any of the most beautiful things to see in Chamarel, I have prepared this complete guide for you .
I list you there the essential visits to make in Chamarel by giving you all my advice and my good plans.
From the Earth of the 7 Colors to the Ebony Forest reserve passing by the Rhumerie and the Museum of Optical Illusions, you will be amazed!
So, what to see and what to do in Chamarel? Where to eat? Where to stay in the region?
Table of Contents
Why visit Chamarel?
Chamarel is one of the emblematic places of Mauritius.
This small Mauritian village of around 700 inhabitants is nestled in the valley of the same name, between Le Morne and Grande Rivière Noire in the south-west of the country.
Here, nature is still very well preserved and the landscapes are magnificent.
We come to spend time in Chamarel to discover its rich and authentic heritage, between wild forests, spectacular panoramas and cultural visits.
The region is best known for hosting the most famous natural curiosity in Mauritius: the famous Earth of 7 Colors.
But it is far from being the only marvel to see in the area!
Visiting Chamarel during a stay in Mauritius will delight nature lovers as well as the curious who wish to immerse themselves more in Mauritian culture.
Tips for your Mauritius itinerary:
Do you want to visit the Chamarel region with a guide? This is what I advise you to make the most of while being sure not to miss anything!
The day trip allows you to discover all the must-see sites in Chamarel : the Earth of the 7 Colors, the waterfall and the Rhumerie. And as a bonus, your guide-driver will also take you through other emblematic places in the wild south-west of Mauritius: the Alexandra Falls waterfall , the Grande Rivière Noire valley, Grand Bassin and Trou aux Cerfs!
You can discover the program in detail and book your place by clicking here.
What to do in Chamarel?
So, a circuit in Chamarel tempts you during your holidays in Mauritius? To help you plan your excursion, I have listed all the sites not to be missed in this region.
1. The Earth of 7 Colors
This is THE visit to Chamarel and surely one of the most famous places in the whole country.
The Seven Colored Earth (or Seven Colored Earth ) is an unmissable natural curiosity that you absolutely must visit during your stay in Mauritius.
You will discover a hill formed by dunes of multicolored volcanic earth! There are 7 shades of color : red, brown, purple, green, blue, purple and ochre.
The Mauritius Travel Story
This area of “rainbow” land is completely natural. The amazing color gradient is linked to the presence of iron and aluminum in large quantities in the ground, linked to the degradation of the basalt over time.
To admire this phenomenon with your own eyes, go to the Geopark of Chamarel which is located at the exit of the village. This is a private site which houses the Earth of the 7 Colors but also other attractions which I will tell you about right after.
The entrance fee to the Chamarel Geopark is 500 rupees per person (about 10-12€) and 250 rupees per child (about 5-6€). With your ticket you have access to:
- to the Earth of the 7 Colors
- at the Chamarel waterfall
- at the turtle park
- at the cafe and gift shop.
It is also at the café of the Geopark that you can taste and buy the authentic Mauritian coffee produced on the volcanic lands of Chamarel. A great souvenir gift to bring back from your holidays in Mauritius.
Count about 1h30 of visit.
Tips for your Mauritius itinerary:
You can save on the price of the entrance ticket by buying it directly online. In this case, it costs you only €9/person, plus you save time!
2. The Cascade of Chamarel
Going to or coming back from the Earth of the 7 Colors, you can pass by the Chamarel waterfall which is right next to it.
It is the highest waterfall in Mauritius so I really advise you to plan time to go see it!
It throws itself from the top of the cliff more than 100m high. It really is a magnificent sight to admire.
Depending on the time of year, the waterfall is more or less “supplied” with water. During the rainy season (around December to April), it is all the more impressive.
You can contemplate the waterfall from above from a promontory but you can also go down to see it up close! For this, it is essential to be accompanied by a guide because the path is not marked and rather steep. The guided hike to the Chamarel waterfall is really a great activity to do in Mauritius. You will leave for 3 hours of adventure with your trekking guide who will take you to the foot of the waterfall, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim!
Tips for your Mauritius itinerary:
For this excursion plan well:
- good closed and waterproof shoes because you will cross rivers and climb rocks ( no flip flops or sandals especially!)
- your mosquito repellent lotion
- a snack to regain strength before going back up
- water of course
- your swimsuit and towel if you plan to swim under the waterfall!
3. Ebony Forest Reserve
On the same domain as the Earth of the 7 Colors you will also find the Ebony Forest reserve.
This is one of my favorite tours in Mauritius!
Not only does it allow you to recharge your batteries in a magnificent primary tropical forest, but also to support a very important biodiversity preservation project !
The project of this place is to restore the black ebony forest which was decimated by the Dutch colonizers in the 17th century.
This protected forest area currently being restored has been open to the public since 2017 and offers several types of visits:
- 4×4 excursion in the reserve
- walk in the forest along trails
- guided “Bird Watching” excursion
- guided hikes of 2 to 4 hours
- guided tour with tree planting
- and many more!
During the excursion your guide will explain the different stages of the project, introduce you to the animal and plant species you will encounter and answer all your questions.
Be attentive and open your eyes because you will have the opportunity to observe the protected birds and reptiles that inhabit the reserve.
At the end of the visit, you will be invited to climb (on foot or in a 4×4) to the “Sublime Point”, the highest point of the reserve which bears its name well.
From this promontory, we face a breathtaking view of the entire south-west coast and of the Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire, the highest peak in Mauritius!
You can order a glass of fresh juice and some Mauritian snacks at the small adjoining bar, then sit on the pallet seats to contemplate this incredible view!
You will find all the details and practical information on how to visit the reserve on the official Ebony Forest website.
4. The Rhumerie de Chamarel
Another must-see place in Chamarel: the rhumerie!
It is located at the exit of the village in the direction of Grand Bassin.
You won’t be able to miss it with its red roofs and its long chimney pointing up to the sky.
This is where high quality rum is produced from sugar cane grown in the surrounding fields.
The place is prestigious, very aesthetic and beautifully maintained. It feels like a spa rather than a distillery!
The Mauritius Travel Story
Designed by the Mauritian architect Maurice Giraud, the Rhumerie de Chamarel is considered one of the most beautiful factories in the world!
Here is what you can do at the Rhumerie de Chamarel:
- guided tour of the distillery
- tasting of different rums distilled on site
- shopping in the store
- lunch or dinner in the top-of-the-range restaurant (which is called L’Alchimiste ).
It is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Tips for your Mauritius itinerary:
Don’t forget that you can combine the 7 Colored Earth, the Chamarel waterfall and the Rhumerie visit (+ other bonuses) by booking the complete guided tour of the southwest of Mauritius.
5. The Museum of Optical Illusions
If you have time at the end of the day, I recommend that you take a trip to the “ Curious Corner”, a small museum dedicated to optical illusions in Chamarel!
The Curious Corner is right next to the entrance to the 7 Colored Earth Geopark.
Here you can discover different rooms with trompe l’oeil and other fun illusions . For example, you can walk on the ceiling in the “Upside Down” room, get lost in the labyrinth of mirrors, become a giant or a Lilliputian and take lots of funny photos.
It’s a really great museum that will make you have a great time. If you are looking for a fun activity to do with your family in Mauritius, I recommend it!
6. What to see around Chamarel?
If you stay in the Chamarel area for 2 days or more, you will have time to explore the surroundings. I give you the list of things not to miss in the area:
Le Morne-Brabant
When you visit Chamarel, don’t miss a trip to Le Morne.
Le Morne Brabant is the emblematic mountain of Mauritius. It is listed as a UNESCO heritage site for its rich natural and historical heritage.
Located on a peninsula facing a sublime lagoon, Le Morne overlooks the beach of the same name and is only a 30-minute drive from Chamarel.
You can admire it from below, with your feet in the sand, and even begin its ascent by taking part in a guided hike to the top.
For more information on this excursion and to reserve your place, it’s here (click on the link).
Tips for your Mauritius itinerary:
Looking for more ideas of things to do and see in Le Morne Brabant? I have prepared a complete guide for you on all the activities and visits to do in Le Morne. Don’t hesitate to read it by clicking here: What to do in Le Morne Brabant?
The Village of Baie du Cap
Going to or coming back from Chamarel by the coastal road, you will pass by the village of Baie du Cap.
This quaint little coastal village is nestled between the mountains and it has an authentic vibe that I love.
Here most of the inhabitants are fishermen, planters or have small snacks by the sea.
In Baie du Cap there is a very pretty wild beach with crystal clear and turquoise water.
At the exit of the village by going up by car towards the north, you can stop at the Macondé Viewpoint.
It is a rocky promontory located at the edge of the coastal road, which offers a superb panoramic view of the ocean.
Macondé road
The Macondé road, between Baie du Cap and Le Morne, is considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world.
And you will understand why by browsing it!
The road runs along the coast and offers breathtaking views of the turquoise blue sea.
Coming back from Chamarel or going there, open the window and let yourself be carried away, hair in the wind, on this magnificent stretch of road.
And be sure to stop at the Macondé viewpoint to admire the landscape from above and take some photos.
La Prairie Beach
Another must-see place around Chamarel: La Prairie beach!
It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Mauritius and it is very uncrowded.
Still wild and unspoilt, it offers a sublime view of the Morne Brabant mountain in the distance, in a peaceful setting.
The Bel Ombre Reserve
Take advantage of your stay in Chamarel to spend a day in the Bel Ombre reserve!
It is part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and is home to a remarkable tropical ecosystem to discover in several ways:
- in 4×4 with a driver-guide
- on foot along the hiking trails
- by buggy, during a 2-hour guided tour. An activity to book in advance by clicking here!
The Valley of Colors Nature Park
Less than 30 minutes from Chamarel, you can also spend time in the La Vallée des Couleurs nature park.
It is a leisure park in the middle of nature which offers plenty of thrilling activities:
- excursion by buggy or jeep
- 5 zip line courses
- zipline by bike! (Yes yes)
- zipline over a waterfall
- tobogganing down the mountains
- crossing the longest suspension bridge in the Indian Ocean!
Tips for your Mauritius itinerary:
You can combine the visit of the Vallée des Couleurs park, the Bois Chéri tea plantations and the Ganga Talao lake in one day during an unusual guided excursion in 4×4 or buggy in the South of Mauritius!
Click to book this full day adventure tour.
Accommodation in Chamarel
To take full advantage of all there is to see in and around Chamarel , the best thing is to sleep on site and spend 2-3 days there .
To save you time, I have selected the best accommodation in Chamarel:
- Surf House : stay with the locals in a comfortable apartment overlooking Le Morne and featuring a magnificent tropical garden. Located in the village of La Gaulette, 2km from the Earth of 7 Colors. The apartment is shared and each resident has a comfortable bedroom, in addition to the shared kitchen and a large terrace. Double room from only €25 per night (optional breakfast at €5). The best for an economical stay in Chamarel!
- Tam Studio : studio for rent and can accommodate up to 4 people, 3km from the Chamarel Geopark. Very clean, comfortable and perfectly equipped accommodation. Catering service on site. Nice terrace where to have breakfast in the sun. Count a minimum of 45€/night.
- La Vieille Cheminée : this establishment is a real haven of peace in the middle of nature which offers a sumptuous panorama of the mountains and the forest. Stay in cosy, well-equipped and tastefully decorated cottages in the heights of Chamarel, from €190 per night for 2 people.
- Lakaz Chamarel : high-end hotel located in a magnificent natural setting, offering luxurious suites with panoramic views of the ocean. The establishment has a bar, a restaurant, a sauna, a massage room, but also a library, a shop and a bicycle loan service. Count a minimum of 260€/night for a double room.
- Hotel Chalets Chamarel : charming hotel perched on the mountain ridge of Chamarel with a view of Le Morne Brabant. The independent chalets are spacious, very comfortable and quietly located on the edge of the forest. The hotel restaurant faces a superb infinity pool. From 300€/night. The perfect place for a relaxing stay in Chamarel!
Where to eat in Chamarel?
In Chamarel you will be spoiled for choice to taste good Mauritian dishes in authentic village restaurants or in high-end establishments. Here are the ones I recommend:
- Le Palais de Barbizon : a great address in the heart of the village of Chamarel. You can enjoy colorful and homemade Mauritian cuisine for a modest price, served by adorable and warm hosts.
- Le Bus Snack : here is an unusual little family restaurant, installed in a refurbished bus! You will find it between Bel Ombre and Baie du Cap along the coastal road. You can eat authentic and delicious Creole cuisine there for a really ridiculous price. A nugget!
- Le Chamarel : an upscale restaurant located in the heights of Chamarel and which offers sophisticated Mauritian cuisine, to be enjoyed facing a breathtaking view.
- L’Alchimiste : this is the Rhumerie de Chamarel restaurant, which I told you about a little earlier. You can enjoy refined and tasty European/Creole cuisine. And know that by having lunch at the Alchimist, you are entitled to a free guided tour of the distillery!
And that’s it for this guide dedicated to the visit of Chamarel and its region! I hope it will help you organize your stay as well as possible. Feel free to tell me about your experience or ask me questions in the comments section below!
And you, what do you plan to do during your stay in Chamarel?
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