South of Mauritius : Full day Private with lunch & Chamarel

Southern Mauritius packs a lot into a small island, and this private day trip makes good use of that fact. You move from sacred lake to volcanic scenery, waterfalls, viewpoints, and Chamarel without spending half the day on the road. Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earth is the headline stop, but the changing scenery between stops is much of the fun.

I like the private car, which lets you pause, adjust the pace, and avoid being tied to a large bus group. I also like that lunch, drinks, park entry, and pickup are built into the $117 price. The main caution is that this is a full eight-hour day with many stops, and one past booking included an unwanted shop visit, so it is worth stating clearly that you do not want shopping stops.

Key points at a glance

• Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earth is included: You do not pay a separate park entrance fee.
• More than nine southern Mauritius sights: Expect lakes, a reservoir, waterfalls, viewpoints, and volcanic scenery.
• Private air-conditioned transport: You have your own car and driver, rather than a large coach group.
• Lunch is part of the day: A three-course meal, one drink, snacks, bottled water, and non-alcoholic drinks are included.
• Guides can personalize the route: Jameel, Nasir, and Kavi have all led this experience, with extra stops possible when time allows.
• Road changes matter: Since February 20, 2024, the 52 Turn Road has been closed, and two viewpoints have been replaced.

Why this southern Mauritius route works

Mauritius is compact, but its southern interior feels far removed from beach resorts. In one day, you can see forested high ground, volcanic remains, religious sites, waterfalls, and unusual earth formations. The short drives between stops help keep the day active.

The stated driving time between major sights is usually around 30 to 45 minutes. That matters because you get frequent changes of scene instead of one long transfer followed by a rushed photo stop. Still, the schedule is full. If you like seeing a lot in one day, this is a strength. If you prefer sitting quietly at one place for hours, it may feel brisk.

The private format is the real advantage. You can ask questions, take your time at a viewpoint, and avoid waiting for a full coach to load. The experience is designed for a private group, not a shared vehicle.

Starting in an air-conditioned private car

Pickup is included from any point in Mauritius, with certified drivers handling the service. The vehicle is air-conditioned, which is useful in a warm climate and especially welcome after walking around exposed viewpoints or park paths.

The driver-guide may be Jameel, Nasir, Kavi, or another member of the team. Jameel is especially noted for explaining the island’s history, people, and daily life, while also helping with photographs at the stops. Nasir has been willing to adjust the route, fitting in extra points of interest and switching the order of stops when needed. Kavi has also been praised for a friendly manner.

That personal service gives the day a more local feel than a standard coach excursion. You can ask about what you are seeing instead of simply following a flag or meeting point. English and French guiding are available.

Lakes, reservoirs, and the volcanic south

The early and middle parts of the route include lakes, a reservoir, and a dormant volcano. The exact order can change, but the point is the variety. Mauritius is not just a beach destination, and the inland scenery shows you a different side of the island.

Ganga Talao, also known as Grand Bassin, is a sacred lake and one of the most meaningful stops on the route. Treat it as a place of worship rather than just another photo stop. The calm setting and religious importance add cultural context to a day that could otherwise become a string of viewpoints.

The volcanic sites help explain the island’s shape. You will not get a long geology lesson, but the route gives you a clear sense that Mauritius was formed by volcanic activity. The mix of water, high ground, forest, and dark rock keeps the scenery changing.

At each stop, expect time for photographs and short visits rather than a long guided walk. That works well for a first look at the south. It also means you should wear shoes suitable for uneven ground and be ready to get in and out of the car several times.

Chamarel Waterfall and the replaced viewpoints

Chamarel Waterfall is one of the day’s main natural sights. The route gives you access to the waterfall area, along with viewpoints where you can take in the drop and surrounding scenery.

The road situation needs attention. The 52 Turn Road has been closed since February 20, 2024, so two viewpoints listed in older descriptions have been replaced. Do not expect every older photograph or map of the route to match your day exactly. The operator has adjusted the program, but the replacement stops may differ according to current access.

This is a good example of why the private format helps. A driver can explain changes and keep the route moving instead of leaving a large group waiting at a closed road. Even so, ask before departure which viewpoints are currently operating if a particular road or lookout is important to you.

Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earth

The Seven Coloured Earth is the signature attraction and the one formal entrance fee included in the package. The site is known for its unusual bands of colored volcanic earth, shaped by the island’s geological past.

You do not need to arrange a separate ticket, and the park entry is included in the price. That makes the day easier to budget. The stop is also more than a quick roadside photograph, since it is inside a managed park with access to the attraction and nearby scenery.

Set your expectations correctly. This is a viewpoint and park visit, not a long wilderness hike. The value comes from combining it with the waterfall, forest roads, sacred lake, and other southern sights. On its own, the colored earth would make a short outing. As part of this full-day route, it gives the day a clear centerpiece.

Lunch at Chamarel

Lunch is a three-course meal at a Chamarel restaurant, with vegetarian choices available. One drink is included, along with non-alcoholic beverages during lunch. Snacks and bottled water are also part of the package.

The meal gives you a proper pause after the morning stops. One account described the food as tasty, with several choices, and another specifically praised the meal. That said, one person was seated separately from other diners because the meal was included in the tour price. If the seating arrangement matters to you, ask the guide or restaurant staff about it when you arrive.

The lunch is described as typical Mauritian food, so this is a chance to eat something connected to the island rather than rely on a generic fast meal between attractions. Vegetarian options are available, but it is sensible to mention dietary needs when booking.

Viewpoints toward Ile aux Benitier and Black River Gorges

The route includes an Ile aux Benitier viewpoint and a Black River Gorges viewpoint. These stops are about broad views and changing terrain, not long walks or detailed museum visits.

The Ile aux Benitier viewpoint gives you a chance to look toward the offshore island and surrounding coastal area. At Black River Gorges, the scenery shifts inland, with higher ground and forested surroundings. Together, the two viewpoints help you see how quickly Mauritius changes from coast to interior.

The best part of a private outing is that you are not forced to take one photograph and climb back on a bus. If the guide has time, you can linger briefly. Do remember that the route contains many stops, so an extended pause at one lookout can reduce time elsewhere.

What the $117 price really covers

At $117 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the south. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: an air-conditioned private car, driver service, pickup and drop-off, park entry, three-course lunch, one drink, snacks, bottled water, and an eight-hour itinerary.

A shared bus may have a lower headline price, but it will not give you the same control over timing or the same one-to-one contact with a driver-guide. The private setup is especially useful for couples, families, and small groups who would otherwise need to coordinate several separate tickets and transport arrangements.

The value is strongest if you plan to see several southern attractions in one day. It is weaker if you mainly want Chamarel and would rather spend several hours there. In that case, a shorter, more focused outing may suit you better.

The booking terms also reduce some risk. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. The tour is wheelchair accessible, though the practical ease of each stop can vary because the route includes waterfalls and viewpoints. Ask for current access details if mobility is a major concern.

The small drawbacks to keep in mind

The packed schedule is the first tradeoff. More than nine points of interest sounds impressive, but it means many short visits. You will see a lot, yet you may not have time to explore each place at length.

The second issue is shopping. One person specifically disliked being taken to a shop after repeatedly saying no. This was an isolated concern in the supplied feedback, but it is useful advice: tell your driver at the start that you want the advertised sightseeing route only and do not want shopping stops.

The third issue is route change. The 52 Turn Road closure means older descriptions may promise viewpoints that are no longer part of the day. The replacement stops may still be worthwhile, but the operator should explain the current plan.

Finally, this is a private car, not a luxury touring vehicle with a separate guide and chauffeur. You get comfort and flexibility, but the day remains a road-based sightseeing tour. That is exactly what many people want in Mauritius, though it is worth knowing before booking.

Who should book this experience

I would choose this tour if you are visiting Mauritius for the first time and want a broad look at the south in one day. It suits people who prefer private transport, like asking questions as they go, and want lunch and entrance fees handled in advance.

It also works well for couples and small groups who do not want to follow a large coach timetable. Families may appreciate the ability to adjust the pace, although the number of stops can be tiring for young children.

This is less suitable if you want a slow nature walk, a long restaurant meal, or several hours at one attraction. It is also not the best pick if you dislike changing plans because of road closures or want a fixed list of every viewpoint shown in older tour photographs.

Should you book the southern Mauritius day tour?

Book it if you want a busy but convenient day of southern highlights with a private driver, included food, and no need to arrange each ticket yourself. The strongest reasons are the flexible car service, the mix of cultural and natural sights, and the chance to receive personal help from guides such as Jameel or Nasir.

Before paying, confirm the current viewpoint schedule, ask for the expected lunch arrangement, and state clearly that you do not want a shopping stop. If you are comfortable with those details, the tour offers a practical way to see Chamarel, Ganga Talao, waterfalls, and the island’s inland scenery without the usual large-group routine.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts eight hours.

What is included in the price?

The price includes an air-conditioned car, private driver service, pickup and drop-off, entry to the Seven Coloured Earth, a three-course lunch with one drink, vegetarian options, access to waterfalls, snacks, bottled water, and non-alcoholic drinks during lunch.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It is arranged for a private group in a private car.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included, and pickup is available from any point in Mauritius.

Which languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and French.

Does the tour include Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earth entrance?

Yes. Entry to the Seven Coloured Earth park is included.

Is lunch suitable for vegetarians?

Yes. Vegetarian options are available.

What places are included?

The route includes Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earth, Chamarel Waterfall, Ganga Talao, Black River Gorges viewpoints, an Ile aux Benitier viewpoint, lakes, a reservoir, a dormant volcano, and additional points of interest.

Are all the original viewpoints still available?

No. The 52 Turn Road has been closed since February 20, 2024, and two viewpoints have been replaced.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.