• Mare aux Vacoas - Start your 8-hour tour with a convenient hotel pick-up from any location in Mauritius. You’ll be warmly welcomed by our guide, and after settling into your comfortable vehicle, you’ll head to your first destination.

Mare aux Vacoas is the largest freshwater reservoir in Mauritius. Nestled amidst dense forests and cool, misty air, it sits at an elevation of about 600 meters above sea level, creating a serene and somewhat mysterious ambiance. The area is abundant in native vegetation and is close to other natural attractions like Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao) and the Black River Gorges National Park. Its altitude often brings cooler temperatures and frequent rainfall, which helps replenish the reservoir. While it primarily serves as a vital water source, Mare aux Vacoas is also cherished for its tranquil landscape, making it a favored spot for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst Mauritius’ lush greenery.

• Grand Bassin - Next, travel to Ganga Talao, a crater lake situated about 550 meters above sea level. On its shores, you’ll find a temple and several small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and other deities.

During your visit, you’ll be captivated by the enormous statue of Lord Shiva. Rest assured, at Grand Bassin, you’ll find the Hindu God Lord Shiva, smiling and as serene as ever. The statue stands 33 meters tall and is the tallest known statue in Mauritius. Ganga Talao attracts many visitors who come to pray, meditate, or simply stroll by the lake and enjoy the stunning surrounding views. The lake is believed to be around 18 meters deep and is home to a healthy population of fish.

• Alexandra Falls Car Park - Your next stop is Alexandra Falls, located approximately 700 meters above sea level, and is one of the most popular natural sites in Mauritius.

You’ve likely seen its images on postcards or in videos showcasing the beauty of Mauritius. Alexandra Falls is indeed one of the island’s most iconic and popular sites. Renowned not only for its breathtaking beauty, Alexandra Falls also offers visitors a unique experience with nature.

Once there, don’t miss the opportunity to capture the panoramic view of the South-East Coast with its turquoise ocean on your camera. For a full view, you can climb a wooden platform.

To your right is Alexandra Falls. From your vantage point, the waterfall appears as a silent white stream cascading over rocky outcrops. You’ll also have a sweeping view of Mauritius’s pristine green valley, home to many endemic bird species and flora. It’s a sight that will surely soothe the eyes.

• Black River Gorges National Park - Next, you’ll proceed to the gorge viewpoint, the best place for a panoramic and stunning view. Situated midway between Chamarel and Alexandra Falls, this stop offers a breathtaking panorama. The vista point is just a 3-5 minute walk from the road and is truly spectacular. It’s a must-visit location during a road trip from Grand Bassin to Le Morne. Amidst the untouched rainforest of Mauritius, there are nearly 17,000 acres of rolling hills, deep valleys, spectacular waterfalls, and unparalleled beauty of flora and fauna in the southwestern region.

You’ll be amazed at how elevated the viewing area is above the gorge below. There’s a lovely waterfall to your right.

The national park is renowned for its diverse endemic flora and fauna, and the viewpoint provides an overview of its true essence.

The Black River Gorges National Park protects most of the island’s remaining rainforest and is home to many species of wild animals and birds.

• Bassin Blanc - You’ll head to Bassin Blanc crater, one of the famous natural tourist attractions in Mauritius. The dormant volcanic crater is about 605 meters above sea level, with a diameter of 350 meters and a depth of around 100 meters.

Unlike typical volcanic features, Bassin Blanc crater is surrounded by a vast area of lush forest consisting of indigenous plant species and some giant green pine trees. It is believed that the Bassin Blanc volcano erupted once and has remained dormant for the last 700,000 years; experts believe there is a potential chance for it to become active again.

One of the main highlights is the 360-degree view of the dense forest.

• La Vallee des Couleurs - Then, you’ll visit the twenty-three colored earth, a natural phenomenon and a prominent tourist attraction. The colors evolved through the conversion of basaltic lava to clay minerals. An almost surreal, lunar-like spectacle of rainbow-hued sand dunes unfolds before your eyes, leaving you utterly mesmerized. Set amidst lush green vegetation, this unique geological oddity is one of those amazing creations of nature that just make you go “Wow”.

It is a relatively large area of sand dunes comprising sand of seven distinct colors: approximately red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow. What’s more fascinating is that if you mix the colored earth together, they’ll eventually settle into separate layers. You may also be puzzled as the colors might play tricks on you and may appear to be shadows.

There is also a Tortoise Park and Souvenir Shop offering a variety of memorabilia, including local products, while the Coffee shop provides a delightful cafe experience.

• La Vallee des Couleurs - After some time, you’ll visit the undoubtedly beautiful waterfall in Mauritius. The waterfall is a striking piece of nature standing amid dense vegetation.

The waterfalls at Chamouny are definitely the most famous and recognized waterfalls in Mauritius and have always been a major attraction for tourists. If you are one, you simply cannot afford to miss the magnificent and “best waterfalls in Mauritius”!

• Souillac - After a short drive, you’ll pass through the Souillac village, where you can experience the unique culture of this magnificent village, which is completely different from other villages in Mauritius.

Afterward, you’ll head to a local restaurant to enjoy a 3-course Mauritian lunch featuring fresh salads, rice, soups, chicken curry, or fish and vegetables. You’ll have a choice, and the chef will explain the options and ask for your preferred choice.

• Gris Gris Beach - Afterward, head to Souillac to witness the breathtaking view of Gris-Gris. The allure of Gris-Gris lies in its scenery, where high cliffs drop abruptly to the sea, and the refreshing winds of the Indian Ocean blow all year round.

Far from the idyllic setting of calm seas and tranquil scenery is Gris-Gris beach. Gris-Gris is well known for its sea cliffs and offers visitors a magnificent view from the top. This is definitely a sight worth seeing. Coral reefs do not surround this part of the island, allowing large waves to crash directly on the cliffs.

You’ll have a great viewpoint on the cliffs and will see the waves crashing against the flanks. There’s a small garden offering many quiet spots for you to relax on one of the many benches while enjoying the view of the sea, waves, and rock cliffs.

‘Roche Qui Pleure’ is where, if you look at the rock from the right angle, it will appear as a face with tears constantly streaming down as the waves continually crash.

• La Vanille Nature Park - Next, you’ll head to the La Vanille crocodile park, where you will discover the flora and fauna endemic to Mauritius. You’ll have the chance to observe these animals in the reserve (in accordance with the animal welfare act); Nile Crocodiles, tenrecs, eels, iguanas, and turtles from Madagascar and Seychelles.

You’ll be introduced to a collection of fossils of animals that are now extinct in Mauritius and surrounding islands, such as the dodo and the elephant bird of Madagascar. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about insects, as La Vanille Nature Park also has an insectarium with a rare collection of species from various locations around the world.

The park spans over 3.5 hectares in the south and houses many other animals that you will have a chance to see, including monkeys, bats, deer, geckos, and wild boars. The site is also home to 2,000 Nile crocodiles, where you can observe them at different stages of their growth.

Your south tour concludes with a return transport to your hotel.

• Entrance at La Vanille Crocodile Park
• Entrance at Vallée Adventure Park (Twenty-Three Colored Earth)
• Mauritian Culinary Lunch Experience (Vegetarian or Non-vegetarian)
• Beverages during lunch (Non-Alcoholic)
• Bottled water upon arrival
• Services of a fully qualified certified private Guide/Driver
• Private transportation in a fully air-conditioned vehicle
• Pick-up and drop-off at any hotel or accommodation in Mauritius

• Gratuities (Optional)

On this 8-hour private tour, participants will explore the Southwest of Mauritius, beginning with a visit to Mare aux Vacoas for a picturesque lake viewpoint. The journey continues to Grand Bassin to admire the Hindu Temple and the impressive statue of Lord Shiva.

The tour then proceeds to Alexandra Falls, offering views of the southern landscape, the waterfall, and its lush valley. Following this, the group will head to Gorge Viewpoint to enjoy the panoramic vista of the flora and fauna, known as the “lung of Mauritius.”

The next stop is the Dormant Volcano, Bassin Blanc crater, a highly popular attraction. Participants will then take a scenic route to the Twenty Three Colored Earth, renowned for its unique multi-colored sand. The tour continues to Chamouze waterfall, celebrated for its stunning single-drop cascade.

Afterward, a delightful 3-course lunch will be served, followed by a visit to Gris-Gris, famous for its sea cliffs. The tour concludes with a visit to the Crocodile Park, home to a variety of animal, reptile, and plant species, all set within a beautiful rainforest valley.

• Vegetarian meals available – please request when booking
• Children 3 years & under are free; notify if a infant seat is needed
• Inform us of any food allergies or illnesses
• Wear non-slip shoes and comfortable clothes

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.