Private South Mauritius Day Tour: Trou aux Cerfs, Grand Bassin & La Vallée des Couleurs
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average fitness — short walks and viewpoints require standing and brief uphill stretches.
Overview
In seven hours a private driver guides you from crater rims to sacred lakes and painted earth — Trou aux Cerfs, Grand Bassin, Black River Gorges and La Vallée des Couleurs. This compact tour blends geology, culture and rainforest viewpoints with short, accessible walks.
Private South Mauritius Day Tour: Trou aux Cerfs, Grand Bassin & La Vallée des Couleurs
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You step into a cool island morning as the driver waits curbside at your hotel and the air‑conditioned vehicle hums toward Curepipe. The road climbs; tea terraces roll past, and within twenty minutes you’re at the rim of Trou aux Cerfs — a near‑perfect crater staring down at the island from about 605 meters above sea level. Wind presses at the edge, and the crater’s steep bowl, roughly 350 meters across and 100 meters deep, hangs like an ancient eye over Mauritius’ central highlands.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Stay hydrated
Carry at least 1.5 liters of water — humid tropical conditions and short hikes between viewpoints make regular sipping important.
Dress respectfully at Grand Bassin
Wear shoulders‑covering tops and knee‑length bottoms at the temple area; remove hats in shrine spaces.
Grip for slippery paths
Pack shoes with good tread for wet, uneven trails around Alexandra Falls and viewpoints.
Bring a camera and wide‑angle lens
Golden hour and the crater rims reward wide vistas, while La Vallée’s colored earth benefits from close‑up detail shots.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mauritius flying fox (fruit bat)
- Pink pigeon (endemic)
History
Grand Bassin is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site linked to Maha Shivaratri, when thousands of devotees travel to the crater lake to make offerings.
Conservation
Black River Gorges National Park protects much of Mauritius’ remaining native forest and endemic species; stick to trails and avoid feeding wildlife to reduce human impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Curepipe
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Grip and ankle support for uneven, sometimes wet trails at falls and viewpoints.
Light rain shell
Quick showers are common; a packable waterproof keeps you comfortable between stops.
summer specific
Sun hat & sunscreen
Open viewpoints and low cloud cover still expose you to strong tropical sun.
fall specific
Insect repellent
Forested sections and lakeside stops attract mosquitoes — repellent reduces bites and discomfort.
spring specific