Private South Mauritius Tour: Trou aux Cerfs, Grand Bassin & La Vallée des Couleurs
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires short, gentle walks and standing at viewpoints.
Overview
A private, full-day circuit through southern Mauritius: stand on a volcanic crater rim, walk the sacred shore of Grand Bassin, peer into rainforest waterfalls and finish amid the surreal bands of La Vallée des Couleurs.
Private South Mauritius Tour: Trou aux Cerfs, Grand Bassin & La Vallée des Couleurs
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The van eases out of the hotel driveway before the island has fully woken—air-conditioning humming, guide briefing in low, confident tones. Within twenty minutes the landscape changes: coastal flats give way to a green climb, and the crater rim of Trou aux Cerfs appears, a near-perfect circle cut into the island’s spine. Standing on the crater’s lip, the traveler hears the island in layers—the distant churn of the ocean, wind through tall pine-like trees, the soft rustle of endemic shrubs—and feels the volcano’s scale as something that contains time itself.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early for clearer views
Morning light reduces haze on Trou aux Cerfs and gives better clarity at the gorge viewpoints; request a 9:00 a.m. pickup.
Dress respectfully at Grand Bassin
Wear shoulders and knees covered when visiting the temples and avoid loud behavior near shrines.
Bring cash for small stalls
Souvenir stalls and small vendors at viewpoints usually accept only cash—carry Mauritian rupees in small denominations.
Prepare for slippery paths
Alexandra Falls and some viewpoint trails can be muddy after rain—grippy shoes will help.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mauritian flying fox (fruit bat)
- Echo parakeet and other native forest birds
History
The south of Mauritius preserves landscapes shaped by volcanic activity; Grand Bassin’s Hindu shrines reflect waves of Indo-Mauritian migration and religious traditions introduced in the 19th century.
Conservation
Black River Gorges National Park is a protected area focused on restoring native forest and endemic species; visitors are encouraged to stay on paths and avoid feeding wildlife.
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Adventure Hotspots in Curepipe
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Support and traction for short trails, viewpoints and potentially muddy paths.
Light waterproof jacket
Protects against sudden tropical showers in upland areas.
summer specific
Refillable water bottle
Hydration during multiple stops; many sites have limited drinking water access.
summer specific
Camera or smartphone with extra battery
Captures panoramic craters, temple statues and the colored earth at La Vallée des Couleurs.