Private Southwest Mauritius Day Tour: Trou aux Cerfs, Grand Bassin & Chamarel

Chamarel•easy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

7 hours

Fitness Level

Minimal fitness needed; the day includes short walks and standing at viewpoints, suitable for most travelers

Overview

Spend a private day driving Mauritius’ southwestern spine: an extinct crater with 360-degree views, the sacred Ganga Talao, rainforest waterfalls and the surreal seven-coloured sands of Chamarel. This carefully paced tour blends geology, culture and easy hiking.

Private Southwest Mauritius Day Tour: Trou aux Cerfs, Grand Bassin & Chamarel

bus-tour

other

wildlife

sightseeing-tour

Select participants and date

Date

Thu, Nov 6

Travelers

You step into an air-conditioned van at 9 a.m., island sky sliding past the window as your driver-guide points out sugarcane fields peeling off into green hills. The first stop—Trou aux Cerfs—arrives with surprising quiet: a near-perfect circular crater opening like a calm eye. The path around the rim gives you a room-sized panorama of Curepipe, the jagged line of Rempart Mountain, and the distant sweep of the west coast.

Adventure Photos

Private Southwest Mauritius Day Tour: Trou aux Cerfs, Grand Bassin & Chamarel photo 1

Adventure Tips

Start early

Pick the earliest hotel pickup to avoid midday heat and to catch clearer views at Trou aux Cerfs and Chamarel.

Respect the temple

Dress modestly and speak quietly at Grand Bassin; remove hats when entering shrine areas and avoid loud photography during rituals.

Footwear for short hikes

Wear sturdy walking shoes for wet, uneven paths at Alexandra Falls and lookouts—not just sandals.

Hydrate and pack snacks

Carry a 1–2L water bottle and light snacks—stops are scenic but not always food-focused.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Mauritian flying fox (fruit bat)
Mauritius pink pigeon

History

The southwest cradles volcanic remnants and centuries of settlement; Grand Bassin became a major Hindu pilgrimage site after sacred water from India was symbolically poured into the crater lake in the late 19th century.

Conservation

Black River Gorges National Park protects much of Mauritius’ remaining native forest and endemic species; stick to paths and avoid feeding wildlife to limit human impact.