South Mauritius Full-Day Tour: Bois Chéri, Gris-Gris, Grand Bassin & La Vanille
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7–8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short walks and stairs but no sustained hiking
Overview
A full-day circuit of southwest Mauritius that stitches rainforest ridges, tea estates, cliff-top surf, and sacred lakes into one accessible route. This private tour packs Trou aux Cerfs, Bois Chéri, Gris-Gris, Grand Bassin and La Vanille into 7–8 hours of scenic stops and local flavor.
South Mauritius Full-Day Tour: Bois Chéri, Gris-Gris, Grand Bassin & La Vanille
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You step into the van before dawn and the island slides past in shades of green — sugarcane turning silver in the light, low clouds clinging to ridges, and the ocean appearing suddenly, bright and impatient. The driver eases onto winding roads that climb toward Trou aux Cerfs; at the crater’s rim the air thins and a 360-degree panorama opens: Curepipe’s roofs, the Rempart massif, and valleys that fall away like folded maps. The tour moves quickly but thoughtfully, each stop unspooling a different face of southern Mauritius.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Wear non-slip walking shoes
Several viewpoints and the waterfall area have wet, uneven steps — sturdy shoes reduce slips and keep you comfortable.
Bring insect repellent
Forest stops and Grand Bassin attract mosquitoes; a plug-in or spray will make breaks more pleasant.
Dress respectfully for Grand Bassin
Cover shoulders and knees at the temple area and be prepared to remove shoes on certain approaches.
Keep a lightweight rain layer
Tropical showers can appear suddenly, especially near higher elevations like Trou aux Cerfs and Alexandra Falls.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Nile crocodiles (in captivity at La Vanille)
- Mauritian fruit bat and endemic forest birds like the pink pigeon
History
Bois Chéri’s tea estate dates back to the late 19th century and remains an island institution—tea production was a key colonial-era industry that shaped southern Mauritius.
Conservation
The Black River Gorges National Park protects much of the island’s remaining native forest; visitors should stick to marked trails and avoid feeding or disturbing wildlife.
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Adventure Hotspots in Souillac
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Gravel paths, steps, and slippery platforms make grip and ankle support important.
Sun hat and sunscreen
Open viewpoints and coastal stops expose you to strong equatorial sun.
Insect repellent
Needed for rainforest edges and the reservoir shorelines.
Light rain jacket
Compact protection for tropical showers common in the wet season (Nov–Apr).
summer specific