Chamarel — Seven Colored Earth & Waterfall

The village of Chamarel in the hilly hinterland of the southwest is home to two natural wonders, a top-notch rum distillery, and some of the best restaurants on the island — a must-visit on any Mauritius trip.

Terres des Sept Couleurs (Seven Colored Earth)

The Seven Colored Earth is Mauritius' geological landmark: sand dunes in seven different shades — red, brown, violet, green, blue, yellow, and purple — formed by the weathering of volcanic basalt. The amazing thing: the color layers never mix, even after heavy rain they realign into their strata. Scientists explain the phenomenon by different concentrations of iron and aluminum oxides in the soil, solidified at various temperatures.

The visit is organized through the Chamarel Geopark: Entrance 250 MUR (approx. €5), parking, viewing platforms, and a small museum with geological explanations. In the adjacent enclosure live Aldabra giant tortoises. Best visited in the morning when the sun makes the colors glow.

Chamarel Waterfall

Also located in the Geopark, the Chamarel Waterfall (Cascade Chamarel) plunges over 100 meters — the highest waterfall in Mauritius. The two cascades are fed by the Rivière de St. Denis and thunder into a basin surrounded by tropical rainforest. The best viewpoint is on the park grounds, a steep path also leads to the foot of the waterfall (water shoes recommended, the basin is accessible).

Rhumerie de Chamarel

The Rum Distillery of Chamarel produces premium Rhum Agricole from fresh sugarcane juice (not from molasses like most rums). The tour through the production — from the sugarcane field to the copper stills to the oak barrel aging — is fascinating. Afterwards: rum tasting with 6–8 varieties, from crystal-clear white to golden reserves to flavored versions (vanilla, coffee, passion fruit). The adjoining L'Alchimiste terrace serves excellent Creole lunch with views over the mountains. Tour + tasting: 450 MUR (approx. €9).