Location & how to get there
Chamarel sits at 270 m in the south-west of Mauritius, in Rivière Noire district. ~60 km / 1h15 from the airport, 80 km / 1h40 from Grand Baie. The road climbs in tight curves from Case Noyale with sweeping views of Le Morne. Parking is free at all sites.
💡 Insider Tip
Use a rental car or Uber/Yango — buses are rare and take ~3 hours from Port Louis with a change.
Seven Coloured Earths
Mauritius' geological marvel: weathered volcanic ash glowing in 7 distinct shades (red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, yellow). Entry 350 MUR (~€7), 9 am–5 pm. Includes the waterfall viewpoint and a small giant tortoise enclosure.
💡 Insider Tip
Best light: 8–10 am or after 3 pm. Midday sun flattens the colours.
Chamarel Waterfall (100 m)
The island's tallest single-drop waterfall. Visible from the viewpoint in the Seven Earths park, but for a closer view, hike from the main road (1.5 h round-trip, moderate). Swimming in the pool is officially forbidden — locals still do it.
Rhumerie de Chamarel
Boutique distillery with guided tour + tasting (450 MUR). They produce award-winning agricole rums from fresh cane juice (not molasses). Try the vanilla and coffee versions. Their restaurant "L'Alchimiste" is among the island's best.
💡 Insider Tip
Book the tour and restaurant the same morning — tour at 11 am, lunch straight after.
Where to eat
1) Le Chamarel Restaurant: panorama terrace overlooking Le Morne, Creole classics, mains 800–1,500 MUR. Booking essential. 2) La Varangue sur Morne: simpler, very local. 3) Food trucks at the village entrance: roti and Dholl Puri from 30 MUR.
Day plan: Chamarel in one go
9:00 Seven Coloured Earths (60 min) → 10:30 waterfall hike (90 min) → 12:30 lunch at L'Alchimiste → 14:30 Rhumerie tour (60 min) → 16:00 drive back via Le Morne. Daily cost ~€80–100 per person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Seven Coloured Earths entry worth it?
Yes — it's the only place on Earth with this phenomenon and the ticket also covers the waterfall viewpoint and giant tortoises. 350 MUR (~€7) is fair for a unique geological experience.
How much time do I need in Chamarel?
At least half a day (4 hours) for the three main sights. Add the waterfall hike + lunch for a full day.
Can I stay overnight in Chamarel?
Yes — several boutique lodges (e.g. Lakaz Chamarel from €250/night). Ideal for early-morning photos of the Seven Coloured Earths.
Bookings & Tours – Coming Soon
Hotels, tours and experiences will be available here soon.
