Chamarel, Mauritius: Seven Coloured Earth, Waterfall and Rum
High on a forested plateau in the south-west, Chamarel packs several of Mauritius’s best-loved sights into a small area. You can see multicoloured dunes, a tall waterfall, a working rum distillery and sweeping views of the coast, all in one relaxed half day.
Seven Coloured Earth
The Seven Coloured Earth is a small area of rolling dunes where the soil appears in bands of red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow. The colours come from volcanic rock weathered over a very long time, with different minerals giving each shade. The layers tend to stay in separate bands, even after heavy rain, which adds to the mystery.
The dunes are fenced, so you view them from a platform and cannot walk on them. You may also see giant tortoises in the park. For the strongest colours, visit when the sun is out, as the shades fade under cloud.
Chamarel Waterfall
Close to the dunes, a viewing platform looks across to a waterfall of about 100 metres that plunges into the forest below. It is among the tallest on the island and is a great photo stop. Our waterfall guide covers more places to see falling water.
Rhumerie de Chamarel
The rum distillery sits among sugar cane fields and offers a short tour of the production process, followed by a tasting of rums and liqueurs. There is a restaurant on site, which is a good choice for lunch with views over the fields.
Other things to do nearby
- Ebony Forest: a conservation project restoring native forest, with guided walks and a chance to see rare birds.
- Curious Corner: a playful attraction with optical illusions, popular with children.
- Chamarel viewpoint: lookouts across the plateau and towards the sea.
- Black River Gorges National Park: trails and viewpoints a short drive away. See our park guide.
Getting there
Chamarel is about 45 minutes to an hour by road from Flic en Flac, Tamarin or Le Morne. The final stretch climbs through winding roads with hairpin bends, so allow time and drive carefully. Many visitors join a south-west day tour that combines Chamarel with Le Morne and Black River Gorges. If you prefer to drive yourself, read our car rental tips.
Go early. Tour buses arrive from late morning, and you get the best light and the quietest platforms before 10am. Bring a light rain jacket, as showers can arrive quickly on the plateau.
A suggested half-day
- 9am: Seven Coloured Earth and the waterfall viewpoint
- 10:30am: Ebony Forest or the Chamarel viewpoint
- 12:30pm: lunch at the rum distillery or a village restaurant
- 2pm: rum tasting and a drive to Black River Gorges or Le Morne
How to plan your Chamarel day
- Morning: arrive at the Seven Coloured Earth Geopark at opening time, before the tour buses. See the coloured dunes, the giant tortoises and the waterfall viewpoint.
- Late morning: the coffee plantation tour or Curious Corner.
- Lunch: a Creole lunch in the village or at the rum distillery restaurant.
- Afternoon: the Rhumerie de Chamarel visit and tasting, then the Chamarel viewpoint on the road down to the coast.
- Sunset: drive down to Le Morne beach.
How the coloured earth formed
The dunes are made of volcanic basalt that weathered into clay. Over thousands of years, rain washed away soluble minerals, leaving iron and aluminium oxides that give the reds, browns, purples and blues. Because the different minerals do not mix, the bands stay separate even after rain. You can buy small test tubes of layered coloured earth in the shop.
The Chamarel waterfall
The waterfall, the highest single drop in Mauritius at about 100 metres, is inside the Geopark and seen from viewing platforms. There is a separate, steep hiking route to the bottom of the falls, which should only be done with a guide.
Getting to Chamarel
Chamarel is about 25 minutes from Le Morne and Tamarin, 45 minutes from Flic en Flac and around 1 hour 30 minutes from Grand Baie. The road climbs with hairpin bends, so a private driver lets everyone enjoy the views. You can also combine Chamarel with the Black River Gorges and Grand Bassin in one day.
Chamarel from the air
The Chamarel heliport is the base for helicopter flights over the south-west, including the underwater waterfall off Le Morne.
Book it with Plan Mauritius
These experiences can be booked through us, with transfers added if you need them:
- Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark
- Rhumerie de Chamarel – Visit & Rum Tasting
- Coffee Plantation Tour – Chamarel
- Curious Corner of Chamarel
- Helicopter Tours from Chamarel Heliport – helicopter from the Chamarel heliport
Frequently asked questions
Is the Chamarel waterfall in the same park as the coloured earth?
Yes. The waterfall viewpoint is inside the Seven Coloured Earth Geopark, on the same ticket.
Can I walk on the coloured earth?
No. The dunes are fenced to protect them, but a path runs all around.
What else is there to do in Chamarel?
The rum distillery, a coffee plantation, Curious Corner and the Chamarel viewpoint.
Why do the colours not mix?
The soil forms layers of different mineral composition, and the clay-rich material stays in distinct bands. Rain tends to wash the colours into their own areas, which is why the effect lasts.
How long do I need in Chamarel?
Allow two to three hours for the dunes, waterfall and a meal. Add more if you visit the distillery or the Ebony Forest.
Is Chamarel suitable for children?
Yes. Paths are short and easy, and the tortoises and Curious Corner are big hits. Take care on the winding road.
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, some attractions charge an entrance fee. Prices change, so check on the day or ask us before you go.
Want this planned around your dates?
Tell us when you are travelling and who is coming. We will build a day-by-day plan with hotels, transfers and activities, and send you a clear price.
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