On the Heights of Chamarel

Up in the lush mountains of the South West of Mauritius, lies the picturesque village of Chamarel. Known for the Seven Coloured Earth, its mesmerizing waterfall, its people, coffee and authentic Mauritian cuisine, this unique sanctuary is a must-see when you visit the island.

If you want to discover the heart itself of the island, you can spend a whole day in the village, starting off with delicious coffee with a view at Le Chamarel restaurant. With a peaceful bucolic atmosphere in a wonderful setting, 260 metres above sea level, you can enjoy a unique and sensational panoramic view over the west coast and the Indian Ocean, going all the way from Le Morne to La Tourelle with Bénitiers island, right in the middle.

For lunch, embark on a Creole culinary journey with authentic local cooking at Le Chamarel Restaurant which offers everyday a unique lunch experience known as La Tab'Diri. Take a seat at one of the tables in the shade of big trees or on the deck overlooking the view and be ready to discover flavours you have never experienced before. With a plethora of authentic and delicious Mauritian Creole dishes in front of you, do not hesitate to just dive in and taste everything: rice, green papaya salad, octopus, freshly made chili sauce, chicken curry… There's no better way to discover the local food!

After an amazing lunch, you can head to the Seven Coloured Earth, one of the most visited wonders of Mauritius. Located within a large, dense forest, these dunes of earth with several variations of colours, oscillating between ochre, brown, red and purple, are believed to be due to the presence of volcanic ash containing mineral oxides of different colours exposed by erosion over the centuries. This rare geological curiosity attracts hundreds of visitors every day. Take the time to check out the pen of the giant Aldabra tortoises…

While you are at the park, you should also make a stop at the entrance to take a look at the impressive Chamarel waterfall, the highest one of Mauritius with its 100 metres. Surrounded by lush nature, with volcanic rock dating back millions of years and mountains in the background, it is without a doubt one the most beautiful waterfalls in Mauritius, the perfect spot for an outstanding Instagram picture. If you feel like exploring more in depth, you can take a walk to see it up close and take a dip in the fresh water pool.

And to end this perfect day, why not head back to Le Chamarel restaurant to sip on a rum cocktail while nibbling on local snacks? We can assure you that it is one of the most wonderful spots in Mauritius to watch the sun setting on the ocean!