Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark – Full Guide
Mauritius – an island where nature constantly plays with color. But in the Chamarel area, it’s as if the earth itself decided to paint — forming natural dunes of vibrant sand in seven distinct shades. From deep red to violet, from golden yellow to rich blue, the colors melt into a surreal landscape that can neither be fully explained nor forgotten.
When I first arrived here, I was completely mesmerized. The light kept shifting, and with it, the colors of the hills changed too. Sadly, it’s something no photo can truly capture. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know before visiting the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark to help make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
What To See In Chamarel Geopark
Chamarel Geopark is not just about colorful, eye-catching hills. It’s a complete travel experience, filled with unique geology, tropical nature, waterfalls, hiking trails, and even wildlife. The park is well maintained, with clear informational signs, rest areas — making it easy to spend half a day here.
Seven Coloured Earth
The hills look like spilled watercolors — shades of red, violet, yellow, bluish tones, and more blend together, making this place truly unique. What’s most fascinating is that it’s not art, not man-made — it’s nature, shaped by time, volcanic activity, and humidity. Standing nearby, it’s hard to believe that the colors don’t change even after rain, and even geologists still can’t fully explain the process.
A curved path surrounds the Coloured Earth, allowing you to see the hills from several different angles — each one revealing a completely different view. Personally, the most memorable moment was when the sun briefly came out from behind the clouds — the colors seemed to come to life, changing right before my eyes.
Tip: Visit early in the morning or just before sunset — the light at these times brings out the gradients between the hills, and your photos will turn out stunning.
Chamarel Waterfall
Just a few minutes from the coloured hills, you’ll find the most impressive waterfall in all of Mauritius. Chamarel Waterfall drops over 100 meters straight into a canyon surrounded by lush greenery. The sound, the moisture, the soft mist in the air — it creates one of those moments where all you want to do is stand still and watch.
The waterfall’s flow depends on the season — after rainfall, it’s wide and powerful; during the dry season, it’s narrower but still mesmerizing. It remains one of those places where photos simply can’t capture the feeling — only by being there can you understand its beauty.
Tip: Head up to the upper viewpoint early in the morning or after 4 p.m. — the light hits the valley beautifully then, and there are usually fewer people around.
Tortoise Park
When I headed toward the tortoise zone, I didn’t expect to spend so much time there. Although I had already seen Aldabra tortoises at Casela Nature Parks before, I always enjoy watching them. I couldn’t stop marveling at their size and beauty.
The area is perfect for families – I saw children eagerly asking questions about the tortoises’ age, diet, and behavior. But even adults often end up staying longer than they planned. One of the tortoises, according to a staff member, was older than any visitor that day – over 100 years old!
The enclosure is semi-open – visitors can get quite close to the animals, though touching them isn’t allowed. Informational signs are placed throughout the area, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a short mini-lecture from a local staff member.
During my trip to Mauritius, I visited a few parks where Aldabra tortoises live, but the most special experience was at La Vanille Nature Park. There, I not only got close to these gentle giants, but was able to touch and even feed them – a moment I’ll never forget. If you’re dreaming of a more interactive experience like this, I definitely recommend adding La Vanille to your itinerary.
Trails & Birdwatching
It’s worth setting aside at least a bit of time in Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark for a short walk. The park features several trails that lead through dense tropical forest, across wooden bridges, and open up to views of lush green valleys.
Some trails take just 10 minutes to walk, others closer to half an hour, but all of them are suitable for visitors of all ages. Even if you’re exploring with children or older family members, you’ll manage them without difficulty. The walking pace here is set not by the length of the trail, but by your urge to pause — to admire the plants, breathe in the moist, green-scented air, or simply be present in the moment.
If you enjoy birdwatching, don’t forget to bring binoculars. Some bird species found here are endemic — you won’t see them anywhere else in the world.
And one more surprise — you’re likely to spot monkeys along the trails. They’re wild, but clearly used to visitors: they linger nearby, eyeing backpacks and hoping for a bite. Of course, they shouldn’t be fed, but the very fact that you can come across such animals during a simple walk makes Chamarel feel like a true nature experience.
How To Get To Chamarel Geopark
Chamarel is located in the southwestern part of Mauritius — where roads wind through tropical forests and birdsong fills the air. It’s not a remote jungle, but it still feels special from the very first kilometer. Whether you travel by car, bus, taxi, or guided tour, there are several ways to get there — each offering a slightly different experience.
By Car
If you’re exploring the island by car, getting to Chamarel is the easiest option. From Le Morne or the Black River region, the drive takes around 30–40 minutes. The road is narrow and winding in places, but the views are absolutely worth it. Out your window, you’ll see rolling green hills, coffee plantations, sugarcane fields — and sometimes even a curious monkey by the roadside.
Tip: Don’t rush. Make the drive part of the experience — stop at viewpoints or small local cafes along the way. This is one of those routes where the destination matters, but the journey is just as special.
By Public Transport
If you have more time or are looking for a cheaper way to reach the Chamarel Geopark, you can also get there by bus. A few buses run from nearby towns like Baie du Cap, Le Morne, and La Gaulette, but schedules are infrequent. In general, public transport to some of the island’s tourist attractions isn’t well suited for tourists. But if you’re looking to get a closer glimpse of local life, it can be a great experience.
Taxi With a Driver
If you’d rather not drive, a very convenient alternative is to hire a taxi with a driver for the day. Many locals offer this service — they’ll not only take you to your destinations and wait for you, but also share stories and insights about the island during the ride.
On one of my trips with family, we traveled this way — no stress, no parking hassle, and plenty of interesting conversations about life in Mauritius. Prices usually range from €50 to €60 per day, depending on the route.
Recommended: +230 597 422 59 — a reliable, friendly driver we personally used.
Organized Tours
Another way to reach Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark is through an organized tour. These often include multiple highlights in one trip — such as Chamarel, the waterfall, Ganga Talao, and even Le Morne. It’s a great option if you don’t want to drive and prefer to see as much as possible in one day.
Travel Times To Chamarel
To help you plan your visit, I’ve put together a quick table with estimated travel times to Chamarel from different parts of the island.
| From | Distance (km) | By Car | Public Transport | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le Morne | 15 | ~30 min | No direct route | Fastest route by rental car or taxi |
| Flic en Flac | 33 | ~55 min | Limited (1–2 per day) | Better with a tour, car or taxi |
| Black River / Tamarin | 20 | ~35 min | Available (rare schedule) | Better with a tour, car or taxi |
| Port Louis | 60 | ~1 hr 15 min | No direct route | Best with a car, taxi or organized tour |
| Mahebourg / Airport | 50 | ~1 hr 10 min | Not available | You’ll need a car, taxi or private transfer |
| Grand Baie | 80 | ~1 hr 55 min | No direct route | Longest trip – best with a tour, car or taxi |
*Travel times are approximate and may vary depending on traffic and route.*
Geopark Opening Hours & Tickets
The Geopark is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The last entry is around 16:30 p.m., but I recommend arriving earlier — especially if you want to explore the entire site at a relaxed pace. Morning hours are ideal: the lighting is great for photography, the temperature is more pleasant, and there are fewer people.
The site itself is well maintained and thoughtfully organized. You’ll find an information center, restrooms, shaded rest areas with pavilions, a snack bar, and clearly marked walking trails. I recommend wearing comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to explore more of the area. And don’t forget to bring water — it’s essential, particularly on hot days.
Chamarel Geopark Ticket Prices
The entrance fee for adults is around €13 (600 MUR). For children aged 5 to 12, the ticket costs about €6.5 (300 MUR). Children under 5 are generally admitted free of charge.
Your ticket includes access to the entire site — the Coloured Earth area, Chamarel Waterfall viewpoint, the tortoise enclosure, and walking trails.
Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, but if you want to skip the lines, it’s best to book in advance online via GetYourGuide, especially during the high season.
Where To Stay Near Geopark
The area around Chamarel offers several cozy, nature-surrounded places to rest, escape the tourist crowds, and slow down the pace of your journey. Below, I’ve listed a few interesting options that will appeal to those looking for a more unique experience.
- Lakaz Chamarel Exclusive Lodge – perfect for those seeking peace, space, and beauty. Tucked away in lush greenery with views over the valley, a swimming pool, and a terrace, this lodge invites you to take your time. The Geopark is just a few minutes away by car.
- Chamarel Mountain Chalets – a great choice for travelers who want to stay closer to nature. Clean rooms with wooden accents, a well-kept environment, and a scenic location among the hills make this an ideal stop for one or two nights — especially if you’re exploring the island by car.
- La Vieille Cheminée – a place that evokes the charm of old Mauritius. Wooden cottages with fireplaces, small kitchenettes, and trails winding through plantations — everything here invites you to disconnect from modern life and rediscover a slower, more peaceful rhythm.
FAQs About Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark
How much is the entrance fee to Chamarel Geopark?
The ticket price for adults is around €13 (600 MUR), with lower rates for children. The most convenient option is to buy tickets online in advance — especially if you want to avoid queues.
How much time should I plan for the visit?
I spent around 3 hours in the park. If you’re planning to walk the trails, visit the waterfall and tortoises, and simply enjoy nature at a relaxed pace, half a day can go by quickly.
Is Chamarel suitable for children?
Yes, the Geopark is very family-friendly. The trails are safe, the information boards are engaging, and the tortoise zone is always a favorite with little ones.
What’s the best time to visit?
Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to visit — the light brings out the colors beautifully, the temperature is more pleasant, and the park is less crowded. It’s best to avoid midday, especially during the hot season.
What else is there to see near Chamarel Geopark?
Within 20 km of the geopark, you can visit the Rhumerie de Chamarel (a rum distillery), the Curious Corner of Chamarel, and Lavilleon Natural Forest — or even hike up Piton Canot and explore the UNESCO-listed Le Morne Brabant.
Book your flight
For the best flight deals, I always rely on Skyscanner. Features like Multi-city and Explore Everywhere help me uncover incredible travel opportunities.
Rent a car
Discovercars is my top choice for comparing car rental prices for any road trip around the world. The booking experience is always smooth and easy.
Travel insurance
SafetyWing provides affordable travel medical insurance with global coverage, perfect for digital nomads and long-term travelers.
Book Tours & Attractions
Experiencing a destination to the fullest is easier with a well-planned itinerary. I use GetYourGuide for guided tours and Tiqets for quick access to museum and amusement park tickets.
Protect yourself online by VPN
No matter where I go, I always use NordVPN for secure browsing and to ensure I can access websites that might be blocked in certain countries.
Disclosure: I only suggest companies that I personally rely on. If you use the affiliate links in my posts to book services, I’ll earn a small commission, with no extra cost to you.
Have you been to the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark? Share your experience in the comments!
Share on
Evelina
Hi, I’m Evelina, a travel enthusiast who loves nature, peace, and authentic places. I cherish the freedom to explore and learn with each adventure, whether it’s hiking trails, stunning beaches, natural parks, unique architecture, or rich cultural heritage. I hope my experiences inspire you to embark on your own journeys!
