Famed for its natural beauty, the leafy village of Chamarel has become increasingly popular with outdoorsy adventurers in recent years. The village of Chamarel is one of the most visited spots on the island, yet it still manages to keep its authenticity and simplicity. Located in the western hills on the west coast of Mauritius at an elevation of about 850 feet (260 m) between Savanne and the Black River districts, it is a wooded plateau.
The most interesting side of the village is of course its inhabitants: make sure to take the time to share a conversation with them. Their kindness and good spirits are contagious!
In the meantime, we can recommend our selection of the most amazing activities to enjoy in Chamarel, so you can plan your trip ahead.
A Natural Paradise
A village in hills to the south-west of Mauritius, this tranquil community borders the stunning Black River Gorges National Park, with its lush vegetation, waterfalls and hiking trails. Chamarel is a small village in Mauritius mainly located in Rivière Noire District. The eastern part of the village lies in the Savanne District. Today it is primarily known for its scenic locations and nature attractions in its neighbourhood, among them are the Seven Coloured Earths, the Chamarel Falls, Ebony Forest Chamarel and the Black River Gorges National Park.
The surrounding area is also known for its locally grown coffee.
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Must-See Attractions and Activities
There are several places of interest in Chamarel that you should not miss:
- The Seven Coloured Earths: Chamarel’s 7 Coloured Earth is surely one of Mauritius’ most iconic attractions! The 8 hectare park offers an almost surreal vision to its visitors. Multi-colored sand dunes - Red, brown, purple, yellow, green, violet, blue - unfolds in front of you, in the middle of the tropical forest of Chamarel. This natural geological phenomenon is a must-see attraction of Mauritius. Don’t forget to taste the local Coffee of Chamarel in their coffee shop. Get also a glimpse at the magnificent giant tortoises in the Tortoise Park nearby.
Our advice: You might want to go there when the sun is out. The colours are much more vibrant when exposed to the Mauritian bright sunlight.
- Chamarel Waterfall: On your way to the 7 Coloured Earth, do not miss the stop to the View Point of The Chamarel Waterfall on your left. After a few flights of stairs, you will arrive to the view point. You will then be able to gaze at the mesmerizing Chamarel Waterfall! It is the tallest single drop waterfall in Mauritius (100 m high). Highly recommended: you’ll feel like you’re stepping into a Jurassic Park movie.
- Ebony Forest Reserve: Ebony Forest is for us just the best place to visit in Chamarel. Plan a few hours, half a day or even a full day, but we suggest to indeed plan ahead, so that you have all the time to explore nature and fully understand the extent of what they are doing there. Their team is actively participating in wildlife conservation. Their goal is to help reverse the impacts of habitat destruction and invasive species to provide a refuge for the island’s threatened flora and fauna.
- Rhumerie de Chamarel: “La Rhumerie de Chamarel” is located on a beautiful estate, on the other side of the village from La Vieille Cheminée. The beautifully designed building hosts a distillery that produces the finest rum. They propose guided tours, leaded by experienced guides that will explain everything about how to make high quality rum! There’s also a degustation part in the visit: be careful to designate the driver before tasting all these delicious rums! They have a very nice restaurant there, specialised in haute cuisine, with ingredients from their estate. We recommend you to stay and appreciate the lunch after the rum degustation!
- Curious Corner: Curious Corner is a social attraction, that will take you into the wonder world of optical illusions. “Curious Corner” is a home where you can find all of them full of illusions and fun adventures that are exposed for your entertainment and that you can enjoy with friends and family. This spot of Chamarel remains a fascinating and fun excursion, ideal for any age.
Other Activities
Delve into Mauritian history at the Saint Anna Church, enjoy tours and tastings at the fantastic Rhumerie de Chamarel, or head to the coast to clamber up Le Morne and try kite surfing or swimming in clear lagoon waters.
The Seven Coloured Earths: A Geological Wonder
The sand dunes of Seven Coloured Earth have long been an attraction for travellers from within Mauritius and further afield. Located in a private domain, the land of the 7 colors of Chamarel is a clearing which presents 7 variations of colors, oscillating between ocher, brown, red and purplish. The peculiarity of this land is that once mixed, the colors still end up separating. But you cannot take the soil or walk on it to preserve this unique place in the world.
Coloured Earths is a phenomenon resulting from colour variations due to cooling of molten rock. The lava formations are estimated to be of 3.5 to 7 million years in age. These are heaps of exposed Earth's crust which show up in seven colours when sunlight falls on them. Viewing them in the morning hours when sunlight and the dew mingle bring out the best of its colours. A closer view is better than the views from the timber platforms and walkways erected for the purpose.
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The colour earth phenomenon is located downstream of the water fall on the Black River valley where the land is barren and plain which measures about 7-8 acres (2.8-3.2 ha) with hardly any vegetation. It gives the appearance of furrows in rows, as colors are observed in horizontal ridges known as "Les Cotes de Melon" ("The Melon's Slices"). An examination of the ground condition where the colours of different shades, varying from "yellow and yellowish brown to bright red, purple, and coal black" indicates about forty hues. The samples collected from this area have been subject to chemical analysis which reveal that the formation consists of cohesive formation of ferruginous clays without any organic matter, and devoid or with least presence of any principal elements of soil fertility. There is hardly any nitrogen but traces of lime, potash and phosphoric acid have been noted.
Chamarel Waterfall: Nature's Spectacle
Another interesting place to see is the Chamarel waterfall on the River du Cap. This is 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) from the entrance gate of the town. The water falls by 95 metres (312 ft) (100 metres (330 ft) is also mentioned.) along a vertical cliff. Abseiling from the top of the fall is a water sport that can be organised upon request to some professionals service providers. Abseiling is done from the location where the fall begins and ends at the water pond down below, which is in an oval shape.
Before arriving on the land of the seven colors, you will take a path of ocher color that will lead you on a truly impressive waterfall. It is fed by two rivers and is about 100 meters high. The stream plummets over the rim and falls freely, striking the cliff only near the base. Then it flows into a small, oval basin. In summer the stream is weak and divides into two - three smaller trickles. After heavy rain you will have the chance to see a single, powerful stream. You can admire this unique scenere at the top of a promontory.
Rhumerie de Chamarel: A Taste of Mauritius
One more place of interest in Chamarel is the Rhumerie de Chamarel, a distillery located in the plantations in the hills of Chamarel. The distillery, based on sugarcane, also has a museum where the process of manufacturing rum is displayed and narrated. It was established by the owner of Beachcomber hotel in 2008 and is known for the eco-friendly manufacturing process in which all byproducts are reused.
Situated in the south-west of Mauritius, 300 meters above sea level in the heart of the fertile Chamarel valley, the Rhumerie de Chamarel is an unmissable destination, lined with pineapple fields, sugar cane and tropical fruit . The Rhumerie de Chamarel is designed to produce an agricultural rum obtained by the fermentation and distillation of cane juice. It should not be confused with traditional rum or candy rum obtained by the distillation of molasses juice.
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Do not hesitate to try the restaurant-l’Alchimiste de la Rumerie - which can accommodate up to 80 people. It offers lunch from Monday to Saturday and dinner on reservation only, in a beautiful setting with a view of lush vegetation and mountains. The chef of the restaurant will make you discover a local cuisine prepared with fresh and local ingredients.
Accommodation Options
La Vieille Cheminée offers a collection of rustic, individually designed lodges on a small organic farm in the hills of Chamarel. Inspired by traditional Creole design, open-sided spaces have sitting rooms with cosy fireplaces, big decks for al fresco dinners, and simple kitchenettes. Take little ones to feed the ducks and chickens, savour generous breakfasts of homemade bread and jam, with fruit and eggs from the farm, and enjoy days of hiking and horse riding.
Lakaz Chamarel is a chic hideaway with luxurious suites boasting draped four-poster beds, wooden antiques and uninterrupted mountain views. The best suites have private pools. There's an excellent restaurant and serene spa, too.
Practical Information
Fly into Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, and travel just an hour west by car to Chamarel and the Black River Gorges National Park. Small and easy to navigate, Mauritius is brilliant for a road trip!
A year-round destination, Mauritius is blessed with wonderful weather. Expect the highest rainfall in January and February - also cyclone season in the Indian Ocean.
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Essential Tips for Your Visit
Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your visit to Chamarel:
- The park is open every day from 8 AM to 5 PM.
- The Seven Coloured Earths Geopark is about 3 kilometers from the entrance.
- The entrance to the park includes viewpoints of the Chamarel Waterfall, but you cannot hike down it.
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