Chamarel Geopark
Chamarel Geopark, Awakening the senses in Mauritius
There are places that leave a mark, not by their size, but by the emotion they evoke. Chamarel is one of them. Nestled in the heights of southwest Mauritius, this village surrounded by tropical forests and multicolored lands reveals another side of the island: more secret, wilder, and truly authentic.
The Chamarel Geopark is a precious escape for those who want to step off the beaten path and reconnect with Mauritian nature in its purest form, during your vacation in Mauritius!
A land of a thousand shades: Immersion in a rare landscape
In Chamarel, Mauritius, nature seems to have played with its palette.
Indeed, in a protected clearing, the dunes of the Seven Colored Earth reveal an unexpected gradient of ochre, red, violet, and brown.
This geological phenomenon, born from volcanic ash rich in mineral oxides, fascinates as much as it soothes.
The colorful undulations, impossible to mix, evoke a living painting, changing according to the light.
Further on, a dizzying waterfall plunges from a basalt cliff into a canyon lined with tropical forest. Here, Mauritius reveals itself in its rawest and most majestic dimension, between mineral beauty and lush vegetation.
Chamarel, unmissable in Mauritius, invites you to slow down, observe, and feel…
A living reserve between turtles and rare birds
Along the trail, Chamarel reveals unsuspected life.
You will encounter impressive Aldabra tortoises, peaceful residents of the geopark enclosure. Some are named Tifam, Tizean, or Swarowsky. They can be observed with curiosity, sometimes napping, sometimes at mealtime.
Around them, an endemic garden is filled with rare plants and birdsong. With some patience, you may spot a Mauritian pink pigeon or an echo parakeet, two species once threatened. This return of biodiversity is the result of meticulous restoration work carried out with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation.
Chamarel thus becomes more than a natural site: a refuge for life, a place where the forest regains its original voice.
Here, every step is an encounter…
Chamarel: Practical Iinformation
Here is the information to know before visiting Chamarel, in southwest Mauritius, during your stay at one of our villas for rent in Mauritius:
- Geopark Opening Hours: daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (summer) / 5:00 PM (winter)
- Entrance Fees: adult: 500 Rs, child (5-12 years): 250 Rs
- Recommended Visit Duration: about 1 hour
- On-site Services: restaurant & café, mobile app to enhance your visit
- Access: by car (parking on-site) or on foot (3 km walk to the dunes)
- Distance from Resorts: Marguery Villas: 12 km, Eko Savannah: 17 km, Mythic Suites & Villas: 77 km
During your visit to Chamarel Geopark, also consider visiting the Chamarel Rum Distillery, nearby, for an immersion into the history of rum in Mauritius.
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Any questions ?
All your questions :
Yes, the waterfall is one of the first stops on the trail. Nearly 100 meters high, it falls into a natural pool before joining a 6 km canyon in the heart of the forest. Accessible by car or on foot, the waterfall offers two spectacular viewpoints. A refreshing moment amid tropical foliage!
This rare geological phenomenon consists of volcanic ash 600 million years old, containing mineral oxides that, once exposed to erosion, reveal up to 7 distinct shades (from ochre to violet). Even if mixed, the colors always naturally separate!
No, to preserve this fragile ecosystem, walking on the dunes or collecting soil is prohibited.
Located amidst sugarcane and pineapple fields, the Chamarel Rum Distillery invites you to discover the secrets of Mauritian rum through a guided tour followed by a tasting (550 Rs). Everything is done on-site: sustainable cultivation, distillation, aging, and bottling.
Taxis or private transfers can be arranged from our resorts. Ask your MJ Holidays concierge for details.
Next to the colored dunes, the geopark coffee shop serves 100% Mauritian coffee. Grown at 280 meters altitude and roasted traditionally, this Arabica coffee is the only locally produced coffee on the island. Enjoy it on-site as espresso or latte, or take it home from the gift shop. A sweet moment after visiting the park, with a view of nature!
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