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Mauritius is a beautiful country full of natural wonders. Two of these wonders, the Seven Coloured Earths and Chamarel Waterfall, are located just a few minutes away from each other. These attractions draw visitors from around the world. In this blog post, we will discuss these two attractions, as well as how to see them, where to stay, the best time to visit, and more!
Table of Contents
What is Seven Coloured Earths?
The Seven Coloured Earths is a natural geological phenomenon, characterized by sand dunes of several different colors. The natural beauty of the Seven Coloured Earths has made it one of the most popular attractions in Mauritius.
How was Seven Coloured Earths formed?
What type of rock is the Seven Coloured Earths?
The Seven Coloured Earths was formed from the transformation of basaltic lava rocks, originating from volcanic activity that took place millions of years ago. Over time, different geological processes, such as weathering and erosion, broke down the rocks into the colorful sand that it is today.
What are the seven colors?
The seven colors include red, yellow, violet, blue, green, brown, and purple.
How to Get to Seven Coloured Earths
The Seven Coloured Earths is located in the Seven Coloured Earths Geopark, in the village of Chamarel. This is in the southwestern corner of Mauritius, and can be accessed through various means of transportation.
By Car
I do not recommend renting a car in Mauritius, mainly because of the effective public transportation available there. If you do have a car, however, there are plenty of highways that lead you to Chamarel. It is a convenient, but slightly expensive, way to visit the Seven Coloured Earths.
By Bus
There are several public buses that can take you to Chamarel village, just a short distance away from the Seven Coloured Earths Geopark. Just ask locals which bus to take. You shouldn’t have to wait more than 15 minutes or pay more than 50 rupees ($1 USD).
By Scooter
I highly recommend renting a scooter in Mauritius. This is a cheap and effective way of exploring the island. It is a great option for visiting the Seven Coloured Earths because you will not have to worry about finding a parking spot.
Riding a scooter through Chamarel.
Seven Coloured Earths
Visitors to the Seven Coloured Earths have the opportunity to admire the colorful sand dunes firsthand. There are designated pathways for the visitors to walk along. That helps to preserve the sand dunes for future visitors. Make sure to walk all around the dunes, as there are different angles and backgrounds to admire. In addition, certain colors are concentrated in some areas more than others.
Enjoy the tortoise exhibit
Several Aldabra giant tortoises, native to the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, can be found in a designated area near the Seven Coloured Earths. These ancient reptiles are among the largest tortoises in the world and have a long lifespan, sometimes reaching over 150 years!
The tortoises serve as an attraction and an educational opportunity for visitors, and play a significant role in conservation efforts. Historically, they nearly became extinct due to hunting and habitat loss. However, through dedicated conservation initiatives, including reintroduction programs, the Aldabra giant tortoise population has shown signs of recovery.
Chamarel Waterfall
Located just a few minutes away from the Seven Coloured Earths, the Chamarel Waterfall is another impressive attraction worth visiting. This waterfall is about 100 meters high, and is the tallest waterfall in Mauritius! You can enjoy breathtaking views of the waterfall from across the gorge. There are two different viewpoints. For one of the viewpoints, you have to walk up a small hill with stairs. Don’t be discouraged if you are out of breath: the view is worth the climb.
Hiking the Chamarel Waterfall
It is prohibited to hike down to the waterfall from the Seven Coloured Earths Geopark. However, there are certain tours that offer hikes around the waterfall. The hike up the waterfall is popular for all ages and is not too difficult.
Best Time to Visit Chamarel
There are a few things to consider when deciding the best time to visit Chamarel. The summer months from November to April have the most rainfall, which will make the vegetation greener, but the rain might spoil your visit. There will also be more crowds during these months, as this is the high season for tourism. If you want less crowds and cooler weather, try visiting between May and October.
Where to Stay around Chamarel
There are a few different options to choose from when deciding where to stay around Chamarel. What you choose will depend on your budget, desired level of luxury, and what kind of experiences you wish to have.
Low Budget
Le Morne is one of the best areas of Mauritius to stay in when visiting the Seven Coloured Earths. Located on the southwestern peninsula of Mauritius, Le Morne is known for its pristine beaches and impressive natural surroundings. If you want to stay in Le Morne but are on a budget, check out the JN Sunflower. This beachfront apartment is highly-rated among guests, and is only $35 USD/night!
Medium Budget
For a perfect blend of comfort and convenience, consider staying at the Chamarel Mountain Chalets. Located just a few minutes from the Seven Coloured Earths, this hotel boasts an infinity pool, garden, and beautiful mountain views. You can stay in your own cabin for about $140 USD/day.
High Budget
If you want to have a more luxurious stay in Le Morne, check out the LUX* Le Morne Resort. Here, you can swim in one of its 5 pools and eat in one of its 3 restaurants. Guests can relax on the beach and enjoy a massage, or they can try water activities, such as windsurfing or kitesurfing.
FAQs about the Seven Coloured Earths
1. How much is the entrance fee for Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark?
For residents, adults must pay 200 rupees ($4.40 USD) and children 5-12 years old must pay 100 rupees ($2.20 USD) to enter the park.
For nonresidents, adults must pay 500 rupees ($11 USD) and children 5-12 years old must pay 250 rupees ($5.50 USD) to enter the park.
2. What are the opening hours of the Seven Coloured Earths?
The park is open every day from 8 AM to 5 PM. In the summer season, from October to April, it is open from 8 AM to 5:30 PM.
3. How far is the Seven Coloured Earths from the park entrance?
The Seven Coloured Earths Geopark is about 3 kilometers from the entrance. I recommend taking a vehicle as opposed to walking because it can get very hot and humid.
4. Can you hike down the Chamarel Waterfall?
The entrance to the park includes viewpoints of the Chamarel Waterfall, but you cannot hike down it. If you want to go to the bottom of the waterfall, you would have to book a tour.
5. Can you feed the tortoises in the park?
Unlike places such as Changuu Island, you cannot feed the Aldabra giant tortoises in the Seven Coloured Earths Geopark.
