Excursion Treasures of the south tour at Port Louis

Trou-Aux-Cerfs Volcanic Crater

Start the day with a stop at Trou-Aux-Cerfs, (also known as Murr's Volcano) the major dormant volcanic crater with a well-defined cone and crater. It is 606 m (1,985ft) high. The crater was formed less than 2 million years ago in the second phase of volcanic activity that created Mauritius. According to experts the volcano is currently dormant but could become active at any time within the next thousand years. Stop to view its 360° panoramic view.

Grand Bassin Crater Lake

Drive through the forest of the island's interior to reach Grand Bassin Crater Lake. Also known as 'Ganga Talao', it is a sacred lake and main pilgrimage site to Mauritian Hindus. It is situated in a secluded mountain area and is approximately 550m (1,800ft) above sea level. The first pilgrims who went to Ganga Talao were from the village of Triolet and it was led by Pandit Giri Gossavne from Terre Rough in 1898.  It is considered the most sacred Hindu place in Mauritius. There are temples dedicated to other Gods located here as well. Many pilgrims in Mauritius walk bare feet from their homes to the lake.

Black River Gorges and Local Lunch

Down to Plaine Champagne, stop to view the breathtaking landscape of the Black River Gorges. The Black River Gorges covers an area of 67.54km including humid upland forest and the drier lowland forest. The park has been designated an important bird area. Further, down the winding road of the Black River Gorges National Park you reach a local restaurant which has a bird's eye view over a mountainous landscape and captivating coastline fringed by the clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean and the horizon.

Chamarel Waterfall and Seven Colored Earths

Continuing through pineapple and sugar cane fields you will discover Chamarel - be mesmerized by its magnificent waterfall. Formed by the River St. Denis, the waterfalls are at a height of 83m (272ft) and are surrounded by lush vegetation. The unique 7 Colored Earths are a geological formation, a relatively small area of sand dunes comprising sand of seven distinct colors (red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow). The main feature of the place is that since these differently colored sands spontaneously settle in different layers, dunes acquire a surrealist, striped coloring. Since the earth was first exposed, rains have carved beautiful patterns into the hillside, creating an effect of earthen meringue.

On the return journey, the impressive view is dominated by the iconic Le Morne mountain and Ile aux Benitiers.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Trou Aux Cerfs Dormant Volcano Crater, Grand Bassin Sacred Lake, Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths and Waterfall, Buffet Lunch

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate to extensive amount of walking of appproximately 2 km or 1.2 miles with about 60 steps to negotiate at the Chamarel Waterfall second viewpoint (optional) and a few to get on/off the coach. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility but not those who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing suitable for warm and humid conditions. Flat, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended for this tour. Please bring sun protection (high-SPF sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), bottled water to stay hydrated, and local currency or credit cards for any purchases. A light rain jacket or compact umbrella may be useful for occasional tropical showers. Guests are advised shoulders and knees should be covered before entering temples at Grand Bassin and shoes should also be removed.