Southern Mauritius looks different at every turn, and this day makes you see it fast. I like the private guide/driver setup for smooth pacing, and I also love the included 3-course lunch that keeps you fueled without hunting for food. The main thing to consider is that the day packs in a lot, so you’ll want to embrace quick photo stops and ask for clear guidance at each site.

What I’d plan for

The best moments are the ones where you get viewpoints (Trou aux Cerfs, reservoir stops, fall views) plus a couple of culturally important stops (Grand Bassin’s Shiva statue and the tea story at Bois Chéri). If you like long, slow museum-style visits inside every place, this may feel more like a guided route than a deep linger, so manage expectations and ask questions on the way.

Key points before you go

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off
• Bois Chéri tea tour + tea museum plus a guided plantation-style explanation
• Big viewpoints packed into one day: Trou aux Cerfs, Mare aux Vacoas, Alexandra Falls area, gorge viewpoint
• Grand Bassin’s 33m Lord Shiva statue at a sacred crater lake
• Twenty-Three Colored Earth for a surreal rainbow dune photo moment
• Comfort + food: bottled water and a 3-course lunch with vegetarian option (halal note)

Southern Treasures: How this day moves (and why it works)

This tour is built around efficiency. You start early (8:30 am) and spend about 7 to 8 hours bouncing between southern highlights in a fully air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Mauritius. That matters because public transport is fine for getting around town, but it’s not ideal for a tight loop of crater views, waterfalls, and specialty sites.

The “value” angle here is simple: you pay for transportation, a qualified guide/driver service, and key entrances, then you get a full slate of contrasts in one day. Mauritius is big enough that splitting these stops across multiple days is tempting. This one-day format is for people who want a lot of seeing without spending extra time coordinating rides.

One small planning note: footwear matters. You’re advised to wear non-slippery shoes, especially with viewpoint paths and any short walks near falls.

Trou aux Cerfs: The dormant crater viewpoint over Curepipe

You begin with Trou aux Cerfs, one of Mauritius’s classic volcanic lookouts. It’s a dormant crater sitting about 605 meters above sea level, roughly 350 meters across and about 100 meters deep. The really interesting part is how the crater is ringed with forest—indigenous plant species and giant green pine trees—so the view isn’t just “rock bowl,” it’s a natural set piece.

What you’ll likely care about most is the sightline: from the crater you get a 360-degree view over Curepipe, plus views toward Rempart Mountain, Trois Mamelles, and the Port-Louis–Moka range. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes establishing shots early in the day, this is a strong opener.

Time here is short (about 35 minutes), which is plenty for photos and a steady look around. You won’t be doing any hiking into the crater. You’ll be there for the panoramic moment.

Mare aux Vacoas reservoir: A quiet break from the big-ticket stops

Next comes Mare aux Vacoas, the largest reservoir on the island (capacity near 26 million cubic meters). It doesn’t have the “wow” factor of a waterfall, but that’s exactly why it’s a good mid-morning pause.

The setting is what you notice: a reservoir viewpoint framed by thick forest. If you’re tired of constant sightseeing momentum, this stop gives you a few minutes to breathe, take a couple photos, and reset before the heavier nature sites later.

You’ll spend around 30 minutes here. Again, it’s not a long nature walk—more of a scenic roadside moment—so try to enjoy it as a calm intermission rather than a main event.

Alexandra Falls plus a gorge viewpoint: Postcard views with short walks

Mauritius postcard magic often comes from Alexandra Falls. You’ll reach it at about 700 meters above sea level, and the falls are famous for their beauty and the chance to capture the panoramic view of the South-East Coast with its turquoise ocean.

Plan for photos first, then viewpoint time. The info notes a wooden platform area for taking in the full scene, so you’ll want shoes that grip well. Admission is free, and the stop runs around 30 minutes—enough time to get your angles without feeling rushed.

Then the day adds a gorge viewpoint in the Black River Gorges National Park area. This is a classic “quick walk, big view” moment. The viewpoint is a short 3 to 5 minute walk from the road and gives you a dramatic look down into the gorge. The park area is described as 17,000 acres of rolling hills, deep valleys, waterfalls, and native flora and fauna—so even with limited time, you’re getting a real sense of the interior.

If you’re balancing the day with lunch and later religious and cultural stops, these falls and gorge viewpoints are the ideal energy shift: stunning scenery, but not a full-day trek.

Grand Bassin and the 33m Lord Shiva statue at a sacred crater lake

After the nature views, you move into a very different kind of site: Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao. It sits around 550 meters above sea level in the mountainous southwest, and the lake is inside the crater of an extinct volcano. It’s considered sacred, and the shoreline has a temple and multiple small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and other gods.

The headline is the enormous 33-meter-tall Lord Shiva statue. Even if you’re not traveling for religious sights, the sheer size makes it hard to ignore. The guidance note also says Shiva is smiling and peaceful, which sets the tone for the place: it feels more welcoming than intimidating.

Plan for about 40 minutes here. You’ll want that time to walk around the temple area and find a few angles for photos. It’s also one of those stops where the quality of guidance matters. If your guide talks you through what you’re seeing, it can turn a quick visit into something more meaningful.

Bois Chéri tea factory and tea museum: How tea became part of Mauritius

Now you get a sensory change—smell, stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at production. At Bois Chéri, you start with a guided tour through the tea factory and tea plantation. The guide explains the history and the importance of tea production in Mauritius, plus the stories behind Bois Chéri itself.

After the factory tour, you visit the tea production museum. This is valuable because it gives context. Tea isn’t just a souvenir flavor here—it’s a thread running through the island’s economy and plantation life. Understanding that makes the visit feel less like a quick stop and more like a mini education hour.

Time is about 1 hour at this part of the day. There’s also a panoramic view from Bois Chéri of the south of the island, so if you want a “tea + viewpoint” combo, this is where you get it.

A practical tip: if you care about taste, ask when the tour schedule allows questions about processing and how tea is used locally. You might find your guide is happy to explain the steps in plain language.

Gris Gris cliffs: Sea views, strong currents, and a safer stroll

Late in the morning or early afternoon, you head toward the coast area of Gris Gris. You’ll pass through Souillac village first, where you can get a feel for local culture along the route.

At Gris Gris, the core experience is the cliffs and the sea. You’ll be shown a viewpoint where you can watch waves crash against the rocky edges. There’s also a small garden area with benches for a slower pause, plus a path that leads down to a small beach.

Here’s the safety reality check you should respect: despite the white sandy beach, the waves and currents are extremely strong, so swimming isn’t advised. Treat it as a stroll-and-watch stop. The value is in the photos, the sea sound, and the dramatic coastline.

This section runs longer than some stops (around 2 hours in the provided flow), which helps if you want to move at your own pace around the garden and viewpoints.

Twenty-Three Colored Earth and Chamouny Waterfall: Two surreal nature moments

The afternoon brings two of the most visually unusual nature stops on the south side.

Twenty-Three Colored Earth

At Twenty-Three Colored Earth, the goal is simple: look at the dunes and let your camera work. The colors come from the conversion of basaltic lava into clay minerals, creating that surreal, lunar-like spectrum of sand dunes.

The dunes are described as having seven distinct colors: red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow. If you like geology even a little, this stop can feel oddly satisfying because it’s not just pretty—it’s explained as a real process happening over time.

Time is short (about 40 minutes), but that’s realistic. You’ll likely spend most of it walking a bit, taking photos from different angles, and enjoying the almost unreal color contrast against the surrounding greenery.

Chamouny Waterfall

Next comes Chamouny Waterfall, described as a single-drop waterfall in dense vegetation. It’s noted as one of the most famous and recognized waterfalls in Mauritius, so it’s worth seeing even if you’ve already seen other falls earlier in the day.

Time is around 25 minutes. That’s enough for viewpoint-style photos and a look at the immediate area, but it’s not set up for a long waterfall hike. Again, it fits the pace of the day: you’re collecting highlights, not staying put.

Price and value: Is $136.44 per person a smart deal?

At $136.44 per person, this tour is priced like a “do it in one day” solution. You’re not just paying for sightseeing. You’re paying for:

• Private hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Mauritius
• A fully air-conditioned vehicle
• A qualified certified private guide/driver
• Bottled water
• A 3-course lunch (vegetarian available, and there’s a halal food note)
• Entrance fees for Bois Chéri, Twenty-Three Colored Earth, and Chamouny Waterfall

If you tried to DIY this route, the “hidden cost” would be logistics: time wasted coordinating transfers, plus the effort of finding sites that might be straightforward with a driver but harder with buses/taxis. Here, the driver and guide remove a lot of friction.

What about the lunch? It’s included, non-alcoholic beverages included during lunch. In one example meal mentioned in feedback, you might see choices like chicken curry and fish salad starters, followed by vanilla ice cream. Even if your meal varies, the key point is that you get a real sit-down lunch built into the day.

The one value question to ask yourself is how you feel about guidance. This is marketed as private guide/driver service, but one caution is that you may get more of a driving-focused experience than a deep inside-the-site explanation. If you want the guide to actively stay with you for every stop, plan to set that expectation early and ask what your guide will cover inside temples and museums.

Who should book this southern loop (and who should think twice)

This tour is a great match if you:

• Want major viewpoints and photo stops in one day
• Like a blend of nature, culture, and a hands-on stop like tea production
• Prefer hotel pickup and drop-off without juggling transport
• Appreciate a schedule that keeps you moving without stress

It may be less ideal if you:

• Prefer slow travel and long stays at fewer sites
• Expect the guide to stay with you for every single interior moment without prompting
• Want an all-day nature hike with extended trails (this isn’t built that way)

Should you book Southern Treasures?

I’d book it if your priority is to see Southern Mauritius’s biggest “hits” without turning your day into a transport puzzle. The combination of Trou aux Cerfs, Alexandra Falls/gorge viewpoint, Grand Bassin, and Twenty-Three Colored Earth in one run is exactly the kind of lineup that saves time while still feeling varied.

Book with weather in mind. The experience needs good weather, and if it’s affected by poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If you like knowing what you’re getting, you’ll also appreciate that it’s a mobile ticket experience and the time starts at 8:30 am, which helps you plan the rest of your day.

If you do book, one practical move: on pickup day, ask your guide how much time they will spend explaining each stop before the day races onward. When that communication is clear, this kind of tour becomes exactly what it promises: a smart, scenic southern sampler.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:30 am.

How long is the experience?

It runs about 7 to 8 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included at any hotel or accommodation in Mauritius.

Is the tour private?

You’ll have private transportation in a fully air-conditioned vehicle with the services of a fully qualified certified private Guide/Driver.

Is lunch included, and is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. A 3-course lunch is included, with vegetarian option available. There is also a halal food note, and non-alcoholic beverages are included during lunch.

Do I need to pay entrance fees at Twenty-Three Colored Earth and the waterfall?

Entrance is included for Twenty-Three Colored Earth and Chamouny Waterfall.

Are tickets handled electronically?

Yes. The tour provides a mobile ticket.

What should I wear for the day?

Wear non-slippery shoes, since there are viewpoint areas and paths around natural sites.

What’s the cancellation policy if weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You also can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time.

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