Rum and tea, plus real south Mauritius nature. This private full-day loop pairs big viewpoint stops with a proper tea and rum tasting day, and it’s built around a 3-course lunch with non-alcoholic drinks. I like how it mixes active scenery (volcano crater, cliffs, waterfalls) with calmer pauses like a reservoir break and a tea-plantation visit.

Do plan for a packed 7–8 hours, because you’ll be moving from one highlight to the next. If you’re the type who hates rushing, you’ll want to manage your expectations for time at each stop and double-check your day-of schedule.

Key highlights worth your time

• Trou aux Cerfs crater views (605 m high) with forest around the dormant volcanic bowl
• Grand Bassin’s 33 m Lord Shiva statue and a temple shoreline with shrines
• Alexandra Falls postcard viewpoints plus a climb to improve the angles
• Bois Chéri Tea Route visit with guided factory/plantation time and tasting
• Rhumerie de St Aubin rum tasting in a colonial-style setting
• 3-course lunch + non-alcoholic drinks (Halal option noted)

Why this Wild South day feels like good value

At about $143.72 per person for a private full-day, you’re paying for more than a ride. You’re getting round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, a certified guide/driver, and multiple paid stops—plus both tea tasting and rum tasting, and a sit-down 3-course lunch with non-alcoholic drinks.

The smart part for your money is that the tour isn’t just “see stuff from the bus.” You get guided time at the tea factory, tasting time at Bois Chéri, and a rum session at Rhumerie St Aubin. You also get several major South Mauritius landmarks concentrated into one day, starting at 8:30 am and running about 7–8 hours.

Trou aux Cerfs and Mare aux Vacoas: your first real wow

You’ll start with Trou aux Cerfs, a dormant volcano crater. It sits around 605 meters above sea level, with a crater about 350 meters across and roughly 100 meters deep. The best detail here isn’t just the numbers—it’s that the crater is ringed by lush forest with indigenous plant species and giant green pine trees, so your first “Mauritius moment” is both dramatic and green.

Expect about 40 minutes here, which is enough to get your bearings, take pictures, and still keep the day from collapsing into a slow crawl.

Then you’ll head to Mare aux Vacoas, the island’s largest reservoir (about 26 million cubic meters). This stop is shorter—around 20 minutes—and it’s less about spectacle and more about getting a breather. If you like stepping away from constant motion, this is a nice reset: calm views, forest edges, and a moment to breathe before the more emotional/spiritual sites.

Grand Bassin and Alexandra Falls: sacred + classic coastline views

Grand Bassin (also known as Ganga Talao) is next, with about 1 hour at the site. It’s a crater lake at around 550 meters above sea level, and the shoreline is where the mood turns very spiritual. You’ll see a Hindu temple presence with shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and other gods.

The feature you can’t miss is the towering 33-meter Lord Shiva statue, described as the highest known statue in Mauritius. It’s peaceful in feel once you’re there—serious, respectful, and great for photos if you take a moment to pause rather than just point and shoot.

From Grand Bassin, you go to Alexandra Falls (about 35 minutes). This is one of Mauritius’s most recognizable waterfalls, famous for its postcard views over the south-east coast. The stop is set up for photos: you’ll find viewpoints that frame the turquoise water below, and there’s a wooden platform you can climb up for a wider angle.

Practical note: bring shoes with grip. Some paths can be slippery if conditions change, and the tour specifically asks for non-slippery shoes.

Black River Gorges National Park viewpoint: rainforest views without a major hike

After the waterfall stop, the day turns more “viewpoint and air” with Black River Gorges National Park via the Gorge Viewpoint stop (around 30 minutes). You get a panorama of deep green terrain—rolling hills, valleys, and waterfalls in the region—without needing a long trek.

One useful detail: the viewing area is high, so you get real depth, not just a flat “pretty from the roadside” view. The viewpoint notes also mention that on the right side you can see a waterfall, and that there are small souvenir stalls along the path toward the viewpoint.

Even if you’re not a hardcore nature person, this is a good moment to watch birds and plants from a safe, stable spot. The tour also prompts you to keep an eye out for local flora and fauna, and that’s exactly the kind of stop where you can do that—slow down, look around, and let the forest do the talking.

Bois Chéri Tea Factory: guided production plus tasting with a view

This is where the tour starts paying off for your taste buds. At Bois Chéri Tea Factory and Tea Museum (about 1 hour), you’ll go through a guided experience that includes the tea factory and the tea plantation context. The idea is to understand how tea production works in Mauritius, not just to take a quick photo with a tea sign.

You’ll also visit the tea production museum, where you can learn more about tea’s role in the island’s story. The stop includes a tea tasting at the Bois Chéri restaurant with panoramic views—so you’re not sipping bland samples in a back room.

Bois Chéri is noted for flavored teas, green teas, and herbal teas. The visit includes tasting, and that’s the main reason I’d pick this tour over a purely scenic one: you leave with memories of places and flavors tied to where they come from.

Gris-Gris Beach cliffs: wind, waves, and the fastest photo payoff

Next comes Gris-Gris Beach near Souillac (about 1 hour). This stop is all about cliffs and the way the ocean hits them. The coastline here is known for high cliffs dropping abruptly into the sea, with strong Indian Ocean winds that can keep things moving all year.

A key detail: coral reefs don’t surround this part of the island, which means larger waves can crash directly against the cliffs. If you want drama without a boat ride, this is it. From the top viewpoint areas, you’ll be able to watch waves strike the rock face and get a clear sense of the coastline shape.

If you get even a little breeze, you’ll appreciate light layers and a steady grip on your phone or camera strap. This is one of those stops where your photos look better when you step back and let the ocean do repeated takes.

Rhumerie de St Aubin: rum tasting plus the behind-the-scenes process

The final big “taste stop” is Rhumerie St Aubin distillery (about 1 hour). It’s set in a charming colonial-style house, giving the visit a more intimate, historic-feeling vibe than you might expect from a modern tasting.

What you get here is more than just a pour. The tour describes a guided visit that takes you behind the scenes to explain the rum-making process and then wraps with a rum tasting session. If you’re curious about how flavors differ across rums, this is the part of the day where the tour feels most “earned.”

It’s also a good way to end your day: you’ve built up a full set of island impressions—volcano crater, sacred lake, waterfalls, viewpoints, tea—then you close with something you can actually take home as a sensory memory.

Timing and pacing: the part to take seriously

This is a full-day schedule with multiple stops, each with a set amount of time (from about 20 minutes up to 1 hour at several highlights). That’s great if you want to cover major south sights in one go. It can feel tight if you want long hangs at every single location.

One practical way to protect your experience: when you arrive at the tasting stops—Bois Chéri and Rhumerie St Aubin—use your time there well. Those are the stops that combine guidance and tasting, and they’re where you’re least likely to wish you had stayed longer.

Also, you’ll be doing a lot of looking up, looking out, and standing around for photos. This is why the tour’s shoe guidance matters. Bring footwear with grip and consider a hat, especially for windy cliff views at Gris-Gris.

Who should book Wild South (and who should skip it)

You’ll probably love this tour if you want a first-time Mauritius day with real variety: volcanic crater views, a sacred site at Grand Bassin, famous waterfalls, a rainforest viewpoint, plus tea and rum tastings without having to plan separate trips.

It’s also a strong fit if you like a private setup where you’re not stuck with a big group rhythm.

I’d consider skipping or switching plans if your ideal day is slow, beach-only, or focused on one area with minimal driving. This itinerary is built to move, so it won’t match a relaxed, do-nothing-from-the-terrace kind of vacation mood.

Should you book this tour?

If your checklist includes south Mauritius highlights and at least one guided “taste” experience, this is a solid booking. The included lunch, private transfers, and both tastings make the $143.72 price feel more like a bundled day than a collection of add-ons.

Book it if you’re comfortable with a packed schedule and you like viewpoints and guided stops. Think twice if you want lots of downtime or you get stressed when the day feels time-boxed—this tour is efficient by design, not slow by accident.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour start time is listed as 8:30 am.

How long is the Wild South tour?

It runs about 7 to 8 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

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

Is the tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What’s included with lunch?

Lunch is included as a 3-course meal, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options (Halal food is noted). Non-alcoholic beverages are included during lunch.

Do you get tea and rum tastings?

Yes. The tour includes tea tasting at Le Bois Chéri restaurant, and rum tasting at Rhumerie de St Aubin.

Which stops have admission tickets included?

Admission tickets are included for Trou aux Cerfs, Grand Bassin, Alexandra Falls, Black River Gorges National Park viewpoint, and Gris-Gris Beach. Mare aux Vacoas is listed as free. Entrance to Rhumerie de St-aubin and Bois Chéri Tea Factory & Tea Route is included.

What should I wear?

The tour recommends wearing non-slippery shoes.

Is a mobile ticket provided?

Yes, a mobile ticket is included.

What happens if weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

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