South Mauritius feels like a shortcut to getting it all. This full day private tour strings together the island’s best-known south stops with short drives and real breathing room to look, photograph, and snack as you go. With guides like Jameel and Nasir, you also get context and photo stops at each hotspot, not just a ride to the next signboard.

I particularly like the private A/C car (no crush, no waiting around) and the way the day centers on Chamarel’s sights, including the 7 coloured earth and the Chamarel waterfall area. One thing to consider: the itinerary is packed with quick jumps between highlights, and there can be an optional shop stop at the end, so you’ll want to be clear about preferences.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel During This Day

• Private, A/C vehicle with driver, built for a calm pace and quick repositioning around the south.
• 7 Coloured Earth entry included, so you can spend more time looking and less time dealing with tickets.
• A 3-course lunch in Chamarel Restaurant, with veg options and a drink included.
• Multiple viewpoints and waterfalls, kept efficient with about 30 to 45 minutes between major stops.
• Ganga Talao (sacred lake) and the Black River Gorges viewpoint bring variety beyond beaches.
• COVID-safe handling, with vehicle sanitising and ongoing protocol awareness.

First, the Big Picture: South Mauritius in One Efficient Day

This tour is designed for the traveler who wants south Mauritius to feel like a greatest hits album, but still personal. Mauritius is small, so instead of long transit stretches, you get repeated bursts of scenery, viewpoints, and short moments to step out, take photos, and reset.

You’ll also notice the difference between a true private day and a bus shuffle. In a small group or solo format, your guide can time your stops around what you care about, and you can move through each location without the same awkward pacing that comes with large groups.

And yes, the day is “packed,” but not in a sprinting way. It’s packed in the sense that you’re consistently seeing something new, not sitting in traffic.

Private A/C Comfort, Pickup Anywhere, and Driver-Guide Rhythm

The backbone of the experience is the A/C private vehicle with a driver, plus an English and French live guide. You get pickup and drop-off included, with pickup at your chosen starting point after you coordinate details with the provider.

That matters more than it sounds. In south Mauritius, the fun is spread out, so having a driver who handles logistics means you can focus on the sights. One of the standout benefits from the reviews is how smoothly the day runs from start to finish, with an atmosphere that feels relaxed rather than rushed.

Another practical perk: the tour includes ticket handling such as skip the ticket line for the relevant entry you need. That keeps your time focused on the places themselves.

Chamarel Coloured Earth and the Waterfall Stop You’ll Want to Slow Down For

Chamarel is the anchor of the day. You’re getting entrance fees to 7 coloured earth, and you should plan for a proper photo moment. The “coloured earth” stop is one of those experiences where seeing it in person beats any description, because the contrast is what makes people stop walking.

Right after, you also have access to waterfalls, including Chamarel waterfall as a planned highlight. This combination is smart. You go from a distinctive landform to the sound and mist of water, so the day doesn’t blur into one type of scenery.

A good way to think about this part: it’s both a viewpoint-and-nature pairing. Even if you’re not chasing hikes, you’ll still get that outdoor feeling, with chances to stand, look around, and take a few minutes without feeling like you have to rush onward every 30 seconds.

Ganga Talao and Black River Gorges Viewpoint: Nature With Meaning, Not Just Photos

A big reason to choose a south-focused tour is variety. This day includes Ganga Talao (sacred lake), which gives you a calmer, more reflective stop than the busier landform areas.

Then you move into viewpoint territory with the Black River Gorges viewpoint. That’s where the day shifts from “look at one spot” to “take in what the island looks like from above.” It’s a different kind of satisfaction, and it breaks up the rhythm so you don’t feel trapped in back-to-back attractions.

The tour is also built around the idea that you’re only driving briefly between attractions. You might find that you remember the day in images: the lake stop, the viewpoint, then water and coloured earth, rather than a long chain of similar roadside moments.

Ile aux Benitier Viewpoint: A South Coast Perspective

Another highlight is the Ile aux Benitier viewpoint. Even though you don’t spend the whole day there, viewpoints are the perfect use of time on a private day. You get the payoff in minutes, then you can move on while you still feel energetic.

This is also where your guide can matter. In the most positive feedback, guides like Jameel were attentive and helped make sure photo moments happened at each hotspot. On a day with several viewpoints, that kind of attention can turn a “quick stop” into a “we actually got the shots we wanted” stop.

If you care about photos, this is the section of the day to keep your phone battery topped up and your camera settings ready. You won’t have to linger forever, but you’ll want to capture the view without rushing.

The Lunch at Chamarel Restaurant: Included Value and Real Choice

Lunch is a core part of why this package feels good value. You get a typical 3-course lunch in Chamarel Restaurant, plus 1 drink included. Veg options are available, which is important on island day tours where choices can sometimes be limited.

One thing I appreciate is the inclusion of more than just the meal. The tour includes snacks and bottled water, and non-alcoholic beverages during lunch are included too. That means you’re less likely to feel the “tour hunger” that can hit when you’re moving around all day.

In the reviews, lunch quality came up positively, including mention of good options. There is one caution though: one person felt less like a “main client” because the lunch setting felt separate, even though the meal was included. That’s not something you can verify in advance from the tour info, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you’re the type who expects a full-service dining feel.

Short Drives, Quick Wins: Why the Schedule Feels Easier Than It Looks

Mauritius is small, and the tour makes that work for you. There are multiple stops, but the driving time between major attractions is usually only 30 to 45 minutes. That’s the secret sauce.

On a full day like this, two things can ruin the mood: long road time and uncertainty about what you’ll see next. This itinerary avoids both. You know the big anchors are there, and the scenic routes keep the journey from feeling like dead time.

Also, the private format gives you flexibility in practice. If you want a little extra time at one viewpoint, you can often do it without “someone else has to catch up.” That’s one of the reasons people prefer a private driver over a big group bus style.

Water, Lakes, and Viewpoints: How to Use This Day Like a Pro

Because the day includes multiple types of scenery, plan your energy the way you would for a “mini circuit” day.

Here’s what helps:

• Wear shoes you don’t mind getting a bit dusty, since you’re moving between outdoor stops.
• Bring a light layer, because viewpoints can feel cooler or breezier even in warm weather.
• Use the first half of the day to focus on wide views, then save your slower attention for Chamarel and the waterfall area.
• Keep water handy. Even with bottled water included, you’ll drink more if you feel comfortable outdoors.

This tour is best when you treat it like a set of short chapters, not one long story. Each stop is its own reward.

Road Changes: Expect Swapped Viewpoints After 52 Turn Road Closure

Important practical note: as of 20/02/24, 52 turn road is closed, and two viewpoints were replaced. That means your exact viewpoint lineup could differ slightly depending on the current route used that day.

Don’t panic when you hear this. A closure can actually protect your day from delays. What I suggest is keeping a flexible mindset and asking your guide what the replacements are on your departure day. On a private tour, you can usually get a clear explanation quickly, and your guide can often adjust the pacing to make sure the new viewpoints still hit the same “wow” goal.

Price and Value: What $117 Per Person Is Really Buying

At $117 per person for an 8-hour private experience, you’re paying for the full package: A/C car with driver, guide time, entry fees for the coloured earth, a 3-course lunch with a drink, snacks and bottled water, and non-alcoholic beverages during lunch.

If you try to piece this together yourself, you’ll spend time coordinating transport, paying for admissions, and handling lunch reservations. This package bundles all of that into one clear cost.

Is it a bargain? It’s not a “budget” tour, but it’s also not priced like a luxury custom expedition. The value shines because the day is efficient and the inclusions are real, not just “somewhat included.” You’re basically buying time, comfort, and logistics handled for you.

For couples or small groups, private pricing also tends to feel more reasonable because you’re not paying for a seat in a big bus. One review specifically called out that it was far more pleasant than a large cruise ship group bus setup.

Who This South Mauritius Day Best Fits

This is the kind of tour that suits you if:

• You want south Mauritius highlights without overthinking planning.
• You prefer a private, A/C setup over crowded buses.
• You like a day that moves steadily, with multiple short breaks.
• You care about getting photos at viewpoints and not just rushing past.

It’s less ideal if you want a super slow, do-one-thing-all-day style. The schedule is built for quick wins across different types of scenery, so if you’re the type who needs long lingering time at every location, you might find the day a little tight.

Also, if you’re sensitive to added stops like shop visits, be explicit at the start of the day. One review mentioned ending the day in a shop after being told no, so it’s smart to set expectations early.

Should You Book It? My Straight Advice

Book this tour if you want a smooth, comfortable, south-focused day with Chamarel as the centerpiece, plus waterfalls, lakes, and viewpoints. The combination of included admissions, a real sit-down lunch, and private transport makes the day feel efficient without feeling chaotic.

Skip it, or adjust expectations, if you hate packed itineraries or you strongly dislike any shopping stop at the end. The route can also change because of the 52 turn road closure, so be flexible about viewpoint swaps.

If your main goal is to see a lot of south Mauritius in one go, while staying comfortable and getting helpful guidance from someone like Jameel or Nasir, this is a solid choice.

FAQ

How long is the South of Mauritius private tour with lunch and Chamarel?

The duration is listed as 8 hours.

What’s included in the lunch?

Lunch includes a 3-course meal with 1 drink at Chamarel Restaurant, and veg options are available.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes. Entrance fees to 7 coloured earth are included.

Do I get pickup and drop-off?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included. Pickup can be arranged at any given point, as long as you contact the provider with the details.

Is this tour private?

Yes, it’s described as a private group.

What languages are the live guides?

The tour offers a live tour guide in English and French.

Is free cancellation available?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.