A south Mauritius day, with wild variety. This private full-day tour strings together crater views, Hindu temples, waterfalls, and the island’s famous color sands, then ends with a rainforest crocodile park. I like the door-to-door pickup that keeps you stress-free, and I like that the route focuses on recognizable highlights in a tight 7 to 8 hour window. One caution: it is a full day with fixed stop times, so you cannot count on long wanderings at every viewpoint.

My favorite part is the combination of two very different wow moments: the Grand Bassin Shiva statue followed by the rainbow dunes of the 23 Colored Earth. Add in Chamouny waterfall, Gris-Gris sea cliffs, and La Vanille Nature Park with endemic species, plus fossils and an insectarium, and you get a day that feels like real Mauritius, not just a checklist. The main trade-off is pacing, because between sites you spend plenty of time in the car.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel in Your Day

• Trou aux Cerfs first, so you start with a volcanic crater and forest edge views.
• Grand Bassin’s 33-meter Shiva statue gives you a huge sense of place fast.
• 23 Colored Earth includes your entry and is scheduled for a satisfying chunk of time.
• Chamouny waterfall is included, but short enough that good shoes matter for the walk.
• La Vanille Nature Park is more than crocodiles, with fossils and an insectarium included.
• Lunch is built in (3-course, halal option, non-alcoholic drinks), so you are not hunting for food all day.

Trou aux Cerfs, then straight into Mauritius nature and geology

You start at Trou aux Cerfs with hotel pickup and a drive to one of the island’s most famous natural spots. This is a dormant volcanic crater sitting about 605 meters above sea level. The crater is roughly 350 meters across and around 100 meters deep. What I like here is that it is not just a hole in the ground. The crater sits inside a wider area of lush forest with indigenous plants and even those big green pine trees that make the view feel distinctly Mauritian.

This stop is free for entry and scheduled for about 40 minutes, so it works well as a morning reset. It is also a smart first stop because the rest of the day is a mix of viewpoints, outdoor attractions, and a longer park visit later.

My practical tip: wear non-slippery shoes. Even if you keep it to short walks, Mauritius viewpoints and parking areas can get slick when the weather shifts.

Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao) and the 33-meter Lord Shiva statue

Next up is Grand Bassin, also called Ganga Talao, a crater lake at about 550 meters above sea level. On the shore you find a temple area with multiple small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and other gods. The standout is the 33-meter statue of Lord Shiva, described as the highest known statue in Mauritius, and it is designed to look peaceful and smiling.

You get about 40 minutes here. Entry is not included, so plan for a separate ticket cost. But even if you only do a short circuit around the lake area, this stop has a strong emotional punch. People come to pray, meditate, and simply sit and watch the water and surrounding views.

You also get a couple of useful details that help you understand what you are seeing: the lake is thought to be around 18 meters deep and has a healthy population of fish.

How to get more out of it: take a slow moment at the statue area before you move on. Grand Bassin is one of those places where rushing can make it feel like another photo stop.

Alexandra Falls: postcard views, plus a climb if you want the full picture

Then you head to Alexandra Falls, set around 700 meters above sea level and one of the most popular nature sights in Mauritius. This is the kind of place you will recognize from photos: you can look out over the south-east coast with turquoise ocean and postcard-like views. You also have the option to climb up a wooden platform for a fuller view.

Time here is about 35 minutes, and entry is not included. That short window can be great if you want the payoff without turning it into a hike. It can feel tight if you want lots of time for photos from multiple angles.

A weather note that matters: this part of the day is outdoors. Since this experience requires good weather, bring rain protection and expect that plans can change if conditions affect road access.

Gorge Viewpoint near Black River Gorges: short walk, big payoff

Midway through the route, you stop at a Gorge Viewpoint, positioned between Chamarel and Alexandra Falls. It is described as the best place for a panoramic look at the southwestern gorge region, often considered part of what people call the lung of Mauritius for its rainforest coverage and biodiversity.

You get a 3 to 5 minute walk from the road to the viewing area. This is one of those stops where you do not need hours to get the main experience. You look down at the gorge and you can spot a waterfall off to the right.

This stop is about 35 minutes, and entry is not included. The key practical point is how the viewpoint is scheduled. It is built for quick access, so you should treat it like a photo and breath moment, not a long stay.

The 23 Colored Earth is the star, and the geology is the whole story

Now for the highlight many people book this tour for: Twenty Three Colored Earth, at Vallee des Couleurs. You are scheduled for about 45 minutes, and importantly, entry is included.

This is a natural phenomenon shaped by the conversion of basaltic lava into clay minerals. The colors show up as multi-hued sand dunes that look almost unreal, like a lunar scene set right in Mauritius. The description calls out seven distinct colors, including red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow.

I like this stop because it is not just visual. It is educational without feeling like a lecture. You see how nature can create something that looks man-made. And when you mix the whole view with the surrounding green vegetation, it turns into a “how is this real” moment.

What to do during your time: walk the main areas slowly and try to catch the different color bands from a couple of angles. If you are the type who loves details, this is your chance to geek out.

Chamouny waterfall and the chance to slow down before lunch

After the colored earth, you visit Chamouny waterfall, described as one of the most famous waterfalls in Mauritius and a beautiful single-drop waterfall. This stop is shorter at about 25 minutes, and entry is included.

Because the time is limited, it is best to come in with the right mindset. Think of it as a classic waterfall stop where you take in the view, maybe grab a few photos, and then move on. If you need a lot of time to explore paths, this specific scheduling style might feel brief.

Also, you are still outdoors, so keep your footing steady.

Souillac lunch: real village atmosphere, then fuel for the rest of the day

Next you drive through Souillac to see the village culture. This part is brief, but it gives your day a more everyday feel, not only scenic nature. Then you sit down at a local restaurant for a 3-course Mauritian lunch.

Lunch is about 1 hour and includes veg and non-veg, with a note that it is Halal food, plus non-alcoholic beverages. The menu choices mentioned include things like fresh salads, rice, soups, chicken curry, or fish and vegetables. You should expect a straightforward local restaurant experience.

This is also where pacing becomes important. If you come expecting a long sit-down meal with lots of service, you might be disappointed. But if you want dependable food that keeps you on schedule, this lunch slot does the job.

Quick practical move: if you have allergies or specific food needs, flag them at booking, since you are choosing and ordering in advance.

Gris-Gris sea cliffs: where waves hit hard from the top

After lunch, you go to Gris-Gris Beach for about 30 minutes. The appeal here is the scenery: high sea cliffs drop abruptly to the ocean, and the location is known for sea winds. Gris-Gris is described as well known for cliffs where you can watch large waves crash directly onto the rock.

Entry is not included, but the main experience is the viewpoint from the top and watching the surf. The description notes that coral reefs do not surround this part of the island, which is why waves can hit with force.

This stop is not about animal encounters. It is about energy, sound, and wide views. If the weather is rough, it can be dramatic, and if conditions are calm, it can feel more relaxed. Either way, it gives you a different side of Mauritius than inland waterfalls.

La Vanille Nature Park: crocodiles plus fossils and an insectarium

To close the loop, you head to La Vanille Nature Park, the crocodile park area, with about 1 hour on site. Entry is included.

This is where the tour earns its title. You are in a reserve focused on Mauritius and surrounding region wildlife. The animal list given includes Nile crocodiles, tenrecs, eels, iguanas, and turtles from Madagascar and Seychelles. The park is also described as having fossils and an insectarium.

Two extra features are worth highlighting because they turn this from a single-species stop into a mini science stop:

• Fossil displays, including extinct Mauritius-related species like the dodo and elephant bird.
• An insectarium with a rare collection of insect species from various locations.

If you are traveling with kids, this is often the moment where the day feels both fun and educational.

My practical suggestion: arrive ready to slow down. Crocodile parks can turn into quick photo sessions if you rush, but the fossils and insectarium take it beyond a simple stop.

Price and logistics: what $141.90 buys you in real terms

At $141.90 per person, this is not a budget half-day. But it is priced like an efficient, guided full-day that bundles a lot of value.

Here is what you can count on:

• Private transportation in a fully air-conditioned vehicle
• Pickup and drop-off at any hotel or accommodation in Mauritius
• A fully qualified certified private guide/driver
• Bottled water upon arrival
• Lunch included, plus non-alcoholic beverages
• Park entries included for Vallee des Couleurs (23 Colored Earth) and La Vanille Crocodile Park

You should also know what is not included:

• Entry is not included for Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin), Alexandra Falls, the Gorge Viewpoint, and Gris-Gris
• Gratuities are optional

That mix matters. Your cost is biggest for the experiences that are scheduled and included, while you may pay small add-ons for other stops. If you want maximum control over your total spend, bring a bit of extra cash or be ready to pay ticketed entries on arrival where required.

Making the schedule work: who will enjoy this route most

This is a private tour and only your group participates, which is a big advantage if you want flexibility and a less chaotic experience than big shared buses.

That said, this itinerary is packed. You are moving through multiple areas across the south and south-west in a single day, which means short windows at many stops. If you love a relaxed pace, you might feel the time pressure. If you love seeing many major sights in one go, this format will feel efficient.

It also depends on your guide. People highlight drivers by name like Daren, Vimal, Dev, and Manu for being friendly and putting care into the day. I would treat your choice of language and communication seriously too. One mismatch issue has shown up, so if guide language is important to you, confirm it before you lock it in.

If you want to be comfortable:

• Bring a light rain jacket or umbrella, since weather can affect outdoor viewing and even access.
• Pack water beyond what is provided, especially if you run warm in the car.
• Expect viewpoint time to be brisk, and save long breaks for lunch and the longer park stop.

Should you book Southern Tales?

Book it if you want a single day that covers a lot of Mauritius personality: volcanic crater views, the huge Shiva statue at Grand Bassin, iconic waterfalls, the surreal 23 Colored Earth, sea-cliff drama at Gris-Gris, and an ending that teaches you something at La Vanille Nature Park.

Skip it if you hate car time, need long stays at viewpoints, or want an unhurried day with minimal schedule pressure. The route is built for hits, not for lingering. It also works best if you are comfortable with outdoor stops that depend on weather.

If you are booking this as a first-timer day trip in the south-west, it is a strong use of your time, especially because the two signature attractions, 23 Colored Earth and the crocodile park, are built into the price with entry included.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:30 am.

How long is the experience?

It runs about 7 to 8 hours.

Is this tour private or shared?

This is a private tour or activity. Only your group will participate.

What’s included in the price?

Pick-up and drop-off, private air-conditioned transportation, a certified private guide/driver, bottled water upon arrival, lunch (veg and non-veg, halal food) with non-alcoholic beverages, entrance to La Vanille Crocodile Park, and entrance to Vallee Des Couleurs (Twenty Three Colored Earth).

What is not included?

Gratuities are not included (optional). Also, some stops list admission as not included, including Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao), Alexandra Falls, the Gorge Viewpoint, and Gris-Gris.

Do I need good weather?

Yes, the experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellation within 24 hours of the start time is not refundable.