Southern Tales Tour: Crocodile Park, 23-Colored Earth & Lunch

Begin your 8 hours tour with a hotel pick-up at your accommodation anywhere in Mauritius. You will meet & be greeted by our guide & after boarding to your comfortable vehicle, then set off for your first stop.

Mare aux Vacoas is the largest freshwater reservoir in Mauritius. Surrounded by dense forests and cool misty air, Mare aux Vacoas lies at an elevation of about 600 meters above sea level, giving it a tranquil, almost mysterious atmosphere. The area is rich in native vegetation and is also close to other natural attractions such as Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao) and the Black River Gorges National Park. Due to its altitude, the region often experiences cooler temperatures and frequent rainfall, which helps replenish the reservoir. While primarily serving as an essential water source, Mare aux Vacoas is also admired for its peaceful landscape, making it a popular stop for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking a quiet retreat amidst Mauritius’ lush greenery.

Duration: 30 minutes

Then, drive to Ganga Talao which is a crater lake, about 550 meters above sea level. On the shoreline sits a temple along with a collection of small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and other gods.

During your visit to this site, you will inevitably be awestruck by the gigantic statue of Lord Shiva. However, fear not about your doom, at Grand Bassin you will find the Hindu God Lord Shiva, smiling and as peaceful as ever. The statue is 33 meters high & is the highest known statue in Mauritius. Ganga Talao is a major draw of crowds in Mauritius, with many people visiting the site to pray, meditate, or simply to walk by the lake and enjoy the gorgeous surrounding views. The lake of Ganga Talao is thought to be around 18 meters deep with a healthy population of fish in the lake.

Duration: 40 minutes

The next stop is Alexandra falls which is Situated some 700m above sea level & is one of the most popular nature sites in Mauritius.

You must have definitely seen many of its pictures on postcards or in videos venting the beauty of Mauritius. Alexandra Falls is indeed one of the most emblematic & popular sites of the island. Famous not only for its breathtaking beauty, Alexandra Falls also offers visitors the chance to live a unique experience with nature.

Once you are there, do not miss the chance to admire and capture on your camera the panoramic view of the South-East Coast with its turquoise ocean. If you want to take in the full view, you can climb up a wooden platform.

On your right is the Alexandra Falls. From where you are, the waterfall looks like a silent white stream cascading over the rocky outcrops. You will also have a plunging look on Mauritius’s virgin green valley which is home to many endemic avian species and flora. You will need nothing more to soothe the eye.

Duration: 35 minutes

Next, you’ll head to the gorge viewpoint which is the best place to have a panoramic stunning view. Midway between Chamarel and Alexandra falls, stop here for a stunning panorama. The vista point is but a 3-5 minute walk from the road and is really quite spectacular. It is a must-stop location during a road trip from Grand Bassin to Le Morne. Amidst the unspoiled rainforest of Mauritius, there are almost 17,000 acres of rolling hills, deep valleys, spectacular waterfalls, and unparalleled beauty of flora and fauna in the southwestern region.

You’ll be astonished at how elevated the viewing area is above the gorge below. There is a nice waterfall off to your right.

The national park is famous for its array of endemic flora and fauna and the viewpoint ensures you to have an overview of what it is truly made of.

The Black River Gorges National park protects most of the island’s remaining rainforest and is home to many species of wild animals and birds.

Duration: 35 minutes

You’ll be heading to Bassin Blanc crater which is one of the famous natural tourist attractions in Mauritius. The dormant volcanic crater is around 605 meters above sea level, with a diameter of 350 meters & a depth of around 100 meters.

Unlike the typical volcanic features, Bassin Blanc crater is surrounded by a vast area of lush forest consisting of indigenous plant species and some giant green pine trees. It is believed that the Bassin Blanc volcano erupted once and has remained dormant for the last 700 000 years; experts believe that there is a potential chance for it to become active again.

Definitely, one of the main highlights is the 360-degree view of the dense forest

Duration: 40 minutes

Then, you’ll visit the twenty-three colored earth which is a natural phenomenon & a prominent tourist attraction. The colors evolved through the conversion of basaltic lava to clay minerals. An almost surreal, lunar-like spectacle of rainbow-hued sand dunes unfolds before your eyes, leaving you utterly mesmerized. Set in the middle of lush green vegetation, this unique geological oddity is one of those amazing creations of nature that just make you go “Wow”.

It is a relatively big area of sand dunes comprising sand of seven distinct colors approximately red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple & yellow. And what is more fascinating is the fact that if you mix the colored earth together, they’ll eventually settle into separate layers. You may also be puzzled as the colors might play tricks on you & may appear to be shadows

There is also a Tortoise Park & Souvenir Shop offering an array of memorabilia, including local products while the Coffee shop is a happy cafe experience.

Duration: 45 minutes

After some time, you’ll visit undoubtedly the beautiful waterfall in Mauritius. The Waterfall is a striking piece of nature standing amid dense vegetation.

The Waterfall at Chamouny are definitely the most famous & recognized waterfalls in Mauritius and as such has always been the main attraction for tourists & if you are one, you simply cannot afford to miss the magnificent & “best waterfalls in Mauritius”!

Duration: 25 minutes

After a few minutes driving, we will go through the Souillac village where you will be able to see the culture of this magnificent village which is completely different from other villages in Mauritius.

Afterward, you’ll head to a local restaurant to savor a 3-course Mauritian lunch comprising fresh Salads, Rice, Soups, chicken curry, or fish and vegetables. You will have a choice and the chef will explain to you and ask you about your preferred choice.

Duration: 1 hour

Afterward, heading to Souillac to see the astounding view of Gris-Gris. The appeal of Gris-Gris lies in its scenery, the high cliffs here drop abruptly to the sea and the refreshing winds of the Indian Ocean blow all year round.

Far away from the idyllic setting of calm seas and the tranquil scenery, is the Gris Gris beach. Gris-Gris is well known for its sea cliffs and offers visitors a magnificent view from the top. This is definitely a sight worth seeing. Coral reefs do not surround this part of the island, which allows large waves to crash directly on the cliffs.

You will have a great viewpoint on the cliffs and will see the crashing of waves against the flanks. There is a small garden offering many quiet spots for you to relax on one of the many benches while having a view of the sea, waves, and rock cliffs.

‘Roche Qui Pleure’ where if you look at the rock from the right angle, it will appear as a face with tears constantly streaming down, as the waves continually crash.

Duration: 30 minutes

Next, you’ll head to the La Vanille crocodile park where you will discover the flora & fauna endemic to Mauritius. You will get the chance to observe these animals in the reserve (according to the animal welfare act); Nile Crocodiles, tenrecs, eels, iguanas, and turtles from Madagascar and Seychelles.

You will be introduced to a collection of fossils of animals that are now extinct in Mauritius and surrounding islands such as the dodo and the elephant bird of Madagascar. You will get the opportunity to learn about insects as well since La Vanille Nature Park also has an insectarium with a rare collection of species from various locations around the world.

The Park spreads over 3.5 hectares in the south & houses many other animals that you will have a chance to see from monkeys, bats, deers, geckos & wild boars. The site is also home to 2000 Nile crocodiles where you can observe them at different stages of their growth.

Your south tour end with a return transport to your hotel

Duration: 1 hour