Chamarel, Mauritius: 4 treasures of the west coast

Chamarel, Mauritius brings together several natural attractions of the south-west in a single village. In the hills of the Black River district, the area is home to the famous 7 Coloured Earths, the highest waterfall in the country, a renowned distillery, and locally grown coffee. Wondering what to see and how to plan your visit? Here are the essentials for making the most of this natural haven, from volcanic landscapes to shaded trails during your stay at Legend Hill, a luxury hotel in Mauritius.

The seven coloured earths

The Seven Coloured Earths are the village’s flagship attraction. Across this gently undulating landscape, small dunes reveal 7 natural shades ranging from ochre to purple, including red and brown. They are formed from volcanic ash rich in mineral oxides, exposed by erosion over the centuries. The most remarkable phenomenon? When these soils are mixed together, the pigments separate again according to their density. This geological landscape, unique in the world, makes this colourful setting one of the region’s must-see attractions.

Chamarel waterfall and the Black River Gorges

The Chamarel Waterfall is the highest waterfall in the country, measuring more than 83 metres. It plunges into a natural pool surrounded by the dense vegetation of the Black River Gorges. This reserve, the largest on the island, offers hiking trails and viewpoints overlooking an exceptional variety of flora and fauna.

As you walk, several species can be spotted:

• Aldabra giant tortoises, relatives of the now-extinct Mauritian species, live semi-freely within the reserve.
• The pink pigeon and Mauritius parakeet are among the rarest endemic birds in the world.
• Ebony trees and coffee plants are part of the flora typical of these volcanic highlands.

Covering nearly 6,700 hectares, the park protects more than 300 plant species, making it a true delight for anyone looking for hiking in Mauritius.

Agricultural rum and coffee: local flavours

Beyond its landscapes, the village has developed a culinary heritage that contributes to its reputation.

Chamarel rum distillery

The Chamarel Rum Distillery produces agricultural rum distilled from sugar cane grown on the estate. The guided tour takes visitors from the fields to the distillation workshop and ends with a tasting. The shop then gives you the opportunity to take home some of the estate’s own blends. Allow approximately 30 to 40 minutes for the visit, available in both French and English.

Local coffee

The coffee produced here is the only coffee grown and roasted on the entire island. Produced since 1967 from Arabica beans, it is grown on a 16-hectare plantation. This rare crop is a perfect complement to the tasting experience and tells the story of the area’s agricultural heritage.

Planning your visit to Chamarel

A visit can be planned as a half-day excursion, allowing 4 to 6 hours to combine the main attractions with a short hike. From the west coast, the village is easily accessible by car via the roads leading into the highlands. Here are the opening hours and practical information to know before you set off:

• The geopark is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in summer, and until 5 p.m. in winter.
• Admission to the coloured earths starts at 750 rupees per adult, approximately €14.
• The distillery welcomes visitors from Monday to Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• A car remains the easiest way to travel between the different sites.

Dreaming of experiencing Chamarel without having to worry about the logistics? At Legend Hill, a 5-star residence on the west coast of Mauritius, our concierge team can arrange a tailor-made excursion for you, allowing you to savour every moment. Book your stay now and make this getaway one of the highlights of your trip to Mauritius.

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