Why visit the Terre des 7 Couleurs in Chamarel?
One of Mauritius’s most emblematic natural sites, the Terre des 7 Couleurs, located in the village of Chamarel, attracts many visitors every year. And with good reason: this geological and tourist attraction is the only one of its kind in the Indian Ocean.
With family or friends, it’s a must-see excursion to discover another facet of the island, greener, rougher and more surprising.
⚠️ Everyone talks about it, but you should know that you may be disappointed when you discover the dunes. Depending on the light and sunshine, you may not get the optimum color gradation. The visit may even seem expensive, just to see a piece of land.
Admission fees and practical information
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Price for non-residents: 600 MUR
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Price for Mauritian residents: 350 MUR
Opening hours: generally 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (subject to seasonal variations).
Admission is relatively expensive for non-residents, although the visit is fairly quick.
It’s not a very long visit, and won’t take you more than 2 hours. I recommend a visit to the Chamarel rum factory, lunch at the Le Chamarel restaurant with its panoramic view, or a trip to Curious Corner, an optical effects attraction.
Tip: it’s best to visit on weekday mornings, to avoid the tourist crowds. What’s more, the light is often best at the start of the day to admire the layers of basalt.
The coloured dunes: an exceptional geological phenomenon 🌋
This 8.5-hectare geopark bears witness to ancient volcanic activity, with layers of oxidized basalt offering a palette of colors ranging from red ochre to violet, blue and brown.
A striking, open-air landscape that is a delight for photographers and the curious alike!
Meet the giant tortoises of Aldabra 🐢
Another highlight of the visit is the giant Aldabra tortoise enclosure. These impressive creatures, native to the Seychelles, live peacefully in the park, to the delight of children and adults alike.
Chamarel waterfall: the highest on the island 💦
At the very start of the tour, at the first parking lot, don’t miss the Chamarel waterfall, the highest waterfall in Mauritius at 100 meters high. Surrounded by tropical vegetation, it offers a grandiose panorama, especially after a period of rain.
Superb Instagram photos to be taken from this spot!
Last stop: the souvenir store 🎁
Before setting off again, stop by the on-site store, where you can buy local coffee, spices, or Chamarel rum, produced in the region. A great way to bring home an authentic souvenir of your visit.
Should you visit Chamarel on a trip to Mauritius?
Yes, without hesitation! The Land of 7 Colors is an emblematic place to see at least once. Easy to access, well developed and rich in natural discoveries, it’s an ideal activity to incorporate into a road trip to south-west Mauritius.
Just go there when you are sure it is going to be sunny so you can admire all the different colors and shades of the dunes.
