Visit Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth

About the Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Visit

One of the most iconic places of interest Mauritius is renowned for – you cannot leave the island without visiting Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth.

A member of the Royal Society of Arts and Sciences of Mauritius, drew attention to this particularly curious natural occurrence back in 1879. This unusual phenomenon, the Seven Coloured Earth, has since become one of the Major Tourists Attractions of the island.

During the visit you will get to witness the infamous dunes of upto 15 metres of coloured earth. The reserve is also home to giant tortoises, a few who are long term residents and are practically the friendliest giant tortoises you will ever meet. Your entrance tickets also allow you to visit the waterfalls viewpoints and get access to the coffee shop and the souvenir shop.

About the Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark

Set in the middle of lush green vegetation, this unique geological curious happening is one of those amazing creations of nature that will mesmerise you. With distinct colours of red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow, the Geopark has 15 metres of highly coloured dunes. An almost surreal, lunar-like spectacle of rainbow-hued sand dunes before your eyes.

Rooted in the history of Chamarel, the Seven Coloured Earth Geopark provides visitors with an extraordinary glimpse into millions of years of natural history, geology and evolution. The undulating strips of multi-coloured sand that spontaneously settle in different layers are one of the most photographed and visited sights on the island. They sit in an open clearing whose lower edge is skirted by an endemic plant garden highlighting the natural heritage of Mauritius. On the upper edge, spectacular views of a vast amphitheatre of ravines clothed with luxuriant tropical vegetation and a glimpse of the picturesque Chamarel Waterfall in the distance.

About The Chamarel Waterfalls

The tallest single-drop waterfall in Mauritius at about 100m high, the Chamarel Waterfall is a striking piece of nature standing amid dense vegetation. Fed by the waters of three distinct streams pouring into Saint Denis River, it has a powerful rush with a peak flow rate in excess of 40,000 m³ per minute.

Proceeding along the Seven Coloured Earth Geopark’s 3km access road, which makes for a scenic drive to the geosite, don’t miss the waterfall’s viewpoint on your left. The sight not only floods the senses with freshness but it is also a spectacular showcase of millions of years of volcanic activity.

About The Tortoise Park

Get up close to the resident giant tortoises called Toto, Tizean, Rosette, Nini, Tizom and Tifam. Watch them enjoying the day, munching away their food, wandering at a leisurely pace or simply lazing about in their enclosure. A favourite among kids of all ages, and adults as well.

Originally from Aldabra in the Seychelles, the species can reach up to 1m in length with an average lifespan of more than 150 years. The park’s oldest giant tortoise is said to have died at the age of 250 years. The second-largest species of tortoise in the world, the Aldabra species is a cousin of the native domed and saddle-backed giant tortoises, which have gone extinct since the early 18th century.

About Café Chamarel and the Coffee Shop

Chamarel is not only a feast for the eyes, it is equally as delicious a treat as it can get! The Chamarel Coffee Shop is the foodie stop to make this piece of heaven on earth. This casual outlet offers a Seven Coloured Earth-themed food and beverage concept that focuses on providing guests with a “happy” dining experience.

Indulge yourself in a place where European café culture meets tropical lifestyle, serving a menu of locally-produced food as well as the authentic Café de Chamarel, the only coffee locally grown and roasted in Chamarel and commercialised locally and internationally. Its growth on volcanic soil is part of what makes the taste of a cup of Café de Chamarel so unique.

The Chamarel Coffee:

Chamarel Coffee has been produced in Chamarel since 1967. The plantations were established by the Bel Ombre sugar estate with the assistance of Oswald du Chasteleer, a coffee planter previously based in the Belgian Congo. Today, Chamarel Coffee is the only coffee grown and processed in Mauritius.

Chamarel Coffee is made from pure Arabica coffee beans. Arabica, or Coffea Arabica, is one of the most popular coffee varieties in the world. A small tree that grows up to 9 metres high, it originated in the highlands of Ethiopia and is believed to be the first species of coffee ever to be cultivated by humans.

About the Souvenir Shop at Chamarel

Take home your own slice of Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earth Geopark with a souvenir from the shop bordering the coloured earth site.

You will find lots of choice, including branded items, the region’s homegrown and roasted coffee, Café de Chamarel and a number of other locally-sourced and crafted products for visitors of all ages.

This unique shopping experience engages our customers with geology, ecology and various tropical retail items at a range of price points.

What to bring/wear
Camera
Hat
Mosquito Repellent

Comments & Notes
Picnics are strictly forbidden.
Children 0-4 years old enter for free
Visit will not take place if weather conditions can affect the safety of guests at the reserve.
Operating Days: Everyday (open during public holidays unless stated otherwise)
Operating Times: Summer (November – April) : 08.30 am to 5.30 pm
Winter (May – October) : 08.30 am to 5.00 pm
Duration: Flexible