Exotic South: Journey into the Nature (Full-Day Tour incl Lunch & Ebony Forest)

Exploring Mauritius’ Natural Treasures: A Detailed Look at the Exotic South Tour

If you’re dreaming of uncovering the lush, scenic side of Mauritius beyond its famed beaches, the Exotic South: Journey into the Nature tour offers a comprehensive day of exploring the island’s most striking landscapes. This full-day adventure, offered by Freshverde Holidays, combines visits to volcanic craters, waterfalls, forests, and colorful geological formations, all with the comfort of private transportation and an expert guide.

What we love most about this experience are the diverse landscapes packed into one day — from the peaceful serenity of Grand Bassin to the breathtaking views of Alexandra Falls. Plus, the personalized attention you receive with a private guide makes the day both educational and relaxed. A potential drawback? The long hours and busy schedule mean you need to be comfortable with an active day on your feet, and weather can impact some of the outdoor sights.

This tour suits travelers looking for a deep dive into Mauritius’ natural beauty, especially those eager to see sights outside the usual beach resorts. Families, adventure lovers, and anyone curious about the island’s interior will find this a rewarding experience.

Key Points

• Diverse landscapes in one day, from volcanic craters to waterfalls and forests
• Personalized experience with a private guide and flexible route options
• Value for money considering the comprehensive itinerary, lunch, and entrance fees
• Ideal for active travelers willing to walk, hike, and explore outdoors
• Weather-dependent — some sights might be less impressive in bad weather
• Cultural highlights like the Grand Bassin Hindu temple add an enriching element

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary

This tour is a chance to see a broad cross-section of Mauritius’ natural scenery. Starting early, the day kicks off with hotel pickup around 8:30 am, ensuring a smooth start. Your private guide and comfortable vehicle provide a cozy, intimate way to explore the island’s southwestern highlights.

Stop 1: Trou aux Cerfs

Your first stop is the famous dormant volcanic crater, rising about 605 meters above sea level. We loved the panoramic views of the crater and the lush forest that surrounds it. It’s a striking geological feature, with a 350-meter diameter and a deep 100-meter basin. The area is filled with indigenous plants and some impressive green pine trees, making it a peaceful spot to stretch your legs and take photos.

Most reviews highlight this as a memorable start. Marianne_d called it a “great day out seeing the real Mauritius island,” mentioning how our guide Kevin’s local knowledge added richness to the experience.

Stop 2: Mare aux Vacoas Reservoir

Next, you’ll visit the largest reservoir on the island, holding nearly 26 million cubic meters of water. It’s a quiet, scenic spot, perfect for a few relaxing moments amid the trees and water. The view is simple but beautiful, especially if you’re interested in Mauritius’ water management or just want a peaceful break. As one reviewer mentioned, it’s “a gem hidden between thick forests,” and a “perfect place to escape the usual hustle.”

Stop 3: Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao)

This sacred lake, situated about 550 meters above sea level, is a highlight for many visitors. It lies within an extinct volcano crater and hosts a remarkably large statue of Lord Shiva, standing 33 meters tall. The serene atmosphere and religious significance make it a meaningful stop. The smaller shrines and temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and other gods add a spiritual dimension to your visit.

Helen_F noted that the trip up into the Ebony Forest was the highlight, but she also enjoyed the nearby temples and the peaceful surroundings. The experience is both scenic and soul-stirring, especially if you’re interested in local spiritual practices.

Stop 4: Alexandra Falls

A must-see for nature lovers, Alexandra Falls features a stunning cascade that plunges about 700 meters above sea level. Many reviews describe it as “postcard-worthy” — a perfect spot for photos with the turquoise ocean backdrop. You can also climb a wooden platform for a full view of the falls and surrounding landscape. Expect to be awestruck by the raw power and natural beauty.

Most visitors agree this is a highlight, with Yvonne_A calling it “impressive” and Birgit_G praising the view of the waterfall and surrounding peaks.

Stop 5: Black River Gorges National Park

Midway between Alexandra Falls and Chamarel, this viewpoint offers sweeping vistas of dense rainforest, rolling hills, waterfalls, and the coastline far below. It’s a brief stop, but the views are well worth the few minutes. Here, you get a sense of the expansive natural habitat that covers a significant part of Mauritius’ interior.

Stop 6: Chamarel Village and Viewpoint

The journey continues through the charming village of Chamarel, where you’ll catch a panoramic view of the lush green hills and coastline. The Chamarel Viewpoint is a family-friendly spot to appreciate the landscape, including Le Morne Brabant and La Tourelle du Tamarin. It’s a great place to take photos and appreciate the island’s varied terrain.

Stop 7: Seven Colored Earth Geopark

One of the most famous sights in Mauritius, the Seven Colored Earths are a geological curiosity. The dunes, with hues of red, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow, are the result of volcanic activity and mineral changes over thousands of years. Visitors love how surreal and almost lunar-like this landscape appears. As one review states, the “rainbow-hued sand dunes” are a “lunar spectacle” that’s not to be missed.

Stop 8: Chamarel Waterfalls

No visit to Chamarel is complete without witnessing the tallest waterfall in Mauritius, dropping about 100 meters into a lush canyon. Fed by streams from the surrounding hills, the waterfall’s roar and mist create a dramatic scene. Many reviews emphasize its beauty, with the flow rate reaching over 40,000 cubic meters per minute at peak. Visitors can choose to view from a lookout or walk closer for a more immersive experience.

Stop 9: Ebony Forest Reserve

This is a special highlight — an endemic forest reserve where you can explore Mauritius’ unique flora and fauna. The jeep safari, guided by knowledgeable staff, offers a chance to spot rare birds like the Mauritius Paradise Flycatcher, and perhaps even some Aldabra tortoises. The jeep safari and possible hikes, including a climb to the summit of Piton Canot, are memorable adventures for those who love nature.

One reviewer, Alexander_M, praised the friendly driver Salim and the fact that the guide’s insights made the visit particularly memorable.

Stop 10: Baie du Cap and Maconde Viewpoint

The last scenic stop is the Maconde Viewpoint, providing a sweeping view of the coast, where the ocean seems to stretch into infinity. It’s an ideal spot for dramatic photos and to appreciate the rugged coastline. You’ll also pass Riviere des Galets, famous for its flat stones, and enjoy the drive back to your hotel, ending a long but fulfilling day.

What’s the Value Like?

At $147.50 per person, this tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, a three-course lunch, entrance fees to key sites, the jeep safari at Ebony Forest, and the guiding services of a private, fully qualified guide. Given the extensive itinerary and the inclusion of lunch plus multiple entrance fees, this price represents good value for travelers wanting a comprehensive, hassle-free day exploring Mauritius’ interior.

However, some reviews suggest that, for the price, the experience might not always meet expectations. A few guests felt it was more of a drive-by tour than an in-depth exploration, especially if weather is uncooperative or guides do not fully engage. One reviewer called it “too expensive for what you receive,” but many others appreciated the personalized service and the variety of sights.

Transportation and Duration

The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, starting with a morning pickup, and is conducted privately, meaning you won’t be in a large group. The use of a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and the private guide can significantly enhance comfort and flexibility, especially if you want to linger at certain spots or skip others.

The Experience of Guides and Reviews

Multiple reviews praise the knowledge and friendliness of guides, with some saying their guides provided useful insights and made the trip more engaging. Guests clearly value the private tour format, as it allows for personalized pacing and the ability to customize some parts of the day.

On the flip side, a few reviews mention disappointing experiences with guides or confusion about the itinerary, often due to miscommunication or weather issues. Still, overall, the sentiment toward the guides and the service is positive.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This full-day journey is best suited for active travelers eager to see inland Mauritius in one day, especially if you appreciate natural scenery over beach lounging. It’s a great choice if you’re interested in geology, waterfalls, forests, and cultural sites like Grand Bassin. Since it’s a private tour, it offers a flexible and more intimate experience compared to group excursions.

If you prefer a leisurely, less busy day or are on a tight schedule, this tour packs a lot into one day, so be prepared for a full, energetic day. Weather can influence some sights, especially the Ebony Forest and waterfalls, so keep an eye on the forecast.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a solid overview of Mauritius’ natural beauty, from volcanic craters to waterfalls, forests, and geological marvels. The private guide and transportation make it easy and convenient, especially for those who want to avoid large groups and enjoy tailored insights. The inclusion of a delicious local lunch adds a satisfying touch to the day.

Many guests rave about the stunning views, friendly guides, and memorable experiences, particularly the visit to the Ebony Forest and Chamarel. Some find the price high for what’s included, but considering the scope and personalized service, it’s often seen as worthwhile — especially if you want to see a wide swath of the island’s natural highlights in one organized trip.

If you’re looking for an active, scenic adventure that balances cultural insights with outdoor beauty, this tour can give you a meaningful glimpse into Mauritius’ raw, green, and vibrant heart.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children who enjoy outdoor activities and walking will find this tour engaging. However, be prepared for some walking and hiking, especially at Alexandra Falls and Ebony Forest.

What should I wear for the tour?
Comfortable, non-slippery shoes are recommended for walking and exploring outdoor sites. Light clothing, sun protection, and bug spray are advisable, particularly for the forest and waterfall visits.

Does the tour include lunch?
Yes, a three-course lunch (with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, including halal) is included, along with non-alcoholic beverages.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, there’s some flexibility. Your guide can adapt the pacing and possibly skip or extend certain stops based on your interests.

What happens if it rains?
This experience is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Some sights may be less spectacular in rain or mist.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, the tour covers entrance fees to the Seven Colored Earths, Chamarel Waterfalls, and Ebony Forest Reserve.

How long is each stop?
Stops vary from 25 to 40 minutes, with some longer at key sites like Chamarel for about 2 hours. This allows you to enjoy each location without rushing.

Is hotel pickup available everywhere in Mauritius?
Yes, pickup is offered from any hotel or accommodation on the island, making it very convenient.

Final Word

For those craving a deep, scenic immersion into Mauritius’ natural landscape — away from the beaches and tourist crowds — this tour offers a well-rounded, private experience that’s both educational and visually stunning. While it demands a full day’s commitment and some stamina, the variety of sights and the quality of guides make it a worthwhile splurge for curious travelers eager to explore the island’s heartland.