Mauritius: South of the Island Private Full-Day Tour

Exploring Mauritius’s South: A Balanced Look at a Private Full-Day Tour

If you’re considering a guided day trip to the southern parts of Mauritius, this private tour promises a carefully curated blend of natural beauty, cultural spots, and local flavors. It’s a popular choice for those wanting to see a wide swath of the island without the hassle of driving or planning every stop themselves.

With a full day packed into about 7 to 8 hours, it’s designed to maximize your time and provide a comprehensive taste of what makes this corner of Mauritius special.

What we love about this experience is how it combines scenic viewpoints with cultural insights—like visiting Ganga Talao’s spiritual site and standing beside the towering Lord Shiva statue. The inclusion of tasting sessions—rum at Rhumerie St. Aubin and tea at Bois Chéri—add a flavorful local touch. Plus, the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off makes it easier to relax and enjoy the day.

That said, a potential consideration is that the tour covers quite a lot within a limited time frame, which might mean a busy schedule for some. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or deeper exploration of fewer spots, you might want to consider a different or customized tour.

This tour would suit travelers who want a well-organized introduction to southern Mauritius without the stress of self-driving, especially families, first-time visitors, or those with limited time. Active explorers who love scenic vistas and cultural sites will find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Diverse attractions: From volcanic craters to sacred lakes and panoramic viewpoints.
• Authentic tastings: Rum and tea experiences add local flavor and insight.
• Comfort and convenience: Private transport and hotel pickup simplify logistics.
• Balanced itinerary: Combines natural beauty with cultural highlights.
• Value for money: At $126, it offers a comprehensive full-day experience.
• Suitable for various travelers: Family-friendly, first-timers, or those wanting a structured day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

This experience made our article of Our 11 Favorite Flic En Flac Tours & Things To Do.

A Deep Dive into the Mauritius South Private Tour

This tour is a well-rounded way to see the highlights of the south of Mauritius, especially if you’re short on time but eager to experience both natural wonders and cultural gems. We’ll explore the itinerary step-by-step, giving you a clear picture of what to expect and why each stop is worth your time.

Starting with the Scenic and Natural Gems

Your day begins with pick-up from your hotel at a time that suits you, usually around 7-8 hours of total activity. The first stop is Trou Aux Cerfs, a dormant volcanic crater sitting at about 605 meters elevation. This spot is a favorite for its panoramic views over the island and lush surrounding forest. We loved the way the guide explained the volcanic history—it’s a great way to get a sense of Mauritius’s geological past while soaking in sweeping vistas.

Next, you’ll head to Mare Aux Vacoas Reservoir, the largest on the island, holding nearly 26 million cubic meters of water. It’s a peaceful, expansive landscape rarely crowded and perfect for photo ops. The guide often points out how vital this reservoir is for the island’s water supply, giving it a practical significance beyond its natural beauty.

Cultural and Tasting Experiences

Moving on, the tour takes you to the Rhumerie St. Aubin, housed in a charming colonial-style building. Here, the highlight is the rum tasting session, where you can sample various flavors and learn about the local rum-making process. Travelers seem to enjoy this stop, and reviews highlight the delicious spirits and the friendly atmosphere.

Following the rum, the tour visits Bois Chéri Tea Factory, where a guide introduces you to local tea production. You’ll walk among the tea plantations, learning about the history and significance of tea to Mauritius. The tea tasting at the Le Bois Chéri restaurant offers a relaxing break with spectacular panoramic views—an experience appreciated by many for both its flavor and scenery.

Spiritual and Natural Highlights

One of the most striking stops is Ganga Talao, a lake considered sacred in Mauritius. Its 33-meter-high Lord Shiva statue commands attention and offers a powerful photo opportunity. Visitors often mention feeling a sense of awe standing beside this colossal figure, which symbolizes Indian cultural influence on the island.

Then, the tour heads to Alexandra Falls, situated at approximately 700 meters elevation. The falls are a favorite for their calming sound and stunning views of the south-east coast. From here, you see the vibrant turquoise of the ocean stretching out, a perfect moment for photos and reflection.

Next, you’ll visit Gris-Gris, where the cliffs dramatically plunge into the sea. The winds here are a constant reminder of the power of nature, and the views over the high cliffs are breathtaking. Many travelers mention that this spot captures the raw beauty of Mauritius’s rugged coast.

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Panoramic Vistas and a Tasty Meal

The Gorge Viewpoint offers sweeping views of lush greenery and the coastlines, giving you a sense of how diverse the landscape is. It’s often described as a must-see for its ‘endless’ green stretch and scenic charm.

Further along, the Chamarel viewpoint provides a panoramic outlook over the west coast and the famous Ile aux Benitier island. This spot is highly family-friendly, offering expansive views and photo opportunities.

The day winds down with a 3-course Mauritian lunch at a local restaurant, which includes vegetarian options if requested. Many reviews rave about the tasty, authentic flavors—an essential experience for anyone wanting to taste real Mauritian cuisine.

Finally, a visit to the Maconde viewpoint wraps up the day with a final spectacular view, making you feel like you’re “in the middle of the ocean,” as one traveler put it.

Practical Details and Considerations

This private tour is priced at $126 per person, which, considering the inclusions—hotel pickup, drop-off, private transport, guide, and all entrance fees—offers good value. The vehicle is air-conditioned, making long drives more comfortable, especially after spending time outdoors.

The tour is designed for flexibility, accommodating vegetarian diets and allergies if communicated beforehand. Children under 3 travel free, which makes it family-friendly, though the pace might be a bit brisk for very young kids.

While reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and stunning views, some mention that the tour covers a lot of ground in one day, which might feel rushed for travelers wanting more time at each site. It’s best suited for those who enjoy seeing a broad overview rather than deep dives into each location.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This private full-day tour offers a well-balanced blend of nature, culture, and scenic vistas that appeals to travelers wanting a comprehensive slice of southern Mauritius. It’s perfect for first-time visitors eager to tick off major highlights without the stress of planning every detail themselves. Families, couples, or solo explorers who enjoy structured days with meaningful stops will likely find this tour rewarding.

If your goal is to experience the island’s natural beauty alongside local flavors and spiritual sites, this trip covers many bases. The inclusion of tastings and authentic landmarks makes it more than just sightseeing—it’s an immersive taste of Mauritian life.

However, for those who prefer a slower, more relaxed exploration or wish to focus deeply on fewer sites, this schedule might feel a bit busy. But for most, it offers an engaging, convenient, and richly varied day at a fair price.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at any hotel or accommodation in Mauritius.

What is the price per person? It costs $126, which covers transport, guide, tastings, entrance fees, and lunch—offering good value for a full day’s experience.

Are vegetarian options available? Yes, vegetarian options are available if advised during booking.

Is this tour suitable for children? Children under 3 travel free. The day is active, so consider your child’s comfort with a busy schedule.

How long is the tour? It runs approximately 7 to 8 hours, including travel time and all stops.

Do I need to pay upfront? You can reserve your spot now and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What language is the guide available in? The tour is offered in English, French, and Hindi.

Will I have enough time at each stop? The itinerary is tightly scheduled to cover many sites, so expect some quick visits—those seeking longer stays may need a more customized tour.

Are the viewpoints accessible for everyone? Most viewpoints are accessible, but wear non-slippery shoes as some spots involve uneven terrain.

Can I customize the meal options? Vegetarian options are available, but it’s best to advise at the time of booking.

To sum it up, this Mauritius south private tour is a fantastic way to see much of what makes the south of the island unique—impressive viewpoints, cultural landmarks, and flavorful tastings—all within one well-organized day. It strikes a nice balance between guided ease and authentic experiences, making it a smart choice for travelers eager to explore without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. If you’re after a comprehensive, scenic, and culturally enriching day, this tour is certainly worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby