Visit south of Mauritius

Planning a trip to Mauritius and looking for a day that combines natural beauty, cultural insights, and a touch of adventure? This guided tour of the south of Mauritius promises just that. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the detailed itinerary and traveler feedback suggest it offers a well-rounded experience at a fair price.

What immediately catches the eye about this tour is its mix of highlights: from spiritual landmarks to breathtaking vistas and some fun activities. We love the chance to see the dormant Trou aux Cerfs volcano — a natural marvel offering panoramic views — and the Black River Gorges, a lush haven for nature lovers.

On the flip side, you’ll need to keep in mind that this is a full-day outing with some optional entry fees. Still, it’s an experience that’s tailored for travelers hungry for authentic sights beyond the usual beach resorts.

A possible consideration is that the tour doesn’t include lunch or entry tickets, which means extra costs and planning on your part. But for those who enjoy exploring at a relaxed pace with a knowledgeable guide, this tour is ideal. It’s especially suited for travelers eager to see Mauritius’ diverse landscapes and spiritual sites in one go, making it a good value for families, couples, or groups of friends.

Key Points

• Expert-guided experience ensures you learn the historical and cultural significance of each stop.
• Visit multiple highlights in a single day, including natural wonders, religious sites, and scenic viewpoints.
• Flexible booking options allow you to reserve now and pay later, with full refunds available if you cancel 24 hours in advance.
• Group size is limited to six people, offering a more personalized experience.
• Excellent value at $176 for the whole group, covering transportation, guide, and a comprehensive itinerary.
• Authentic experiences such as visiting the largest Hindu temple and exploring the geological marvel of the Colored Earth.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Timing

Your day begins at 9:00 am when your driver, who doubles as your guide, will pick you up from your hotel or any location you specify. This flexibility means you won’t need to worry about transportation logistics — just be ready for an adventurous day ahead. The small group size (up to six people) means you’ll get a bit more personal attention than on larger tours.

The First Stop: Ship Model Factory

Your journey kicks off with a visit to a renowned Ship Model Factory. This spot offers a glimpse into Mauritius’ maritime history, showcasing exquisitely crafted miniature ships. The artisans here are skilled, and their work reveals a lot about the island’s seafaring past. It’s a peaceful start that also provides some good photo opportunities and souvenirs, should you wish to pick up a ship replica or other handcrafted items.

The Dormant Trou aux Cerfs Volcano

Next, you’ll head to the Trou aux Cerfs volcano, an impressive crater sitting at 605 meters. The volcano is inactive, but the views from the rim are spectacular — you’ll see the surrounding landscape and the town of Curepipe below. The crater’s symmetry and lush greenery make it a favorite for photography and nature lovers alike. It’s a quick stop but one packed with visual impact.

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Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao)

The spiritual centerpiece of the tour is Grand Bassin, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site set amidst tranquil mountains. Here, enormous statues of Hindu deities dominate the landscape, and the peaceful atmosphere invites reflection. Travelers often find this place both culturally and visually moving, making it a highlight. It’s a chance to experience local spirituality and appreciate the reverence the site commands among Mauritians.

Alexandra Falls and Black River Gorges

Moving into nature, the tour continues at Alexandra Falls within the Black River Gorges National Park. The lush surroundings and the soothing sound of cascading water make this a perfect spot to relax and take photographs. It’s not just about the scenery — the park is a sanctuary for local wildlife and offers opportunities for birdwatching and appreciating Mauritius’ natural diversity.

La Vallée des Couleurs and the Colored Earth

The tour wraps up at La Vallée des Couleurs, famous for its Twenty-Three Colored Earths. This geological phenomenon results from volcanic activity and presents a landscape of vividly colored mineral deposits. It’s a surreal sight that captures the island’s volcanic past. The park also offers optional adrenaline activities like zip-lining or quad biking, catering to those craving a bit of excitement before concluding the day.

What You Get and What You Pay

The cost of $176 covers transportation, a guide, and the chance to see these diverse sites. Notably, entry tickets are not included, so you might need to budget for entrance fees at certain locations. The guide’s knowledge adds significant value, enhancing the experience with cultural and historical insights — from the craftsmanship of the ship models to the significance of the Hindu temples.

The flexibility of booking with the option to reserve and pay later is practical if you’re unsure of your plans, and the full refund policy if you cancel 24 hours ahead provides peace of mind.

The Pros and Cons

Pros include the small group size which fosters a relaxed atmosphere and more personalized attention, the variety of sights packed into one day, and the value for money considering the transportation and guiding included. The stunning views at Trou aux Cerfs and the Colored Earth are particularly memorable, and the guide’s explanations help deepen your understanding of each site.

A possible drawback is that lunch and entry fees are not included, so you should plan for additional costs. Also, the day’s pace might feel a bit rushed for those wanting more time at each stop, but overall, the schedule balances sightseeing and travel well.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour appeals most to travelers seeking an authentic and comprehensive overview of Mauritius’ natural and cultural highlights without the hassle of organizing multiple excursions. It’s perfect for those who appreciate guided insights and want to see a variety of sites in one day. Families, couples, or small groups of friends will enjoy the intimate setting and the chance to learn about the island’s heritage and geology firsthand.

If your ideal day includes mountain views, sacred sites, and colorful landscapes, this experience is likely to meet your expectations. But if you’re more into beaches or nightlife, this might be a day better spent exploring other parts of the island separately.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth Your Time?

For those eager to explore Mauritius’ diverse interior, this tour offers a well-planned, value-packed itinerary. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a guided experience that provides depth and context, rather than just sightseeing from a distance. The combination of natural wonders, cultural landmarks, and fun activities makes it an enriching day out.

The knowledgeable guide and stunning scenic views turned many reviews into high praise, with travelers describing it as “very informative.” The small-group setting enhances the experience, creating a friendly atmosphere for questions and discussion. You’ll definitely walk away with a better understanding of what makes Mauritius special.

In short, this tour is an excellent choice for those looking for a balanced, authentic, and memorable glimpse of the island’s south — a great way to fill a day with meaningful sights and stories.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, your guide will pick you up and provide transportation throughout the tour.

Can I book this tour now and pay later?
Absolutely. You can reserve your spot now and pay nothing upfront, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are entry tickets included?
No, entry tickets are not included, so you should plan for extra expenses at certain sites like the Hindu temple or Colored Earth.

What languages are the guides available in?
Guides speak both English and French, making the tour accessible to most travelers.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the itinerary’s natural and cultural sights tend to appeal to older children and teenagers, especially those interested in nature and history.

How long does the tour last?
It’s a full-day excursion starting at 9:00 am, with the driver-guide staying with you throughout the day.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, water, and perhaps a camera to capture the stunning views.

In summary, this guided tour of south Mauritius offers a thoughtfully curated experience combining scenery, spirituality, and history, all at a reasonable price. It’s a perfect fit for those who want to see the island’s diverse interior, learn from an engaging guide, and come away with memorable stories and photos.

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