Riviere Des Anguilles is a surprisingly diverse spot for exploring southern Mauritius. Unlike the tourist-heavy north, this area offers authentic experiences that focus on nature, local culture, and stunning landscapes.
We especially love the chance to visit La Vanille Nature Park, where you can get close to giant tortoises and Nile crocodiles, or relax at Le Morne Beach, renowned for its wild beauty and powerful surf. Whether you’re into wildlife, scenic drives, or cultural sites, Riviere Des Anguilles has something for every traveler.
Of particular interest are the tours that combine nature parks, scenic beaches, and cultural stops—all with the comfort of private transfers and personalized attention. If you’re looking for a comprehensive, family-friendly experience, the Southern Tour with La Vanille and Le Morne Beach offers a well-rounded taste of Mauritius’s south.
For those seeking a deeper dive into local culture and landscapes, the Discover the Mauritian Tea Route pairs colonial charm with aromatic tea estates and wildlife encounters. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the best tours to help you plan your perfect Mauritian escape.
1. Mauritius: Southern Tour w/La Vanille & Le Morne Beach
At number 1 on our list, this private southern Mauritius tour combines wildlife, scenic beaches, and cultural sights, making it a well-rounded day for families or curious travelers. For around $125 per group (up to 4 people), you get a tailored experience that includes stops at Grand Bassin, the sacred Hindu lake, and Valles des Couleur, a colorful geological site with mineral-rich terrain.
The tour also visits La Vanille Nature Park, where you can marvel at giant tortoises and Nile crocodiles, and enjoy Le Morne Beach with its dramatic mountain backdrop.
What makes this tour stand out is its balance of wildlife encounters, cultural insights, and scenic relaxation. Visitors rave about the chance to see animals like tenrecs, eels, and iguanas in their natural habitat, and the off-road quad biking or ziplining options add an adrenaline-pumping twist.
The tour’s flexibility and personalized approach mean you can customize your stops, making it ideal for families or travelers wanting a broad taste of southern Mauritius without long drives or crowded spots.
Bottom line: This tour offers excellent value for a full day of varied experiences and is perfect if you want a mix of wildlife, scenery, and culture in a private setting.
2. Southern Mauritius Private Tour inc Valles Des Couleur
Sitting at number 2, this private tour also costs about $125 per group and shares many highlights with the first tour but emphasizes Valles des Couleur more thoroughly. The trip includes visits to Grand Bassin, the sacred lake, and La Vanille Nature Park—home to giant tortoises, crocodiles, and other exotic animals.
The real highlight here is the Valles des Couleur, a landscape famous for its stunning mineral hues and geological formations, perfect for photography and nature lovers.
What makes this tour distinct is its focus on Valles des Couleur and quad biking or ziplining at the park, providing an active way to explore the natural environment. Reviewers mention how the guide’s local knowledge enhances the experience, sharing stories about the area’s cultural and natural history.
The private setup ensures your group can explore at your own pace, making this a good choice for travelers who want an immersive experience with fewer crowds.
Bottom line: For those who want a more in-depth exploration of Valles des Couleur combined with wildlife and cultural sites, this tour offers a personalized, engaging day at a reasonable price.
3. Discover the Mauritian Tea Route: With Crocodile Park
At number 3, this specialized tour costs $205 per person and combines tea plantation visits with wildlife and natural scenery.
The journey includes Domaine Des Aubineaux, a colonial house surrounded by fragrant tea plantations, and Bois Cheri, a renowned tea estate known for its aromatic teas and detailed tours. This experience is perfect for travelers interested in Mauritian culture, colonial history, and tea craftsmanship.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on Mauritius’s tea heritage and La Vanille Nature Park, where you can observe crocodiles, eels, and other exotic species in a lush setting. Visitors appreciate the chance to relax on the sun deck while taking in views of the coastline. The tour also emphasizes exploring marine flora and fauna in a pollution-free environment, ideal for nature lovers.
Bottom line: This tour provides a unique blend of culinary history and wildlife, ideal for those interested in local traditions and natural beauty with a slightly more premium price tag.
How to Choose the Best Tour for You
Picking between these options depends largely on your interests, budget, and available time. If you want a comprehensive day with wildlife, cultural sites, and active pursuits, the Southern Tour w/La Vanille & Le Morne Beach is hard to beat. For a more personalized, in-depth experience focused on Valles des Couleur, the second tour offers a quieter, more tailored approach.
Meanwhile, the Tea Route is perfect if you’re curious about Mauritian colonial heritage and tea production, combined with wildlife exploration.
Consider your fitness level—the Valles des Couleur tours include quad biking and ziplining, which may not suit everyone. Budget-wise, all three tours offer good value, but the Tea Route is slightly more expensive and caters to travelers willing to spend more for a more specialized experience. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred time slot.
Final Thoughts
Riviere Des Anguilles offers an array of engaging tours that highlight Mauritius’s natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural richness. For a balanced introduction, the Mauritius: Southern Tour with La Vanille & Le Morne Beach is a reliable choice.
If you’re seeking a more personalized, in-depth day, the Southern Mauritius Private Tour inc Valles Des Couleur is worth considering. And for lovers of tea and crocodiles, the Discover the Mauritian Tea Route provides a fascinating, relaxing experience.
No matter which tour you choose, booking early and considering your interests will ensure you enjoy a memorable adventure in this unique part of Mauritius. Each option offers a different lens into the island’s varied charms—so pick what feels right for your travel style and dive into authentic Mauritian experiences.