Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth
Terres des Sept Couleurs
Dunes of red, brown, purple, green, blue and yellow, formed by weathered volcanic rock. The same park also has a 100-metre-high waterfall at Chamarel and giant tortoises.
The Seven Coloured Earths are located in the Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark, near the village of Chamarel in the southwest. They are dunes formed when basalt weathered under the tropical climate. Layers of iron and aluminium oxides were deposited in bands, creating wavy stripes of red, brown, purple, green, blue, yellow and orange. What makes them remarkable is that even when the colours are mixed by hand, they separate back into layers on their own, and they are never washed away by rain. Wooden walkways and viewing platforms surround the dunes. You may not step on the sand itself. Next to the fence, several Aldabra giant tortoises are kept, so you can get close enough for photos.
The same ticket also covers the Chamarel Waterfall viewpoint at the park entrance. The Rivière du Cap (Saint Denis River) plunges 100 metres down a basalt cliff to form the highest waterfall in Mauritius. The two viewpoints offer different angles, and the water flow is strongest in the rainy season. Adult tickets cost MUR 500 (2025 rate) and cover both the waterfall and the Seven Coloured Earths. Opening hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. A visit takes about an hour. The site is usually combined with a 'southwest day trip' that includes the Gorges viewpoint and Alexandra Falls viewpoint in Black River Gorges National Park, the Grand Bassin Hindu sacred lake with its large Shiva statue, and Mount Mouchoir (Le Morne area is separate). From Grand Baie in the north, a hired car takes about 2.5 hours return.
In Chamarel village, you can stop at the Rhumerie de Chamarel rum distillery (guided tour and tasting about MUR 450) and the Curious Corner illusion museum. The mountain roads have many bends, so bring motion-sickness medication if you need it.
Opening hours
08:30–17:30
Nearby sights
- Chamarel Waterfall
- Rhumerie de Chamarel
- Île aux Bénitiers & Crystal Rock
- Black River Peak
- Le Morne Brabant
- Underwater Waterfall
- Black River Gorges National Park
- Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao)