Chamarel Mauritius: Why Visit and Best Things To Do

Chamarel Mauritius – an introduction

I cannot blog about Mauritius without mentioning Chamarel – it’s a must-visit (in my opinion). Many visit Chamarel for a day trip only, which I think is a pity because this destination deserves more time. Add it to your list of places to see and carve out several days to truly experience it. Can you tell how much I want you to discover my country?

There are many things to do in this charming village as you’ll read about now.

I’ve got you covered! In addition to being a local, I worked several years as a certified tour guide in Mauritius. It’s a pleasure to offer you some insider tips about one of my favourite villages: Chamarel.

What + Where is Chamarel

Let’s start with what Chamarel is because people often ask about opening times or entrance ticket cost for it. It’s actually a village! Chamarel is a picturesque inland village of about 900 inhabitants (as at 2020).

The lands were inherited by a Frenchman Charles-Antoine de Chazal de Chamarel who gave it its name. He had been born in Mauritius, known as Isle de France under French rule. The lands belonged to him, including the waterfalls and the coloured earths.

💡 Local tip: There are plans to have a sign in Charles-Antoine’s honour by the waterfall. Keep an eye out if you spot it.

{Nerd alert: You can view their family tree on this website}

Together with his brother, Toussaint-Antoine, Charles-Antoine was keen to try different things to generate income – sugarcane cultivation, forest (wood) exploitation, and coffee plantation. Till present day, the arabica coffee is still grown in Chamarel.

Chamarel is situated 260m above sea level, between Black River (also known as Rivière Noire) and Savanne districts.

Getting to Chamarel

It takes about an hour to reach Chamarel from the capital city of Port Louis and 1h16 min from the island’s Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam international airport.

As a tour guide in the late nineties, I would accompany tourists from hotels all over the island to explore Chamarel. The latter is often marketed as a day trip, but like I said earlier, I strongly recommend spending a few days (or more) if you can.

You can access the village from anywhere on the island by taxi or rental car. The drive is pleasant however bear in mind it has narrow, windy roads. As a result, getting there on foot or by public transport (buses) is not advisable. The road has no pavement in many places and the bus route will not reach the main entrance of the attractions.

I recommend getting a private chauffeur or do a self-driven tour so you can stop to admire views and see plenty of interesting things at your own pace.

13 Things To Do In Chamarel Mauritius

With plenty to do in Chamarel, that’s why I recommend you spend more than a day there. This village has a lot to offer from natural wonders to traditional cuisine with a view. It’s a great place to explore after you’ve enjoyed the beaches of Mauritius and is well worth heading inland for. Let’s discover what you can do.

🍃 Nature & Trekking Activities 🍃

1. Chamarel Waterfall Mauritius

Also referred to as Chamarel Falls or Cascade Chamarel, this iconic waterfall needs to be on your list. It’s the tallest waterfall in Mauritius (100m) and glides powerfully over basaltic rocks smoothed out by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Easy to access to the viewpoint where you see the waterfall. No trekking involved. Simply park and walk a few steps to admire the falls.

Where: at the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark

When: daily, 8:30am – 5:30pm (Oct to May) | 8:30am – 5pm (Jun to Sep)

Cost*: 550 MUR/$11 per adult | child: (3-12) $6 | (0-5) free

*the entrance fee includes access to the coloured earth & the tortoise park

💡 Local tip: with tickets for the Ebony Forest Reserved (mentioned further down), visit the waterfall for free.

2. Trek & Swim at the base of Chamarel waterfall

Many people often want to know if it’s possible to swim at the base of Chamarel Waterfall. You can do this when you trek down to the valley near it, a journey of about three hours. However, it’s important to note that you aren’t allowed to go on your own and need to be accompanied by expert guides. Go with an experienced guide – Bryn is friendly, professional, and is happy to take pictures of you too.

The trek can be very slippery depending on the weather. It’s also humid in Mauritius as you know, and can take a toll on your energy levels. So make sure you stay hydrated and wear appropriate clothing and shoes.

Now that you know how to get to the base of the fall and enjoy a refreshing swim, you can plan the rest of your sightseeing in Chamarel.

3. Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark in Mauritius

This natural wonder is worth visiting – you’ll be no doubt amazed when you see the soil. It’s a geological phenomenon where millions of years of volcanic activity followed by soil erosion caused the minerals present in the soil to paint these lovely hues of colour. The sand dunes have seven distinct colours. See if you can spot each one when you visit.

Note: It’s an accessible viewpoint, so there’s really not a lot of walking and you can certainly not walk, touch nor take the coloured earth. It’s great that the dunes are fenced off so future generations can enjoy them as well.

💡 Local tip: don’t miss saying hello to the Aldabra tortoises. They originate from the Seychelles and can live up to 150 years!

4. Ebony Forest Reserve

Ebony Forest Reserve is a fabulous place to visit in Chamarel. Their mission: the conservation of the Mauritius endemic fauna and flora.

Ebony is endemic to Mauritius and in this reserve, you’ll have the opportunity to appreciate these magnificent trees. These trees were once widespread across the island until the arrival of settlers. Ebony wood – extremely valuable – were highly sought after and naturally the colonisers monetized this. Unfortunately the demand was greater than the ability for these slow-growing trees to regenerate.

Nowadays, this endemic tree species is considered endangered and is highly protected in Mauritius.

Great measures are taken to preserve the remaining ebony trees in Chamarel. The proceeds of your entrance fees and anything you buy from the souvenir shop go a long way towards reforestation, conservation, and preservation.

Ebony Forest Reserve offer various experiences from hiking to strolling on the 4m high Flycatcher Walkway. Have a look at their different tours – many include a knowledgeable guide who’ll be happy to share their passion for fauna, flora, bird watching and more.

When: daily, 9am – 5pm

For a full list of their tours and activities, including rates, visit their website.

5. Piton Canot Hike

For hiking enthusiasts, you’ll be pleased to know there’s this activity available in Chamarel. Brace yourself for sweeping paradise-like, 360-degree views over the Indian Ocean. Mauritius is a delight for the senses and this hike will reveal this loud and clear. You can combine it with Sublime Point (the viewpoint lives up to its name!).

💡 Local tip: don’t forget to lather mosquito repellent or you’ll be sorry!

🧑‍🌾 Food & Farm Experiences 🧑‍🌾

6. Rhumerie de Chamarel

Did you pick up the word ‘rum’ in this? Yes, this is where you visit a rum distillery and get to try the ‘rhum arrangé‘ – a process where fruits are macerated in the beverage to give it exquisite flavours. You’ll learn about the two different distillation methods used to make rum from pressed sugar cane juice.

💡 Local tip: even if you don’t drink, the venue’s gorgeous architecture is worth seeing (and Instagramming about). Plus if you have a sweet tooth, the on-site restaurant serves tea with pancakes or pastries.

7. Taste the Chamarel coffee

Are you a coffee enthusiast? Le Café de Chamarel offers a coffee experience at their restaurant. My husband loves to try coffee experiences around the world and this one certainly sets the bar high and comes with scrumptious pastries too!

The coffee is robust, smells incredible, and is high quality arabica.

Introduced in Mauritius in 1715, arabica coffee was introduced from Ethiopia by the Compagnie Française des Indes during French colonisation. When you visit the seven coloured earths, keep your eyes peeled for the 16 hectares of arabica coffee plantation. The coffee from Chamarel is then processed at a factory in the village of Case Noyale due to its drier climate.

Now, you can sip this delectable coffee while soaking in a panoramic view.

Where: Le Chamarel restaurant

When: book anytime between 9am to 4pm, daily.

Cost: $16 for two people

8. La Table Creole

It’s a unique lunch experience to taste Mauritian Creole cuisine with local game and fresh, seasonal vegetables from the terroir. View the menu or book a table.

Where: Le Chamarel restaurant

When: noon to 3pm, every day

Cost: 1950 MUR/about $42 per person

💡 Local tip: if you’re Mauritian or a resident with a valid residence permit for Mauritius, the restaurant will give you a 5% discount.

9. Visit a pineapple farm

As you explore Chamarel, you might notice some of the spiky yellow fruits peeking out with their crowns up high. Snap some photos and if you’re lucky, you might even come across pineapple sellers on their bikes. The pineapple variety we have in Mauritius, the Queen Victoria, is small and sweet and thrives in the tropical climate.

💡 Local tip: if you stay at La Vieille Cheminée eco-lodge, they offer guided tours of their working pineapple farm to guests.

💡 Local tip: do as we locals do: eat pineapple with salt and chilli (‘di sel pima‘). Mmm, I’m craving one now!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 Fun & Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧

I will admit the activities listed below aren’t my thing, but I’m including them for you because I personally know many friends and relatives who are crazy about them. You might like these Chamarel attractions too, especially if you’re travelling Mauritius with kids.

10. Curious Corner

This attraction is popular with my nieces and nephews and my friends’ kids whenever they visit Mauritius. It’s great fun for the whole family as this house is filled with optical illusions (‘trompe l’oeil‘). It is described as a specialty museum in Chamarel, and indeed it is rather unique.

We didn’t feel the need to check it out but if you’re into fun-filled illusions, you’ll have a good hour of laughs. There’s a mirror maze, an ‘upside down’ room and more to keep you thrilled.

Where: right opposite the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark

When: open daily (except 25 Dec and 1-2 Jan), 9:30am to 5pm

Cost: $13 adult | child: (3-12) $12 | (0-3) free

11. Lavilleon Adventure Park

The name gives it away – perfect if you are seeking adventure in Chamarel. Ziplining, Nepalese bridge, Via Ferratta, archery… never a dull moment. Mauritius is more than its white sandy beaches and what better way to enjoy it than with ziplining and other thrilling experiences?

When: open daily, 9am to 5pm. No prior booking necessary.

Cost: no entrance fee, only pay for the activities you wish.

💡 Local tip: if you try their activities, you won’t have to pay the entrance fee at the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark.

💡 Local tip: wear sports shoes and casual outfit. Not advisable during rainy or poor weather.

12. Horse Riding

20-minute ride with a horse trainer at an eco-lodge, suitable for kids and beginners. The horse ride will be in the forest or along a trail in lush nature. Helmets and instructions are provided.

30-minute casual horseback riding for equestrian enthusiasts, suitable for adults (experienced & beginners).

Where: La Vieille Cheminée (they offer this to their guests – more below) and at Lavilleon Adventure park

💡 Local tip: in Mauritius, many hotels offer horse-riding as an activity you can book as a resident guest.

👒 Cultural activities 👒

13. Sainte Anne Church

Commonly known by locals villagers as Eglise de Sainte Anne, this Catholic church is a treasure. Great photo opportunity but also a way to mingle with locals.

Please take care to dress modestly and respect this place of worship

💡 Local tip: if you visit on 31st July, the church hosts its annual parish feast; on the 15th August, there’s a pilgrimage celebration for the Assumption.

Where To Stay In Chamarel, Mauritius

🛎️ La Vieille Cheminée Eco-Lodges

You have read about ‘La Vieille Cheminée’ enough times in this blogpost and finally, I’m introducing you to this amazing accommodation in Chamarel. There are nine private self catering eco-lodges. Breakfast is provided and with advance notice, you can also order dinner, both of which are brought to your lodge.

My husband and I love enjoy booking getaways there when we’re in Mauritius. It’s incredibly relaxing and we even stayed there while working remotely. There’s no wifi in the rooms/chalets – only in the lobby – but what I did was to write my articles, then walk to Reception where I could connect to internet and email my work over to clients, ha! After this experience, I recommend staying at the guesthouse to unwind and disconnect completely.

Read our personal experience staying at La Vieille Cheminée in Chamarel, Mauritius.

It’s the perfect place to meditate, paint, draw, or write (journal).

The decor is rustic, simple yet clean and the spaces are well designed to be in harmony with the natural surroundings.

💡 Local tip: do try their dinner menu. You need to order ahead and they’ll cook and bring to your lodge for you to reheat whenever. It’s authentic, cooked with love and bursting with flavours from the terroir.

💡 Local tip: bring your swimsuit, and hiking boots. They have a pool and lovely trails.

Book an eco-lodge at La Vieille Cheminée.

🛎️ Lakaz Chamarel

The views will have you swooning and never wanting to leave! This accommodation in Chamarel is a little more upmarket. Gorgeous chalets where you have a lot of personal privacy. Go there for exquisite views in a relaxing atmosphere. It’s the ideal place for a calm or romantic getaway.

💡 Local tip: the rooms each have a meaningful story tied to a decorative object or piece of furniture, and the suites each have a dramatic love story linked to Mauritius – be sure to ask about them.

Book a room at Lakaz Chamarel

🛎️ Green Cottage Chamarel

Looking for something charming with lush tropical gardens and pockets of peace? This cottage offers the best of garden lounging and epic views of Mauritius. It’s modern, comfortable, and you’ll have your own private quarters.

The cottage is fully equipped with self-catering facilities. Book a room at Green Cottage Chamarel here.

💡 Local tip: plan ahead for groceries as there’s not a lot of options in Chamarel itself. Supermarkets in Black River: GSR La Gaulette, London Way supermarket near La Preneuse, Super U Tamarin.

Where To Eat In Chamarel, Mauritius

🍽️ Palais du Barbizon

Don’t let the mismatched chairs deter you, this is a hidden gem in Chamarel. Palais du Barbizon is for budget conscious foodies. It’s for you if you want food that feels like a local grandma made it – comfort food oozing with love. This family-run restaurant is one not to be missed.

🍽️ Chez Ruben

Loved by locals and tourists alike, this restaurant offers various options from our Mauritian cuisine. From seafood to curries, they aim to please and prices are reasonable. They also cater for events like birthdays and weddings.

💡 Local tip: order any of the curries – they come served on banana leaf and give you a taste of authentic Mauritian cuisine.

🍽️ Le Chamarel Restaurant

Go for the food, stay for the panoramic views of Chamarel. Even after eating at this restaurant more than 50 times in my lifetime, I still cannot get enough. I am forever enthralled and in awe of how splendid this place is. The staff are friendly, the food is tasty, and the whole experience is outstanding. But don’t take my word for it, just go and find out for yourself and soak in the beauty of Mauritius.

💡 Local tip: try the experiences as I listed above (Café de Chamarel and La Table Créole)

🍽️ La Rhumerie de Chamarel Mauritius

I know I’ve listed it above as a Chamarel attraction, which it is for the distillery tour and the rum making. However, it also has a restaurant serving refined fare from the Mauritian terroir such as deer (venison) and wild boar.

💡 Local tip: do try the Palm Heart salad.

Is Chamarel Mauritius worth visiting? Final Thoughts

It’s a resounding yes from me.

I highly recommend Chamarel to whoever travels to Mauritius because no visit would be complete without. Go beyond beaches and explore deeper.

It’s a great way to uncover more than just the resort lifestyle of the island and to let yourself be captivated by the charm of the south. You’ll be happy with all those unique things to do and leave with wonderful travel memories.

I hope you take the time to fully appreciate my island.