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Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark showcases one of Mauritius’ most extraordinary natural wonders, where sand dunes display seven distinct colors that naturally separate into layers. This relatively small area has become one of the island’s main tourist attractions since the 1960s, drawing visitors from around the world to witness its surrealistic, striped formations. The unique geological phenomenon features approximately red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow sands that spontaneously settle into different layers, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle unlike anywhere else.
During a visit to this remarkable site in southwestern Mauritius, visitors can experience colored earth dunes reaching up to 15 meters high while learning about their formation and composition. The Chamarel 7 Colored Earth plays a key role in showcasing Mauritius’ natural beauty and uniqueness, however, this geological marvel isn’t the only attraction waiting to be discovered. The reserve also houses friendly giant tortoises and features the impressive Chamarel Waterfall, which stands as the tallest single-drop waterfall in Mauritius at approximately 100 meters high. Furthermore, the geopark connects people with nature through geology, education, and conservation in an enjoyable and enlightening manner, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the island.
The Chamarel Seven Colored Earth represents a unique geological formation located in the southwestern uplands of Mauritius, specifically in the Chamarel plain of the Rivière Noire District. This natural phenomenon first gained scientific attention in 1879 when a member of the Royal Society of Arts and Sciences of Mauritius highlighted its existence.
Geologically speaking, this remarkable site consists of sand dunes formed through the decomposition of volcanic rock (basalt) into clay, which subsequently transformed into ferralitic soil through a process of total hydrolysis. The dunes can reach an impressive thickness of up to 15 meters and contain evidence of ancient geoclimatic activity. Essentially, these colorful mounds tell the story of Mauritius’ volcanic origins dating back 3 to 1.7 million years ago.
What makes this site truly extraordinary is the distinct color separation. The sand displays approximately seven colors – red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow. These vibrant hues result from two primary elements:
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect is how these colors naturally separate. Even if the different colored sands are mixed together, they will eventually settle back into distinct layers. This phenomenon occurs because iron and aluminum particles naturally repel each other.
Over thousands of years, rainfall has carved swirling patterns into the dunes, creating an effect resembling earthen meringue. Remarkably, despite Mauritius’ heavy tropical rainfall, these colored sands show remarkable resistance to erosion.
Named after Toussaint and Charles de Chazal de Chamarel, who received a 625-arpent concession in the region in 1786, this area became one of Mauritius’ primary tourist attractions from the early 1960s. Today, the geopark encompasses approximately 7,500 square meters and offers visitors a glimpse into millions of years of geological history.
Beyond the famous colored dunes, the Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark boasts several captivating attractions worth exploring.
The Chamarel Waterfall stands as the tallest single-drop waterfall in Mauritius, plunging dramatically from a height of 100 meters. Fed by three distinct streams pouring into Saint Denis River, this natural wonder generates an impressive rush with peak flow rates exceeding 40,000 m³ per minute. Visitors can admire this majestic cascade from a dedicated viewpoint accessible via a trail through dense foliage.
Additionally, the geopark houses a charming Tortoise Park where visitors can encounter giant Aldabra tortoises originally from Seychelles. These gentle creatures, named Toto, Tizean, Rosette, Nini, Tizom, Tifam, Tchaikovsky, and Swarovsky, can reach up to 1 meter in length. As the second-largest tortoise species globally, they boast remarkable longevity with an average lifespan exceeding 150 years. According to local lore, the park’s oldest tortoise reportedly lived to the extraordinary age of 250 years.
For refreshments, the Coffee Shop offers a delightful culinary interlude in a relaxed setting. Patrons can savor the authentic Café de Chamarel – the only locally grown, roasted, and extracted coffee in Mauritius. The coffee plantation, established in 1967, produces pure Arabica coffee beans. The menu features both sweet and savory options, including colorful macaroons, sandwiches, and grills.
Before departing, the Souvenir Shop presents an opportunity to take home a memento of this unique destination. The shop carries carefully selected locally made and eco-friendly products. Popular items include Café de Chamarel, Rhum de Chamarel, artisanal salts in various flavors, local honey, and tubes containing the actual colored earth from the geopark.
These diverse attractions complement the main colored earth exhibit, creating a comprehensive experience that showcases both natural wonders and local culture.
Planning a trip to the Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark requires knowing key practical details. The geopark welcomes visitors year-round, operating daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (October to May) with last entry at 5:00 p.m.. From June through September, closing time shifts slightly earlier to 5:00 p.m.. Early morning visits, particularly at sunrise, offer optimal viewing conditions for the colored earths.
Entrance fees vary based on residency status. Non-residents pay Rs 650 (approximately €13) per adult and Rs 325 (about €6.50) for children aged 5-12.
Each ticket grants comprehensive access to all attractions within the 8.5-hectare park, including both Chamarel Waterfall viewpoints, the Geopark itself, and the tortoise enclosure. The Coffee Shop and Souvenir Shop are accessible yet require separate payment for purchases.
Visitors typically spend between 45 minutes to 2 hours exploring the entire site. The geopark lies approximately 3 kilometers from the main entrance, requiring either personal transportation or walking. For photography enthusiasts, the dry season (May to November) provides clearer skies and more vibrant colors.
Multiple transportation options exist. Self-driving remains the most flexible choice with free parking available at both the waterfall viewpoint and the geopark. Alternatively, taxis offer convenient day-hire services starting around €60-€90 depending on vehicle size. Public busses connect major towns like Flic en Flac (approximately 45 minutes away), though schedules can be limited.
Reservation options range from purchasing tickets directly at the entrance to booking online through the official website. Those booking online benefit from a flexible cancelation policy allowing full refunds for cancelations made at least 24 hours before the scheduled visit. Presently, paths within the geopark consist of basalt rocks, potentially challenging for visitors with mobility limitations.
The Chamarel Seven Colored Earth stands as a truly exceptional natural phenomenon not just in Mauritius but worldwide. Undoubtedly, the spontaneous separation of differently colored sands into distinct layers creates a visual spectacle that captivates visitors year after year. This geological marvel, formed through millions of years of volcanic decomposition, tells the fascinating story of the island’s origins through its vibrant palette of reds, browns, violets, greens, blues, purples, and yellows.
Beyond the colored dunes, visitors can explore several equally impressive attractions within the geopark. The majestic Chamarel Waterfall plunges dramatically from 100 meters, while the Tortoise Park houses gentle giants with remarkable longevity. Additionally, the Coffee Shop offers the unique opportunity to sample Mauritius’ only locally grown and roasted coffee, providing a perfect refreshment after exploring the grounds.
Accessibility remains straightforward with various transportation options and reasonable entrance fees for this 8.5-hectare treasure. The geopark typically requires between 45 minutes to 2 hours to explore thoroughly, though many visitors find themselves lingering longer, mesmerized by the natural beauty surrounding them.
The scientific significance of this site cannot be overstated. First documented in 1879, these colorful formations demonstrate remarkable resistance to erosion despite heavy tropical rainfall. Meanwhile, the natural repulsion between iron and aluminum particles creates the signature effect that continues to baffle and delight scientists and tourists alike.
Ultimately, the Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark represents one of nature’s most extraordinary artistic achievements. This destination connects visitors with millions of years of geological history while showcasing Mauritius’ natural splendor. Anyone seeking to understand the true essence of this island paradise should place this rainbow-hued wonder at the top of their itinerary.
Absolutely! Chamarel 7 Colored Earth is one of Mauritius' most iconic attractions, offering a unique geological phenomenon. It's not just for geology enthusiasts but for anyone interested in rare natural wonders. The site also features other attractions like the Chamarel Waterfall and a Tortoise Park, making it a diverse and enriching experience.
The geopark is open year-round from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (October to May) and 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (June to September). Mornings are ideal for photography and avoiding crowds, with optimal lighting to capture the vibrant colors of the earth. It's advisable to allocate between 45 minutes to 2 hours for a full experience.
The seven colored earths formed over millions of years through the decomposition of volcanic basalt rock. This process, influenced by the tropical climate, resulted in clay rich in iron and aluminum oxides. These minerals create the distinct red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow hues that make up the unique landscape.
No, visitors are not allowed to walk directly on the colored earth. For preservation purposes, the site is protected by a wooden fence, and visitors can observe the phenomenon from specially designed observation outposts. It's crucial to stay on designated pathways to help preserve this delicate ecosystem.
Besides the seven colored earths, the geopark offers several other attractions. These include the Chamarel Waterfall, Mauritius' tallest single-drop waterfall at 100 meters high; a Tortoise Park housing giant Aldabra tortoises; a Coffee Shop serving locally grown Arabica coffee; and a Souvenir Shop where you can purchase authentic Chamarel products and even tubes filled with the actual seven colored earth.
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