full day
Daily Tour
6 people
English, Francais
The seven colored earths in Mauritius ranks among the top 3 must-see attractions on the island, and we were absolutely mesmerized during our visit. This geological wonder displays distinct layers of red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow earth that create a surreal, rainbow-like landscape.
When exploring the chamarel seven colored earth geopark, we discovered that these stunning dunes can reach heights of up to 15 meters. The seven colored earths mauritius experience doesn’t stop there. In addition to the chamarel 7 colored earth, you’ll find the impressive Chamarel Waterfall, standing 100 meters tall as the island’s highest single-drop waterfall. We were certainly amazed by its peak flow rate exceeding 40,000 m³ per minute. After all, this unique seven colored earth phenomenon provides fascinating insights into millions of years of natural history and evolution.
Stepping into the Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark feels like walking on another planet. This geological marvel reveals an astonishing 600 million years of history, making it the first and main geopark of Mauritius.
The phenomenon began 3 to 1.7 million years ago when volcanic activity created the island’s basalt rock crust. Over millennia, the tropical climate thoroughly decomposed this basalt into gullied clay. Through profound decomposition, the basalt transformed into ferralitic soil through total hydrolysis, leaving behind iron and aluminum oxides that create the striking colors we see today.
What makes these sands truly remarkable is their composition. The iron oxide produces the red to brown hues, while aluminum oxide creates the blue to violet-blue shades. The remaining colors – approximately red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow – form through various combinations of these minerals and their exposure to different levels of heat and moisture.
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the seven colored earths is their self-organizing behavior. If you were to mix these different colored sands together, they would eventually separate back into distinct layers – a phenomenon scientists attribute to the natural repelling effect between iron and aluminum particles.
These undulating strips stretch across an open clearing, with dunes reaching up to 15 meters thick. The swirling patterns have been carved by centuries of tropical rains, creating what some describe as an “earthen meringue” effect.
The chamarel 7 colored earth became a major tourist attraction in the 1960s, and today, visitors can observe this natural wonder from specially designed observation outposts along a protective wooden fence.
Located in the Chamarel plain of southwestern Mauritius, this 8.5-hectare preserved natural park sits amidst lush vegetation. From the upper edge, I enjoyed spectacular views of ravines clothed in luxuriant tropical forest, providing a striking contrast to the bare, multicolored landscape of the dunes themselves.
Beyond the remarkable seven colored earths, my exploration of the Chamarel Geopark revealed several captivating attractions that made the visit truly memorable.
The majestic Chamarel Waterfall stands as the tallest single-drop waterfall in Mauritius at approximately 100m high. This natural wonder, fed by three distinct streams flowing into the Saint Denis River, creates a powerful rush exceeding 40,000 m³ per minute at peak flow. I was mesmerized watching it cascade over the ledge of a basalt cliff into an oval pool before continuing its journey through a 6km tropical-forest-fringed canyon to Baie du Cap.
Furthermore, the Tortoise Park became an unexpected highlight of my visit. Here, I met giant Aldabra tortoises named Toto, Tizean, Rosette, Nini, Tizom, and Tifam. Originally from the Seychelles, these gentle creatures can reach up to 1m in length with an average lifespan exceeding 150 years. Notably, the park’s oldest tortoise reportedly lived to 250 years!
After communing with these ancient beings, I headed to the Coffee Shop for refreshment. The establishment cleverly incorporates the seven colors theme into its offerings, particularly in their colorful macaroons. I savored Café de Chamarel – the only locally grown, roasted, and extracted coffee in Mauritius. The coffee plantations, established in 1967, grow pure Arabica beans across 16 hectares at 280 meters above sea level.
Subsequently, I visited the Souvenir Shop where I purchased authentic Chamarel products including coffee, rum, and local honey. The shop thoughtfully offers tubes filled with the actual seven colored earth – a perfect memento. Book now to experience these attractions and more at this extraordinary geopark!
Planning a visit to the seven colored earths requires knowing a few essential details to make the most of your experience. The Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark operates year-round with seasonal hours: October to May from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, and June to September from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Unlike some attractions, the park welcomes visitors on Sundays and public holidays.
What to Bring
Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and mosquito repellent. I recommend carrying local currency for entrance fees. For safety and preservation, visitors must remain on designated pathways and refrain from walking on or collecting samples from the colored earth.
Tickets purchased online are non-refundable and valid for a single entry only. To avoid disappointment, especially during peak season (October-December), I suggest booking in advance. Book now to secure your spot at this extraordinary geological wonder.
After spending a day at the Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark, I can confidently say this natural wonder deserves its place among Mauritius' top attractions. The rainbow-like landscape with its seven distinct colored layers stands as a testament to over 600 million years of geological evolution. Undoubtedly, the self-organizing sand particles create a phenomenon unlike anything else on the island – perhaps even the world.
Our experience extended far beyond the colored dunes themselves. The majestic Chamarel Waterfall left me awestruck with its powerful 100-meter cascade, while meeting the ancient Aldabra tortoises provided an unexpected connection to living creatures that have witnessed over a century of island history. Additionally, sampling locally-grown coffee added a sensory dimension to my visit that complemented the visual splendor.
Though the entrance fee might seem steep at first glance, the value becomes apparent once you witness these natural wonders firsthand. Whether you spend a quick hour or linger for a full morning, the memories and photographs will last much longer. Above all, I recommend visiting early to capture the vibrant colors in optimal lighting and avoid crowds.
Last but not least, remember to respect this delicate ecosystem by staying on designated paths. The seven colored earths have taken millions of years to form, and preserving them ensures future generations can marvel at this geological masterpiece. All things considered, my journey to Chamarel ranks among my most treasured Mauritius experiences – a perfect blend of natural beauty, scientific wonder, and cultural heritage that no visitor to the island should miss.
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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