There’s a winding road in the southwest of Mauritius that feels like it’s guiding you somewhere special. Past sleepy villages and forests thick with green, it finally reveals the surreal wonder of Chamarel GeoPark — a place where colors rise from the earth and waterfalls carve their way through volcanic cliffs.
Two icons anchor this dreamlike landscape: the 7 Colored Earth and the Chamarel Waterfall. If Mauritius is a poem, this is the stanza that lingers.
The Chamarel 7 Colored Earth: Where the Ground Tells Stories
Tucked in the forest, behind wooden fences and tall ferns, lies the Chamarel 7 Colored Earth — a series of natural sand dunes layered with vivid hues. Burnt red, deep purple, rust orange, and dusky blue all blend together like melted crayons. It’s not a painted illusion, though it surely feels like one.
Geologists point to centuries of volcanic ash cooling at different temperatures, combined with mineral-rich soil — especially aluminum and iron — that refuse to mix. The result? Waves of color that shift slightly depending on the light, the hour, even the mood of the sky.
It’s one of those places you look at, then look again, not quite trusting your eyes. The Chamarel 7 Colored Earth doesn’t need filters or fancy edits. It just exists — pure, raw, and unrepeatable.
Chamarel Waterfall: A Pulse From the Island’s Heart
A short drive or stroll away, you’ll hear it before you see it — the thunderous plunge of the Chamarel Waterfall. It drops nearly 100 meters into a lush gorge, framed by basalt cliffs and thick jungle. Whether in full rainy-season glory or quiet dry-season grace, the falls carry a rhythm that feels alive.
Some days the Chamarel Waterfall roars, full of energy, mist rising like breath from the forest. Other days, it’s a silver ribbon falling gently into emerald shadows. Either way, it’s spellbinding — the kind of scene you try to capture with a camera but can never quite catch.
You’ll find a viewing deck above the falls that gives you the postcard shot. But if you’re lucky and the trails are open, the walk to the base reveals a whole other world — wild, cool, and humming with bird calls.
A Glimpse Into Past
The village was named after a French landowner, Charles Antoine de Chazal de Chamarel, back in the 18th century. This corner of the island once thrived with sugarcane plantations. Today, the GeoPark celebrates both the raw natural beauty and the quieter echoes of human history — with rum distilleries, Creole-style houses, and the scent of cinnamon in the breeze.
And yet, nature remains the star here. The Chamarel 7 Colored Earth continues to puzzle and enchant. The Chamarel Waterfall keeps falling, unchanged through time, whispering ancient secrets through its spray.
Tips for Visiting the GeoPark
Book the ticket online and come early to see the 7 Colored Earth in soft morning light — that’s when the colors are most vibrant.
Visit the Waterfall after the rains for full dramatic effect — the sound alone is unforgettable.
Don’t skip the tortoise park nearby — the giant Aldabras are slow, curious, and make great company.
Bring walking shoes and a little patience — this is a place best explored slowly.
The Magic Between Color and Water
What makes Chamarel special isn’t just its beauty — it’s the feeling that the land is telling a story. The Chamarel 7 Colored Earth speaks in silent shades. The Chamarel Waterfall speaks in motion and mist. And together, they invite you to pause, to breathe, and to remember how wild and wonderful our world can be.
Whether you’re chasing landscapes, seeking quiet, or simply curious, Chamarel delivers more than a view — it gives you a moment.
