Exploring Chamarel Waterfall and the Seven Coloured Earths
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Chapter 1: Journey to Chamarel
During our two-month adventure in Mauritius, one of the standout excursions was our trip to Chamarel. This fascinating geopark is located near Black River Gorges National Park, approximately 28 kilometers from Flic en Flac and 45 kilometers from Port Louis. Named after the nearby village, Chamarel derives its name from Charles Antoine de Chazal de Chamarel, a Frenchman who owned the land in the early 19th century.
We made our way to Chamarel in about an hour from Mahebourg, taking the scenic mountain route B103. Before entering the park, we detoured to an observation deck, where we were treated to breathtaking views of the Morne and Île aux Benitiers set against the vibrant turquoise lagoon.
Section 1.1: Arrival at Chamarel Geopark
The road leading to Chamarel Geopark begins at the village center, opposite the Church of Saint Anne, and is flanked by lovely restaurants and upscale hotels, such as Lakaz Chamarel Exclusive Lodge. Upon arriving at the park entrance, we each purchased tickets for 550 MUR as foreign visitors, while locals paid 250 MUR.
Chapter 2: The Chamarel Waterfall
After passing a charming lodge located within the park, we soon reached our first significant sight: the Chamarel Waterfall. Plummeting 95 meters into a jungle-covered sinkhole, this waterfall is the highest in Mauritius and arguably the most spectacular. We viewed it from two observation decks: one near the parking area and another reachable via a short five-minute hike. The scenery was absolutely stunning; unfortunately, drones were not permitted for aerial shots.
The video showcases the majestic Chamarel Waterfall, allowing viewers to appreciate its beauty and the surrounding landscape.
Section 2.1: The Seven Coloured Earths
Next, we explored the park's main attraction: the Seven Coloured Earths. Nestled within lush vegetation, this site features unique mounds of earth displaying seven different reddish-brown hues that vary based on the sediment's composition. A pathway runs along half of the area, providing various angles for a picturesque view.
Subsection 2.1.1: Wildlife Encounters
In addition to the geological wonders, the park also has a pen housing giant tortoises. While some were enjoying mud baths, a particularly large male was seen pursuing the females, climbing onto their backs and making quite a ruckus as they tried to escape his advances.
This video highlights the various activities to do in Chamarel, including a closer look at the Seven Coloured Earths and the unique wildlife present.
Section 2.2: Dining and Activities
An upscale café overlooking the site offered a variety of treats, including Minimelts—ice cream reputedly made at an extremely low temperature of -35 degrees Celsius. Intrigued, I decided to try a small cup, which cost 250 MUR. While it was an interesting experience, I would still prefer traditional ice cream any day.
The Chamarel area also features an adventure park and an ebony forest. We considered hiking to the Piton du Canot summit, but were deterred by the additional 350 MUR fee. Given the abundance of beautiful hiking trails available throughout Mauritius for free, we opted to explore elsewhere.