Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark
A unique geological phenomenon: volcanic clay dunes in seven ochre, red and violet hues that never mix. The geopark also hosts giant tortoises and the Chamarel waterfall lookout.
Tip: Colours are most vivid early morning or after rain; the ticket includes the waterfall lookout.
360° view
Drag to look around. Google Maps imagery, loaded only if you click.
What you actually see
The Seven Coloured Earth is a patch of bare volcanic soil streaked with red, brown, violet, ochre and bluish bands. According to the geopark, the colours come from basaltic lava that cooled at different rates, leaving iron and aluminium oxides behind. It was first documented in 1879.
You view the dunes from a wooden boardwalk that loops around them; walking on the earth itself is not allowed. The same ticket covers the Aldabra giant tortoise enclosure, the Chamarel Waterfall viewpoints and the area around the 16-hectare coffee plantation, billed as the only one in Mauritius.
Ticket prices and opening hours
Non-resident adult: Rs 800; child aged 5 to 11: Rs 400; under-5s free. Residents pay Rs 400 and Rs 200 (checked October 2026). One ticket covers both the coloured earth and the waterfall, so there is nothing extra to buy.
The park opens at 8.30am. From October to May it closes at 5.30pm, with last tickets sold at 5pm; from June to September it closes at 5pm. Hours can change, so check the official website before you set off.
Getting there and getting around
The geopark sits on 7 Coloured Earth Road, south of Chamarel village in the south-west highlands. As a rough guide, allow 40 minutes by car from Flic en Flac, about 1 hour 15 from Port Louis and close to 2 hours from Grand Baie, the last stretch on a winding mountain road.
From the entrance gate a 3 km road runs through the estate to the dunes. There are two car parks, one by the waterfall viewpoint and one by the dunes, so most visitors stop at the waterfall first. Keen walkers can do the whole thing on foot, about 6 km return.
Best time and how long to stay
The park suggests 45 minutes to 2 hours. Arriving at opening time gets you softer light and quieter boardwalks before the coach tours arrive around midday.
The colours look richer after a shower. Chamarel is cooler and wetter than the coast, so bring a light jacket or rain layer, especially in the southern summer.
Practical tips and nearby stops
Paths inside the park are made of basalt stones, which makes things hard going with a wheelchair or pushchair. The Viewpoint Café is there if you need a break.
It pairs easily with the Chamarel Rum Distillery, Ebony Forest (on the same road), Curious Mauritius and, on the way back down to the coast, Le Morne Public Beach.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the entrance fee for the Seven Coloured Earth?
Rs 800 for a non-resident adult and Rs 400 for a child aged 5 to 11; under-5s go free. The ticket includes Chamarel Waterfall and the giant tortoises.
Is Chamarel Waterfall included in the Seven Coloured Earth ticket?
Yes. The waterfall and the coloured dunes are in the same geopark and one ticket covers both, with a car park near each.
How long do you need at the Seven Coloured Earth?
The geopark recommends 45 minutes to 2 hours including the waterfall. Allow more if you walk the 3 km road instead of driving.
What are the opening hours?
Daily from 8.30am. Closing is 5.30pm from October to May (last tickets 5pm) and 5pm from June to September.
