Is there more to Mauritius than just beaches?

Most visitors make a beeline for the beach...

Heather
Heather
Travel Writer
Published on
13 Nov 2017
Updated on
28 Apr 2025
Chamarel Waterfall 3

Most visitors to Mauritius make a beeline for the beach, yet hidden away in the lush interior is a world that I think is even more stunning. The Chamarel Valley and Black River Gorges National Park in the southwest of the island in particular reminded me of Jurassic Park. The ancient forest foliage is alive with wildlife and waterfalls, and I half expected a dinosaur to come trundling down one of the jungle trails.

Chamarel Waterfall
Chamarel Waterfall

I spent a blissful couple of days exploring the area from Lakaz Chamarel, a tropical garden eco-lodge nestled beneath the iconic Chamarel mountains.

Lakaz Chamarel
Lakaz Chamarel

The suites were designed to echo the ethnic diversity of the island, with furnishings from Africa, India and even China. It was however the open air bathroom that did it for me. There’s nothing more rejuvenating than showering underneath a starry sky, or being visited by exotic birds as you wash the shampoo out of your eyes.

Lakaz Chamarel Bedroom
Lakaz Chamarel Bedroom

So what is there to do in the area?

Chamarel Waterfall

Having a glimpse into this little lost world was a privilege I’ll never forget, and I now understand why Chamarel Waterfall is one of the top sights in Mauritius. Cascading 83 metres over the edge of a cliff into a steamy forest plunge pool, this surely has to be the perfect waterfall.

Chamarel Waterfall Photographer
Chamarel Waterfall

7 Coloured Earth

You don’t need to be a geologist to appreciate this bizarre but beautiful natural site, with its mesmerising layers of rainbow coloured sand glinting in the sun. The best way to understand the science behind the colours is to go and see it for yourself!

Coloured Earth
Coloured Earth Mauritius

Black River Gorges National Park

There are several hiking trails in the national park. Some take in precipitous peaks whilst others focus on viewpoints and ice cream vans. Both have their merits. The intense heat doesn’t seem to abate with height, so make sure you take plenty of water, and keep an eye out for monkeys. They have a penchant for picnics!

Black River Gorges National Park
Black River Gorges National Park

Rhumerie de Chamarel

I’m not much of a drinker, but when there’s a tour involving rum then I’ll be the one at the front of the queue. Especially when the distillery in question is hidden away in a lush tropical valley. The tasting tour at the Rhumerie was great fun, helped in no small measure by the numerous samples we were allowed to try. It was fascinating as well as tasty. Did you know that rum is made from sugar cane?

Rhumerie De Chamarel
Rhumerie De Charmarel

If you really need to have your beach fix, it’s only a 15 minute drive to Le Morne and Baie du Cap. Just don’t forget your suncream!

Le Morne
Le Morne, Mauritius

Speak to a Mauritius expert today

and start planning your tailor-made vacation

Call 888 445-2912
or
Ruth headshot

Ruth

Mauritius Expert

Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

Sep 17, 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

Jul 31, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

Jul 3, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

Jun 28, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

Jun 5, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

Jun 5, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

Jun 5, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

Jun 5, 2024