The exceptional site of Chamarel and the land of the 7 colours

Mauritius is a destination known for its beautiful beaches, exceptional flora and fauna, and fascinating culture. Every year, thousands of tourists come to Mauritius in search of a change of scenery in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Due to its volcanic origins, Mauritius has geological features as surprising as they are dazzling. The land of the 7 colors of Chamarel is naturally one of them. Let's go and discover this magnificent natural heritage of the island.

Situated between the Pointe du Morne and Rivière Noire in the south-west of the island, the small village of Chamarel is nestled at 283 metres above sea level. It can be reached via a panoramic road that runs along the fields and winds through the island's tropical forest. This typical village is the access point to discover the land of seven colors. 
When you arrive in the land of seven colors, discover this open clearing with its different colors of volcanic origin. Discovered in 1879, it has become a must-see site since the mass tourism on the island in the 1960s. It is a real treasure that you cannot miss during your stay in Mauritius. 

We also recommend you to make little diversions from the land of 7 colors to go and admire the magnificent Chamarel waterfall. With a height of 83 meters, it is one of the highest on the island.

>>> Our villas in Le Morne

>>> The unmissable visit of the Labourdonnais estate  

 

Between 1.7 and 3 million years ago, the island's high temperatures and humid climate resulted in the formation of lava flow basalts and clay gullies. As the years passed, the decomposition of the latter left deposits of iron and aluminum oxides. The iron oxide has given the sand colors ranging from red to brown, and the aluminum oxide has left shades of blue to purple, which explains the different colors on site. 

This site has many shades of color on the 15-meter high dunes blend without ever mixing, even after a storm or torrential rain. It is because the iron and aluminum particles have sandy bands that repel each other. This natural and cultural site of unparalleled beauty is now protected, and it is no longer possible to walk directly on the sand.  To protect the site without interfering with the beauty of the landscape or the colours of the dunes, the clearing is visited behind wooden fences.

The Chamarel site also offers a restaurant, a souvenir shop, and a park with giant tortoises that will delight children.

>>>Our villas in the South West of Mauritius