Where we stayed: Le Méridien, Mauritius
Travel style: Self-drive day trip, family adventure
Weather: Wet, wild, and unforgettable!

Getting There: From Le Méridien to Chamarel

We started the day full of excitement, setting out from our base at Le Méridien in the north of Mauritius. Our destination was Chamarel, a village in the southwest, famous for its natural wonders. The drive is around 70 kilometers and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. We hired a car for the entire duration of our stay, and I have to say—driving in Mauritius is a pleasure. Roads are well-maintained, signage is good, and the scenery only gets better as you leave the bustling coastal towns and wind through lush green hills and sugarcane fields.

Despite the grey skies and the rain forecast, we were hopeful for a day of exploring nature’s magic.

First Stop: Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth

Our first destination was the Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel—one of Mauritius’ most iconic sights.
As soon as you enter the reserve, you realize this isn’t your usual “rock garden.” Spanning a small valley, these sand dunes are naturally tinted in distinct shades—red, brown, violet, blue, green, and yellow. The effect is even more striking after rain, as the colors look richer and almost seem to change as the clouds pass overhead.

How did these colors form?
Millions of years ago, volcanic eruptions and subsequent cooling created layers of basaltic lava rich in minerals. Over time, the weathering process separated the iron and aluminum oxides, resulting in different colored sands that don’t mix, even if you scoop them together. It’s a real geological curiosity!

What can you do there?

  • Walk along the viewing platforms for the best photo angles.
  • See giant tortoises in a nearby enclosure—great for kids.
  • Enjoy a coffee or snack at the café while looking out over the dunes.

We’d planned to take a longer walk and maybe explore more of the gardens, but the rain had other ideas. Still, just watching the shifting colors in the drizzle felt like a scene from another planet.

Chamarel Waterfall (Cascade Chamarel): Mauritius’ Highest Falls

Next, we made our way to the nearby Chamarel Waterfall, the tallest in Mauritius at nearly 100 meters high.
There are a couple of viewpoints just a short walk from the car park, and even in pouring rain, the falls are dramatic—especially with water thundering down after a fresh downpour.
The air here smells of wet earth and rainforest, and you can hear birds even over the roar of the water.

About the walk:
Usually, you can do a short walk to get closer to the falls, and there are some trails for the more adventurous. On a dry day, it’s perfect for family photos, nature spotting, and even a quick picnic.
But with the rain absolutely pouring, we found ourselves sheltering under trees, then dashing back to the car.
We missed out on hiking further into Black River Gorges National Park—two hours of “raining cats and dogs” made it impossible to do any of the longer walks or the adventure activities at Adventure Valley.

Pro tip: If you get a dry window, take it! The view of the falls with the mist rising from below is magical.

A Change of Plans: Mon Choisy Beach

After our wet adventure in the south, we decided to head back towards the north, hoping for a break in the weather. Our last stop was Mon Choisy Beach, one of Mauritius’ most beloved public beaches, just a short drive from Le Méridien.

What a contrast! Even with the sky still a bit cloudy, Mon Choisy was calm and inviting. The beach is famous for its long, gentle curve of white sand and turquoise waters. What really stood out to us was how clean and well-kept it is, despite being a public beach—there were families, locals playing football, couples strolling, and kids splashing in the shallow water.

We spent a peaceful hour here, letting our daughter play in the sand while we enjoyed the warm, gentle breeze. There are trees for shade, snack stalls for a quick bite, and plenty of space for everyone.

Reflections and Recommendations

Even though the weather didn’t go as planned, the day was full of unique moments. Sometimes, nature decides the itinerary—and that’s what makes travel so memorable!

Pro Tips for This Trip:

  • Check the forecast, but go anyway: The colors at Chamarel are different in sun and rain—both are beautiful!
  • Carry umbrellas and rain jackets: The weather in the highlands is unpredictable, especially in the wet season.
  • Driving is easy: Hiring a car gives you the flexibility to adjust your plans and discover hidden corners.
  • Keep snacks and water handy: Rain delays can throw off your meal schedule, especially with kids.
  • Bring a change of clothes: Especially for kids, after a wet day at the falls or a swim at Mon Choisy.
  • At Mon Choisy Beach: Arrive in the late afternoon for fewer crowds and a lovely sunset if the weather clears up.

If you’re visiting Mauritius, don’t let a little rain stop you from exploring. Whether you’re chasing rainbows in Chamarel, marveling at waterfalls, or relaxing on a public beach, every day here has a story to tell.