High in the hills above the south-west coast, the village of Chamarel hides one of the strangest landscapes in the Indian Ocean. At the Seven Coloured Earth Geopark, a patch of bare, rolling ground shows bands of red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow, the result of volcanic basalt weathering into clays rich in iron and aluminium. The colours are clearest in low, slanting sun, and the dunes are protected behind a wooden fence with viewing platforms around the edge. The same park also takes in the Chamarel Waterfall, often described as the tallest single-drop waterfall on the island, which plunges from the plateau into a deep green gorge below a roadside viewpoint, and a small park of giant Aldabra tortoises that children love. This page links to the Entrance Ticket for Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark on Viator, with around 450 reviews and a rating of about 4.0; one ticket covers all three areas. Because Chamarel is only a short drive from Le Morne, Black River Gorges and the rum distillery at Chamarel, it slots easily into a south-west touring day. Most visitors spend 45 minutes to two hours here, then carry on to lunch in the village.
How it works: you can buy the ticket in advance or at the gate, and one entrance fee covers the coloured earth, the waterfall viewpoint and the tortoise park. You drive in and move between the areas by car, bike or scooter, as the park is spread out. There is a coffee shop and a restaurant on site, and picnics are not allowed. Many organised south-west tours include a stop here, but check whether their price includes the entry fee.
What you see: the coloured dunes are the star, viewed from a fenced boardwalk; the colours are subtle in harsh midday light and richer in the morning or late afternoon. The waterfall viewpoint looks across the gorge to a thin ribbon of water dropping from the forest, best after rain. The tortoises wander in a shaded enclosure where you can see them up close.
Making the most of it: arrive early to avoid the tour buses, bring a light jacket as the plateau is cooler than the coast, and combine the visit with the scenic road down to Le Morne or up to the Black River Gorges viewpoint. Allow time for photos and keep expectations realistic: this is a small site with a big reputation.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit to the fenced coloured dunes, the Chamarel Waterfall viewpoint and the giant tortoise enclosure, moving between them by car.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon light shows the colours best and avoids the midday tour buses; the waterfall is fullest after rain.
How long
Between 45 minutes and two hours, depending on how long you linger at each area.
Tips
Check whether your tour includes the entry fee, bring a light layer for the cooler plateau, and eat at the on-site restaurant as picnics are not allowed.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone touring the south-west who wants the island’s most famous natural curiosity.
- Families
- Children enjoy the giant tortoises and the waterfall as much as the coloured sands, and the visit is short and easy.
- Couples
- Pair it with a scenic drive and a long lunch in Chamarel village for a relaxed day in the hills.
- Pair with
- The Le Morne hike in the morning or the Black River Gorges viewpoint on the road back north.
- Time needed
- An hour or two here as part of a half-day or full-day south-west loop.
Good questions
What is included in the Chamarel Geopark ticket?+
One entrance fee covers the Seven Coloured Earth dunes, the Chamarel Waterfall viewpoint and the tortoise park. You can buy it online or at the gate.
Why are the sands at Chamarel different colours?+
The dunes are volcanic basalt that has weathered into clays rich in different minerals. The bands show shades from red and brown to violet and blue.
Can you walk on the coloured earth?+
No, the dunes are protected by a fence and seen from viewing platforms. This keeps the colours from being mixed.
How long should I spend at Chamarel?+
Plan for 45 minutes to two hours. Many visitors combine it with Le Morne or Black River Gorges the same day.
Can I bring a picnic?+
No, picnics are not allowed in the park. There is a coffee shop and a restaurant on site.
