Chamarel explored !

Looking for something picturesque and authentic? Take a breath of fresh air and nature on a refreshing journey along the upper west coast of Mauritius. Drive along the beautiful winding road through the lush nature and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Morne lagoon and the hinterland of Mauritius. Around this secluded village, there are many places of interest to explore during a 100% Mauritian day, from a warm welcome to traditional cuisine, geological curiosities, waterfalls and the heady aroma of local rhums.

Getting some height

The charming mountain road winds its way through the golden green of the Chamarel forest. Gain altitude to discover these wooded expanses which are part of the Black River Gorges National Park. Caution is required if you drive, with a few hairpin bends. Sometimes monkeys, the local macaques, quickly cross the road. After about ten minutes, park at the viewpoint and let yourself be taken in by the majestic panorama beneath you. The emerald green of the forest gradually fades away and is replaced by the soft green of the sugar cane and the turquoise of the Black River Lagoon and Le Morne. The famous mountain turns towards the white sand of its beautiful public beach.

Right next to the viewpoint, the restaurant Le Chamarel welcomes you for a delicious locally grown coffee. You are now ready for the day’s activities.

Meeting the locals in Chamarel

Peaceful and away from the hustle and bustle, the small village of Chamarel, twenty minutes from the Marguery Villas, seems to be wrapped in a loop. Small houses dot the main street. Park your car and explore the surrounding area on foot. The isolation of the village gives it its authentic character and the inhabitants are welcoming and very friendly. Here the land is plentiful and it often rains. As a result, there are many fruit and vegetable fields along the way.

The village is also home to some artisans and artists; do not hesitate to encourage local handicraft. As a hub of the Rastafari culture, you will surely come across authentic Rastas living in community and who will be very happy to share their way of life with you.

Pleasant Creole cuisine experiences in Chamarel

As the area has become a tourist destination, tables d’hôte and small restaurants have opened, offering local cuisine with spicy accents, without any gastronomic claim but purely Mauritian. Eating there is on the one hand to savour a local cuisine, and on the other hand to contribute to the economic development of this isolated region.

As many fishermen live in the village, the catch of the day will provide you with some nice special treats. Don’t miss out on the chicken or zourite (octopus) curries in season and enjoy the local vegetables the Mauritian way.

The seven coloured earths

Another must-see destination, the Seven Coloured Earths are a unique world geological phenomenon.

The oxidation and the nature of the minerals in this region offer an awesome range of colours. These beautifully undulating earth dunes are no longer directly accessible, but a circular tour enables you to overlook and admire them. You can buy small glass vials containing the famous layered earth as a souvenir.

(https://www.chamarel7colouredearth.com/fr )

 In addition to the coloured earths the place is also home to giant tortoises of the Aldabra type. To get there, follow the outstanding Chamarel waterfall, easily accessible, whose invigorating waters attract bathers in warm weather.

If you are in search of thrills, visit the ‘Parc Aventure Chamarel’ with its forest adventure course and suspended bridges overlooking breathtaking landscapes.

Chamarel Rhumerie, combining tradition and modernity

Chamarel Rhumerie with its old chimney enables you to discover the distillation process of the famous local rhums, some of which are based on pineapples from the surrounding fields. Visitors are shown the secrets of distillation, the different ingredients needed, the ageing process and, above all, can taste (in moderation) the different local rhums during a guided tour 

(https://www.rhumeriedechamarel.com/ ). 

An opportunity to take home a few good bottles as gifts!

Chamarel meets all its promises of a change of scenery and authenticity, for a great day of exploration and exciting activities.