Frequently asked questions
Visit of Geopark
October to May: 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. (Last ticket purchase at 5 p.m., Geopark closes at 5.30 p.m.)
June to September: 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m
Yes, we are open during Sundays and public holidays
Only Mauritian Rupees (MUR) in cash, debit/credit cards (excluding Diners Club), or mobile payment methods (available in Mauritius) such as Juice by MCB, Pop, and Blink are accepted for payments at Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth (ticketing, coffee shop, souvenir shop). No foreign currencies in cash are accepted.
No split payment is accepted for entry ticket sales. Payment must be made in a single transaction, either in cash or by card.
The Coffee Shop and Souvenir Shop are open everyday as from 09:30 to 17:00.
No, we do not offer guided visits.
The entrance tickets can be purchased on the spot at the main entrance or via our website and online platforms.
Resident rates:
- Adult: Rs 350
- Child (5-12 years old): Rs 175
Please note that an ID card or residence permit will need to be presented at the gate for residents who purchase their tickets online.
Non-resident rates:
- Adult: Rs 750
- Child (5-12 years): Rs 375
Free of charge for children under 5 years old.
Access to the two viewpoints of Chamarel Waterfall, visit of Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark and the tortoise park. We also have a Coffee Shop and Souvenir Shop at the Geopark.
Access to Ebony Forest and Lavilleon is not included in the Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth entrance ticket. Entrance tickets for Ebony Forest and Lavilleon should be purchased at their respective outlets.
No, tickets are non-transferable, non-refundable, and valid for a single entry only.
Minimum of 45 mins and maximum of 2 hours.
The distance between the entrance and geopark is 3 kms. It is a self-guided tour which can take one hour. You may use your own means of transport or explore the area by foot.
Minibuses, cars, scooters, motorcycles, bicycles and taxis are allowed.
Unfortunately, due to the size of the road and its topography, 60 seaters (8 metres) buses are not allowed.
There are two parking spots; near Chamarel Waterfall viewpoint and Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark.
Comfortable walking shoes and clothes. A light jacket or umbrella can be useful during rainy seasons.
We are committed to creating sustainable value. We promote sustainability through different actions at the park, namely practicing waste sorting and cultivating endemic flora. We are currently working towards obtaining sustainable certification to support our endeavors.
There is no time limit. You can visit the park at leisure during the opening hours.
Children must always be supervised by an adult during their visit to ensure their safety.
Photography and videography for personal use are permitted. However, any commercial photo shoots or the use of drones require prior approval. Drone use is not allowed. Please contact us before your visit to obtain the necessary authorization for commercial shoots or drone usage.
- Picnics
- Visits with domestic pets
- Removal of plants
Reporting vandalism or improper behavior
We encourage you to dispose of your waste in the designated bins. If you witness vandalism or any inappropriate behavior, please inform a staff member immediately.
Accessibility
Currently, the paths within the Geopark are made of basalt rocks, which may pose challenges for visitors with reduced mobility. However, we are actively working on renovating the site to enhance accessibility and provide a more inclusive experience for all our visitors.
Food and beverage outlets
Snacks and light lunch like sandwiches, baguettes, paninis are available at the Coffee Shop. We also have Le Chamarel Restaurant nearby with its premium creole cuisine.
The entrance ticket must be purchased as the Souvenir Shop and Coffee Shop are found inside the Geopark
Picnics are prohibited. Food and beverages are sold at the Coffee Shop.
Geology
The 7 Coloured Earth covers an area of 7,500m².
Mauritius is a volcanic island. Soil erosion left behind deposits of iron and aluminium oxide which are responsible for the red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow colours that you see at Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth today.
Yes, it is a unique phenomenon and preserved in its natural state.
Tortoise Park
We have Aldabra giant tortoises and they are the largest tortoise species in the world.
Visitors are not allowed to feed the tortoises. Feeding is done is by our team in the morning.
The Aldabra tortoises are endemic to Seychelles, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean.
Tortoises drink through their nose so they can drink from shallow puddles and they also obtain water from their vegetation.
They will eat most fast-growing plants. Main diet is grass, leaves (fallen and fresh), flowers, fruits (not vegetables).
They do not eat woody plant stems.
Chamarel Waterfall
The entrance ticket does not include waterfall hiking. It is strictly prohibited to go down the waterfall on your own.
We recommend that you contact Eco Explorers should you wish to go hiking down the waterfall. They are hiking professionals and will ensure your safety.
For booking and more information, please visit: https://explorersmauritius.com/
Coffee Plantation
The plantation extends over 16 hectares
Chamarel is the only region where coffee plantations can be found because of its climate and the quality of the soil which are appropriate for coffee plantations.
Chamarel Coffee is made from pure Arabica coffee beans. The Coffea arabica, originated in the highlands of Ethiopia and is one of the most popular coffee varieties in the world.
We have only the coffee plantations in Chamarel. The coffee processing is done at Case Noyale, a small village some kilometers away due to its dry climate.
History
The Geopark is open to the public since the late 1960’s. Discovered in 1879, the site is today a must-see tourist attraction.
Chamarel name relates to Toussaint-Antoine and Charles-Antoine de Chazal de Chamarel; two French brothers who were granted a concession of land in Chamarel in 1786, known as ‘Le Nuage’. Charles-Antoine tried to develop the land with Sugarcane, Cotton and Indigo until 1815 when he left Mauritius.
The park is owned by Case Noyale Ltée. and managed by Cap d’Abondance Ltd; both companies are subsidiaries of Rogers Group.
Other facilites
Taxi facilities are not available inside the Geopark.
Visitors can have access to Wi-Fi services at the Geopark.
We do not organise events but you can contact our other leisure outlets; Le Chamarel restaurant and Bel Ombre Nature Reserve for events.