Introduction
Nestled in the southwest of Mauritius, Chamarel is a charming village renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. This guide covers everything from its history to the best places to stay, and all you need to know for an unforgettable visit.
Undoubtedly the tallest single-drop waterfall in Mauritius at about 100m high, the Chamarel Waterfall is a striking piece of nature standing amid dense vegetation. Fed by the waters of three distinct streams pouring into Saint Denis River, it has a powerful rush with a peak flow rate in excess of 40,000 m³ per minute. Overhanging the ledge of a basalt cliff, the Chamarel Waterfall splashes into an oval pool before flowing down a 6km tropical-forest-fringed canyon to Baie du Cap. The sight not only floods the senses with freshness but it is also a spectacular showcase of millions of years of volcanic activity. The dramatic landscape if formed by lavas of two different ages. The layer of brecciated basalt near the base dates from between 10 to 8 million years ago, on top of which lies a second layer from the intermediate period between 3.5 and 1.7 million years ago.No wonder why the Chamarel Waterfall is ranked among the most sought-after sightseeing spots in Mauritius!
History of Chamarel
Chamarel’s history dates back to the early 18th century when French settlers established sugarcane plantations. The village was named after Charles Antoine de Chazal de Chamarel, who owned much of the land in the area. Over the years, Chamarel has transformed from an agricultural hub into one of Mauritius’s most iconic tourist destinations.
Where to Go in Chamarel
Seven Colored Earths
One of Chamarel’s most famous attractions, the Seven Colored Earths, is a geological formation that mesmerizes with its vibrant hues of red, brown, violet, blue, green, and yellow. These sand dunes are a must-visit for their unique and picturesque beauty.
Chamarel Waterfall
Standing at 100 meters, Chamarel Waterfall is the tallest in Mauritius and offers a breathtaking view. The falls are surrounded by lush greenery, making it a perfect spot for photography and nature walks.
Black River Gorges National Park
A short drive from Chamarel, this national park is ideal for hiking and exploring Mauritius’s diverse flora and fauna. The park offers several trails with varying difficulty levels, catering to both casual walkers and avid hikers.
Rhumerie de Chamarel
For a taste of local culture, visit Rhumerie de Chamarel. This rum distillery provides guided tours that showcase the rum-making process, from sugarcane harvesting to bottling. The tour ends with a tasting session of their premium rums.
Places to Stay
Luxurious Resorts
- Lakaz Chamarel Exclusive Lodge: A boutique eco-lodge offering luxury accommodations with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
- Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort: Located a short drive from Chamarel, this resort offers world-class amenities, including a golf course and wellness center.
Budget-Friendly Options
- Le Morne Guest House: A charming and affordable guest house with comfortable rooms and friendly service.
- Mountain View Apartments: Perfect for families or groups, these self-catering apartments offer a home-away-from-home experience.
Why Chamarel is Known
Chamarel is known for its unique natural attractions, particularly the Seven Colored Earths and Chamarel Waterfall. The village’s serene environment, combined with its rich history and vibrant culture, makes it a sought-after destination for tourists seeking both adventure and relaxation.
Tourism in Chamarel
Tourism in Chamarel has been steadily growing, thanks to its unique attractions and well-preserved natural beauty. The village offers various activities, including hiking, sightseeing, and cultural tours, catering to a wide range of interests. The local government and businesses have made concerted efforts to promote sustainable tourism, ensuring that Chamarel’s natural and cultural heritage is preserved for future generations.
Map of Chamarel
[Insert a detailed map highlighting the main attractions and key locations in Chamarel, including the Seven Colored Earths, Chamarel Waterfall, Black River Gorges National Park, and Rhumerie de Chamarel.]
Food in Chamarel
Mauritian cuisine is a delightful blend of African, French, Indian, and Chinese influences. In Chamarel, you can savor local dishes like:
- Dholl Puri: A type of flatbread filled with yellow split peas, served with curry and pickles.
- Rougaille: A Creole dish made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices, often accompanied by seafood or meat.
- Gateaux Piments: Spicy lentil fritters that make for a perfect snack.
Local restaurants, such as Le Palais de Barbizon and Chez Ruben, offer authentic Mauritian dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Weather in Chamarel
Chamarel enjoys a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. The summer months (November to April) can be hot and humid, with occasional rainfall. The winter months (May to October) are cooler and drier, making it an ideal time to visit. Average temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) in winter to 28°C (82°F) in summer.
One of the notable places of interest is the coloured Earth, which is about 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) to the south west of the town. Coloured Earths is a phenomenon resulting from colour variations due to cooling of molten rock. The lave formations are estimated to be of 3.5 to 7 million years in age. These are heaps of exposed Earth’s crust which show up in seven colours when sunlight falls on them. Viewing them in the morning hours when sunlight and the dew mingle bring out the best of its colours. A closer view is better than the views from the timber platforms and walkways erected for the purpose. The colour earth phenomenon is located downstream of the water fall on the Black River valley where the land is barren and plain which measures about 7–8 acres (2.8–3.2 ha) with hardly any vegetation. It gives the appearance of furrows in rows, as colors are observed in horizontal ridges known as “Les Cotes de Melon” (“The Melon’s Slices”). An examination of the ground condition where the colours of different shades, varying from “yellow and yellowish brown to bright red, purple, and coal black” indicates about forty hues. The samples collected from this area have been subject to chemical analysis which reveal that the formation consists of cohesive formation of ferruginous clays without any organic matter, and devoid or with least presence of any principal elements of soil fertility. There is hardly any nitrogen but traces of lime, potash and phosphoric acid have been noted. However, the dominant percentage is of iron and alumina.
Another interesting place to see is the Chamarel waterfall on the River du Cap. This is 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) from the entrance gate of the town. The water falls by 95 metres (312 ft) (100 metres (330 ft) is also mentioned. along a vertical cliff. Abseiling from the top of the fall is a water sport that can be organised upon request to some professionals service providers. Abseiling is done from the location where the fall begins and ends at the water pond down below, which is in an oval shape. The spray of the fall rises to half the height of the fall. Approach to the falls is stiff and slippery.
One more place of interest in Chamarel is the Rhume, a distillery located in the plantations in the hills of Chamarel. The distillery, based on sugarcane, also has a museum where the process of manufacturing rum is displayed and narrated. It was established by the owner of Beachcomber hotel in 2008 and is known for the eco-friendly manufacturing process in which all byproducts are reused. The rum is said to have a good flavour and can be tasted at the L’Alchimiste restaurant at the site.
The village church is the Chapel of St. Anne. Every year on 15 August, a pilgrimage, the Catholic Feast of Assumption, is held here when a fair is organized, funds collected and people served with the “Curry number two”, a delicacy; the number two suffix to the name of the cuisine is attributed to monkey which takes second precedence in evolution.
Popular adventure sports activities in the village are mountain biking, and horse back riding in a riding school. There is also an adventure park in the forest which provides for activities such as crossing Zip-lines, mini suspension bridges, and rope ways. In addition, the newly restored Ebony Forest Chamarel is located near to the Coloured Earths and this conservation area is now open to visitors.
Conclusion
Chamarel, with its stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, is a gem waiting to be explored. Whether you’re hiking through lush forests, marveling at the Seven Colored Earths, or savoring local cuisine, this charming village offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler. Plan your trip to Chamarel and discover the unique beauty of this Mauritian paradise.