The Seven Coloured Earth of Chamarel

A Natural Phenomenon

The unique coloured sands of Chamarel are located in the southwest of Mauritius. The undulating layers of blue, green, red and yellow sands are said to be a natural phenomenon caused by the erosion of volcanic ash. It is said that the shades are quite subtle, and therefore best viewed from a little distance to enhance the contrast in colours.

The Seven Coloured Earth of Chamarel  – in details

The Seven Coloured Earth of Chamarel (known locally as Terres des Sept Couleurs) is a unique and prominent geological formation and one of the most famous natural attractions in Mauritius.

Located within the Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark in the southwestern part of the island, this site presents a surreal, undulating landscape of exposed earth featuring seven distinct colors: red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow.

Key Facts and Features

1. The Geological Phenomenon

The colours are a result of a fascinating natural process that began millions of years ago:

• Volcanic Origin: The formation is derived from the decomposition of volcanic rock (basalt) that cooled at different external temperatures.
• Weathering: Over time, the humid, tropical climate caused the basalt to intensely weather and turn into a clay-rich soil (ferralitic soil). All water-soluble elements, such as silicon dioxide, were washed out.
• Mineral Oxides: What remains is a high concentration of iron and aluminum oxides—elements that are naturally resistant to erosion.
  • Iron Oxide is responsible for the reddish to brown hues.
  • Aluminum Oxide creates the blue to purplish tints.
• The Separation: The most remarkable feature is that if you mix the different colors of sand together, they will spontaneously settle back into distinct layers due to the natural repellent properties of the different metal oxides.

2. The Site and Visitor Experience

The Seven Coloured Earth is situated in a relatively small, fenced-off area, which protects the fragile dunes. Visitors can observe the phenomenon from dedicated viewing platforms and a boardwalk that provides a 360° panoramic view.

The Geopark entrance fee typically grants access to other nearby attractions, making it a popular half-day excursion:

• Chamarel Waterfall: This is the tallest single-drop waterfall in Mauritius, plunging over 100 meters down a cliff face into an oval pool. Viewpoints for the falls are located within the Geopark grounds.
• Giant Tortoises: The Geopark is also home to a small enclosure featuring several Aldabra Giant Tortoises, adding a wildlife encounter to the visit.
• Other Activities: The surrounding area is famous for the Rhumerie de Chamarel (rum distillery) and the nearby Black River Gorges National Park viewpoints, which are often combined in a single sightseeing tour.

Tip: The colours are most vibrant and distinct under direct sunlight, so visiting on a clear, sunny day is recommended for the best experience.