Chamarel Falls
Waterfall Tall scenic waterfall amid lush Mauritian rainforest
A tall cascade near the village of Chamarel on Mauritius, visited for its viewing platforms, rainforest surroundings and proximity to the Seven Coloured Earth geological site.
Chamarel Falls is a prominent waterfall near the village of Chamarel on the southwest side of Mauritius. It is one of the island’s best-known waterfalls and a regular stop on local sightseeing routes.
The falls descend roughly 100 metres into a forested valley; an official viewing platform and car park provide the primary vantage point for most visitors. The waterfall is often paired on itineraries with nearby attractions in the Chamarel area, especially the coloured earth formations.
The falls are a natural cascade formed where rivers drop over resistant rock into a steep valley; they have long been used as a local scenic attraction. Modern visitor infrastructure is limited to the main viewpoint and short walking paths.
Chamarel Falls lies inland from the western coast of Mauritius near the village of Chamarel in the Rivière Noire/Black River region, set within hilly, forested terrain of the island’s southwest.
- Height and viewpoint: The waterfall drops about 100 metres and is best viewed from the roadside platform that provides a clear, elevated view of the cascade.
What to See #
- Viewpoint: Official viewpoint with parking and short walk to viewing platform that overlooks the falls and the surrounding valley.
How to Get to Chamarel Falls #
Chamarel is about a 45-60 minute drive from the island’s major western towns such as Flic-en-Flac or Port Louis. Most visitors go by car or organized tour; road signs near Chamarel village mark the route to the falls and nearby viewpoints.
Tips for Visiting Chamarel Falls #
- Arrive just after sunrise or late afternoon for the best light on the falls and fewer tour buses.
- Combine a visit with the nearby Seven Coloured Earth viewpoint in Chamarel-both are within a short drive of each other.
- Bring a rain jacket: the spray at the base of the falls can soak clothing on windy days.
Best Time to Visit Chamarel Falls #
May-October (dry season) is generally the best time to visit for clearer skies and comfortable conditions; avoid the height of cyclone season.
Weather & Climate near Chamarel Falls #
Chamarel Falls's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and mild winters (coldest in August). Temperatures range from 17°C to 28°C. Abundant rainfall (1694 mm/year), wettest in February.
January
January is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (241 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (265 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (220 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (199 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (139 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (167 mm) and partly cloudy skies.