Seven Coloured EarthsAbout Seven Coloured Earths
The Seven Coloured Earths is a geological attraction near Chamarel in the Savanne District of Mauritius, famous for small sand dunes displaying distinct bands of color. The sands formed from the weathering of volcanic rock and show clear layering of different iron and aluminium compounds.
A fenced viewing platform and a short walkway give visitors close views of the layered sands without allowing direct access to the dunes. The site is compact and commonly visited together with the nearby Chamarel Waterfall and other attractions in southwestern Mauritius.
The colored sands result from differential weathering and mineral composition rather than painted or artificial treatment. Management measures keep the area stabilized and limit visitor impact while providing interpretive signage.
The site lies in the southwestern interior of Mauritius near the village of Chamarel, within the Savanne District and close to Black River Gorges National Park and other western highland attractions.
- Best viewing conditions: Colours are most vivid in bright, direct sunlight, so midday visits on clear days give the strongest visual contrast.
- Visitor access: The site is fenced and accessed by a short walk and viewing platform to protect the fragile dunes from trampling.
What to See#
- Viewing area: A fenced viewing platform and short boardwalk overlook the exposed dunes of multi-hued volcanic sands; the site is small and visitors view the color banding from designated paths.
- Nearby waterfall: Chamarel Waterfall lies nearby and is often visited on the same excursion; both sites are within the same southwestern part of the island and are served by local visitor facilities.
Nearby Attractions to Seven Coloured Earths
Best Time to Visit Seven Coloured Earths
A geological curiosity near Chamarel - small sand dunes of distinct bands of colour formed from weathered volcanic rock.
Weather & Climate near Seven Coloured Earths
Seven Coloured Earths'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 (1689 mm/year), wettest in February.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 241 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.2 m/s | 3.0 extreme | 13.1h |
| February | Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 264 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 2.5 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.7h |
| March | Very Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 220 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.7 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.1h |
| April | Very Good | 21° - 27° | 24° | 198 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.5h |
| May | Very Good | 19° - 25° | 22° | 138 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.5 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.0h |
| June | Excellent | 18° - 24° | 21° | 86 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 3.3 m/s | 1.2 high | 10.8h |
| July | Very Good | 17° - 23° | 20° | 92 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 4.2 m/s | 1.2 high | 10.9h |
| August | Excellent | 17° - 22° | 20° | 89 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 4.0 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.3h |
| September | Excellent | 17° - 23° | 20° | 58 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 3.2 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.9h |
| October | Excellent | 18° - 24° | 21° | 59 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 3.2 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.4h |
| November | Excellent | 19° - 26° | 23° | 77 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 3.8 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 13.0h |
| December | Very Good | 21° - 27° | 24° | 167 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.7 m/s | 2.9 extreme | 13.2h |
How to Get to Seven Coloured Earths
Drive from Port Louis or from the coastal towns; Chamarel is approximately 1.5-2 hours from Port Louis by car along the A3 and local roads. Local tour operators include the site in southern Mauritian itineraries.
Tips for Visiting Seven Coloured Earths
- Go at sunrise or late afternoon to reduce glare on the dunes and get richer shadows for photographs.
- Visit immediately after a shower - colours darken with moisture and the dunes take on deeper tones.
- Combine the visit with Chamarel Waterfall and the nearby rum distillery for a fuller half-day trip.