Trou aux Cerfs Volcano

The basics

The crater’s main draw is its views and you won’t need long to enjoy them, leaving plenty of time to explore Mauritius’ other inland attractions. Full- and multi-day tours depart from across the island, with many stopping here on their way to neighboring highlights like the Grand Bassin, Seven Coloured Earths Geopark, or Black River Gorges National Park. If you plan to hike, the pedestrian ring road guides you between viewpoints and takes around twenty minutes.

Things to know before you go

• The paved ring road is wide and flat, suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, although some of the viewpoints are natural or unevenly surfaced.
• Be aware that Trou aux Cerfs is a dormant volcano; go off the beaten track at your own risk.
• Beyond sightseeing and strolling, there isn’t much else to do here, so multi-attraction tours are a good way to optimize your time.
• There are no shops on site but sometimes a few stalls selling souvenirs and refreshments.
• It can be cooler here than on the coast; bring a sweater or shawl.

How to get there

The crater is a half-hour walk from Curepipe, the closest town. From Port Louis, the #191 bus to Curepipe takes around 45 minutes and runs until the evening. There is a free parking lot next to the crater, although it can be tricky for lone cars to find a slot among the coaches and local cars–take advantage of tours that include round-trip transportation to save time searching.

When to get there

The crater is popular with local joggers in the early hours, then fills with tourists throughout the day. Arrive around nine in the morning or after four in the afternoon to avoid the worst crowds. As the views both into and beyond the crater are the area’s main draw, clear, bright days are best.

Seven Coloured Earths Geopark

As a volcanic island fringed by white sand beaches, you don’t have to go far in Mauritius to find striking landscapes. But even for repeat visitors, the Seven Coloured Earths Geopark remains an impressive phenomenon. Formed by the composition of rocks, the multi-colour dunes make for an amazing backdrop–ideal for sharing with family and friends on social media. Several tours include the landmark as the final stop of a tour of Mauritius’ southwest.