Chamarel-Waterfalls

Chamarel Waterfalls

Mauritius

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!