Chamarel is in the southwest of Mauritius, about 45 km from Port Louis by road. The drive from the capital takes around an hour through the hills; the final approach winds steeply through sugar cane fields. There is no public transport directly to Chamarel — a rental car or taxi is needed. Taxis from the main coastal resort areas on the west coast take around 30–40 minutes and are reasonably priced for a day trip.
Many visitors combine Chamarel with a circuit of the south and southwest: the Seven Coloured Earth and waterfall in the morning, then the Rhumerie for lunch, then the beaches at Le Morne or Flic en Flac in the afternoon. This works well and avoids the midday crowds at the main sights.