Le Morne Brabant hike

Le Morne Brabant is Mauritius’s most famous natural and historical landmark, which you’ve no doubt seen in many photos online, along with the famous underwater waterfall. 


The peak rises to a height of 556 metres, and the mountain is situated in the south-west of the island, surrounded by beaches and lagoons. Le Morne Brabant is also a site of historical significance: in the 19th century, it served as a refuge for slaves fleeing from the colonisers. In 2008, the mountain and its surroundings were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

From the beach, you can see where we need to climb.


The average tourist won’t be able to make it all the way to the very top; even the route up to the cross is quite challenging. I’ve been up the mountain twice; the first time we went with the children and made it halfway, which is about 3.5 km one way. The official entrance is at 20.460056, 57.327194; there’s a car park and rangers there, and you’ll need to leave your details, just in case.






There’s a cross standing over there somewhere, but we won’t be going there today.


If we managed to get here with children aged 5 and 6, then anyone can make it. From there, you get views like this. 




The next morning, I woke up before dawn and headed up the mountain on my own. To save a bit of time, I didn’t go in through the main entrance, but I’m not going to give away the back entrance – if you want to find it, you’ll find it.


I quickly reached the middle, and then the hardest part began. In many places there’s no path at all; you have to scramble across the rock faces. 






What do you think of this track?


For someone who’s fit, this won’t be difficult, but the route isn’t suitable for everyone. On the way back, I saw some parents dragging their five-year-old daughter up the hill; I wouldn’t recommend doing that. We didn’t even consider it, even though our daughter has already climbed dozens of mountains.

The sun began to rise as I was climbing.










All in all, the climb took me about an hour, but I was walking at a brisk pace. Surprisingly, there were already a few people at the cross who had set off even earlier than me. Some couples had come with guides, which makes sense if you’re not confident in your abilities. 


From above, you can clearly see the reef that surrounds Mauritius and protects the coastline from high waves. You can also see the spot where the underwater waterfall is located, though, of course, it isn’t visible from this angle.


There isn’t much space around the cross, and during the day dozens of people can gather there at the same time. It is therefore best to go early in the morning.








There’s our hotel, the one I’ve just come from.


Getting there: car park and start of the trail -20.460056, 57.327194.