Learn about my exciting experience of hiking and discovering the history of Le Morne Mountain.
My trip to Le Morne Brabant started with an early 4:30 am wake-up call to catch my 6:00 am cab ride to the southwest of the island. It’s winter season here in Mauritius, so the sun started its light show over the horizon at around 6:46 am.Â
My arrival to Le Morne was filled with the peace and tranquility that can only come from being surrounded by pure nature’s bliss.
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The History of Le Morne
I met my tour guide, Mathieu, at the foot of the mountain and quickly learned I would be the only participant joining on the ascent to the top.
On the grounds of Le Morne, Mathieu explained more about the history of the mountain and how it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
In addition to its serene and unparalleled beauty, the location also bears a grim history that now serves as a testimony to enslaved Maroons who were imported from neighboring Madagascar and eventually chose the mountain as a place to seek refuge.
Many visitors are told the story of how the European soldiers eventually climbed the mountain to inform the Maroons that slavery was abolished but that they jumped to their deaths for fear that they would be forced back into labor.
However, another story explains that the Maroons were already free when they hiked the mountain but jumped to their deaths when they saw the European soldiers for fear that they would be forced into paid labor.
Ultimately, I grew a more profound respect for the site and saw it as a symbol of resistance and strength.
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The Ascent
The climb to the top of the mountain was filled with many herbs, fauna, and flora that were familiar to me and sometimes appeared as unique foreign concepts.
I was intrigued by the Mauritian baobab trees, which are smaller in stature compared to their enormous and majestic cousins on mainland Africa. However, both versions present tough exteriors but are quite hollow inside.
Viewing a peppercorn plant in-person was a different experience, and I learned that the leaves could be rubbed on the body as a mosquito repellent. I quickly obliged and made it out of the trip without one mosquito bite!
The landings on the way to the summit were breathtaking and offered beautiful previews of how amazing the view from the summit would be.
The hiking journey started with normal walking that transitioned into inclines, hiking rocks, and scaling what felt like walls. For this reason, I recommend taking an experienced tour guide to help you at your own pace.
Mathieu was very patient and a source of motivation as I powered through the journey and absorbed his knowledge of the location and country.
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The Summit
After 3 hours into the journey, we finally made it to a view that illustrated precisely what postcards are made of.
Everything the light touched glistened in cascading shades of green, deep blues, and tranquil teals.
Everything felt right for a moment, and it was as if time was suspended as I looked down at the natural beauty my new island home had to offer.
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Conclusion
Mauritius island is a nature lover’s paradise with endless biodiversity and rich history. The country feels like a warm embrace, from the smiles of the locals, to discovering delicious multicultural cuisine, to beholding the majestic mountain ranges abound.
Overall, climbing Le Morne is among the top things to do during your Mauritius island holiday and is the perfect test of perseverance and endurance.
A spectacular grand prize is waiting for you at the top if you can remain resilient and not give up on the journey.
