Le Morne

Le Morne is one of the most iconic and historically significant destinations in Mauritius, dominating the southwestern tip of the island with its majestic monolith mountain, Le Morne Brabant.

It is famous worldwide for a unique blend of natural beauty, poignant history, and world-class water sports.

Le Morne Brabant: UNESCO World Heritage Site

The peninsula is anchored by the basaltic mountain, which rises 556 meters (1,824 feet) above sea level. Its history is profound, leading to its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape in 2008.

• Symbol of Freedom: The mountain served as a natural fortress and sanctuary for runaway slaves, known as “maroons,” during the 18th and early 19th centuries, who formed small settlements within the mountain’s caves and on its nearly inaccessible cliffs.
• Tragic Legend: The mountain is a powerful symbol of their fight for freedom. The most famous, albeit tragic, legend recounts that in 1835, a police expedition arrived to inform the maroons of the official abolition of slavery. The escaped slaves, misunderstanding the approach as an attempt to re-capture them, chose to leap to their deaths from the cliffs rather than return to bondage.
• The Hike: Hiking Le Morne Brabant is one of the island’s premier activities. The round-trip hike takes approximately 3 to 5 hours and is divided into two sections:
  • Lower Section: A scenic, moderate walk through lush forest.
  • Upper Section: A challenging, steep scramble that requires fitness and can involve using hands to navigate rocky paths. A certified guide is highly recommended (and often mandatory beyond a certain security gate) to reach the highest viewpoint near the summit cross.

The Le Morne Beaches and Lagoon

At the foot of the mountain lies a stunning coastal area known for its pristine white-sand beaches and a vast, turquoise lagoon.

• Beaches: The public and resort beaches of Le Morne are consistently rated among the most beautiful in the world, offering calm, clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
• Kitesurfing Paradise: The Le Morne lagoon is internationally renowned as one of the best locations for kitesurfing and windsurfing, thanks to the consistent trade winds and a sheltered shallow-water area perfect for both beginners and advanced riders.
• Underwater Waterfall Illusion: From a high vantage point, particularly during a scenic helicopter or seaplane flight, the movement of sand and silt over a steep oceanic drop-off creates a mesmerizing optical illusion that appears to be an “underwater waterfall” cascading into the deep blue ocean.

Other Nearby Attractions

The Le Morne area is the gateway to the scenic southwest region of Mauritius, which includes:

• Île aux Bénitiers and Crystal Rock: Small islands and a famous rock formation accessible via boat or catamaran trip from Le Morne.
• Chamarel: Home to the spectacular Seven Coloured Earth Geopark and the tallest single-drop waterfall in Mauritius, Chamarel Waterfall.
• Black River Gorges National Park: The best area for nature hikes and spotting endemic wildlife.