Postcard Le Morne Brabant is a basalt monolithic rock with a height of more than 550 m, after which this peninsula in Mauritius got its name. Le Morne is located in the very southwest of the island, on its windward side. Slightly reminiscent of a hammerhead fish in its outline, the peninsula itself is already able to attract tourists: here are some of the best beaches in Mauritius. Which is logical, here are some of the most upscale hotels. For Mauritius climate and geography, please check TopPharmacySchools.
Le Morne rock, surrounded by a lagoon, is very interesting for a number of reasons. Firstly, already one of its forms just begs to be framed. The top area of Le Morne is more than 12 hectares, and on steep and sometimes completely sheer slopes there are many caves and picturesque ledges. Secondly, two very rare plants can be seen on Le Morne Brabant. And finally, the unsurpassed views that open from Le Morne fully pay off the labor costs required to climb here.
In 2008, Le Morne was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The unsurpassed views that open from Le Morne fully pay off the labor required to climb here.
How to get there
Buses run between Quatre Bornes and Baie du Cap on the main road, stopping at Le Morne, almost hourly. You can also get to Le Morne by taxi from Port Louis.
History
This peninsula acquired its double fame in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. As you can easily see, Mount Le Morne Brabant, with its steep slopes and cliffs, is something like a natural fortress. Historically, runaway slaves hid here, living in rocky caves. Since then, this part of the island has been strongly associated with the history of slavery, human suffering and the fight against slavery. This is one of the main reasons why Le Morne has been so marked by UNESCO.
A tragic legend is associated with Le Morne. It says that after the abolition of slavery in Mauritius in 1835, a detachment of policemen was sent to Le Morne to inform the fugitives hiding there that they were now free. Alas, their goal was misunderstood, and the fugitives began to throw themselves off the cliff, breaking to death, so as not to fall into slavery again. True, most researchers agree that this story is still far from the truth.
Attractions and attractions in Le Morne
In fact, if we talk about organized entertainment, then everything that is in Le Morne is what five-star hotels offer. However, usually those who come here are somehow not in the mood for cultural leisure. Le Morne is a great place for a lazy beach break; Moreover, according to rumors, six-star hotels are also going to be opened here. Thus, it can be assumed that the tourist infrastructure in Le Morne will always be in full order.
True, people still go to Le Morne not because it doesn’t matter where to go. Why you should choose Le Morne for your vacation is the climb to Le Morne Brabant. Guided walking tours to the top of the cliff follow a variety of routes, including historical trails made by slaves and leading to the caves that served as their dwellings. A direct ascent for sufficiently sporty tourists will take about half an hour, although the total duration of the organized tour is four hours: you can officially climb Le Morne only with a guide. And unofficially, many do it on their own.
The rock of Le Morne Brabant stands on a piece of land that is private property. At the moment, only one guide in Le Morne has permission from the owners to conduct tours here. The same guide leads tours of Black River Gorges National Park, as well as Tamarin Falls and Corps de Garde. Those who book several excursions at once receive a discount.
The destination on the guided tour is not the very peak, but the so-called point V. There is still about 50 m from it to the summit.
Those who are interested in the history of Le Morne and the history of slavery in Mauritius can look into the village of Le Morne. It was created under the name Trou Chenilles specifically for freed slaves at the southern foot of the mountain. True, in 1945 the village was badly damaged by a cyclone, and it was moved further east along the coast, and in 1964 it moved again to the place where it is now, southeast of the cliff, if you move along the coast. Mostly the village is inhabited by Creoles, the descendants of those same slaves. And it should be noted that the villagers maintain a spiritual connection with the rock, which is revered as sacred. The village community honors and maintains its traditions in music, dance, storytelling and cuisine.
What else can you do in Le Morne? Of course, surfing. The international network “Club Mistral” organizes kitesurfing and windsurfing courses here on the basis of its school in the Indian Resort. A private lesson lasting about an hour will cost you about 75 EUR. Horse riding is also popular in the area. They are quite expensive, but this is compensated by the landscapes of Le Morne – one of the most beautiful on the island.
