Mauritius is not just white beaches and crystal clear sea, find out in the post how to discover them through breathtaking views.
Who thinks of Mauritius imagining only white beaches and crystal clear sea is observing only the tip of the iceberg of this island.
Just think of the over 900 plant species (one third of which are endemic) that populate the island to get an idea of the exclusivity of Mauritius.
Rainforests to get lost in, hiking trails to discover, botanical gardens to explore and waterfalls to admire are just some of the various activities that the island can offer.
But the offer is not limited only to nature, sea and beaches: there are also mountains to conquer!
A trip to Mauritius can reserve many surprises but above all a great versatility.
Today I propose a fantastic excursion, still little inflated and at no cost in the southwestern part of the island: Le Morne.
Le Morne Brabant
This town is famous for its long white beaches and the dreamy sea that often happens to be admired only on your computer screensaver when you are closed in the office and looking for a paradise to escape to!
However, few know that behind the splendid beaches there is a mountain that offers one of the most beautiful views that sweeps over all the islands of Mauritius: Le Morne Brabant, whose summit covers an area of over 12 hectares!
The excursion can be divided into two parts by dedicating the morning to the sea, the sun, relaxation and the afternoon to an unforgettable walk in the mountains (or vice versa).
The important thing is not to act like me, who had the brilliant idea of setting out at two in the afternoon!
Deserted beaches, where to find them
If you choose to spend the morning on the beach, you are spoiled for choice among the numerous free but above all deserted beaches in the area: most tourists are concentrated along the west and north coasts (from Flic en Flac upwards but I have you find very touristy) so, if you want to completely disconnect from civilization, this is without a doubt the best place on the island. The sea is also cleaner and more beautiful.
After a light lunch in one of the many typical restaurants that the area offers, you can set off on your way towards the mountain.
The history of Mount Brabant
Mount Brabant became infamous during the fight against slavery in the XNUMXth century.
A group of slaves rebelled against their masters by taking refuge on the top of the mountain at 556 m high (after having climbed almost all of it, I also understood the reason why they were not chased!)
The hiding place worked well until a police expedition ventured up the mountain to warn the fugitives that slavery was now abolished but fearing instead of being captured again, the men jumped off the mountain.
None survived.
They preferred to die as free men rather than as slaves.
For this reason the mountain became the symbol of the fight against slavery.
Le Morne, breathtaking views
Access to the mountain can be done in two ways: from the beach or from the back from the road.
I chose the latter because I was on a scooter and after about 1,5 km of dirt I parked and continued on foot.
The round trip path is approx seven kilometers to South View then a couple of hours of walking that does not present great difficulties.
Before starting the walk, I recommend an abundant supply of water, at least one liter per person.
Already after the first ascents you begin to enjoy one magnificent view between the green of the lush vegetation of the mountain that contrasts with the white of the beaches and the thousand shades of blue of the sea surrounded by the coral reef.
When you arrive at South View, the first breathtaking panorama of Le Morne opens up.
From here, if you want to continue approaching the summit, you need to add another hour of walking but access is forbidden to those without ropes or who cannot climb.
Unfortunately, not having the ropes it is impossible to reach the summit as the walls become vertical in the last meters, for the rest the route requires a bit of agility in a rocky stretch but nothing exceptional.
The only limit is for those suffering from vertigo: definitely to be avoided.
The effort to climb to the top is amply rewarded by a sensational view: unique and indescribable in words.
The feeling you get when you are up there is that of being the masters of the world!
For those who want to experience Mauritius from another perspective, the excursion to Le Morne Brabant will offer fantastic views and emotions.
Seeing is believing.
