Le Morne Brabant hike offers a unique blend of history, flourishing nature and adrenaline rush. Classified as a UNESCO world heritage site, Le Morne Brabant is a must-do in Mauritius.
Le Morne Brabant is an iconic hike in Mauritius. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that caresses the waters of the Indian Ocean. At first sight, this imposing fortress seems to be a difficultly accessible basalt elevation. But it has much more to offer to its visitors. Le Morne Brabant provides the most spectacular view of Le Morne Brabant Peninsula at the southwest of Mauritius. One has to witness its greatness from the top of it’s 556 metres. Watching clouds and birds flying below you at sunrise is a true experience. You will want to stay there contemplating the dreamlike atmosphere happily letting time slip away while you take a few clicks.
The mountain was named “Brabant” after the ship that ran aground here in 1783. It has a very rich flora with 73 of the 311 species of indigenous plant species of the island. Le Morne Brabant is also home to two plants endemic to the mountain namely the L’Immortelle du Morne (Helichrysum mauritianum) and the Trochetia boutoniana also known as the Boucle d’Oreille which is the National emblem flower.
Trochetia Boutoniana or Boucle d’Oreille is an endemic flower to Le Morne Brabant
Le Morne Brabant will amaze you with its complex ecosystem home to various birds such as the Mauritian grey white eye, insects, geckos and a population of monkeys. During the hike, our guide will tell you more details about the specific plants and animals that inhabit Le Morne Brabant Mountain.
Hiking Le Morne Brabant
The hike of Le Morne Brabant is classified as an intermediate to advanced hike. You will find this 6.1-km out-and-back trail to be challenging but the natural charm of Le Morne Brabant will leave you tickled pink. Between the incredible flora, stunning views, wild animals and catching your breath, hiking Le Morne Brabant is full of emotions. The first 4.5 kilometres of the hike will mainly be steep walking in immaculate nature as the trail has remained nearly untouched since the time of slaves. Yes, the route was traced by maroon slaves more than one hundred years ago. You can learn more about the history of Le Morne Brabant here.
The second part of the game will make you realise that hiking Le Morne Brabant requires good physical condition and fair weather conditions. With the help of our guide, you will climb over rocks and boulders and gain about 500 feet in a little more than a kilometre. You will have seven to eight breaks while climbing up Le Morne Brabant and the most needed on the second part of the hike.
Best time to hike Le Morne Brabant
Le Morne Brabant hike is open all year round. However, the gate will not be opened in case of bad weather and cyclones. The rainy season in Mauritius starts in November and reaches its peak in January – March. For the rest of the year, rainfall remains quite occasional. So the best time to hike Le Morne Brabant will be from April to October. You can find more detailed information on our Le Morne Brabant weather forecast page.
Itinerary
6h45 – Meeting & briefing
Meet our guide on the parking in front of Le Morne Brabant Trail Entrance. We recommend you arrive on time as any delay will affect the whole group. If you have opted for hotel transfer supplement, you will be picked up at your hotel and agreed time.
Meeting place in front of Le Morne Brabant Trail Entrance
Once everyone has arrived, we will have a quick introduction and briefing about the hike. If you have any questions, you can ask our guide.
7h – Hike starts
Once the gate opens, you will be asked to fill in your name at the door. After a relieving 5 minutes joint warm up exercises, the hike begins. Now is the time to plunge in the experience. Just let yourself be a part of this ecosystem while you hike the first kilometre.
8h – Break
Time for the first planned break at around 300 metres. While you grab a snack and drinks, you will enjoy sumptuous views over Bénitiers Island fom the south viewpoint.
8h15 – Rock climbing begins
The second part of the hike begins with some light rock climbing. As of this point, (depending on the speed of the group) breaks will be more frequent.
You will be supervised by our guide to walk your way up. You can always stop to take pictures enjoy animal sightings etc, but always communicate with your guide.
8h45 – Scrambling
1km to go to reach the top. Le Morne Brabant reserves its most beautiful views to those who make it to the top. But before that, you will need to go through 30 minutes of stiff rock climbing. At this point, you will have to free your hands from trekking poles, phones, water bottles etc. The scrambling part will not be difficult as long as you get a good handhold and foothold.
Beyond this point, the climb becomes very challenging. You will your hand a lot. No need to second guess your decision though, our expert guide will show you everything you need to get to the top. Keep going.
9h15 – Reaching the top
When you reach the top, panoramic views open up, looking across the southwestern coast of Mauritius. A once in a lifetime experience right there as you contemplate the gigantic basaltic elevations contrasting the shades of blue over the Indian Ocean.
Our guide will happily take pictures across the route but up the top is a great place for fun friend photos, couple photos and creative pictures.
10h – The descent
Time for the descent that is less physical, but more hazardous. Don’t rush, follow the pace of the guide. It is easier to hurt your joints on the descent if you don’t take the necessary precautions.
11h30 – Hike ends
The hike ends with a sense of accomplishment and a whole new you.
Photo Gallery
1 review for Le Morne Brabant Hike
Rated 5 out of 5
Isabella B. (Verified hiker)–
Truly an excellent hike. The views from the top are stunning although it was a bit crowded (we took longer to get there). Climbing the last part reminded us what it feels to be in our 50s. Thanks to the guide mmad for being so kind and patient with us.
Only logged in customers who have hiked Le Morne Brabant with us may leave a review.
Q & A
What is included in the price please?Akshay asked on January 3, 2024
A guided tour to Le Morne Brabant. Note that the guide only speaks in English and French. He will be able to take a few photos for you.
What is not included:
Hotel transfer (Contact us for extra services)
Food and drinks (Contact us for extra services)
Bag/equipment carriage by the guide
Admin answered on January 4, 2024store manager
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Is it dangerous to hike Le Morne Brabant?Amelia asked on August 14, 2023
Yes, the hike can get difficult, technical and dangerous on the descent and even more hazardous if it is raining. Go with an experienced guide specially if this is your first time.
Admin answered on August 17, 2023store manager
Very dangerous. I would not recommend this tour if you are afraid of heights. During our last hike we saw a woman literally crying on the way down.
isabella answered on November 19, 2023
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Greetings. We will arrive next week. Can we do the hike with our two toddlers aged 6 and 8?Olivia asked on July 24, 2023
Kids are allowed for the first 2.3 kilometres of the hike. Beyond this point children are not authorised as the climb gets tough (even for adults).
Admin answered on July 26, 2023store manager
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Want to take drone pictures from above. What you suggest?Karl asked on June 1, 2023
Ideally you should bring a backpack containing your most useful stuffs like water, snacks, your phone or tissue etc. while trying to keep it as light as you can. You might need to check if your drone/backpack is waterproof as in case of sudden rain there are barely any shelter, but eventually bring it for the shots.
Admin answered on June 4, 2023store manager
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We are planning a visit next month. Can you please suggest what to wear for the climb?Anonymous asked on February 7, 2023
Hello, if you choose to book with us, you will receive a detailed presentation of the tour with such information by email. But in short; specialised hiking clothes/shoes would work best but something like a short/legging and t-shirt/top would be okay too. No slippers or sandals. Sport shoes and trainers should be good. You may wear a hat, sunglasses or long sleeves to protect yourself from UV rays (harsher at the top).
Admin answered on February 14, 2023store manager
(0)(0)
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Le Morne Brabant raises a lot of questions for visitors considering this incredible hiking trail. Here are the most frequently asked questions.
Is it dangerous to hike Le Morne Brabant?
Yes, the hike can get difficult, technical and dangerous on the descent and even more hazardous if it is raining. Go with an experienced guide specially if this is your first time.
How long does it take to hike Le Morne Brabant?
It can take anywhere between 3 – 4 hours for the round trip.
How to prepare for the hike?
Just get sufficient sleep and try avoid spicy food the night before. Have a light breakfast and don’t plan anything big on the day of the hike.
Can we see the underwater waterfall from the top of Le Morne?
Yes. In good weather conditions, you will be able to see it, but it won’t be the best angle. We advise helicopter or lagoon flight for the best views.
What is included in the price?
A guided tour to Le Morne Brabant. Note that the guide only speaks in English and French. He will be able to take a few photos for you.
We will meet on the public beach of Le Morne at 6.45 a.m.
What to bring to the hike?
Ideally you should bring a backpack containing water, snacks, your phone or camera, tissue. Binoculars eventually to enjoy the view even more.
What to wear when hiking Le Morne Brabant?
Specialised hiking clothes/shoes would work best but something like a short/legging and t-shirt/top would be okay too. No slippers or sandals. Sport shoes and trainers should be good. You may wear a hat or long sleeves to protect yourself from UV rays (harsher at the top).
What time is best to hike Le Morne Brabant?
Early in the morning. The gate opens at 7 a.m.
FAQs
Le Morne Brabant raises a lot of questions for visitors considering this incredible hiking trail. Here are the most frequently asked questions.
Have another question? <a href="/contact/">Ask us here</a>. We will add it to the FAQ.
Isabella B. (Verified hiker) –
Truly an excellent hike. The views from the top are stunning although it was a bit crowded (we took longer to get there). Climbing the last part reminded us what it feels to be in our 50s. Thanks to the guide mmad for being so kind and patient with us.