Visiting Port-Louis is one of the first things expats and visitors do. For its vibrant life, history, its market and… its street food! But how about taking it a step further? How about seeing the busy capital city of the island from above surrounded by the north-western blue lagoon from above? It truly is a treat to the eyes. Expat.com has asked a few experienced hikers about the best spots for a panoramic view of the capital city.
Port-Louis is the busiest city of the island. It is the political, administrative, business hub as well as being one of the regions of the country with the most history as well as arts of culture. The fact remains, however, that the city stretching on the blue waters of the north-western lagoon remains a pretty amazing sight from above.
And one of the most accessible places to admire the capital city from is the Citadel. The Citadel, officially known as Fort Adelaide used to be used as a sentinel by the English to watch over the capital city. The fort, which was built between 1834 and 1840 under the orders of the British governor Sir William Nicolay, is listed as an endangered heritage site of the UNESCO. The Citadel rises 240 feet above sea level and is accessible by foot and even by car through a path starting not far from the St Louis Cathedral in Port-Louis.
Another beautiful spot for a view of the capital is Signal mountain. Signal mountain is a popular spot for sports enthusiasts as the site provides a road which leads to a viewpoint. The viewpoint can be reached in an under an hour stroll while for the fittest of you, it can only take a 15 to 20 minute run. Vashish Nuckchhed, a hike aficionado, explains that the best time to hike Signal mountain is right before sunset, at golden hour, when the sky is endowed with magnificent shades of orange and we are treated to a breathtaking spectacle.
“Signal mountain gives an incredible view on the Port-Louis harbor. From there, the whole city seems to be throwing itself at the sea. It is a beautiful sight, especially when the setting sun throws in some colors as well. The best view is at the very top of the mountain, a push further from the viewpoint, right by the relay antenna,” says Vashish. For the hike enthusiast, the Montagne du Pouce also offers an incredible view on the capital city, although from much further than Signal mountain.
For those seeking more of a thrill, another site to view the capital city from is Quoin Bluff. Hans Ungapen, another lover of the great outdoors, explains that to get to Quoin Bluff, one has to first climb Signal Mountain and then go on to the little path at the end of the Signal mountain asphalt track.
Even further is the Snail Rock, says Hans. But this hike is longer and reserved for experienced hikers. Indeed, the hike enthusiast explains that it can take at least 7 hours to get to Snail Rock and the hike is also pretty technical. “It is best to be accompanied by a guide as there are areas that are quite tricky to cross and which require assistance”.
For the most adventurous, the ultimate place to view Port-Louis from is the Pieter Both mountain standing at 820m, the second highest peak of the island and has a reputation for being one of the hardest climbs of the island.
"For Pieter Both, you really have to be used to mountain hikes and above all be accompanied by a professional guide and be well-equipped," says Hans Ungapen.
For anyone who would prefer to experience a panoramic view of Port-Louis without the uphill climb, the small village of Panchavati, found high up right after Vallée-des-Prêtres is a fairly secluded village which offers breathtaking scenes over Port-Louis.
Another equally interesting site: the viewpoint of Crève-Coeur. This viewpoint is found at the end of La Laura village and at the foot of the Pieter Both mountain. Since the path does not require any great physical effort, it is also possible to see the capital from there at night.
