Le Morne combines both natural beauty and history. Indeed, in this village one of the most important pages of the history of the country took place. It is an essential place to discover when you are in Mauritius.
The mountain of Morne Brabant was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Eight years later, it was made open to the public. And since then, many Mauritians and tourists have visited the place. Le Morne village is best known on the island for the role it has played in slavery in Mauritius. Indeed, Le Morne Brabant was the place where runaway enslaved people, also known as maroons, hid. The mountain was difficult to access because it was isolated and very busy. The enslaved people took refuge in the caves and on the top of the mountain.
History tells us that many of them stayed there until the abolition of slavery on February 1, 1835 under British rule. It is said that on that day, British soldiers climbed the mountain to announce to the people who were enslaved that they were free. Rumor has it, they were cared that they might be coming to capture them and chose to jump from the top of the mountain and commit suicide, choosing freedom even if that meant freedom in death.
The abolition of slavery is commemorated in Le Morne every February 1st at the Monument of the Slave Route, at the foot of Morne Brabant. This monument represents the origins of the enslaved people, such as Mozambique, Reunion Island, Madagascar or Haiti.
Since 2016, the public can hike the Morne Brabant, which is located at some 556 meters above sea level. A hike of about 7 km. It takes between 3 to 4 hours to reach the top of the mountain. If you want to get there, we advise you to wake up early. While hiking up the mountain, you will be able to appreciate the surrounding landscapes: the lagoon and the beach. It is also an opportunity to see the famous underwater waterfall that is often portrayed on photos or postcards.
However, it is good to point out that the hike is not easy. It requires a degree of physical fitness. Indeed, the cliffs are vertiginous and require a certain agility and real skills.
After climbing, you can relax at the beach. Indeed, a few minutes drive from the entrance to the mountain is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. Turquoise water and fine sand. It is advisable to bring a mask and a snorkel to enjoy the fauna and flora of this little piece of paradise. Once you are in the water, look back to the beach and enjoy the majestic Morne mountain that stands before you. It is even more beautiful at sunset. The lagoon of Le Morne is also popular with surfers and kite-surfers.
