Le Morne Brabant

La Morne Brabant

Le Morne Brabant

View of the peninsula with Le Morne, as seen from one of the viewpoints of Ebony Forest Chamarel.

Le Morne Brabant mountain

Underwater Falls - A Mindblowing Illusion

Hiking Le Morne Brabant

Le Morne Brabant

Name: Le Morne Brabant
Rating: 4.6

Le Morne Peninsula Mauritius

#2 Among Things To Do in Mauritius

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Le Morne Brabant, Mauritius Overview

Le Morne Brabant is a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the south-western tip of Mauritius, a basalt mountain that sheltered escaped slaves in the 18th century and is a national symbol because of it. The hike to the top takes three to four hours and ends with the lagoon and reef laid out below you. The underwater waterfall illusion, the island's most photographed sight, is seen from the air just off this headland.

Le Morne Brabant is distinguished by its basaltic monolith scaling up to 556 metres above sea level, and it covers an area of 30 acres of the peninsula. It also houses two rare plants - the Mandrinette and the Boucle d'Oreille. The mountain was once used to shelter the escaped enslaved people during the 18th and 19th centuries, and thus, it is the symbol of the slaves' fight for freedom. The bluish-green lagoon surrounding the peninsula from all directions and the water tempering playfully with the stretches of white sandy beaches clustered with palm trees makes it an attractive tourist location.

1. Underwater Falls - A Mindblowing Illusion

The shores of Le Morne are home to the famous underwater falls of Mauritius. The waterfall is a result of underwater currents, and sand and silt deposits moving along with the flow of water creating t (Read More)he illusion of the fall. This deceptive structure directs the water flow downwards to the bottom of the ocean and makes it seem like an underwater cascade. The visibility of water plays a vital role in the whole process of this aquatic mirage. The different shades of colour – white, blue and green – intermix together in layered patterns illuminating this vibrant optical illusion.

Trekking on the Morne Brabant involves two distinct phases. The first half involves following a steep pathway leading to the half of the mountain. The second half involves reaching the peak (Read More)using the ropes that are lodged onto the rock walls. For a more athletic experience, opt for the trail running about 15 kilometres from the seaside to reach the high grounds 260 metres above sea level. The total hiking roundtrip distance is 7 kilometres, with a combination of plain and steep surfaces. The average time required for a complete hike is 3 to 4 hours and is guided by professionals with EFR/WFA certification. The second part of the mountain is accessible only through authorized guides. The hike is suitable for anyone with moderate fitness.

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How To Reach Le Morne Brabant

You should head towards the Le Morne village and follow the brown signs that read Le Morne UNESCO Heritage Site. It will lead you to the dirt road which takes you to the base of the mountain where you can find a safe parking space at the end of the road.

Historical Significance of Le Morne Brabant

n 1835, Mauritius witnessed the abolition of slavery, and so, to inform the slave refugees about the news of their liberation, a team of police officials was dispatched to Le Morne to inform the slaves that they were free men and women. However, the lack of communication created a sense of panic and havoc among the refugees once they saw the approaching unknown vessel of uniformed men. Struck by fear of being captured again, hundreds of them jumped off from the monolith and committed suicide.

Although, there isn’t any physical evidence of this tragic event, and it has only been carried down over the years through word of mouth; Le Morne has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and several monuments have been created at the base of the monolith as a tribute to the lost innocent lives and accounts as a famous tourist attraction.