Tucked away in the southwest of Mauritius, Le Morne (556 m) is a rugged mountain that juts into the Indian Ocean, holding secrets of a tragic past. This majestic mountain was once a sanctuary for runaway slaves, known as maroons, who sought refuge in its isolated and almost inaccessible cliffs. As you stand at its base, looking up at the steep, wooded slopes, it is easy to understand why this UNESCO World Heritage site holds such a special place in the hearts of Mauritians.
Slave History of Le Morne
The history of Le Morne is as compelling as its landscape. Mauritius was first colonized by the Dutch in 1628, and during the 17th century, the initial group of slaves arrived from Madagascar to work on the expansive plantations of the island.
Soon, the island became a major stopover in the eastern slave trade, with thousands of slaves brought from Madagascar, India, and Africa to work on sugar cane plantations. In 1710, the Dutch departed, leaving Mauritius under French control. Following the Franco-British wars, the island came under British rule in 1810.
During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Le Morne became a haven for many runaway slaves who fled the brutal conditions of colonial plantations. Escaping from their oppressors, they found refuge in the dense forests and caves of the mountain, earning them the name “Maroons.” They formed small communities in what was one of the most isolated and impenetrable parts of the island.
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At the peak of this movement, up to 10% of the island slave population were Maroons. Over time, Mauritius, which had become a key stop in the eastern slave trade, was often referred to as the “Maroon republic” due to the large number of escaped slaves who found sanctuary on Le Morne mountain.
Getting to Le Morne Brabant Hiking Trail
Reaching the base of Le Morne Brabant hiking trail is relatively easy, despite its isolated location. From any point in Mauritius, the journey takes less than two hours by car. However, public transportation is limited, so it is best to rent a car or hire a private driver. As you drive through this beautiful region, you will pass through sugar cane fields and charming villages, eventually arriving at the base of Le Morne Brabant.
Hiking Le Morne Brabant: A Challenging yet Rewarding Experience
The hike up Le Morne is not that easy, but it is manageable for most adventurers. The trail, about 7 kilometers roundtrip, begins gently, winding through a shaded forest before ascending more steeply.
As you climb, the path turns rocky and occasionally muddy, especially after a rain shower—something that is quite common given the unpredictable microclimate of the mountain. Halfway up, the trail levels out, offering a welcome respite and stunning views of the surrounding ocean.
At this point, you might be tempted to pause and soak in the scenery, perhaps even sit on one of the benches thoughtfully placed along the way. But for those who press on, the real reward lies at the peak. After passing through a small gate, you will face a final, challenging stretch to the summit. Here, the trail narrows, and the crowds thin out, leaving you with a more personal encounter with the mountain.
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As you reach the top, you are greeted by sweeping vistas of the turquoise lagoon and the vast Indian Ocean beyond. But it is not just the view that leaves an impression. It is the weight of the stories carried by the winds that whip across the summit.
The legend goes that when slavery was abolished in 1835 in Mauritius, officials approached Le Morne to inform the maroons of their freedom. Tragically, fearing a trap, many chose to leap from the cliffs rather than face what they believed would be recapture. Though the details of this story remain debated, the mountain association with the struggle for freedom is undeniable.
Honoring the Resistance
Today, Le Morne Brabant Mountain is a silent reminder of the transatlantic slave trade and the resilience of those who fought against it. The International Slave Route Monument, comprising ten sculptures created by artists from various countries, sits at the foot of the mountain, paying tribute to the maroons and their struggle for freedom.
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A second plaque, visible on the hike up, honors Le Morne as a place of resistance, a symbol of the slaves’ suffering, sacrifice, and fight for liberty.
A Cultural Heritage Site
In 2008, Le Morne Brabant Mountain was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, and in 2016, it finally opened to the public. According to UNESCO, “Since the summit became accessible, the site has attracted thousands of visitors, with the majority being Mauritians who feel a deep emotional connection to the history and heritage of their country.”
A Must-Visit Destination
Mauritius, with its powdery beaches and crystal-clear waters, is often viewed as a paradise. Yet, places like Le Morne reveal a deeper narrative, one that invites you to look beyond the postcard-perfect images and explore the stories that make this island truly unique. So, when you find yourself in Mauritius, do not just stay on the shore. Head south, take the road less travelled, and climb Le Morne. The mountain will offer you not just a view, but a glimpse into the soul of Mauritius.
