Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hiking
Added to the Unesco World Heritage list in 2008, Le Morne is the star of many postcards
as it slopes through the sky then plunges back down into the blue. Few tourists, however,
realise that the view from the top is even more spectacular. As you ascend the crag you'll
pass through an indigenous forest, which is the only place on the island where you'll find
Mauritius' national flower, the
boucle d'oreille
('earring'). And when you reach 500m,
you'll be treated to unobstructed vistas of the colourful reefs to the west and south. The
trail increases in difficulty the higher up you go - those with limited mobility can still take
in the views from a midway point (around 260m).
Trekking Île Maurice
(Yanature; 785 6177;
www.trekkingilemaurice.com
; half/full day per person €40/50)
The best way to ex-
plore the heaping basalt mound is on a guided hike with this one-man operation headed up
by friendly Yan. A nature enthusiast and eighth-generation Mauritian, Yan grew up at the
base of Le Morne and wandered the snaking trails well into his teenage years; his father
managed one of the five-star resorts nearby. Yan has exclusive permission from the Gam-
bier family - the landowners of Le Morne - to bring tourists through. After Le Morne,
consider tagging along on one of Yan's other hiking excursions through Black River
Gorges National Park, or perhaps to Tamarin Falls and the Corps de Garde. Discounts are
offered to those who participate in multiple outings.
HIKING
HIKING: THE WARNING SIGNS
As a general rule, when hiking you should pay attention to 'Entrée Interdit' (Entry Prohibited) signs - they may
mean you're entering a hunting reserve. 'Chemin Privée' (Private Rd) signs are generally there for the benefit of
motorists; most landowners won't object to the odd pedestrian. It's best to ask if you're unsure about where you
should and shouldn't walk.
Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
The area is home to the ultimate surfing spot in all of Mauritius:
One Eye
, so named be-
cause surfers will see a small hole (or 'eye') appear in Le Morne's rockface when they are
at the exact spot in the sea to catch the perfect wave. Beginners should start on the west-
ern side of the peninsula in the 'Kite Lagoon'; the southern winds are much more severe
and unpredictable.
Son of Kite
KITESURFING
