Le Morne Mountain - Mauritius
Le Morne Brabant is an UNESCO World Heritage Site found in the village of Le Morne in the south East of the Island. The mountain is approximately 556m above sea level with a hiking path of around 7km which takes about 3-4hours to reach the top. It offers a unique view of the “underwater waterfall”. It is definitely challenging under the scorching sun hence you’re requested to dress accordingly and take the necessary precautions and of course LOADS of water.
After the government had reopened the heritage site for public hike path in 2016, it was the bee in my bonnet to visit the historical site. A little bit of history here; Before the Indian labourers came to the island, slaves were brought from Africa and Madagascar. They were battered and kept in harsh conditions. Hence upon the Abolition of Slavery in 1834 when the ‘esclaves marron’ saw the guards running to inform them that they were free, the runaway slaves thought that they were going to be captives again. Hence, they jumped off the cliff to escape the cruelty of their masters. It has always been a mystery of how they managed to get to the peak but I guess humans are go to extremes lengths when their lives are in danger.
The commencement is more like an easy trek where you’re guaranteed with a scenery all throughout. The path is covered with trees with viewpoints and birds and butterflies and if you’re lucky, some berries until you come to the green gate. It more like a regulation where the real challenge begins. If you are exhausted or physically unfit it is better you do not continue the climb. To reach the peak you have around 40minutes of rock climbing and no trees to give you any shade. With the climbing, I started thinking about the maroon slaves and their struggles and how helpless they must have felt to undergo this hardships whilst back then, there was no path and just dense forest. The picture of them being ill-treated and their state of mind where they preferred death rather than being found. The last part gets tricky where you are at 90 degrees with the mountain and you have to climb up using a rope which is secured of course but do not look down if you’re scared.
On reaching the summit, you find the big metal cross where you immediately pay respect to the slaves or you’re just thankful you made the climb to enjoy the panoramic view of the turquoise lagoons alongside the pearly coastal lines which is totally pays off the effort.
After several climbs to the mountain it becomes easier and it is more like paying a tribute such that last time we went for the 50th Independence Day of Mauritius and we held the Mauritian flag high above.
Lastly I would say if you haven’t been there; then what are you waiting for? And gather a little courage to reach the summit of the mountain because the feeling and the sight both totally pay off.
