Les 10 Plus Belles Montagnes de l'Île Maurice
Ce contenu n’est pas disponible en français
Mauritius is the perfect island to visit for nature lovers and outdoor fanatics.
There are five mountain ranges in Mauritius namely the Grand Port Range, the Bambous Range, the Savanne Range, The Black River Range and the Moka Range. Many of the mountain names are derived from their appearances or from some legendary myths.
Famous for its breath-taking nature with its rich awe-inspiring mountain views, gorgeous rivers with magnificent waterfalls and deep natural forests that are home to various bird species, hikers and trekkers are sure to be pampered by the endless possibilities for hiking, and trekking.
Several of the mountains in Mauritius can be explored by hiking or trekking tours. A hiking trip to the mountains in Mauritius, will provide 360 degrees views of the whole island.
The stunning panorama of the mountainous terrains and landscapes make Mauritius a perfect destination for nature lovers, and ideal for enjoying various nature trips to discover the island’s mountains, rivers, forests and canyons.
All hiking and trekking excursions should be done with the supervision of experienced and professional guides as some hikes can be challenging. They will be happy to share their local knowledge, passion for sports and love of nature. Here is a curated list of the best mountains to explore, while enjoying your holiday on this paradise island.
The Best Mountains to Visit & Hike in Mauritius
1. Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire (Black River Peak)
Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire (also known as the Black River Peak), is the highest peak in Mauritius and it’s part of the Black River Range mountain.
Depending on how experienced you are, there are several trekking trails to explore this mountain. The easiest and most popular route is via the Black River Peak hiking trail, which will take on an average of three and a half hours to reach the top. The longest option with more technical knowledge required is from Black River Gorges National Park.
The first part of the trip is underneath a shady trail, surrounded by luxuriant vegetation. The walking trails are as scenic as the hike trail itself. Nestled through some idyllic mountainous farming landscape you will pass though the west of the island through the savage green of the gorges.
The second part of the hike is a little bit more demanding and sometimes slippery. You will get to discover different viewpoints towards the South, the Morne Brabant lagoon and the Black River Gorge. Climbing up through the mountain path, you will get sneak previews of the ever changing scenery down below.
Once you reach the peak plateau you will be able to enjoy a 360° panoramic view and do take your time to look around as you might spot some interesting places that you may have visited earlier.
- Location: Rivière Noire District
- Height: 828m
Book your Hiking Trip - Piton De La petite Riviere Noire
2. Le Morne Brabant Mountain
The symbolic and iconic Le Morne Brabant is a majestic mountain located in the South Western part of Mauritius, on the Le Morne peninsula.
The majestic mountain has been declared as a World Heritage site by UNESCO to commemorate the Maroonage (runaway slaves) legacy in Mauritius. It is believed that the slaves were committing suicide by jumping off the cliff of the mountain due to the very inhumane treatment they suffered.
Le Morne Brabant is one of the most preserved and wildest mountains of the island. It is a habitat to a very large variety of endemic and narrow-endemic species, such as the rare Trochetia Boutoniana, which is the floral emblem of Mauritius.
Hiking on the path of the runaway slaves at Le Morne Brabant is definitely among the top things to do while staying in Mauritius. Situated at the extreme Southwestern tip of Mauritius, this rocky peninsula has a summit which covers an area of over 12 hectares (30 acres), and is about 556 meters above sea level.
Get into the heart of nature while you experience both the extreme opposites of lush greenery together with the rough and dry patches of the World Heritage Site.
While hiking up the mountain, listen to the rustling trees, chirping of the tropical birds, and contemplate on the wild beauty with outstanding turquoise-blue ocean views.
- Location: Le Morne Village
- Height: 556m
Book your Half Day Hike at Le Morne Brabant
3. Le Pouce Mountain
The Le Pouce mountain is the third highest in Mauritius, peaking at 812m, located in the North West of the island between the Pieter Both and the Signal mountain.
Le Pouce is known as ‘The Thumb’ peak, was given the name because it’s said to look like a thumb. The first person to climb Le Pouce is accredited as Charles Darwin.
From the peak you will have an amazing 360 degree view of Mauritius. The sight of the northern part of the island is splendid, with a beautiful view of the northern small islands of Mauritius - Flat Island, Round Island and Snake Island. You will also get to look down onto the capital and to the west part of the island.
It also offers one of the most beautiful views of the capital: Port Louis, as well as of Moka and the high grounds of Plaine Wilhems.
The starting point for hiking, Le Pouce Mountain, is at the Commercial Center of Helvetia. There you will meet a guide who will provide you with a briefing and afterwards you will start with the hiking activity. The total hiking time to reach the summit is about 1.5 hours. After enjoying the sublime views, you will hike down to the start point.
- Location: La Laura-Malenga, Moka
- Height: 812 m
Book your Hiking Trip to Le Pouce Mountain
4. Pieter Both Mountain
The Pieter Both stands proudly in the Moka Range of mountains. Located in the village of La Laura, Malenga, the Pieter Both mountain, named after the first Governor General of the Dutch East Indies. It is the second highest mountain in Mauritius at 820m after Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire.
This mountain has a fascinating local story which mentions that a very long time ago, there was a milkman passing through the mountains when he saw fairies dancing around. The fairies mentioned to him not to tell anyone about his sighting or else, he would be transformed into a rock. Obviously as he was so amazed, he couldn’t keep the secret and eventually he was turned to a giant rock, which is now the Pieter Both mountain. The headkind structure on top of the mountain is said to be the milkman.
Hiking the mountain is physically demanding due to its steep slippery slopes, and therefore it is reserved for the most experienced hikers.
The mountain has been classified into 3 categories, the shoulder, neck and head. For a regular hike and some nice views, hikers can just do until the shoulder part. The neck and head demands more expertise and even equipment. A hike/climb to the summit takes around 4 hours for skilful hikers.
- Location: La Laura-Malenga, Moka
- Height: 820m
5. Lion Mountain
Lion Mountain is a protruding mountain in the Bambous mountain range. It is visible from Mahebourg and is also very famous for its vegetation and amazing views of the south east. The mountain got its name due to the resemblance of a lion from afar.
The mountain height is 480m and the climb to its peak can be a bit tough for those who are not accustomed to hiking. There are two trails (the north and the south) for hiking and both take approximately 2.5hrs to reach the summit. The trail starts at Vieux Grand Port Police Station and the endpoint is the summit.
As the hike starts, you will need to pass through sugarcane fields followed by a good quality trail through some shaded woods. One needs to be attentive and careful while doing the trail due to limited directional signs and few rocky slopes.It is also advisable to start the trail via the west side as it is less complicated and simple to locate and follow.
Throughout your walk in the forest, you will get to discover different species of plants and other greeneries. The location is abundant with native vegetation, exotic plants, and if you are lucky enough, you might spot the small, endemic falcon-the Mauritian Kestrel. Once at the summit, you will be rewarded with some of the most breathtaking views of the Mauritian islets, the crystal-clear blue lagoons, as well as the tropical birds, Paille en queue, soaring above. In a nutshell, this can be an amazing opportunity for you to cut off, break away from your daily routine and rejuvenate yourself in the midst of nature.
- Location: Grand Port
- Height: 480m
Book your Guided Hike at Lion Mountain
6. Signal Mountain
The Signal Mountain is a popular mountain located in the capital of Port Louis. The height of the mountain is 323m and it is more like a leisurely hill which can be explored easily through hiking.
Furthermore, since the road is tarred without hurdles, people of all ages and abilities can hike this mountain. Along the way, there are some wonderful spots which can be discovered.
Next to Signal Mountain is Quoin Bluff, both of these neighbouring mountains, overlook the entire city of Port-Louis.
Depending on your speed, the whole trail takes approximately 1 hour to be completed and it is a famous cardio track for many Mauritians with magnificent views.
- Location: Port Louis
- Height: 323m
7. Corps De Garde
The Corps De Garde Mountain is located in Quatre Bornes, while being on the top, one can enjoy the sublime views of the central plateau.
The total height of the mountain is 780m, thus to complete the track it can take up to 4 hours as it is quite easy.
It is also said that when the French were ruling over the island, the French military had a post there to guard the slaves, that is where the name of the mountain was derived.
While hiking this mountain, you will see an impressive panoramic view of the island as far as the eye can see. The path proceeds through basalt rock and the drops are impressive although remote, which gives character to this excursion. There are many native plants on the mountain so it’s a great choice for nature lovers.
Seen from above, the urban civilization in all its extent presents an overall view of Curepipe, Vacoas, Quatre Bornes, Rose Hill, Beau Bassin and les Pailles. On the other side, towards the West, a green stretch of mountains appears. The most well known are: Trois Mamelles, Rempart, Tourelle de Tamarin, Black River Piton, and further away the mountain of Morne Brabant standing majestically.
- Location: Quatre Bornes
- Height: 780m
8. The Trois Mamelles Mountain
One should not miss the opportunity to cross one of the most exciting ridge-lines on the island, at Trois Mamelles, and stand in awe of the spectacular scenery that lies on both the North and South-Western flanks.
Located in the centre of the island, with a total height of 600m, this mountain is challenging to climb and it’s definitely for the more advanced climbers and requires a guide.
The hike forms part of the isolated range comprising Mt Rempart to the West and Les Trois Mamelles to the East. Set your inner adventurer free with this hiking trip to the middle peak of the trio, as you climb to an altitude of 600m.
Enjoy the thrill of conquering challenging terrains as the mountain trail weaves and winds along the edge of the summit ridge line.
This can be an amazing opportunity to break away from sandy beaches and hotel activities to rejuvenate yourself in the midst of tropical nature.
The Trois Mamelles Mountain’s rugged trail is worth the extra effort because of its incredible views of the west of Mauritius at the summit. From here you will be able to see marvelous coastal views, the flourishing natural landscapes of the island as well as the other 2 peaks of the mountain.
- Location: Vacoas
- Height: 600m
Book your Hiking Trip at Trois Mamelles
9. Tourelle du Tamarin Mountain
Located in the village of Tamarin, Tourelle Du Tamarin Mountain, 548m high, offers the best view of the entire western area of Mauritius.
This is a private property, the land belongs to the Maingard family. The climb starts at the sea level on the northern slope of the mountain.
The path to the top of the mountain is rather steep, except for a few sections which are ideal for a drink break and for taking some beautiful pictures.
Nature is well preserved and a beautiful variety of indigenous plants grow here. At the end of the climb, you will enjoy the exceptional panorama view of the most beautiful lagoon “les Fonds Blancs” and of the Morne Brabant mountain.
Since this is a private property, prior permission and reservation is required. Such permission is offered only via registered tour operators and hiking guides.
- Location: Tamarin
- Height: 548m
10. Rempart Mountain
The Rempart Mountain is located on the Western part of Mauritius in the district of Black River.
The height of the mountain is 600m and it is quite difficult to hike due to its steep slopes. This mountain became famous when it was featured on the official Mauritius stamps in the year of 1950 and 1954. Along the route to the summit you might spot some wild deers, monkeys and macaques.
The path is rocky and there is only one route to climb this mountain. All the hard work to reach this mountain will be compensated once you reach on top and get a bird view of all the magnificent sceneries around.
This mountain is hard to climb and therefore do make sure the weather is good, your guide knows the route and you are properly equipped.
- Location: Tamarin, Black River District
- Height: 600m
Best Mauritius Mountains - The Conclusion:
Mauritius has a number of majestic mountains in several locations, which are awaiting for you to explore! There are several famous mountains in Mauritius that provide breathtaking views of valleys, waterfalls and many more. For hiking trips, a backpack, water, comfortable sports shoes and wears are recommended.
Depending on your hiking experience, you must surely include a hiking trip while holidaying on the island. With its breathtaking views which you will experience at the summit of those mountains, you are set for some lifetime memories!