Le Morne Brabant

Le Morne Brabant, a majestic basalt monolith rising 556 metres sheer from a peninsula on the island's southwest, is Mauritius's most iconic and poignant landmark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond its dramatic beauty, ringed by turquoise lagoon and white beaches, it holds deep meaning: its remote, forbidding heights became a refuge for runaway slaves, or maroons, in the era of slavery. It stands today as a powerful symbol of the struggle for freedom, and its slopes can be climbed on a guided hike for breathtaking views.

What you actually see

• The mountain - the dramatic basalt monolith and its history.
• The guided hike - the climb to the panoramic summit views.
• The peninsula lagoons - the turquoise water and beaches around it.
• The maroon memorial - the monument to those who sought freedom.

When to go

May to December, the cooler, drier season, for the best hiking weather and clearest views; the climb is best in the cool of the early morning. The peninsula's beaches and lagoons around the mountain are also among the island's loveliest, popular for kite-surfing.

Honest expectations

The upper part of the mountain is steep and can only be climbed with a guide, and the hike, while rewarding, is demanding in the heat, so it suits reasonably fit walkers; the summit area is sensitive and access is restricted. Its history as a place of refuge for enslaved people gives it a solemn significance beyond its beauty. As a stunning, meaningful icon of Mauritius, though, it is unmissable.

Nearby

The southwest beaches, Chamarel and the Black River Gorges are close by.