Le Morne Brabant: the 11 best things to do and see
Le Morne is one of the most emblematic places in Mauritius.
Do you want to discover this magnificent region during your stay in Mauritius?
Then I have what you need!
Le Morne Brabant, the most famous mountain in the country and listed as a UNESCO heritage site, dominates the south-west coast.
It is perched on a small peninsula, from which you can enjoy a sublime lagoon, heavenly beaches and lush nature.
In this article I give you all my tips and good plans for visiting Le Morne and its surroundings without missing any of the most beautiful places.
Between hiking in Le Morne mountain, lazing on the beach, water activities, discovering the natural wonders of Chamarel and even a seaplane flight, you will be amazed!
At the end, I also list the best restaurants and the best hotels to sleep in to help organize your trip.
So, what to do in Le Morne in Mauritius?
I tell you everything!
1. Le Morne beach
Impossible to spend time in the South West region of Mauritius without going to see the famous beach of Le Morne!
Just at the foot of Morne Brabant at the end of the peninsula, it is ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Mauritius.
It has indeed all the codes of the dream beach: long strip of white sand, translucent waters and coconut palms.
With the majestic mountain on one side, and the superb bay of Le Morne on the other .
It is bordered by a few luxurious hotels such as the unmissable LUX Le Morne.
This beach has the advantage of being much less crowded and wilder than those in the North or Flic-en-Flac.
It is the ideal place to enjoy a real moment of relaxation and contemplation!
2. Climbing Le Morne Brabant
Activity to do absolutely during your holidays in Mauritius: the ascent of Le Morne mountain!
It is one of the most beautiful hikes to do in Mauritius, with a spectacular panoramic view at the top.
Be careful, it is reserved for good walkers and people who are not afraid of heights.
The trail is not very well marked and there are some pretty steep spots. To enjoy this hike safely, I recommend that you hire a guide.
You will benefit from its know-how, its experience and its rich knowledge of the cultural and natural heritage of the place.
The ascent takes around 4 hours round trip and you can choose between a 5am or 1.30pm departure.
This is one of the most popular hikes in Mauritius and places are going fast. I therefore advise you to book your guide in advance.
3. La Prairie
La Prairie is another remarkable beach in the South West of Mauritius, which offers a magnificent unobstructed view of Le Morne Brabant.
It owes its name to its vast and smooth surface, covered with grass on a large part, behind the strip of white sand.
The setting is so idyllic that the bride and groom often choose this place for their photo shoot.
La Prairie beach is located along the coastal road that leads to Le Morne Brabant.
Don’t forget to stop there to swim, take some pictures or simply admire the incredible landscape!
4. Chamarel’s Seven Colored Earth
If you’re wondering what to do in Le Morne, don’t miss a trip to Chamarel, less than 20 minutes away.
It is in this charming village that you can admire the most famous geological curiosity of the island: the Earth of the 7 colors!
This is an area of volcanic earth dunes with surprising shades of rainbow colors.
It is located in a private domain (the Geopark), with an entrance fee.
On this same site you can also discover:
- the Chamarel waterfall (the highest in Mauritius!)
- the Ebony Forest reserve, which I will tell you about right after.
To save time, you can already buy your entry ticket here.
5. Ebony Forest
Take advantage of your visit to the Seven Colored Earth to also visit the Ebony Forest Nature Reserve, which is right next door.
It is a forest reserve which aims to restore the original ecosystem by replanting endemic species including the famous ebony wood once decimated by the settlers.
The visit is really very well done. At the beginning, a small museum that is quick and pleasant to visit sets the context by tracing the whole history of the island.
Then a 4×4 shuttle takes you to the heights of the reserve, to a first site where you will enjoy a guided tour of around 30min.
You then have the choice of continuing the climb on foot or by shuttle to arrive at the Sublime Point.
This is the name given to the highest point of the reserve which offers a breathtaking panorama over the entire South West coast.
Up there, a small bar even offers drinks and snacks to enjoy facing this fantastic view.
Ebony Forest also offers guided hikes , endemic bird watching sessions and even getting you involved in tree planting.
Nature lovers really shouldn’t miss this tour!
You will find all the information on their official website.
6. Cruise to Benitiers Island
If you go to Le Morne during your trip to Mauritius, I advise you to plan a day for a boat trip to Ile aux Bénitiers.
This is the unmissable cruise in the area, to discover the beauty of the lagoon and this small wild island offshore, aboard a superb catamaran.
You will also pass by the Crystal Rock, a floating rock in the middle of the water, famous in the region.
Departure is in the morning, from the indicated meeting point (Marina Beacon in Rivière Noire, about 20min drive from Le Morne) where you will board.
The excursion lasts 6 hours and includes several swimming and snorkeling stops, a barbecue and unlimited drinks.
To book your cruise to Île aux Bénitiers, just click here.
Tips:
If you prefer to be picked up directly from your hotel + enjoy a swim with the dolphins during the cruise, then click here.
7. The road to Maconde
Another thing to see near Le Morne Brabant: the Macondé road.
It is in fact the coastal road that connects the west to the south of the island via La Prairie, the village of Baie du Cap and the Bel Ombre estate.
This road is classified among the most beautiful roads in the world, and you will understand why by traveling it!
A little after La Prairie, continuing south, you will find the “Macondé Viewpoint ” at a hairpin bend.
There are parking spaces to park along the road and then climb the stairs to the top of the rock and admire the view!
It even seems that, at night and in clear weather, you can see the lights of Reunion Island on the horizon!
Tips:
To admire the beauty of this road and the different places to see around Le Morne without worrying about the route, you can book a private driver.
He will pick you up directly from your hotel and show you around all the places of your choice.
It’s really the best option if you want to take full advantage and/or you’re not comfortable driving on the left!
To book your guide-driver and visit Mauritius with complete peace of mind, click here.
8. Go kitesurfing
The South West of Mauritius is the favorite meeting place for kite-surfing enthusiasts !
The warm waters of the lagoon lend themselves perfectly and kitesurfing is a water sport particularly practiced in this corner of the island, especially on the beach of Le Morne and La Prairie.
There are even international competitions held there on a regular basis!
Do you want to try your hand at kitesurfing in Mauritius?
Whether you are a novice or an accomplished kitesurfer, you can take advantage of private lessons to learn how to master the waves and get your fill of sensations!
9. Go scuba diving
Another super nice nautical activity to do around Le Morne to discover the richness and beauty of the seabed: snorkeling and diving.
The main dive centers in the Le Morne area are:
Whether you want to do your first dive or treat yourself to an exploration dive, an unforgettable experience awaits you, surrounded by a super friendly team!
10. The Museum of Optical Illusions
Just next to the entrance to the 7 Colored Earth in Chamarel, don’t miss the small museum called the “Curious Corner”.
This is a museum dedicated to optical illusions and I really advise you to visit it, especially if you are with children!
I myself have been there several times and each time I have as much fun as the previous one.
You will discover several consecutive rooms, each dedicated to a type of illusion such as the upside down world, the labyrinth of mirrors and many other amazing universes.
The sets are superb, it’s really stunning and funny to do!
Count about 1 hour for the complete visit.
For more information on this museum, it’s here.
11. Seaplane Flight
Want to discover the Morne region from the sky?
So I suggest you opt for this seaplane tour!
You will leave from La Prairie beach for a flight of 15 to 80 minutes depending on your choice.
You will fly over the entire South-West region and will be able to admire Le Morne Brabant, the forest of the Black River Gorges and the magnificent lagoon with its impressive “underwater waterfalls”.
What to take full the peepers!
The famous “underwater waterfalls” located off the coast of Le Morne are actually an optical illusion (definitely in this region! )
These are not really waterfalls but a 4000m deep sea trench , in which the sand is pushed by ocean currents.
The impression of waterfalls is given by the movement of the sand and the gradation of colors of the seabed.
A unique phenomenon in the world, to see absolutely during your stay in Le Morne!
Where to eat in Le Morne?
Here are some establishments that I recommend for eating around Le Morne Brabant:
- Wapalapam : pleasant restaurant serving local and seafood cuisine, with vegetable options. Ideal for regaining strength after climbing Le Morne!
- Le Bus Snack : delicious Creole cuisine, simple and tasty, inexpensive, in a small snack bar set up in a bus!
- Floating Market : a good address for lovers of Asian cuisine!
- La Palma : the restaurant at the Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa. Installed on the beach, to enjoy delicious Mediterranean dishes facing the sea and with your feet in the sand.
Accommodation in Le Morne?
- La Vieille Cheminée : exceptional hotel, located in the middle of nature in Chamarel, made up of independent and ultra-comfortable chalets with double bedroom, bathroom and equipped kitchen. As a bonus, a superb view of the mountain! From €125/night, breakfast included. My favorite in the Le Morne region!
- LUX Le Morne Resort : One of the most beautiful hotels in the South West of Mauritius, located at the foot of Le Morne Brabant, with swimming pools, spa and direct access to the beach. Spacious double room from €295 per night.
- Hotel Chalets Chamarel : in the heights of the village of Chamarel, sleep in a small luxurious pavilion from €340 per night, meals included (except lunch). The ideal choice to combine luxury and nature during your stay in Mauritius!
That’s it, this guide on visits to Le Morne ends here! I hope it will have given you lots of ideas and will help you have a great holiday in Mauritius.
Don’t hesitate to leave me a little comment to ask me questions, let me know your comments and/or feedback!
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