Le Morne Holidays

This southwestern peninsula is the gateway to some of Mauritius’ most coveted attractions. Top of the list for many is a chance to see the Seven Coloured Earths near the highland village of Chamarel. Nearby you can also see some of Mauritius’ giant tortoises and pay a visit to the 90-metre-high Chamarel Waterfalls. At the La Rhumerie de Chamarel you can learn all about the distillation process of the island’s rum, and even enjoy a tasting session with a myriad of flavours and strengths. 

Hikers, walkers and nature enthusiasts should spend at least one day in Black River Gorges National Park, which is home to native plants and animals, some of which are highly endangered. You can also spot nine species of bird only found in Mauritius, including the Pink Pigeon. There are dedicated trails inside the gorge and even up on the plateau, all offering spectacular surroundings and vistas. 

Owing to the favourable winds and the incredible lagoon, Le Morne is a fantastic place for kitesurfing, windsurfing and surfing, as well as all the other watersports like water-skiing. Professional instructors and good equipment are readily available.

You can also visit the tiny Ile aux Bénitiers. This petite island is just 2,000 metres by 500 metres, and has some lovely spots for swimming and snorkelling. To get there as the locals do, simply hop in a fishing boat from the villages of Case Noyale or La Gaulette. Or you could travel by catamaran or speedboat from Le Morne – these excursions usually include a barbeque on an island, too.

The west coast of Mauritius is also one of the best places to see and play with wild dolphins. Take one of the many motor boat or catamaran trips out past the lagoon any time of year, and you’ll likely see a curious pod or two. If you plan your Le Morne holiday for September, you might even spot migrating whales.

Le Morne Mountain – or “the monolith” as it’s commonly called – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and commemorative landmark of the harsh history of slavery on Mauritius. Back in the 18th and 19th centuries, runaway slaves used Le Morne Brabant’s isolated and almost inaccessible caves as a place to hide and form small settlements. Over time, the mountains have become a symbol and reminder of the slaves’ sacrifice. Today, Mauritius is one of the most cosmopolitan islands in the world, as the slave population and their descendants have brought cultures, cuisines and traditions from mainland Africa, Madagascar and India.

Take a guided expedition up to the top of the mountain, learn more about its poignant past, and admire the panoramic views over the lagoon. 

Book your Le Morne holiday between April and June or September and December to enjoy the most pleasant weather, with temperatures hovering in the high-twenties. Mauritius’ tropical climate means temperatures are fairly steady throughout the year, but summer – November to April – is often very humid. In the winter months between May and October, temperatures can drop as low as 19°C, which might not be quite warm enough for lying by the pool.

But Mauritius holidays aren’t all about sunbathing. If you’re a keen scuba diver, consider going to Le Morne in the hot winter months, as the lack of rain means that the underwater visibility is fantastic. Or, if you want to go surfing, plan your trip for the windy months of June, July or August.