Histories have been written and books published about this national monument which is enlisted on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site since 2008: Le Morne Brabant, the first part of its name meaning “the mourning” and its history forever entwined with the dark times of slavery.
It is said to having been the main hiding place for runaway slaves in ancient times, some of them jumping to their death rather than being enslaved again which they erroneously believed was going to happen when soldiers came to tell them that slavery had been abolished. Today Le Morne Brabant is a landmark and hosts an annual ceremony on “Abolition of Slavery Day”. Remnants have been found which are believed to be a shelter of slaves high up on the mountainside; excavations are on the way and a museum in the planning stages.
Geographically, the huge basalt rock that rises square and straight 556m out of the Indian Ocean, creating its very own peninsula, and a microclimate of its own. It is surely an impressive sight to see and hosts many endangered species, amongst which the Trochetia Boutoniana, Mauritius’ national flower is especially worth mentioning. Guided tours around the area and even to the top of the mountain can be booked locally.
The area around Le Morne is well known for its white sandy beaches, luxury hotels such as Mornea, Le Paradis, Dinarobin or Indian Resort and excellent wind- and kite surfing conditions. Legendary surf spot “Oneye” is also situated off the coast of Le Morne. Swimmers should stay close to the beach and only in the designated areas,