The Morne Brabant, in the South-West of the island, is more than an impressive rock formation which overlooks a beautiful beach and an amazing lagoon and the tip of which offers a breathtaking view. It is a landmark, in many senses of the word. It has been given the status of World Heritage by the UNESCO in 2008. This place will offer to hikers what they seek: history, beauty and challenges.
Culture
From the 5th to the 8th of December last, the 14th session of the Festival International Kreol – an event highlighting the Creole culture – was held. The “typical séga” night was held on the public beach of Le Morne. This place was chosen because of its significant role in the history of Mauritius. Indeed, many Mauritians are African slave descendants.
History and freedom celebrated
Who would think that a dark and tragic story unfolded in such a heavenly setting? Yet, during the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century, the Morne Brabant witnessed courage, a battle for freedom and despair.
A large number of slaves, mainly from the African continent, were brought to Mauritius under the French colonial rule so as to work in sugar cane and tobacco plantations. In order to escape the harsh life and work conditions, they hid into the caves of the Morne mountain.
Nature provided them with a shelter which the settlers could not reach. Many slaves remained there until the abolition of slavery. A more saddening fact is yet to come. When the British put an end to slavery on the 1st of February 1835, some officers went to the Morne to announce the good news to the hidden slaves.
However, the latter, who perceived every officer as a cruel being, belived they had come to take them back to the very life they were trying to escape from. At a complete loss, they decided to jump to their death from the cliff.
Mauritius still celebrates the abolition of slavery on the 1st of February each year. A landmark, the “Monument de la Route des Esclaves” has been built near the mountain, to somehow remind us of the value of freedom.
Exploring the mountain
Do not get dissuaded by the immensity and the height of the rock, the Morne Brabant can indeed be climbed. One has to walk along a rocky path to get to the foot of the mountain. This walk can take between 45 minutes to one hour. The side of the mountain is very steep and some effort is required.
Once you have climbed the side, you will reach the tip of the Morne Brabant, which you will be able to spot thanks to a cross, at some 556 metres above sea level. Contemplate and count, if you can, the number of shades that you are able to see in the lagoon. The Bénitiers island can also be seen from the top. Walking and climbing may take about 3 to 4 hours, excluding the time you will spend contemplating the splendour of the setting before your eyes.
This hiking experience can be described in four words: out of this world!
The sad story of the Morne does not taint, in any way, the beauty and magic of its landscape. Hiking in this place can help understand maybe why the slaves chose this very place to hide. It really is one place where you feel safe from the world and where you can dream.