In my opinion, Le Morne Peninsula is one of the most beautiful places in Mauritius.
Dominated by a majestic mountain overlooking a stunning white-sand beach flanked by clear-blue water and rows of palm trees, Le Morne is a must-visit and a great place to base yourself during your trip to Mauritius Island.
You’ll find a wide range of things to see and do in Le Morne, from hiking to the summit of Le Morne Brabant to swimming in the crystal-clear waters or even flying above the peninsula for a glimpse at the underwater waterfall.
If you’re visiting soon, here’s a list of the best things to do in and around Le Morne, including advice on how to get there and the best hotels to stay at.
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Read more about Mauritius:
- 20 Things to do in and around Flic en Flac
- How to spend 7 days in Mauritius: Itinerary for first-timers
- 11 Beaches in Mauritius that are perfect for swimming
- Best viewpoints in Mauritius
How to get to Le Morne?
If you’re traveling from the airport to Le Morne, you can book your airport transfer on GetYourGuide here. It costs around USD 50 and the trip takes around 1h20.
If you’re coming from other parts of Mauritius, you can get to Le Morne by car (find the best car rental deals here).
Alternatively, you can take the bus (you can see all the bus routes here but keep in mind that this is the slowest option).
Where to Stay in Le Morne?
Le Morne is one of the most exclusive locations to stay on Mauritius Island and thus you’ll find mostly luxury resorts along the entire beach strip.
While there are also a few budget hotels in Le Morne, they are located about 2 km from the beach.
For even more budget options, I recommend looking for accommodations in the nearby village of La Gaulette, located less than a 10-minute drive away.
Below are some of the best hotels to stay in Le Morne:
Luxury: Paradis Beachcomber is a 5-star luxury resort featuring sea-view rooms with private balconies perfect for watching the sunset. They also have 4 restaurants serving local and international dishes, a golf course, gym, spa, and a heated pool.
Mid-range: Located about 2 km from the beach, Kozy Le Morne offers beautiful studio apartments with a private jacuzzi as well as private pool villas overlooking the lagoon and surrounding mountains.
Budget: Ma Vie La is the ideal choice for budget travelers, also located about 2 km from the beach or 5 km from Le Morne mountain trailhead. There’s also a restaurant within walking distance. Boasting incredible ocean and mountain views, Ma Vie La features clean and spacious rooms with a fully equipped kitchen, private bathroom, and patio.
Things to do in Le Morne
Hike Le Morne Brabant
My absolute favorite thing to do in Le Morne is to hike Le Morne Brabant, which sits at 556 meters above sea level.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once used as a refuge by runaway slaves and today it’s one of the most famous hiking trails in Mauritius.
The first half of the trail is relatively easy with only a gradual incline but afterward, the hike becomes more challenging so hiring a guide is recommended for less experienced hikers.
After a 1 to 2-hour hike, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the turquoise lagoon, lush mountains, and the underwater waterfall.
For more info, be sure to read my detailed guide to hiking to the top of Le Morne Brabant here.
Le Morne Beach
In my opinion, Le Morne Beach is by far the most beautiful beach in all of Mauritius.
Featuring soft white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, palm trees, and a mountain in the backdrop, there’s nothing more picturesque than Le Morne Beach.
The best swimming spot is in front of LUX Le Morne Resort as it’s very clean with calm shallow water.
However, some parts of the beach have dead corals which can hurt your feet so it’s a good idea to wear water shoes.
You can spend the day swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters or even go horse riding at sunset if you’re looking for a romantic activity to do with your partner.
If you prefer something more active, you can also try out windsurfing or kitesurfing (more details below).
Facilities at the beach include a parking lot, toilets, and changing rooms. You’ll also find a few food trucks and street vendors along the beach.
Scenic Flight above the Underwater Waterfall
What if I tell you that Mauritius Island is the only place on earth where you can witness an underwater waterfall?
That’s right, this natural phenomenon unique to Mauritius is actually an optical illusion formed by the dragging of sand down the ocean.
The best way to see the waterfall is to take a seaplane or helicopter flight above Le Morne Peninsula.
During the flight, you’ll also have the opportunity to admire the stunning coastline and the colorful sand dunes of Chamarel, another unique attraction on the island.
Budget-conscious travelers might consider hiking to the top of Le Morne mountain for a bird’s eye view of the waterfall.
Although the view won’t be exactly the same, it’s a much cheaper alternative to the scenic flight.
Ile aux Benitiers and Crystal Rock
Ile aux Benitiers is a small island located off the northern coast of Le Morne Peninsula. If you’re lucky, you might even spot wild dolphins and whales in the lagoon surrounding the island.
Note that Ile aux Benitiers is very popular among tourists and locals so if you want to avoid crowds, I recommend visiting early in the morning or on weekdays.
Tip: If you head toward the southern tip of the island, you’ll be able to find a deserted beach overlooking Le Morne Brabant.
You can visit Ile aux Benitier on a boat tour, which usually includes BBQ lunch and drinks or if you prefer, you can DIY your own trip by hiring a private boat.
Whichever option you choose, you’ll also make a stop at the Crystal Rock for snorkeling.
Kitesurfing
The flat and shallow lagoon along with the small to medium-sized waves make Le Morne one of the best kitesurfing spots on the island whether you’re a beginner or an advanced surfer.
While you can surf year-round in Mauritius, you’ll have the best wind conditions between June and November.
The southeastern part of the peninsula, near the Riu Hotels, offers the best conditions for surfing so this is where you should be headed.
La Prairie Beach
If Le Morne Beach feels a bit too lively for you, you can instead head to the more secluded La Prairie Beach, located less than 10 km away.
With a calm shallow lagoon, a stunning view of the mountain, and barely any tourists, you won’t find more peaceful than that.
The beach might be too shallow for a proper swim but it’s a nice spot to hang out and watch the sunset. You can also observe seaplanes taking off from this beach.
Keep in mind that there are no facilities in La Prairie such as restaurants and toilets. Also, there’s no designated parking lot but you can just park on the beach.
Macondé Viewpoint
One of the best things to do in Le Morne is to go on a road trip along the Baie du Cap Macondé Route.
The route takes you along a scenic road flanked by lush greenery on one side and the turquoise ocean on the other.
You’ll also pass through small villages before arriving at Macondé Viewpoint.
Located on a narrow hairpin bend, this is one of the most popular viewpoints in Mauritius. You can climb up the narrow stairs for an aerial view of the lagoon and surrounding mountains.
After you’re done at the viewpoint, you can check out the nearby beach or sample local food at the Bus Snack, which is an old bus converted into a restaurant.
Pointe Cassis Beach and Ilot Fournot
Another beach you might want to check out is Pointe Cassis Beach. It’s located directly opposite Ilot Fourneau and has a great view of Le Morne Brabant.
I wouldn’t recommend it for swimming though as the water is a bit murky.
Slave Route Monument
Located directly across Le Morne public beach is a small open-air museum with rock sculptures and art installations erected to commemorate the abolition of slavery in Mauritius.
Le Morne played an important role during the slave trade period as runaway slaves used to seek refuge at the foot of the mountain.
When slavery was abolished in 1835, the police were sent to inform the former slaves that they were now free but in fear of being recaptured, they decided to jump off the mountain.
The Slave Route Monument is open daily and is free to visit.
Things to do near Le Morne
Chamarel Waterfall and Seven Colored Earth
Famous for its windy roads, stunning viewpoints, and unique geological wonders, Chamarel boasts a wide range of things to see and do.
Two of its most popular attractions are Chamarel Waterfall, one of the tallest waterfalls in Mauritius, and the Seven Colored Earth Geopark, which features colorful sand dunes formed by the weathering and decomposition of lava and mineral deposits.
The sand dunes look more vibrant on a bright sunny day, so plan your visit accordingly. Also inside the geopark is a small tortoise park and a restaurant.
Entrance to the geopark costs Rs 750 for adults and Rs 375 for children (tourist price – buy your entrance tickets here).
Other things you can do in Chamarel include hiking at Ebony Forest (more details below), zip lining at Lavilleon Adventure Park, or rum tasting at Rhumerie de Chamarel.
I also recommend checking out Chamarel Viewpoint which provides a breathtaking view of Ile aux Benitiers, Le Morne Brabant, and La Tourelle du Tamarin.
Ebony Forest
Another best thing to do near Le Morne is to visit Ebony Forest, a nature reserve home to endemic plants and birds, including the Pink Pigeon and Echo Parakeet.
It features several hiking trails that are suitable for the whole family with incredible vistas of the southwest coast of Mauritius.
The entrance fee includes a visit to the Natural History Museum and a self-guided hike along the Ridgeline, Sublime Point, and Piton Canot trails.
I also recommend checking out the Flycatcher Walkway if you want to observe the rare endemic birds.
Opening hours: 9 a.m to 5 p.m.
Black River Gorges
With over 60 km of hiking trails leading to viewpoints and waterfalls, Black River Gorges National Park is free to visit and a must for avid hikers or those simply looking for a peaceful walk in nature.
The park is also home to endemic fauna and flora with well-marked trails ranging from easy to strenuous.
Some of the trails that you can explore include Piton de La Petite Riviere Noire (the highest mountain in Mauritius), Plateau Remousse, Macchabee Viewpoint, Mare Longue Loop, and Mare aux Joncs Waterfall.
For more details about each trail, be sure to read my complete guide to hiking in the Black River Gorges.
Note: People with reduced mobility can still visit the national park. For instance, Gorges Viewpoint and Alexandra Falls Viewpoint are both easily accessible from the parking lot and can be reached within a 5-minute walk.
Flic en Flac
Another place you can visit near Le Morne is Flic en Flac. This small coastal village is located on the west coast and features a wide range of hotels and resorts, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
The main draw of Flic en Flac is its 8-km long sandy shore that offers one of the best sunset views on the island.
Be sure to bring your mask and snorkels if you want to see the fish swimming in the crystal-clear waters. However, the shore is a bit rocky so it’s best to wear water shoes.
For more details, read my guide to the 20 best things to do in Flic en Flac, including tips on how to get there, where to stay, and the best places to eat.
Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire
As mentioned above the Black River Gorges is home to the highest mountain in Mauritius, Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire.
At 828 meters, it provides a 360-degree of the whole national park and southwest coast.
Keep in mind that the path is mostly shaded by trees and thus can be extremely muddy after a rainy day.
It’s still accessible to most people as there’s only a gradual incline up until you reach the final section, which is steeper.
Depending on your fitness level, it should take around 1.5-2 hours to get to the top. The trail is easy to follow as there’s only one path.
You can find more details by reading my guide to hiking Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire here.
Bois Cheri Tea Plantation
The Bois Cheri Tea Plantation is located about a 1-hour drive from Le Morne and boasts a beautiful lake surrounded by tea fields.
Even the road leading there is very scenic with rows of tea fields as far as the eyes can see!
You can take a guided tour of the tea factory and museum (available in English and French) before ending with a tea tasting session.
If you don’t want to visit the tea factory, you can instead take a short walk around the tea plantation.
I also recommend checking out the trail that leads to the crater of Trou Kanaka, which is a dormant volcano. You can use this map for the exact route to follow.
La Tourelle du Tamarin
Overlooking the west coast with views over Le Morne Brabant, Black River Gorges, and Tamarin Bay, La Tourelle du Tamarin is the ideal spot for hikers and nature lovers.
This hike requires a moderate level of fitness and takes around 3-4 hours to complete. You do need authorization before doing this hike as the trail is located on private property.
You can read my La Tourelle du Tamarin hiking guide for more details, including how to get the authorization, what to expect during the hike, and other helpful tips.
Explore Souillac
The village of Souillac is located about 30 km from Le Morne and is the perfect place to visit if you want to experience the more rugged side of Mauritius.
Here you’ll find the famous Gris Gris Beach. Although beautiful, it’s not recommended to swim here due to the strong current.
You can instead take a walk along the trails and admire the view from its numerous viewpoints.
There are also several “hidden” caves to explore as well as three waterfalls. For more details, I recommend reading my guide to visiting Gris Gris Beach.
Other things to see in Soulliac include Rochester Falls, Cascade Leon, and Seneville Waterfall.
Grand Bassin
Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao, is a crater lake that is considered to be the most important place of worship for the Hindu community of Mauritius.
In 1972, water was brought from the Ganges in India and mixed in Grand Bassin to create a link between these two religious sites.
Nowadays, every year during the Maha Shivaratri celebrations, thousands of Hindus from every corner of Mauritius go on a pilgrimage to the Ganga Talao.
You can take a walk around the lake to visit the temples or check out the 33-meter statue of Lord Shiva.
Entrance is free. Keep in mind that you need to cover your shoulders and knees before entering the site and temples.
Tip: If you want to visit as part of a guided tour, I recommend this South Mauritius tour which includes visits to Grand Bassin, Trou aux Cerfs, La Vallée des Couleurs, and Black River Gorges.
Casela Nature Park
Casela is an adventure park/zoo featuring over 1,800 birds and animals such as the Mauritian Kestrel, lions, zebras, rhinos, and giraffes among others.
Aside from viewing the animals, you can also book a zip line and Nepalese bridge experience to admire the lush surroundings from a bird’s eye perspective. For something more thrilling, you can even go bungee jumping.
The best time to visit Casela is on weekdays when it’s not too crowded. The park is open every day from 9 a.m to 5 p.m.
La Preneuse Beach
Located about 18 km from Le Morne, La Preneuse is a small secluded beach with powdery white sand and clear-blue water.
For an insight into the history of Mauritius, you can take a guided tour of the nearby Martello Tower. The old watchtower has been converted into a museum and is located at the beach entrance.
Additional Tips
- There are no supermarkets in Le Morne. The closest supermarket is found in the nearby village of La Gaulette.
- There are only two restaurants (apart from the hotel restaurants) in Le Morne and unfortunately, they are a bit pricey. Again I recommend heading to La Gaulette where you’ll find cheaper restaurants and street food stalls. Alternatively, you can also find a few restaurants in Pointe Cassis and Bel Ombre.
Did you find this guide to the best things to do in and around Le Morne helpful? If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comment section below.
2 comments
Thanks for your really useful guides for Mauritius.
You’re welcome, Ash! :)