Sunrise Hike at Le Morne Brabant
The Le Morne climb before the heat and the crowds: start by headlamp, reach the viewpoint for first light over the lagoon, and be back down by mid-morning.
Le Morne Brabant is the mountain at the south-west tip of the island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its history as a refuge for escaped slaves. This departure climbs it in the dark. You meet the guide at the car park on the Le Morne coastal road between four and five in the morning depending on the month, drive the last six kilometres to the trailhead in your own car or taxi, and set off by headlamp along the lower slopes.
The upper section is steeper, with short scrambling passages where you use your hands, and it is timed so you reach the summit viewpoint as the light comes up over the lagoon, Île aux Bénitiers and the Black River mountains. The descent is in daylight, with the guide telling the story of the mountain and pointing out the Trochetia boutoniana, the national flower, which grows wild only on this mountain. Back at the car park by mid-morning. Group of two to eight; the pace is set by the group.
Key facts
- Distance 6.5 km, total ascent 490 m
- Duration 3 h 30 min – 4 h 30 min
- Challenging (grade 3/4): good fitness and a head for heights needed; short scrambling passages
- Ages 10 to 65 as a guideline (other ages on request)
Good to know
- Monday to Friday; groups of 2 to 8
- Meeting time by month: Jan–Feb 04:00 · Mar–Apr 04:15 · May 04:30 · Jun–Aug 04:45 · Sep 04:15 · Oct–Dec 04:00, at the Le Morne commercial centre car park (next to Wapalapam Restaurant, facing Le Paradis Beachcomber)
- The meeting point is not the trailhead: you drive the last 6 km in your own car or taxi; free pick-up from the Le Morne hotels on request
- Not for pregnant women, people with knee, balance or heart issues, or anyone uncomfortable with exposed rock
- Private departures for 1 to 10 guests from Rs 6,400
- Book at least 3 days ahead; on request, we confirm your date with Yanature before your booking is confirmed
- Operated by Yanature. Public rates, VAT included.
What to bring
- Headlamp (bring your own or ask)
- Hiking shoes with good grip
- 1.5–2 L of water per person and a snack
- A light rain jacket