Le Pouce Mountain

Le Pouce Mountain stands between Port Louis and St. Pierre, rising to 812 m, making it one of the highest peaks in Mauritius.

Once known as the Mountain of Immortals, it was named after a rare plant still found on its slopes today.

Highlights of Le Pouce

• Panoramic Views: From the top, see Le Morne, Coin de Mire, Port Louis, and much of the island.
• Flourishing Nature: The trail is lined with exotic plants and rare endemic species, unique to this area.

Part of the Moka Mountain Range, the island’s longest, Le Pouce sits between Montagne des Signaux and Pieter Both (820m), the second-highest peak in Mauritius.

Its thumb-shaped silhouette is where the mountain gets its name.

Rare Botanical Finds

• Bois Dentelle (Elaeocarpus bojeri) - one of the rarest flowering trees in the world.
• Cylindrocline commersonii - a plant found only in the vicinity of Le Pouce.

Hiking Le Pouce isn’t just a climb - it’s a journey through rare landscapes, living species, and local legend.

Hike to Le Pouce Mountain

Le Pouce is one of Mauritius’ most popular hikes. The trail starts in shady forest and gradually opens up to reveal sweeping views. It’s an easy to moderate hike — until the final 500m, which gets steep and requires some balance.

Along the Trail:

• First plateau: Pause and choose to descend to Port Louis (left) or continue to the summit (right).
• Second plateau: A flat esplanade - perfect for a short break.
• Final climb: Steep, rocky, and exposed - manageable with basic fitness and care.

At the top, enjoy a stunning 360° view over Port Louis, the mountains, and coastline - a true highlight of the island.

Book a half day hiking trip here & climb to the top of Le Pouce Mountain!

Trails

St Pierre to Summit (Return Trail)

• Distance: 3.8 km (round trip)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: Approx. 4 hours
• Notes: Steep final 500m to the summit. Return via the same route or descend toward Port Louis.

St Pierre to Port Louis (Cross-Mountain Trail)

• Distance: 6 km (one way)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: Approx. 3h45 (excluding summit climb)
• Ends at: Tranquebar or Le Dauguet, Port Louis