full day
Daily Tour
6 people
English, Francais
Le Pouce Mountain stands as Mauritius’s third highest peak at 812 meters (2664 feet), resembling a giant thumb reaching toward the sky. Only Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire (828 m) and Pieter Both (820 m) surpass its impressive height, though Le Pouce offers arguably the most accessible summit experience for hikers seeking breathtaking views.
Located in the Mocha Range near the village of La Laura-Malenga in the Mocha District, Le Pouce Mountain hiking trail presents a perfect balance of challenge and accessibility. This natural wonder formed ten million years ago in a basalt lava dome, creating the distinctive thumb-like shape that gives the mountain its name. For adventurous travelers, climbing Le Pouce Mountain provides an unforgettable experience that typically takes between 1-2 hours to complete. Though the Le Pouce Mountain hike covers approximately 4.5km return from the Saint-Pierre car park with an elevation gain of about 412m, most hikers find it moderately challenging rather than exhausting. At the summit, visitors experience what many describe as “feeling like you are on top of the world” – a fitting reward for those who make the journey to this Mauritian landmark.
Getting to Le Pouce Mountain is straightforward, making this remarkable hiking adventure accessible for both tourists and locals. The mountain is situated in the central region of Mauritius in Petit Verger, Saint Pierre, approximately 20 minutes from Port Louis, 50 minutes from Mahebourg, or 1 hour and 45 minutes from Le Morne.
Travelers have several transportation options to reach the Le Pouce Mountain hiking trail. Public busses run regularly from Port Louis and Saint Pierre, with tickets costing between Rs 17-44 per trip (approximately USD 1). When taking the bus, ask the driver to drop you off at Petit Verger along Bois Cheri Road. From the bus stop on the main road, you’ll need to walk about 1 kilometer to reach the actual trailhead.
For those who prefer independence, renting a car costs around Rs 1,000 per day. This option provides flexibility to explore other attractions in Mauritius before or after your hike.
The Le Pouce Mountain trail can be approached from two directions:
Most visitors opt for the south route as it starts at a higher elevation and covers less than half the distance of the north approach. Additionally, the trails can be connected for a through-hike with public transport available at both ends.
If driving from Saint Pierre, follow Bois Cheri Road (B47) until you reach a narrow side road on your right near the end. This road, marked as “Le Pouce Road,” leads to a free parking area that accommodates approximately 50 vehicles. Alternatively, from the M1 highway, head toward Mocha and watch for a sign reading “Le Pouce / Nouvelle Découverte” about 150 meters after the Mont Desert Alma roundabout.
Remember that petty theft from parked vehicles has been reported in the area, so avoid leaving valuables visible in your car. With proper planning, reaching Le Pouce Mountain trailhead becomes the first exciting step in conquering this magnificent peak.
The trail experience at Le Pouce Mountain perfectly balances challenge with reward, making it an ideal adventure for both novice and experienced hikers. This 4.2-kilometer out-and-back trail features an elevation gain of 369 meters and typically takes around 2 hours to complete, although some hikers report needing between 3-4 hours for the full round trip.
Despite being described as moderately challenging, most sections of the hike remain accessible to beginners. However, the terrain varies considerably throughout your journey. The initial portion winds through dense, shady forest, gradually opening up to reveal increasingly spectacular views as you ascend.
Along the way, hikers encounter various terrain types – from gravel paths and hard-packed mud to larger stones that can become slippery, especially after rainfall. Consequently, sturdy footwear is essential for safely navigating these changing conditions.
Upon reaching the first plateau, hikers face a choice: continue left toward Port Louis or right toward the summit. Further up, a second plateau offers a perfect resting spot to catch your breath while admiring the panoramic vistas.
The final ascent presents the most demanding segment of the journey. This steep section requires some scrambling, using both hands and feet. Nevertheless, those who persevere are rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views encompassing Port Louis, the northern plains, and even nearby islands.
From the summit, hikers can spot several landmarks including Le Morne, Coin de Mire, and Pieter Both Mountain with its distinctive boulder-topped peak. Indeed, many consider this viewpoint among the finest on the island for appreciating Mauritius’s dramatic topography.
While challenging in terms of cardiovascular exertion, particularly during the last ascent, the hike remains accessible year-round. Moreover, the descent requires extra caution, especially when the ground is wet.
For those seeking an authentic Mauritian adventure without extreme difficulty, climbing Le Pouce Mountain delivers an unforgettable experience with views that thoroughly justify every step of effort.
Proper preparation is the cornerstone of any successful adventure on Le Pouce Mountain. The trail demands respect, yet rewards preparedness with an unforgettable experience atop one of Mauritius's most iconic peaks.
For optimal hiking conditions, plan your expedition between May and November when cooler, drier weather prevails. Regardless of when you visit, starting early helps avoid the intense midday heat. Prior to your journey, always check weather forecasts as conditions can change rapidly—hiking during or after rainfall significantly increases trail difficulty due to mud and slippery surfaces.
Essential gear for climbing Le Pouce Mountain includes:
Safety must remain your priority throughout the adventure. Accordingly, inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time. While solo hiking is possible, it's generally not recommended for inexperienced hikers. Most tour operators require a minimum age of 8-10 years, and participants should possess at least moderate fitness levels.
Once on the trail, respect the natural environment by staying on marked paths and carrying out all trash. The final stretch to the summit requires extra caution—some sections demand scrambling with both hands and feet, particularly challenging after rain when erosion affects stability.
For those seeking additional security, guided tours provide professional support with trained guides carrying first aid supplies and communication equipment. These services typically accommodate groups of 4-15 people, offering both safety and educational components about local flora and history.
Remember that Le Pouce Mountain, while accessible year-round, presents varying challenges each season. With appropriate preparation, even moderately fit hikers can safely conquer this magnificent thumb-shaped peak and capture memories that truly last a lifetime.
Le Pouce Mountain stands as a testament to Mauritius's natural splendor, offering hikers an accessible yet rewarding adventure unlike any other on the island. Most visitors find this moderate 4.5km trek strikes the perfect balance between challenge and accessibility, regardless of their hiking experience. The journey through changing landscapes—from shaded forests to open plateaus—culminates in what many describe as the most spectacular panoramic views in Mauritius.
Above all, the final scramble to reach the distinctive thumb-shaped summit delivers an incomparable sense of achievement. Hikers who make this journey are accordingly rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree vistas encompassing Port Louis, neighboring peaks, and even distant islands. This view alone justifies every drop of sweat shed during the ascent.
Undoubtedly, proper preparation remains essential for anyone tackling this natural wonder. Sturdy footwear, adequate water, and weather awareness transform a potentially challenging hike into an unforgettable highlight of any Mauritius vacation. The mountain welcomes visitors year-round, though the period between May and November provides the most reliable conditions for a safe summit attempt.
Families, solo travelers, and hiking enthusiasts alike have found Le Pouce Mountain offers exceptional value compared to other paid attractions on the island. The combination of free access, reasonable difficulty, and world-class views makes this trail a must-do activity for anyone seeking authentic Mauritian experiences beyond the beaches.
Le Pouce Mountain therefore emerges as the quintessential Mauritian hiking experience—accessible enough for casual adventurers yet rewarding enough for seasoned trekkers. Those who conquer this iconic peak return with more than photographs; they carry memories of standing atop Mauritius's mighty thumb, surveying the island paradise from a perspective few travelers ever witness.
The hike typically takes between 2-4 hours round trip, depending on your pace and fitness level. Most hikers complete the 4.5km trail in about 2 hours, but some may need up to 4 hours for the full experience.
The best time to hike Le Pouce Mountain is between May and November when the weather is cooler and drier. However, the trail is accessible year-round, so you can enjoy the hike in any season with proper preparation.
While described as moderately challenging, the Le Pouce Mountain hike is generally accessible to beginners with a reasonable level of fitness. The final ascent requires some scrambling, but most of the trail is manageable for novice hikers.
Essential items for the hike include sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and a camera. It's also advisable to bring lightweight layers and a basic first aid kit for safety.
From the summit, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of Mauritius. You can see Port Louis, the northern plains, nearby islands, and other landmarks such as Le Morne, Coin de Mire, and Pieter Both Mountain with its distinctive boulder-topped peak.
Member Since 2025
Leave a review