Mauritius: A south coast road trip

If you’re staying in laid back Le Morne on the island’s south west corner, then you’re moments away from the B9 coast road – one of the loveliest stretches of highway in Mauritius. Whether you hire a personal driver, rent a car or choose the healthy option and go by bike, this is an unspoiled, less-visited part of the country you’ll be glad to discover. 

History and heritage

Le Morne itself is the ideal place to start. The laid back peninsula is not only home to some of the finest resorts and beaches on the island, it’s also a place of immense historical significance and meaning for Mauritians. Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a landscape symbol of escaped slaves' resistance against slavery and ultimate fight for freedom. The mountain can be explored in various ways – including climbing to the top with a licensed guide – or simply pay a visit to the UNESCO monument at the foot of the monolith, where the cultural relevance of the landscape is explained in greater detail.

Drive east on B9 passing through Le Morne Brabant fishing village, where you can cast your eyes over the oceans towards Fourneau islet. 

A landmark view

Just around the corner from Le Morne is the equally tiny village of Baie-du-Cap, located at the point where the Riviere du Cap empties into the sea. The road swings inwards in a wide inverted ‘U’ shape before rising up to meet one of the best-known viewpoints in Mauritius. Here, right at the narrowest spot on a challenging hairpin bend is a jagged headland formed of solidified lava. The landmark, known as Macondé Rock, is navigable by way of a zig-zagging staircase and offers great views of the ocean and – even more interestingly – of the winding road behind; a truly impressive feat of engineering whose improbable tightness can only really be appreciated from above. 

Bel Ombre

As Macondé Rock fades into the background, you’ll drive towards Bel Ombre through the pretty little village of Saint Martin, where a stone monument on the beach remembers the survivors of the shipwrecked cargo ship SS Trevessa in 1923, captained by Welsh master mariner Cecil Foster. Bel Ombre itself is a picturesque coastal town with pristine beaches, making it a popular destination for visitors.  

Beach life

After Bel Ombre but before the small town of Chemin Grenier, you’ll pass alongside the beach known as Jacotet Bay – a historic naval site where the British first attempted to take Mauritius from the French in 1810. Here’s where you’ll find the tiny islet of Sanchot which, as well as allegedly being home to some hidden pirate treasures, is also a popular point break surf spot. 

Continue along the coast road, and you will come across stunning beaches like St. Felix, Riambel, and Gris Gris. These beaches offer something for everyone: watersport activities, food outlets, or simply relaxing and enjoying the landscape. 

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