A stunning trail meandering along the rugged black cliffs of the south coast. The surf breaking against the coast and the remoteness of the area give the feeling that you are somewhere different than Mauritius. One of the best hiking/mountain biking trails in the country. The trail is easy as there is minimal elevation change, but it is definitely long. If you are hiking and do not want to do a return trip, the hike is best done with two cars/motorbikes to run a shuttle or you can catch a cab ride from the resort near La Cambuse, although a cab can be slightly expensive. On a mountain bike it would be a great ride both directions. There are access/exit points at Pont Naturel and Le Bouchon – you can get coconuts and snacks here as well. The trail is only shaded for a small part of the way.
Route:
- Type of trail: Out and Back/Shuttle
- Start/end point: Le Souffler/La Cambuse
- Length: 5 miles one way
- Duration: 2 hours
- Lowest point: 0ft
- Highest point: 136ft
- Total elevation gain: 864ft
If you are hoping to get a cab for your return journey, it seems to be easiest to start at Le Souffler and end at La Cambuse. Otherwise, it doesn’t make any difference. Finding your way to the trail at Le Souffler can be a challenge. In L’Escalier the turn off is on the south side and is marked by a rusty sign that says Le Souffler. This road is also the entrance to the local Omnicane industrial complex. As you near the facilities there is another sign guiding you towards Le Souffler. Continue on the road right through the center of the facilities. The road is generally marked as it passes through sugarcane towards the coast. If in doubt, just follow the clearest road and you will find your way there. You will reach a building and a black gate that says Le Souffler 6am-6pm. Continue along the stone lined road until you reach the coast.
To arrive at La Cambuse turn onto Mon Desert Road just before the aiport headed towards the Beachcomber Shandrani resort. There will be a turn off on the west side of the road just before the resort. Follow this road to the beach. If you would like to start from this end, just begin heading west along the beach until you find a trail near the shore.
From Le Souffler, head east from the viewpoint and you will come across the trail. It is quite well marked with green and white arrows thanks to the Mauritius Mountain Biking Commission. The markers are on both rocks and trees. The trail stays near the coast except for a diversion around a private estate at Ilot Brocus that will take you around the fence of the estate and through the sugar cane. Keep your eyes open as the trail turns back towards the coast.
At Le Bouchon just continue along the beach and find the trail at the opposite end. The trail ends at La Cambuse with no signage. If you need a cab, continue along the beach and exit along the main road. It will reach a point where it diverges into three roads – take the first one on your right/east. This will take you to the paved road that goes to Beachcomber Shandrani. Turn right and you will find a taxi stand outside the front gate.
If you feel uncertain about finding your way check out the Facebook group Permanent Mountain Biking Trails in Mauritius to find a friend to ride with you or ask questions.
There is nobody definitely in charge of this trail. There are many good people in the Facebook group that have been maintaining this trail and others around Mauritius. If there is a missing marker or a downed tree – try to fix it yourself or let the group know.