Karsten Strempel

Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire is the highest mountain on the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean . Located in the Black River district , it rises to a height of 828 m and forms part of the Black River mountain range. Besides these, there are two other main mountain ranges on Mauritius: Moka-Port Louis and Grand Port-Savannah. The Moka-Port-Louis range includes the mountains Pieter Both ( 820 m ) and Le Pouce ( 812 m ), which are the second and third highest peaks on Mauritius. Both are better known than the Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire in the southwest.

Mauritius' "7 Waterfalls," or Sept Cascades, are actually a series of 12+ cascades in the lush southwest, centered around the Tamarind River near Henrietta, offering spectacular hiking, natural pools for swimming, and unique experiences like fish pedicures, though the terrain is rugged, requiring good shoes and strongly recommending a guide for safety and navigation. The adventure involves lush tropical forests, slippery paths, and stunning views, with options from short loops to full-day treks, often ending with a traditional picnic. Key Details Location: Near Henrietta village, in the southwest of Mauritius, part of the Tamarind Falls system. The Hike: A challenging but rewarding trek through dense forest, involving scrambling over rocks and steep paths. Waterfalls: While named seven, there are more (around 12), with different tour options to see varying numbers. Activities: Swimming in natural pools, cliff jumping (for the brave), exploring a hidden cave, and enjoying "fish pedicures". Best Time: Rainy season for maximum water flow, or early morning for cooler temperatures. What to Expect & Tips Guides are Essential: Highly recommended for safety, navigation, and local knowledge; they often provide lunch. Gear: Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes, bring swimwear, sun protection, and insect repellent. Fitness: Moderate fitness is required, as paths can be slippery and steep; not recommended for those with back problems or pregnant travelers.

Le Morne Brabant is a 556-meter-high mountain on the peninsula of the same name in southwestern Mauritius . At its foot lie coral sand beaches . The mountain covers an area of ​​more than twelve hectares. Many hotels have sprung up along the beaches surrounding the mountain. Story: In the 19th century, large numbers of slaves fled to Le Morne Brabant. On February 1, 1835, a police expedition was sent to the mountain to mark the end of slavery in Mauritius. Many slaves misunderstood this gesture and threw themselves from the mountain to their deaths. Since this tragic day, February 1 has been celebrated in Mauritian Creole society as a holiday commemorating the end of slavery. In 2008, the mountain was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural landscape . The rich oral traditions relating to the mountain's role in the suffering and liberation of slaves were also recognized. The nearby Îlot Fourneau is also part of the World Heritage Site . Vincinity: Near Le Morne Brabant lie the villages of Le Morne , Chamarel , L'Embrasure , and La Gaulette . Nearby attractions include the giant Shiva statue , the Seven Coloured Earth near Chamarel, and the waterfalls at Chamarel. The Le Morne Brabant peninsula is characterized by a unique microclimate . Off the coast, there is the optical illusion of a gigantic underwater waterfall.

Vom malerischen Städtchen Königstein geht es steil hinauf über mehr als eine Schöne Aussicht bis auf den wild zerklüfteten Pfaffenstein mit seiner sagenhaften Barbarine. Am bewaldeten Quirl geht es meist ruhiger zu, der Ausblick von oben auf den benachbarten Pfaffenstein und die Sandsteinformationen an der Quirlpromenade sind jedoch nicht weniger sehenswert. Zeit: ca 5 Stunden (aber plant etwas zusätzliche Zeit für die vielen tollen Aussichtspunkte auf dem Pfaffenstein ein) Start/Ziel: S-Bahn-Bahnhof Königstein (Sächs Schw) Charakter: durchweg markierte Wanderwege; der Auf- und Abstieg am Pfaffenstein ist über verschiedene Wege möglich, am Wegpunkt E findet ihr eine Übersicht dazu. Am Nadelöhr sind sehr viele sehr steile Stufen und ein enger Durchgang mit einer Leiter zu bewältigen, der Klammweg führt über einige steile Treppen und Stege. Wer mit sehr kleinen Kindern oder Hunden unterwegs ist, sollte den etwas längeren Bequemen Weg auf der Westseite wählen. Auch auf dem Gipfelplateau selbst gibt es einige schmale Durchgänge, Stege und steile Stufen, festes Schuhwerk und ein gewisses Maß an Trittsicherheit und Schwindelfreiheit sind hier erforderlich. Der Pfaffenstein ist Naturschutzgebiet, bitte verhaltet euch entsprechend und bleibt auf den offiziellen Wanderwegen.