Montagne Bambous is the most prominent peak in the Bambous Range with a rocky summit towering high above the sugarcane and fields of palm below. It is very challenging and strenuous, but it is perfect for those looking for just that. The trail is not marked, requires confident climbing/scrambling abilities, and can be dangerous if wet. Do not attempt to ascend if there is any possibility of rain. You will have to fight your way through some branches, but in general the trail is not densely vegetated.

Route:

• Type of trail: Out and Back
• Start point: Sugarcane fields near Kewal Nagar
• End Point: Summit
• Length: 5.4 miles round trip
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Lowest point: 434ft
• Highest point: 2070ft
• Total elevation gain: 2375ft

A GPS is highly recommended for this trail, although it is definitely possible if you print out maps of the sugar cane and write out good directions for yourself. Even if you have a GPS you should keep the overall route in mind: ascend towards the ridge slightly in the direction of the summit until you hit the ridge. At the ridge you will find the trail, follow the trail/ridge to the summit.

The closest town is Kewal Nagar – the birthplace of Seewoosagur Ramgoolam. The trail begins deep within a sugar estate, so it is advisable to leave your transport either at the Memorial Park or just on the other side of the bridge. Cross the bridge into the sugar estate and take your first left/southeast. This road will curve around with the river and then meet the main road that runs through the estate. Turn left /east on this road. Take this road until you meet the main road running through the center of the sugar plantation. There are a variety of ways to get to the point where the trail begins in the forest, pick one and write out some directions for yourself. The path that I took was along the best section of road and it would be possible to the start with a 4×4 or motorcycle if you so desired.

You will eventually reach the forest. The starting point for the trail is pretty unclear at this point (see photos). The forest is not particularly dense in this section as it is mostly palms, so hiking off trail is not a very big issue. The trail does not climb straight up, instead it climbs gradually to the south with a slight east component. At this point it is a barely discernable path trod into the mud. It crosses a small stream, which can let you know if you are on the right track. You will then reach the ridge and the trail will become more clear. At this point you should turn left/east and begin climbing along the ridge towards the summit. The trail does disappear at a couple of points, but as long as you do not drop off to either side of the ridge you will find it again. It is more difficult to follow the trail on descent for this reason.

The trail will gradually get steeper until you are scrambling/climbing up steep sections of rock using trees for handholds. There are abundant handholds and footholds, although the drop below can be quite intimidating. Make sure to take your time and choose your foot/hand placement carefully. Pictures of this section are of little use as it is too steep to get any perspective. Continue working your way upwards until you reach the summit covered in Chinese Guava with panoramic views of the area. Return along the same route.

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