Le Pouce is the third highest peak on the island and one of the most iconic features of the landscape. The hike has wonderful views of the Port Louis area and the Moka Range. Le Pouce is frequently visited by Mauritians and tourists, including an 1836 summit by Charles Darwin. There are two approaches: from Port Louis on the north side and Moka on the south side.
The south route is standard route most visitors take as it begins at a higher elevation and requires less than half the distance of the north route. The north route has better views, more shade, and a more gradual ascent – it is a significantly longer hike though. It is also easy to connect the two trails and do a through hike as there is good public transport at either end.
Southern Route (Standard)
- Type of trail: Out and Back/Through Hike
- Start point: Moka trailhead
- End Point: Summit
- Length: 1.4mi one way
- Duration: 2 hours one way
- Lowest point: 1514ft
- Highest point: 2587ft
- Total elevation gain: 1165ft
Approach from Moka. Turn off the main road onto a road with a sign for Le Pouce that enters fields of sugarcane (see photos). Follow this road – there is at the end if you have transport. Continue on the dirt road towards Le Pouce. The trail is very well worn and basically zigzags up the side of the mountain. You will eventually reach a more open, grassy area. Continue following any of the trails that continue climbing in the direction of the summit.
The last section – where you actually ascend “the thumb” – is relatively steep for both approaches as they take the same trail. You will have to use your hands in a few places. It could be challenging in the rain.
Northern Route:
- Type of trail: Out and Back/Through Hike
- Start point: Trailhead in Tranquebar
- End Point: Summit
- Length: 3.9mi one way
- Duration: 2 hours one way
- Lowest point: 273ft
- Highest point: 2656ft
- Total elevation gain: 2690ft
The trail begins at a trailhead where Chateau D’eau Street ends. Follow the main trail/road. The road will gradually climb and bring you towards Le Pouce. There are stones marked with blue and white paint every few hundred meters making it difficult to lose your way. There are several forks in this section – stay left on the main trail. You will pass several temples and many mango trees before you reach a signbank on your left. The trail for Le Pouce turns to the left here, becomes more narrow, and becomes more steep.
Eventually the trail will reach a less steep, more open area. Continue on the main trail. There is one significant fork to the left that crosses a small stream – do not take this it. There are other forks in the trail as you near Le Pouce, but they are all headed towards the summit and come together further on.
The last section – where you actually ascend “the thumb” – is relatively steep for both approaches as they take the same trail. You will have to use your hands in a few places. It could be challenging in the rain.
We took the south route and descended via the north route and took a taxi back. The north route may a bit difficult for large persons as it was partly overgrown and the backpack kept hanging in the branches. In October 2016 there weren’t many views either. Although it was a great hike, we would go back the south route next time.