Pieter Both is the most iconic mountain in Mauritius and the second highest after Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire. It is named after Pieter Both who was the first Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies before dying in a shipwreck on his way home. Reaching the summit is no longer possible without climbing gear. Hiking to the shoulder just below the summit is a short, but physically demanding hike. I would not recommend it if you do not have any climbing experience or have a fear of heights.

There two gullies that are require easy climbing moves to ascend, but the rocks can be very slippery and potentially dangerous. Climbing after a lot of rain, or if there is a risk of rain, is not a good idea. There are a few bolts on this section that would permit the use of rope and harnesses.

Route:

• Type of trail: Out and Back
• Start point: Trailhead in La Laura
• End Point: Summit
• Length: .7 miles round trip
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Lowest point: 1421ft
• Highest point: 2500ft

The route begins in La Laura. When you reach town there is a three way split. Go straight and follow this road until the paved section ends. (Many tracks begin at this point, but I the following route is easier.) Turn right here and follow this road to its end (see photos). Begin walking on the trail that is straight ahead. The trail goes to the notch just below the summit.

The trail will reach a T junction, turn right. Shortly thereafter you will reach a junction with a few other trails. The path straight ahead is the most clear, but will lead you nowhere. Take the trail to the north/right here – there is a bit of white flagging on the trees – and continue on this trail. The trail from this point on will be marked with plastic waterbottles stuck onto branches. It will lead you to a rocky drainage. If there is water running here you may want to consider turning around as it likely means that the gullies will be quite wet and slippery. Follow this drainage for a few hundred feet. Pay attention as it will diverge to the south/left. Turn and continue until you reach a large boulder. Ascend to the top of the boulder and continue on the trail.

The trail will proceed through trees and brush for a bit before reaching a dry stream bed. The GPS signal will become weak at about this point. The downloadable GPS track is slightly off from here to the shoulder. You will follow this dry stream bed to a set of steep gullies. Be careful here as the rocks are very slick.

The first gully has a few different paths up, but the one in the middle has stones stuck into the crack that make it easier to ascend. The second gully seems to be the easiest to ascend on the right side. In the last ten feet or so there is a boulder with vegetation above it (see photos). The two times that I have climbed it I have climbed onto this boulder using it as a foothold and the vegetation above for handholds. For me this is the most intimidating and tricky part of the hike.

After the gullies, climb your way up the steep vegetated slope carefully choosing your hand/footholds. I have taken a couple of different routes on this portion. A trail will become apparent that will go towards the right/northeast. Follow this trail, climb over the small boulder in the path – this will be the most intimidating part – and then walk your way along the trail/ledge towards the shoulder. The trail appears faint and questionable with a cliff below, but under the vegetation it is quite solid and well made. You will reach a brushy section and from there the trail is clear and will bring you to the shoulder without any further challenges.

Return the same route being very careful about your hand/foot holds. The GPS signal/track becomes weak as they gully steepens, but the trail/destination is clear. Proceed up the gullies and then work your way around to the east on a small shelf to the shoulder. Return on the same route.

Download .gpx file