You’ve always dreamed of climbing Pieter Both, the island’s second highest peak and a legendary mountain in Moka, but a thousand questions crowd your mind? The Adventure Club, a group of avid hikers, reassures you by answering all of your queries!
How fit do you have to be climb Pieter Both?
The climb is in two parts: from the mountain foot to the shoulder, and then from the shoulder to the top. While the first part is tough but less technical, the second part has a difficulty level of 7 out of 10. The hike is physically and mentally demanding! However, there is nothing to panic about: there are several breaks to allow you to recharge and refresh… and take selfies.
How long does it take to climb the mountain?
It depends on participants’ physical fitness, but the hike to the top lasts on average 4-5 hours. It should be noted that Pieter Both is the second highest peak in Mauritius after Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire!
What equipment is required?
You should wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, bring water to stay hydrated and some snacks. If you have sun-sensitive skin, don’t forget your hat and sunscreen! The guides will provide all the required equipment (ropes for the first part and climbing equipment for the second part to the summit).
What is the best part of the hike?
When you make it to the top – mission accomplished!
What can you see from the top of Pieter Both?
From the top, you can see a large part of the island: the northern islands (Gunner’s Quoin, Flat Island, Ilot Gabriel, Round Island…), the wind farm at Plaine des Roches, Midlands and Bagatelle Dams, Les Salines in Port Louis and other mountains like Corps de Garde, Piton du Milieu, Le Pouce, Trois Mamelles or Rempart.
Trochetia boutoniana, the national flower of Mauritius also grows on top of the mountain and you can see beautiful tropicbirds flying by at close range.
What should you keep in mind when climbing?
Pay attention to the guides’ advice, leave the animals undisturbed and avoid littering, picking flowers or uprooting plants. But above all, enjoy every step of the climb!
But what does the legend actually say?
One day, a milkman from Crève Coeur decided to take a shortcut to a neighbouring village through Pieter Both Mountain. Feeling exhausted, he stopped for a break and fell asleep. A sweet song woke him up, he opened his eyes and saw fairies dancing and singing. He could not resist telling his friends what he had seen. On his next visit, the fairies were so angry he had told their secret that they turned him into stone. The story goes that the huge rock on top of Pieter Both is actually the milkman’s petrified head!
About the Adventure Club
The Adventure Club is a group of young people from all over the island with a passion for hiking and mountain climbing in Mauritius. Since 2016, they have professionalised their activities in order to make them available to the public. Climbing Pieter Both Mountain remains the most popular activity, but the Adventure Club also offers climbing expeditions to Trois Mamelles, Lion, Corps de Garde, Tourelle du Tamarin and Le Pouce Mountains, among others. Other activities available include waterfall exploration, cliff jumping, slackline, camping, hiking along the coasts, boat rides and extreme sports.