Moris
The balanced rock on top of Pieter Both
Photo: B.navez / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

πŸ₯Ύ Hikes Β· Moka

Pieter Both

The famous peak with a balanced 'head' of rock on top: a real climb (with ropes) for experienced, guided hikers only.

πŸš— From the villa55 min Β· 36.5 kmoff-peak estimate
⏱️ Time needed4–6 hnot counting the drive
πŸ•“ Best time of dayπŸŒ… Sunrise Β· β˜€οΈ Morning
πŸ’° PriceRs 3,000–6,000 (CHF 52–104)Guided climb with equipment, per person.
πŸ₯Ύ Trail1.2 km Β· +264 mVery hard / guide Β· out and back Β· guide required

Pieter Both (820 m) is the second-highest mountain in Mauritius, crowned by a huge boulder balanced on a narrow neck. The hike to the 'shoulder' below the head is hard but doable with a guide; the final climb onto the head is a rock climb that requires ropes, a harness and a qualified guide.

Only for fit and adventurous hikers without fear of heights.

  • The iconic balanced rock
  • Huge views over Port Louis and the north

Trail map

Steep approach, then technical rock climbing to the head. Guide and equipment required.

Trail (very hard / guide)
450 m550 m650 m750 m 0 km0.5 km 716 m
One way; you come back the same way. Elevation from SRTM satellite data (Β±10 m).

Trail traced on OpenStreetMap paths: check the signs on the ground, and take the OSM or an offline map app (Organic Maps, maps.me) with you.

What to expect on this hike

MudSome
ShadeSome
Exposure / vertigoVery high
WaymarkingNone
ViewpointsAlong & at the end
RopesSome
πŸ“ Where it starts
From the cane fields above Crève Cœur / La Laura, with your mountain guide (meeting point given by the guide).
🧭 The route
A steep approach through forest and grass to the base of the rock 'head', then a real rock climb with harness and rope up the neck onto the balanced boulder. Only the guided climb reaches the top; the shoulder below is already a great viewpoint.
πŸͺ¨ Terrain
Steep, loose approach and vertical rock.
πŸ‘οΈ Views
Views over Port Louis and the north from the shoulder and the head.
πŸͺ’ Ropes
Ropes, harness and helmet are required for the final climb (provided by the guide).
πŸ” Loop?
No loop.
🦟 Insects
Flies; few mosquitoes.
πŸ’§ Water
No water; 2 litres each.
πŸ‘₯ Crowds
Very quiet: only small guided groups.
πŸ“Ά Phone signal
Good coverage.
πŸŽ’ Bring
Shoes with grip Β· 2 litres of water Β· Gloves Β· Harness and helmet (provided by the guide)
  1. Base of the head
  2. The balanced rock (head)

Getting there

Driving route from the villa

πŸš— By car: 55 min (36.5 km) off-peak. Directions in Google Maps β†—

  • πŸš• Taxi from the villa: about Rs 1,500–1,950 one way per car (agree the price first; a return trip with waiting time is often negotiable).

πŸ“… Booking: Book with a specialised mountain guide (e.g. Trekking Mauritius, Yanature).

Tips

  • πŸ’‘ Only go with a professional guide and climbing equipment.

Our notes & votes