Le Pouce Mountain
The second highest mountain is in the Moka range of mountains between Port Louis and the town of Moka. It is named 'Le Pouce', which is the French for 'the thumb', after the shape of its summit which looks like a 'thumbs up'. In the olden days, farmers used this path to cross over this mountain to bring their goods laden on donkeys to the market in Port Louis. They did not have to go all the way to the summit though, for there is a path about halfway below where the two paths from Moka and Port Louis meet. It begins with a small dirt road on the south side of the mountain range. The 400 metres to the summit are not particularly strenuous, although some of the steep, winding paths can pose a physical challenge. If you do want to make it to the top, you should have some experience in climbing and above all, have a head for heights because after going through the bushes to the high plateau, the last stretch from there to the top is only a narrow, well-trodden path with deep abysses, sometimes on your left and sometimes on your right. Once up there, you will be greeted by a stunning panorama and a beautiful view of Port Louis. After the descent, we can stop for a cool drink and a snack at the Flying Dodo craft beer brewery in Bagatelle.