Corps de Garde – The Watchful Mountain of Forgotten Tales

History African
@africanhistory
3 days ago

Rising sharply behind the town of Rose Hill in Mauritius, Corps de Garde is more than just a peak—it’s a monument to memory, freedom, and resilience. This volcanic mountain gets its name, “The Guard’s Body,” from its distinct silhouette, which resembles a soldier at watch. And historically, it was just that—a lookout post during the French colonial era, keeping an eye out for runaway slaves (known as maroons) who sought refuge in the rugged terrain.

Though once feared, today Corps de Garde is loved—for its panoramic views, wild beauty, and spiritual quietude. A trail up its flanks takes you through dry bushland and native flora, past rare endemic plants, and eventually opens to vast views of the west coast, the urban sprawl below, and even distant peaks on clear days.

💡 Reasons to Go

Witness a powerful symbol of colonial-era control transformed into a peaceful place of escape

Excellent hike for intermediate trekkers—adventurous, challenging but accessible

Home to rare plant species like the Trochetia parviflora, once thought extinct

Viewpoints offer some of the most expansive and least crowded vistas in Mauritius

Just a short drive from Quatre Bornes or Rose Hill—urban proximity meets wild solitude


🧭 Helpful Tips for Hikers

🌤 Start early to beat the heat and catch the soft morning light on the valley below

🥾 Wear hiking shoes—the trail is steep, rocky, and can be slippery during or after rain

🧴 Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat—the ridge is exposed with very little shade

📸 Best spots for photos? Just before the summit, where the slope meets the skyline

🚯 Leave no trace—carry out all waste to keep the trails pristine for future visitors


While it’s not the most famous mountain on the island, Corps de Garde is one of Mauritius’s most storied and scenic. Climbing it is like walking through layers of history—with every step upward, the past becomes a little more visible.

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Photo Credit: Explore Mauritius