Kenscoff: A Mountainous Treasure in the Heart of Haiti
Located 20 km from Port-au-Prince in Haiti, 15 km from Pétionville, and perched at an altitude of 1500 meters, Kenscoff is a popular destination for Port-au-Prince residents on weekends. Its renowned temperate climate and numerous terraced crops offer an orderly landscape through the villages of Belot, Godet, Furcy, Obledon, and Séguin. The Madame Saras, ambulant fruit and vegetable vendors, make the daily trip to Port-au-Prince to supply the capital’s markets with fresh produce also found in the produce sections of supermarkets.
An Oasis of Greenery Founded by Victor A. Wynne
In the 1950s, Wynne Farm was established in Kenscoff. Victor A. Wynne, aware of the ecological and climatological interest of the region’s mountains, introduced plant species, flowers, and fruits mainly from other mountains in Central America, South America, and Asia. Today, this farm has become an oasis of greenery where succulent fruits such as strawberries, peaches, loquats, sweet grenadias, tamarillos, pepinos, etc., thrive. A true little paradise in Haiti. Visitors can admire the beauty of the site while exploring one of the most beautiful tourist circuits in Haiti, passing through Furcy, offering a view of the Massif de la Selle, Parc La Visite to the south, the Pine Forest to the east, as well as Forts Jacques and Alexandre to the north. Just follow the road leading to Fermathe to discover them.
A Mild and Peaceful Climate
The winding road to Kenscoff through Platon-Café, a former coffee weighing station, a commodity from the surrounding countryside that enriched Haiti from colonial times until the late 1970s. Kenscoff, perched at 1400 m amidst pine and eucalyptus vegetation, enjoys a mild climate all year round, although it is relatively humid. Temperatures range between 18°C and 20°C, with drops to 10°C in January. On its narrow plateau, bordered to the north by a precipice from which tall waterfalls gush in rainy season, the town stretches along a street with secondary paths branching off. To the south, Morne Tranchant protects it from the trade winds.
The Typical Market of Kenscoff
In the heart of one of the country’s richest agricultural regions, the typical market of Kenscoff takes place on Tuesdays and Fridays. Farmers arrive before dawn, coming from distant regions of the Séguin Plateau, Nouvelle-Tourraine, or gardens closer to Bongars, Godet, Viard, La Découverte, or Belle-Fontaine, to offer their harvests to the city’s vendors. Kenscoff thus supplies the capital of Haiti with lettuces, carrots, onions, potatoes, leeks, turnips, cabbages.
A Legend with Enigmatic Charm
The name Kenscoff is said to come from a Polish adventurer and poacher named Kerenskoff, according to Sémexan Rouzier. He is said to have haunted the region to the point that the army had to pursue and neutralize him during the War of Independence.
The Wynne Foundation Park: An Environmental Sanctuary
A 45-minute walk from Kenscoff, the Wynne Foundation Park covers 7 hectares. It ensures the protection of fauna and flora and promotes research on the environment, agriculture, soil conservation, and traditional therapeutic knowledge in Haiti.
Kenscoff is a mountainous jewel in the heart of Haiti, offering its visitors a refreshing getaway amidst lush nature and a serene atmosphere. The breathtaking landscapes and enigmatic charm of this region make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and travelers in search of tranquility.
