The heart of the intense island: the essence of Réunion on foot
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationFrench Overseas Territories / Reunion Island
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AgeFrom 18 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions70.87 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Embark on a hiking trip to Reunion Island to discover its iconic sites, following accessible routes that avoid the most technical sections. This well-balanced program takes you to the heart of three legendary cirques: Cilaos, Salazie, and Mafate , true protected gems, nestled between vertiginous ramparts , isolated villages, and spectacular panoramas.
You'll also explore the Bélouve primary forest , a verdant haven with a tropical feel, before twice approaching the majestic Piton de la Fournaise , one of the most active volcanoes on the planet. Between volcanic landscapes , lunar-like craters, and breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, each hike reveals a striking facet of this vibrant island.
Accessible to any hiker in good physical condition, this circuit offers a complete immersion in the diverse landscapes of Réunion. The start and finish are in Bourg-Murat , in the center of the island, with secure parking available. A luggage transfer on day 4 allows you to lighten your pack and fully enjoy your adventure.
The highlights
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The essential hikes on the island, without the most difficult sections.
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6 days immersed in the mountainous heart of the island
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A local professional mountain guide
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Discover all the must-sees of Reunion Island through treks designed to be accessible to a wide range of hikers. We've selected the island's most beautiful spots while avoiding the most technical sections and demanding passages. The goal: to fully enjoy Reunion Island's spectacular landscapes with an intermediate skill level and maximum enjoyment on the trails.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 11 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 517 m
- Average daily descent: 700 m
Management
French
Local, professional, qualified and experienced mountain guides from the Réunion Mountain Bureau
Program
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Bourg Murat – Bélouve Forest – Hell Bourg
- Transportation Minibus - 00h45 - 30km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
From Bourg Murat, a first transfer takes us in 45 minutes to the Bélouve gîte, the starting point of our hike.
We traverse the plateau of the lush Bélouve forest , for a good warm-up on the gentle slopes of this superb cloud forest! We discover the incredible viewpoint overlooking the Trou de Fer waterfall.
We returned to the gîte for a picnic lunch, and in the afternoon we began the 500m descent to reach the Creole village of Hell Bourg at the foot of the rampart, in the Cirque de Salazie . We took advantage of the end of the day to visit this typical village and spend the night there.
Day 1 -
Hell Bourg – La Nouvelle – Marla
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 40km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Early in the morning, transfer to cross the Salazie cirque to the Col des Boeufs , our gateway to the Mafate cirque !
From there we hike to reach the incredible plain of Tamarins , then the islet of La Nouvelle , and extend our journey to the islet of Marla to spend the night.
A route through the forests, rivers and islets of the Upper Mafate , which can be shortened (without passing through La Nouvelle), or lengthened (by passing through the 3 Roches waterfall ).
Day 2 -
Marla – Cilaos
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 1200 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We leave the Mafate cirque to reach the Cilaos cirque via the Taïbit pass , the only route between the two cirques. We cross the road to Îlet à Cordes, then descend to the bottom of the Bras Rouge river to discover the waterfall of the same name. A final climb along the shaded ravine leads us to the town of Cilaos .
The route in Cilaos can be adapted: It is possible to shorten the stage (bus at the foot of the Col du Taïbit, or reduce the elevation gain by taking the GR R1 ). Overnight stay in the town of Cilaos.
Day 3 -
Hiking in Cilaos
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 70km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
As a round trip from Cilaos town, we offer a hike to La Chapelle , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A stunning crystallized magma reservoir carved by the river, the hike winds between forest and stream. With your guide, you can replace this hike with an easier one to the Bras Rouge waterfall , a stroll through the Roche Merveilleuse forest , or simply soak up the Creole atmosphere of the town!
In the afternoon, we'll continue our journey to Bourg Murat , to the gîte where we'll have left the vehicles. You'll then be able to collect your luggage. Overnight stay in Bourg Murat.
Day 4 -
The Plain of Sands
- Transportation Minibus - 00h40 - 30km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
In the morning, we'll transfer by minibus along the Volcano Road to the Pas des Sables . There, we'll discover the incredible Plaine des Sables and the stark, mineral landscape of the Piton de la Fournaise volcano . We'll hike along the rampart, passing by the Sainte-Thérèse oratory with its exceptional panoramic views, before crossing the Plaine des Sables . A detour to Piton Chisny offers another perspective on the surrounding landscape, and we'll then head to the recently opened Gîte du Volcan (Volcano Lodge) for the night.
It is possible to lengthen or shorten the route by changing the starting point of the hike or the route in the Plaine des Sables.
Day 5 -
Piton de la Fournaise volcano – Bourg Murat
- Transportation Minibus - 00h40 - 30km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
On today's agenda: the unmissable round trip to the Piton de la Fournaise volcano and its crater. Dolomieu , and the Bory crater if our legs can carry us there!
In the afternoon, transfer from the Volcano to Bourg Murat to collect the vehicles.
Day 6
Note
Route subject to change depending on terrain conditions encountered.
Accommodation
Comfortable family mountain cottages, a few dozen beds.
Access
Go to the starting point
Airport - Plaine des Cafres: 2 hours by car
Price details
The price includes
- Guided by the Mountain Leader from day 1 to day 6 inclusive.
- Overnight stays with half-board (dinner and breakfast), in guesthouses or hotels, in small dormitories and rooms
- The bus transfers mentioned in the program.
The price does not include
- Lunchtime picnics. Your tour guide will advise you on the best places to eat.
- Drinks other than those served with meals.
- Hiking equipment.
- Personal expenses.
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- A minimum 2L water reserve.
- Energy snacks (bars, dried fruit...)
- Personal medical treatments (your guide has a full first aid kit, but is not able to provide you with medication).
- Headlamp.
- Knife, cutlery.
- A few "zip" freezer bags and a small airtight container for storing food.
- A pair of hiking poles is recommended.
- Swimsuit, optional.
Clothing to bring
You will have to carry some of your personal belongings for several
nights during treks.
You will have your supply bag available on day 4 in Bourg Murat.
In your hiking bag and on your person:
- A comfortable 30-40L hiking bag, equipped with its waterproof cover.
- Things to protect yourself from the sun (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, scarf...)
- 2 or 3 T-shirts, short and long sleeves, made of quick-drying technical material.
- A warm fleece
- A windproof, waterproof and breathable hooded jacket of the "Gore-Tex" type
- Comfortable walking trousers or shorts (ideally trousers with detachable legs).
- A pair of comfortable hiking shoes with good grip. We recommend low-cut, lightweight shoes.
- Two to three pairs of good quality walking socks, to avoid blisters.
- Gloves and a hat are recommended during the southern winter.
For evening comfort:
- A small pair of light shoes / flip-flops (no "clogs" provided in the accommodations).
- Lightweight and comfortable trousers.
- A long-sleeved thermal undergarment.
- A pair of warm socks.
- Sleepwear.
- A compact bath towel.
- Soap, toothbrush, toothpaste.
- All accommodations provide sheets and blankets.
Recommended bag weight, all inclusive:
- Women: 15% of the person's weight
- Men: 20% of the person's weight
Note: as the climate is generally warm, it is often possible to wash and
drying belongings during the trek.
Your resupply bag:
It will remain in your vehicle, or in the J4 gîte.
