Horseback riding in the wild heart of Reunion Island
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationFrench Overseas Territories / Reunion Island
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AgeFrom 12 - 70 years
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CO₂-Emissions222.21 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Embark on a 7-day horseback riding holiday in the heart of Reunion Island , nicknamed the Intense Island , and discover a territory of striking contrasts. Located at an altitude of 1300 meters , on the west coast at the gateway to the UNESCO-listed National Park , your accommodation offers a pristine natural setting and spectacular panoramas .
Explore the volcanic landscapes and verdant hills of this wild region on horseback, enjoying a respectful approach thanks to a certified Equestrian Tourism center committed to animal welfare . This trip is also an immersion in Réunion culture , renowned for its warm hospitality.
Between hikes, explore lush gardens , savor the rich flavors of local cuisine , and admire the craftsmanship of traditional artisans . An authentic experience, blending horseback riding , nature, and encounters, to experience Réunion in a different way.
The highlights
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Horseback riding excursions in the heart of the volcanic landscapes of the intense island
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Accommodation at 1300m with spectacular views of the west coast
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Equestrian Tourism certified center, respect for animal welfare
Photos
Sport
Level
Horseback riding
In figures
Horseback riding
- Average duration/day: 3h30
Horse riding course
- Average duration/day: 2h30
Management
French
English
The equestrian center includes 3 local instructors with BPJEPS qualifications in tourism and classical riding.
Zélie (manager) or Manue will accompany you for a large part of your stay and will share their passion with you.
Emilie is the instructor who takes care of the youngest children on ponies.
Greg will be your host and cook at the ecolodge.
Régis, Zélie's husband, will be your driver.
Program
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Arrival and first immersion on horseback
- Transportation Car - 01h - 30km
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Upon your arrival at Roland Garros Airport, a member of the team will greet you before a one-hour transfer by car to the equestrian center. A short 15-minute walk will then take you to the ecolodge, your accommodation nestled in nature. Greg will show you around these unique lodgings and introduce you to the grounds. Travel between the lodge and the equestrian center is by 4x4 or on foot.
A friendly lunch is offered to start your stay. In the afternoon, you will meet your horse, chosen according to your skill level and build. Time is dedicated to this initial meeting to create a bond that is essential for the rest of your stay.
You then set off for a 1-hour horseback ride around the property, ideal for building your confidence and discovering the surroundings. Return to the lodge at the end of the day, followed by dinner on site.
Day 1 -
Horseback riding and geranium distillery
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You wake up to birdsong before enjoying a hearty breakfast to start your day off right. Then you set off on a two-hour horseback ride through the highlands of Réunion. This coniferous forest offers a mysterious and wild atmosphere, perfect for immersing yourself in nature.
At lunchtime, you are welcomed to Bruno's, a neighboring farmer and aromatherapy enthusiast, for a vegetarian meal.
The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the farm: a visit to the gardens, the still, and participation in an essential oil distillation workshop. At the end of the day, you'll meet your horses at the stables and return to the gîte.
Dinner is planned at Greg's.
Day 2 -
The Maido peak
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast at Greg's, you'll set off for a full day of horseback riding with Clément, a local guide. Throughout the ride, he'll share the history and richness of the local flora. You'll cross the iconic tamarind forest of the highlands before reaching a viewpoint overlooking the Mafate cirque, offering a breathtaking panorama of this remote landscape.
At midday, you take the time to take care of your mounts before enjoying a typical lunch, a curry prepared over a wood fire.
In the afternoon, you continue your journey through a wild and mountainous forest, in a more challenging atmosphere. Back at the stables, you take care of your horses before returning to the gîte on foot.
The day ends with a hot meal at Greg's house.
Day 3 -
Horseback archery and botanical garden
- Transportation Car - 02h - 30km
- Activity Horse riding course
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast at Greg's, you'll start the day with an introduction to horseback archery. A first practice session on foot will allow you to familiarize yourself with the bow before trying it out in the saddle, for an activity that is both fun and immersive.
You then head towards the hills above Saint-Leu to enjoy lunch at a restaurant in a pleasant setting. The afternoon continues with a visit to the Mascarene Islands Botanical Conservatory, an iconic site showcasing the richness and diversity of Réunion's flora.
At the end of the day, return to the stables where you will meet your horses to ride back to the cottage.
Dinner is planned at Greg's.
Day 4 -
Day towards the bottom
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast at Greg's, you'll set off on a full-day horseback ride towards the lower reaches of the island. Throughout the ride, you'll enjoy unobstructed views of the coastline, particularly as you pass by sugarcane fields. The landscapes gradually change, offering a different atmosphere from the highlands, with more open vegetation.
At midday, you enjoy a typical lunch, a curry savored while overlooking the ocean.
The afternoon is devoted to returning to the equestrian center via varied paths, conducive to some more sustained gaits, including gallops for those who wish.
You then return to the cottage on horseback, before sharing dinner at Greg's at the end of the day.
Day 5 -
Creole market and sunset on horseback
- Transportation Car - 02h - 30km
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast at Greg's, you leave the horses for a sea excursion to encounter whales or dolphins, depending on the season. This trip offers a different perspective of the island, from the ocean.
You continue your morning with a leisurely lunch at the Saint-Paul open-air market, one of the most renowned in Reunion Island. There you will discover a lively atmosphere, amidst Creole crafts, colorful spices, local fruits and a variety of aromas.
In the afternoon, return to the stables to meet your horses. You then set off for a horseback ride at the end of the day, enjoying the light and atmosphere of the sunset.
You return to the cottage on horseback before sharing dinner at Greg's.
Day 6 -
Final moments and departure
- Transportation Car - 01h - 30km
- Activity Horse riding course
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast at Greg's, you'll pack your things before heading back to the club by 9:30 am at the latest. You'll then discover TREC (competitive trail riding techniques) through the PTV (Cross-Country Course) event. Depending on your preference, you'll tackle various obstacles, either in the saddle or on foot, such as opening a gate, navigating a slalom, or crossing a log.
Late morning, you head towards Saint-Gilles-les-Bains to share one last lunch together.
The afternoon is free in this seaside resort, between walking, relaxing or exploring the surroundings, before your transfer to the airport.
Day 7
Note
The program may vary and be adapted to the weather and the level of the riders.....
Accommodation
The accommodation is rustic but comfortable. It's an ecolodge belonging to the equestrian center, located amidst the pastures used by the horses. You'll be welcomed into the heart of nature in small cabins for two people, equipped with comfortable beds.
The toilets are shared and located outdoors.
This unusual accommodation has been designed to blend perfectly into its environment.
You will even have the option of using the sauna (for an additional 80 euros).
If you would like an individual cabin, an additional charge of 30 euros will apply.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- The equestrian holiday as described in the program, with introduction to different activities (adapted to your level)
- Group round-trip transfers from Roland-Garros Airport (RUN) in Réunion
- 6 nights in an ecolodge, in a shared double room
- Full board from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 7
- Providing a horse with its equipment
- Supervision by a qualified guide/instructor
The price does not include
- Air transport to Roland Garros Airport (RUN) in Réunion
- Tips and personal expenses
- Additional drinks not included in the menus
- Mandatory travel insurance, including assistance, medical expenses and repatriation
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.
The Zélie team
Located on a 20-hectare estate where horses live in a herd, our local partner ensures their physiological needs are met through a healthy diet and limited working hours. Supported by a team of professionals, they welcome beginner and experienced riders to an exceptional setting. The agency offers rides, treks, lessons, and themed courses, as well as preparation for French Equestrian Federation exams and pony rides for children.
