• Hiking excursion in Reunion Island: Discovering the Upper Mafate
  • Hiking excursion in Reunion Island: Discovering the Upper Mafate
  • Hiking excursion in Reunion Island: Discovering the Upper Mafate
  • Hiking excursion in Reunion Island: Discovering the Upper Mafate
  • Hiking excursion in Reunion Island: Discovering the Upper Mafate
  • Hiking excursion in Reunion Island: Discovering the Upper Mafate
  • Hiking excursion in Reunion Island: Discovering the Upper Mafate
  • Hiking excursion in Reunion Island: Discovering the Upper Mafate
  • Hiking excursion in Reunion Island: Discovering the Upper Mafate
  • Hiking excursion in Reunion Island: Discovering the Upper Mafate
  • Hiking excursion in Reunion Island: Discovering the Upper Mafate
  • Hiking excursion in Reunion Island: Discovering the Upper Mafate
  • Hiking excursion in Reunion Island: Discovering the Upper Mafate
  • Hiking excursion in Reunion Island: Discovering the Upper Mafate
  • Hiking excursion in Reunion Island: Discovering the Upper Mafate
  • Hiking excursion in Reunion Island: Discovering the Upper Mafate
Reunion Island

Hiking excursion in Reunion Island: Discovering the Upper Mafate

Réf : JYOOGE

In summary

  • Sports
    Hiking / Trekking
  • Duration
    2 days
  • Level
    Intermediate

    Levels

    Hiking / Trekking
    Beginner
    For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
    Intermediate
    For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.
    Confirmed
    For those wishing to hike for up to 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 600 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in a sporting activity once a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
    Advanced
    For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and an elevation gain of 700 to 1,200 meters, off-trail or over rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports several times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.
    Expert
    For those who want a challenging hike of 7 to 8 hours per day with over 1200 meters of elevation gain off-trail or on rough terrain. High-altitude sections. You have been practicing high-intensity endurance sports several times a week for several years, and you are training for this event.
  • Destination
    French Overseas Territories / Reunion Island
  • Age
    From 12 - 90 years
  • CO₂-Emissions
    11.11 kg CO2
  • Type of stay
    This personalized stay offers you the opportunity to experience a sporting adventure with an organization tailored to your needs.
    Type of stay
    Independent traveler
  • Languages
    🇫🇷
    French
    🇬🇧
    English
    🇩🇪
    German
    🇮🇹
    Italian
    🇪🇸
    Spanish

In a few words

The price shown is per person for a group of 2 people. Prices decrease depending on the size of the group.


In the heart of wild Réunion Island , this immersive loop gently introduces you to the magic of the Mafate cirque , an isolated gem accessible only on foot. From the Col des Bœufs pass , after crossing the Salazie cirque and its waterfalls enveloped in greenery, the hike begins with a breathtaking panorama.

The route winds along iconic trails to the hamlet of La Nouvelle, before reaching the hamlet of Marla, where you'll enjoy a cozy night in a gîte ( rural guesthouse). The comfortable accommodation, nestled in nature, allows for total immersion in the peaceful and exotic atmosphere of Mafate, between rugged peaks and verdant valleys.

Designed to combine adventure and accessibility , this getaway is suitable for anyone in good physical condition who wants an authentic experience immersed in Réunion culture. Pick-up from the secure Col des Bœufs parking lot , with on-site security, ensures a smooth process from the moment you arrive.

A restorative and itinerant journey , to discover a world apart, ideal for a first discovery of the intense island via its trails.

The highlights

  • A discovery of the Mafate cirque accessible to all hikers
  • Stunning panoramic views of the Mafate and Salazie cirques, and the island's peaks.
  • Guided by a professional local mountain guide
Subscriber benefit save 5% by joining our community
Decathlon Travel Benefits
Best price guaranteed: We offer twice the difference
Free cancellation more than 30 days in advance
Payment in 2 installments
Learn more

Photos

Sport

Level

Hiking / Trekking

Intermediate

Levels

Hiking / Trekking
Beginner
For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
Intermediate
For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.
Confirmed
For those wishing to hike for up to 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 600 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in a sporting activity once a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
Advanced
For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and an elevation gain of 700 to 1,200 meters, off-trail or over rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports several times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.
Expert
For those who want a challenging hike of 7 to 8 hours per day with over 1200 meters of elevation gain off-trail or on rough terrain. High-altitude sections. You have been practicing high-intensity endurance sports several times a week for several years, and you are training for this event.
For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.

The expert's opinion

A classic way to discover Mafate in 2 days!

This loop offers an ideal immersion into the heart of the cirque, between iconic trails, authentic hamlets, and spectacular panoramas. A perfect format for a first experience in Mafate, with a level accessible to intermediate hikers.

In figures

Hiking

  • Average duration/day: 5h30
  • Average distance/day: 10 km
  • Average daily elevation gain: 200 m
  • Average daily descent: 650 m

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band : 1 supervisor for 1 to 12 people
Languages ​​spoken:
🇫🇷
French
🇬🇧
English
🇩🇪
German
🇮🇹
Italian
🇪🇸
Spanish
Supervisor

Qualified mountain guides, local professionals, experienced.

Management

Security

Your guide has a complete first aid kit, is trained in first aid in tropical mountains, and is thoroughly familiar with local rescue resources.

Please bring your own personal medications.
Learn more about supervision

Program

Day 1
Day 2
  • map

    Col des Boeufs - Marla

    • Activity Hiking
    • Duration of the activity 5h
    • Distance 7 km
    • Positive elevation gain 300 m
    • Negative elevation 600 m
    • Accommodation Cottage
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch not included
    • Dinner included

    Starting from the Col des Bœufs parking area, high above the Cirque de Salazie , we enjoy the forest atmosphere of Salazie as we hike to the Col de Fourche via the GR R1 trail. From there, a breathtaking view awaits us, revealing the panorama of the Cirque de Mafate. A quick descent leads us to the magnificent Plaine des Tamarins , joining the GRR3 trail. After a break in the shade of its trees, we continue our descent towards the Rivière des Galets, to enjoy its cool waters. The trail then climbs back up to the hamlet of Marla , the highest hamlet in Mafate, where we will spend the night in a mountain refuge.


    Day 1

Note

The route can be done in reverse if you wish to return early or depart late.

It can also be shortened: a direct round trip, without going through La Nouvelle, or without going through Les 3 Roches, depending on your level and your desires!


Enhance your trip by booking this excursion. However, we do not recommend flying for such a short duration.

Accommodation

🏠 Holiday rental - Day 1

Comfortable family mountain cottages, a few dozen beds.

Access

Departure
Route du Col des Boeufs, Salazie, La Réunion
Day 1 : 08h00
End of stay
Route du Col des Boeufs, Salazie, La Réunion
Day 2 - 14h00

Go to the starting point

Access by plane
The nearest airport isAéroport Roland Garros (RUN), Avenue Roland Garros, Sainte-Marie, La Réunion

Airport – Col des Bœufs car park: 1 hour 20 minutes by car.

Access by car
Travel to the place of stay with parking available

Guarded parking at the Col des Boeufs, at the very top of the Cirque de Salazie.

Secure parking included.

Price details

The price includes

  1. Guided by the Mountain Leader from day 1 to day 2 inclusive.
  2. Overnight stay with half board (evening meal and breakfasts), in a gîte, in small dormitories.
  3. Vehicle storage

The price does not include

  1. Transfers other than those mentioned in the programs.
  2. Lunchtime picnics. Your tour guide will advise you on the best places to eat.
  3. Drinks other than those served with meals.
  4. Hiking equipment.
  5. Personal expenses.
  6. Transportation to the starting point

Options

You will be able to select these options when booking.
  1. Foreign language guidance : CHF57.00 / reservation
  2. Flex fare and insurance

Practical information

Specific formalities
Equipment
The Renaud team
Decathlon Travel Partner

The Renaud team

• 12 stays
Specializing in trekking on Réunion Island, our local partner is an expert travel agency whose trips are designed and led by mountain guides who are either native to or residents of the island. The agency handles all aspects of the itinerary and logistics, allowing hikers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the cirques and peaks. Whether for a private tour, a group departure, or a tailor-made project, the agency offers experiences adapted to all levels and durations, guaranteeing a safe and authentic immersion in the heart of the national park.
Discover their team and their trips
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✅ Benefit from 5% off the cost of your stay, up to a maximum of €50.
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Best price guaranteed Our promise is simple: to guarantee you the best price for your adventure. If you find an identical offer cheaper on another French website, We'll offer you twice the difference.
The key principles for benefiting from it:
  • ✅ A 100% identical offer: Same dates, same services, same sales conditions.
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Free cancellation more than 30 days before departure Something unexpected come up? Change your mind with peace of mind. You can cancel your booking free of charge and without giving a reason if you cancel more than 30 days before your departure.
Important conditions:
  • ❌ Flights and transport in your name: Airline or train tickets already issued in your name are not refundable under this guarantee.
  • ❌ Specific named services: Certain personalized services (such as a special permit or a named registration for a race or accommodation) may be excluded.
Details regarding cancellation fees: For the Standard fare booked 30 days or less before departure, and for the Flex fare booked less than 24 hours before departure, the cancellation fees defined in the partner's terms and conditions apply.
Payment in 2 installments without fees Secure your spot now and manage your budget with flexibility. This option allows you to confirm your adventure right away by paying only a portion of the total cost.
How does it work?
  1. You pay a 30% deposit today to reserve your stay.
  2. The balance (the remaining 70%) must be paid no later than 30 days before departure.
Eligibility requirements: This option is available for all stays:
  • ✅ Of an amount greater than €300.
  • ✅ Whose departure is in more than 30 days.