Hiking excursion in Reunion Island: the tour of the islets of lower Mafate
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationFrench Overseas Territories / Reunion Island
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AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions26.42 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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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.
Embark on an authentic immersion into the heart of the Mafate cirque , one of Reunion Island 's natural gems, easily accessible from the west coast . This iconic route leads you to discover several isolated hamlets , nestled between vertiginous cliffs , steep paths , and spectacular panoramas . A true classic of Reunion Island hiking, this trail has been revisited and enhanced thanks to the expertise of our guides , offering an even smoother, more immersive, and unforgettable experience.
Pick-up takes place at the Rivière des Galets car park in La Possession ( other locations possible upon request ). Vehicle storage is included , ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience from the start.
An ideal stay to discover Mafate in complete tranquility, combining preserved nature , authenticity and professional support , as close as possible to the spirit of the intense island.
The highlights
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A discovery of the Mafate cirque near the west coast
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Stunning panoramic views of the Mafate and Salazie cirques, and the island's peaks.
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Guided by a professional local mountain guide
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
A trek accessible to all hikers with an intermediate level of fitness!
The landscapes of Mafate remain as impressive as ever, but this loop has been designed to be completed in 3 days to make the adventure more accessible and enjoyable. A wonderful immersion in the heart of lower Mafate, ideal for discovering its hamlets and spectacular scenery without excessive difficulty.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 8 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 500 m
- Average daily descent: 500 m
Management
French
English
German
Italian
Spanish
Qualified mountain guides, local professionals, experienced.
Program
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Two Arms – Aurère
- Transportation Car - 00h30 - 10km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 100 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Starting from La Possession on the west coast, we will take a 4x4 which will drive us 10 km up the Rivière des Galets. From the place called "Deux Bras", we will walk along the river on the GRR2 then begin our ascent on the side of Piton Cabris , towards the islet of Aurère , via Bord Bazard .
Day 1 -
Aurère – Grand Place
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
From Aurère, we cross the Îlet à Malheur , then the Îlet à Bourse . Each Îlet is situated on a distinct plateau, interspersed with refreshing ravines, so the ascents and descents follow one another. A plateau, an Îlet, a different atmosphere… Finally, after the Kichenin pass , we discover the superb Grand Place les Hauts valley , bringing our stage to a close.
Day 2 -
Grand Place – Deux Bras
- Transportation Car - 00h30 - 10km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
From Grand Place, we descend the steep slope to Roche Ancrée , a superb pool at the foot of the Piton des Calumets. Then, we reach the old Cordes islet and its little-used path that leads us to the Lataniers islet , a small, intimate islet in Mafate. Unless our steps take us to the other bank, on a superb wild path to the Cayenne islet … We finish the trek by returning to the bottom of the Galets river, passing by the refreshing Oussy basin , before reaching Deux-Bras and meeting our 4x4.
Option to shorten this stage: Grand Place – Cayenne direct.
Day 3
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
Comfortable family mountain cottages, a few dozen beds.
Access
Go to the starting point
Secure parking included in the price.
4x4 included to go up the river des Galets track, 12km, 30 min.
Price details
The price includes
- Guided by the Mountain Leader from day 1 to day 3 inclusive.
- Overnight stays with half board (evening meals and breakfasts), in a gîte, in small dormitories.
- The 4x4 transfers to and from the program are mentioned in the program.
- Vehicle storage
The price does not include
- Transfers other than those mentioned in the programs.
- 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.
- Transportation to the starting point
Options
- Foreign language guidance : CHF82.33 / reservation
- 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 provided on site
- Walking poles are available upon request.
Equipment to bring
- a comfortable hiking backpack, 30 to 40 liters
- a compact microfiber towel
- a small piece of Marseille soap in its box, which can also be used for laundry
- a travel kit including a foldable toothbrush + mini tube of toothpaste.
- personal medical treatments
- a mobile phone
- A charger and cable(s), preferably with multiple USB ports. Charging is possible in isolated cabins, but outlets are sometimes scarce!
- A pair of walking poles is recommended. We can lend you some for your trek.
- Cash, credit cards, and checks are accepted for your expenses. Credit cards are not always accepted in remote areas.
No need to bring a sleeping bag , the guesthouses provide bedding.
Exception : The Dufour cave refuge, for the Piton des Neiges, only provides a blanket. A toilet sheet is highly recommended, as well as a small canvas bag to make a makeshift pillow.
Clothing to bring
On oneself:
- Mountain or trail shoes, preferably low and flexible.
- Good socks
- Hiking pants with optionally removable legs
- A long-sleeved hiking shirt or t-shirt is preferred.
- Headgear, glasses.
In the bag:
For walking:
- A spare shirt
- One undergarment, possibly two.
- One pair of socks, possibly two.
- A waterproof and windproof jacket, preferably breathable.
For evening and nighttime comfort:
- Underwear
- A warm and lightweight sweater, fleece or merino, which can also be useful for hiking.
- A comfortable thermal base layer (we recommend merino wool)
- Tracksuit bottoms
- A pair of comfortable and warm socks
- A pair of lightweight sandals
- A light hat during the southern winter.
- A small pair of gloves during the southern winter.
- A down jacket, optional, during the southern winter for high altitudes (>1000m)
