Mafate highlands excursion in 2 days and 1 night
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationFrench Overseas Territories / Reunion Island
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AgeFrom 18 - 70 years
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CO₂-Emissions11.11 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
English
French
In a few words
Embark on a two-day escape to the heart of the Mafate highlands , in the most remote cirque of Reunion Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site . This guided trek immerses you in a unique world, accessible only on foot , where nature reigns supreme and time seems to stand still.
In a small group, you'll explore the iconic trails of this remote region, between perched islets , breathtaking panoramas , and lush vegetation . Thanks to a passionate guide, each step becomes a discovery: encounters with locals , stories, and contemplative breaks punctuate the walk.
This tour is ideal for a first immersion in Mafate , even for families, with an accessible itinerary that doesn't sacrifice any of its authenticity. In the evening, you'll share a warm moment in a traditional guesthouse , nestled in the heart of the mountains, for a truly timeless night.
A short but intense trip, to taste the soul of Reunion Island, far from the beaten track.
The highlights
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A short, authentic and accessible itinerary, ideal for a first visit
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Cozy nights in a traditional guesthouse nestled in the heart of the Réunion mountains
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Guided immersion in Mafate, a UNESCO-listed cirque accessible on foot
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 7h
- Average distance/day: 11 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 525 m
- Average daily descent: 800 m
Management
English
French
Our mountain guides hold the state diploma for mountain guides with a tropical option.
They are all residents of Réunion.
Program
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Descent into the heart of the Mafate highlands
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Your guided trek in Mafate begins with a gradual ascent to the Col des Boeufs pass, offering spectacular views of the verdant Salazie cirque. From the Col des Boeufs, the view is magnificent, and you can admire the highest ramparts of Reunion Island, at the foot of the towering peaks of Grand Bénaré and Gros Morne.
On this first day, you will head towards Marla to descend into the Plaine des Tamarins. After a first stop on the magnificent plain, it's time to continue our descent to the Rivière des Galets and the Joset Etheve footbridge.
A slow climb then takes us to Ilet Marla, the highest village in Mafate. You can enjoy a meal at Jimmy's to refuel.
After this well-deserved break, it's time to head out again to plunge into a grand canyon in the heart of the river of pebbles.
A few kilometers further on we will reach the iconic site of the 3 Rocks where you can appreciate the drop of its 40m waterfall.
The day is almost over, we still have to go back up to Plaine aux sables and then to our gîte.
Day 1 -
Return to the Col des Boeufs
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After waking up in the heart of Mafate, enjoy a hearty breakfast before resuming the hike towards the most populated village in the cirque, La Nouvelle, an emblematic place where you can discover the sumptuous reliefs of the bottom of Mafate.
From this point, you will have 6km and 600m of elevation gain to climb back to our starting point. This ascent is done in several stages to reach the plateau of the Plaine des Tamarins once again.
After lunch on the plain in this exceptional setting, we begin the ascent towards the Col des Bœufs, marking the end of our guided trek in Mafate.
This final climb allows us to enjoy one last time the incredible landscapes of the Mafate highlands before returning to our starting point.
Day 2
Note
This program is fully customizable to suit your walking level and preferences.
Feel free to contact our team for a tailor-made trek.
Enhance your trip by booking this excursion. However, we do not recommend flying for such a short duration.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- 2-day guided tour
- Overnight stay with half-board and dormitory
- Snacks
- Hot drinks
The price does not include
- Flights
- 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.
The Yoann team
Our local partner is a mountain travel agency on Réunion Island. Their team of certified guides ensures the safety of travelers on guided hiking, trekking, trail running, and bivouac activities. They also offer transportation services, providing transfers during excursions as well as airport shuttles. This partner thus offers a comprehensive and expert solution for exploring Réunion's diverse landscapes with complete peace of mind.
