Volcanoes, cirques and ridges – 10 unmissable hikes on Reunion Island
Hiking Collection by Julien Harté
10
Tours
61:15 h
84.9 mi
29,625 ft
The variety of landscapes on Reunion Island make it a paradise for hikers of all abilities. Located in the western Indian Ocean, the French overseas department boasts more than 900 kilometres (560 mi) of waymarked trails through volcanoes, peaks and cirques that have been classified as Unesco World Heritage sites since 2010.
In this Collection, I present 10 day hikes that are fairly accessible but which nevertheless require a good level of fitness. The trails, which wind their way through volcanic rocks and dense vegetation, also require good footwear. You explore the island's emblematic summits and volcanoes, its wild cirques and breathtaking panoramas.
The general climate of Reunion Island is divided into two seasons: the austral summer (rainy season) and the austral winter (dry season). The southern summer runs from November to April and does not offer the best conditions due to the regular and intense rainfall, despite the warm temperatures. The austral winter is cooler, especially in the highlands, but offers stable and sunny weather. It starts in May and ends in October.
For all of the following routes, I recommend an early morning start. The island's peaks hold back the Indian Ocean clouds that regularly cover the heights in the late morning.
All the start points are accessible by car and have free parking.
Each route requires you to bring at least two litres of water per person, as well as food supplies. For most of them, you can stop in gîtes or tables d'hôtes. Remember to book your meals and accommodation between 24 and 48 hours in advance. You can find all the details in the Tour descriptions.
All you have to do now is to set off to discover this beautiful island.
On The Map
Tours
- 09:059.65 mi1.1 mph5,425 ft5,425 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
The Piton des Neiges hike is one of the most emblematic of Reunion Island.
This dormant volcano rises to 3,071 meters above sea level and its summit gives a 360° panorama of the whole island. Its ascent does not require any particular equipment but requires being in good physical condition.
The first part…
by Julien Harté
- 04:537.57 mi1.5 mph1,550 ft1,550 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
The Piton de la Fournaise hike immerses you in a surreal setting, created by one of the most active volcanoes on the planet. This eruptive volcano is at the origin of the creation of the southern third of Reunion Island. All along the way that leads you to the balcony of the crater, you are the privileged…
by Julien Harté
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- 06:5510.5 mi1.5 mph2,600 ft2,625 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
The Grand Bénare hike is one of the most spectacular on Reunion Island. Culminating at 2,898 meters above sea level, Grand Bénare is one of the highest peaks on the island. This route will continue to reveal exceptional panoramas of the Cirque de Mafate, the Cirque de Cilaos and the Piton des Neiges…
by Julien Harté
- 03:086.54 mi2.1 mph675 ft675 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
The Trou de Fer hike offers an easy loop that runs through the Bélouve forest and the richness of its flora. The paths perfectly laid out by the ONF (Office National des Forêts) lead to a unique view of the Trou de Fer waterfall.
Departure is from the parking lot of Bélouve gîte. This gîte, which offers…
by Julien Harté
- 05:576.95 mi1.2 mph2,850 ft2,875 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
The Grand Bassin hike immerses you in the history of the Hauts de la Réunion while evolving in an impressive setting.
It all starts at the Bois Court belvedere which reveals a spectacular view of the village of Grand Bassin. The islet, surrounded by impressive ramparts, is only accessible on foot following…
by Julien Harté
- 05:047.76 mi1.5 mph2,125 ft2,125 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
This is one of the easiest and most accessible hikes to discover the cirque of Mafate, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The route begins at the Col des Bœufs, in the Cirque de Salazie. A first descent without difficulty takes you to the plain of Tamarins, endemic trees of Reunion Island. This plain…
by Julien Harté
- 05:177.34 mi1.4 mph3,825 ft3,850 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
This demanding hike allows you to make a day trip to Mafate. Although it is not very long, its significant elevation makes it more difficult and requires good equipment.
The hike begins with the Maïdo which is a few meters from the car park. This summit culminates at 2,203 meters above sea level and offers…
by Julien Harté
- 06:419.81 mi1.5 mph3,325 ft3,325 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
This loop hike is one of the most spectacular in the Cirque de Mafate. It begins with the Scout Trail, one of the most beautiful in Reunion. To reach it, just walk a few minutes from the Bord Martin car park where the loop ends.
The passage on Deux Fesses immediately immerses you in the magical universe…
by Julien Harté
- 08:3013.0 mi1.5 mph4,525 ft4,525 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
The hike from the Jacky Inard trail via the Bœuf trail and the Mal au Ventre trail is in the Entre Deux and Dimitile region, which is traversed by several more or less frequented trails.
The route does not present any significant difficulty but does require a good physical condition to overcome the distance…
by Julien Harté
- 05:455.69 mi1.0 mph2,675 ft2,675 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
This vertiginous hike is for experienced sportsmen and adventurers. Although short, it is difficult and not recommended for people prone to vertigo, as well as children.
The route connects the Îlet à Cordes road to the Arête des Salazes; its starting point is at the bus stop named Sentier Marla.
The ascent…
by Julien Harté
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Collection Stats
- Tours10
- Distance84.9 mi
- Duration61:15 h
- Elevation29,625 ft
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