Mafate in three days - Loop in the upper part of the cirque
Hiking Collection by Julien Harté
3
days
3-7 h
/ day
32.5 km
1,850 m
1,850 m
Accessible only on foot, the cirque of Mafate is the most famous of them. Venturing there is a fantastic and unique adventure in the heart of the 'intense island'. This unmissable site of hiking immerses you in a decor that never ceases to evolve and surprise. You discover a preserved natural sanctuary, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010.
Discovering Mafate is also walking in the footsteps of its first inhabitants. From the settlement of the colonists on the island in 1665, until the abolition of slavery in Reunion in 1848, many slaves in search of freedom found refuge in the cirque. Timeless witnesses of history, the îlets, small villages of the cirque, welcome you to transmit the culture and conviviality of the Mafatais.
The discovery of a place such as that of Mafate is anticipated. Remember to equip yourself with the appropriate equipment (shoes, clothing, adapted bags), to fully charge your devices and to fill up with water each day. Also plan a little money, as you will not meet any distributors.
The proposed stages can be done in half a day. I recommend you to start them early to fully enjoy the sun and the landscapes. The clouds tend to quickly gain the heights of the cirque, thus blocking the view. The gîtes welcome you from 15 hours, think about booking your nights sufficiently in advance. You will find all the details for reservations in the description of each stage. The starting point is located at the free parking of Bord Martin in the cirque of Salazie.
The general climate of Reunion is divided into two seasons: the austral summer (rainy season) and the austral winter (dry season). The austral summer extends from November to April and does not present the best conditions due to regular and intense rains, despite hot temperatures. The austral winter is cooler but offers stable and sunny weather. From May to October, it offers days much more conducive to hiking.
Don't waste any more time, Mafate is waiting for you!
If you wish to discover more hikes in Reunion, you can consult my other Collections:
Discover the heart of Reunion — 5 days immersion in the cirque of Mafate:
komoot.com/fr-fr/collection/1905471/decouvrir-le-cur-de-la-reunion-5-jours-dimmersion-dans-le-cirque-de-mafate
In the heart of the intense island — The tour of the three cirques of Reunion:
komoot.com/fr-fr/collection/2340965/au-cur-de-lile-intense-le-tour-des-trois-cirques-de-la-reunion
Volcanoes, cirques and crests — 10 unmissable hikes of the island of Reunion:
komoot.com/fr-fr/collection/1888793/volcans-cirques-et-cretes-10-randonnees-incontournables-de-l-ile-de-la-reunion
Freedom grandeur nature — 15 sporting hikes in the cirque of Cilaos
komoot.com/fr-fr/collection/2339573/liberte-grandeur-nature-15-randonnees-sportives-dans-le-cirque-de-cilaos
Luxuriant nature — 10 hikes in the cirque of Salazie
komoot.com/fr-fr/collection/2481821/nature-luxuriante-10-randonnees-dans-le-cirque-de-salazie
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Activities
03:35
9.49km
2.6km/h
320m
540m
IntermediateIntermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The three-day odyssey in Mafate begins on the heights of the Salazie cirque, at the Bord Martin car park. Salazie is the largest and greenest of the three main cirques on the island. This stage switches from one cirque to another, offering breathtaking views then immersing you in the Tamarins plain before…
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by Julien Harté
07:13
14.5km
2.0km/h
1,090m
900m
ExpertExpert hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.This second day of your adventure in Mafate offers you the longest route with a significant difference in altitude. On the program for 15 kilometers and almost 1,000 meters of positive altitude difference, a demanding descent towards the Rivière des Galets, an equally steep climb to reach Roche Plate…
Translated by Google •
by Julien Harté
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03:40
8.52km
2.3km/h
440m
420m
IntermediateIntermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.Here is the last stage of your Mafataise adventure, the shortest. From Marla, it consists of finding your starting point in Salazie via the Col des Fourches. Along the way, your return to the Tamarins plain and the pass to reach Salazie will reward you with grandiose landscapes.
You leave Marla in the…
Translated by Google •
by Julien Harté
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Collection Stats
- Activities3
- Distance32.5 km
- Duration14:28 h
- Elevation1,850 m1,850 m
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