The Essential
The Essential
9 days tour
Reunion Island is a jewel of the Indian Ocean. It offers a great richness of landscapes on a restricted territory. This is what we suggest you discover through this short stay. You will start with the general discovery of this coast sometimes lined with white coral sand, sometimes black with its basaltic sand or shredded from its steep cliffs. Then you will approach the heart of the real island natural sanctuary where biodiversity is at the origin of the classification of Reunion Island as a Natural Heritage UNESCO. Cilaos, Salazie, Mafate as well as the Piton de la Fournaise (active volcano without danger) will be on the program through varied hikes.
Day 1:
Pick-up of the rental car, road book and direction to the coast and western beaches. Overnight in hotel in DP. Noon free.
Day 2: Tour of the island
St Pierre - Grand Anse Beach
After an early breakfast, departure from the hotel and drive to the South East. We will make our first stop in Saint-Pierre, a cultural and economic city in the South. Then we will continue towards the beach of Grand Anse, natural site where the city's inhabitants like to come to relax, the weekend. Continuation towards the wild South and stop at Manapany for a colourful panorama. The journey continues towards Le Cap Méchant which lets you discover its rugged coast of very black basaltic rock which contrasts with the intense blue of the sea. Crossing Saint Philippe and the "Grand Brûlé", a veritable black lava desert where you will discover the successive lava flows that have enlarged the island by nearly 30 hectares gained from the sea. Free lunch. In the afternoon you can visit the Garden of Perfumes and Spices, a real paradise in the middle of the forest of Mare Longue, on a volcanic flow 800 years old. A guide will take you to meet all the fragrant plants and spices; pepper, clove, cinnamon, tea... Return to your hotel at the end of the day. Dinner and overnight.
Day 3:
Mafate Circus
Lower Mafate loop for an immersion in the most secret area of the circus. Approach by 4X4 to go then on foot to discover an islet of Mafate. 6h + and - 500m for the biggest loop. Return to the hotel on the West in BB. Rando freedom or guided.
Day 4: The circus of Cilaos
Cilaos
Discover the circus of Cilaos paradise of hiking and idleness in the middle of the highest mountains. Suggestions of hike therefore not obligatory in loop 3h + and - 400m or according to the availability of the refuge of the Piton possibility of advancing the "2 days of the Piton des neiges". Overnight in DP hotel.
Day 5 to Day 6:
Snow Piton
Snow piton J5 and J6 accompanied or free. You leave for 1 night without your accompanying luggage and with 2 picnics.
Day 5: 1st stage of the ascent + 1200m night in refuge in DP.
D6: Refuge - summit - return to the West. Night in hotel BB.
Suggestion of easy or even more engaged hikes: the Taïbit pass. The Red Arm loop...J5 and J6 BB hotel. Cilaos J5 and west J6. Possible canyon option.
Day 7:
Salazie Circus - Hell- Bourg
Direction the circus of Salazie discover the circus: Short hike on the balcony of the High Mafate. In the late morning direction Hell Bourg visit the village. Back to the west BB hotel.
Day 8: The volcano of La Fournaise
Piton de la Fournaise
Hiking to the top of the volcano peak... Return to hotel BB.
Day 9: Free and airport transfer
St Denis
Mountain biking, diving, helicopter, paragliding...optional.
