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Africa Réunion Reunion Island Do & See Cirque de Mafate

Overview

Cirque de Mafate

The guide was updated: 2024-04-18

The stunning, secluded caldera of Mafate is the place several tiny villages call home. Reaching the dazzling remote location is certainly worth the hike. Keep in mind there are not paved roads to go up, hence hiking for hours is unavoidable. For a better experience, it is recommendable to depart in the early morning hours from the Maido or Cilaos.

Useful Information

Address: Mafate, Reunion

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Piton de Fournaise

Piton de Fournaise

Put your hiking shoes on and plan a day trip up the magnificent Piton de Fournaise volcano - one of the most active peaks in the world. Joining a guided tour is highly recommended, not to mention wearing appropriate clothing, as temperatures tend to fall dramatically the higher up you go.

Le Maido

Le Maido

The island's north holds one of its most scenic spots at the le Maido summit, where stunning views over Reunion's west coast unfold before the eyes of enthralled visitors. To avoid madding crowds and possible weather changes, head to the summit early in the morning on a clear day.

Domaine du Café Grillé

Domaine du Café Grillé

A fascinating adventure through the island's past via the over 900 plant species contained in this well-maintained botanical garden awaits visitors to the domaine du Café Grillé, where the journey starts at a modern creole garden and ends at a lush forest containing indigenous plants.

Cirque de Mafate

Cirque de Mafate

The stunning, secluded caldera of Mafate is the place several tiny villages call home. Reaching the dazzling remote location is certainly worth the hike. Keep in mind there are not paved roads to go up, hence hiking for hours is unavoidable. For a better experience, it is recommendable to depart in the early morning hours from the Maido or Cilaos.

Jardin des Parfums et des Epices

Jardin des Parfums et des Epices

Tropical flower fragrances fill the air already in the garden's parking lot, and the abundance of flower species becomes apparent once visitors set foot in the lush gardens. Learn and marvel at the indigenous plants, flowers, and spices.

Maison Folio

Maison Folio

The authentic Creole villa is now open for public tours, the owners gladly walk visitors through the well-preserved 19th-century house and lush garden premises. Although tours in English are available at certain times, the schedule for them depends on the tour guide, and they're currently unpredictable.

Waterfalls

Waterfalls

Visiting the beautiful natural waterfalls is a must-do for visitors to the island. Some of the most scenic ones include those at the Bassin des Aigrettes, at Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains. The cascade de Bras Rouge in Cialos, Delices in Sainte-Suzanne, and Takamaka in Saint Benoit are also worth exploring.

Beaches & Lagoons

Beaches & Lagoons

Being an island in the Indian Ocean, Reunion naturally boasts a number of splendid beaches, some of the best being concentrated in the waterside stretch between the settlements of Saint-Gilles and l'Ermitage-Les-Bains. These beaches here are sheltered from strong waves by near-lying coral reefs. One of the prettiest white sand beaches on the island is the L’Hermitage, lined with trees to provide saving shade. The most stunning lagoons are to be found between St. Paul and Saint-Leu.

Saint-Denis

Saint-Denis

The region's capital Saint-Denis in the island's north is worth a visit, even if only for a glimpse of Reunion's urban side. Being the administrative centre of the island, it is home to a significant number of local museums, monuments, and important sights.

Aquarium de la Reunion

Aquarium de la Reunion

The fascinating aquarium of Reunion is home to 500 species of fish and marine animals. Although descriptions are provided in French only, the aquarium is still worth a visit Get a closer look at these underwater creatures. Workshops and informative meetings for visitors are held regularly.

Helicopter Tours

Helicopter Tours

Few places in the world compare to the beauty and dramatic effect to the impression produced by the scenery of Reunion Island. See the Piton de Fournasie volcano, incredible cirques, waterfalls, and the stunning coastline all on one tour of the island on board a helicopter. The best companies in Reunion are Félix Ulm Run and Helilagon.

Dolphin and Whale Watching

Dolphin and Whale Watching

Marine life is abundant in the waters around the lush Reunion Island. Quite a number of local companies offer organized tours to some of the best spots where sighting a school of dolphins is all but guaranteed. To see massive whales, it is best to visit Reunion between June and October.

Cirque de Cilaos

Cirque de Cilaos

The winding road up to the caldera is a thrill in its own. Only after dozens of twists, turns and breathtaking vistas of mossy green cliffs can travellers arrive at the secluded settlement of Cilaos. For best vistas, walk up the Roche Merveilleuse, and do stop by the local thermal baths.

Canyoning

Canyoning

Those up for physical activity and a tad bit extreme outdoor pursuits should definitely try canyoning in Reunion. The unique natural landscape provides an abundance of opportunities for exploring, jumping, sliding, swimming and walking around the canyons. All of these under supervision of professionals catering for all needs.

Piton des Neiges

Piton des Neiges

Reunion Island's highest peak, with its unbeatable 360-degree panorama, is certainly worth the two-day hiking trip. Tours are normally arranged to reach the summit, however, hikers can complete the hike at their own speed. If going overnight, it is possible to spend the night at Gîte de la Caverne Dufour.

La Saga du Rhum

La Saga du Rhum

The Saint-Pierre distillery museum grants visitors an insight into the production process of one of the island's traditional alcoholic drinks. Take a look at the workings of rum production in Reunion, and try the several rum varieties offered for tasting at the end of the tour.

La Cooperative Provanille

La Cooperative Provanille

Discover the little-known vanilla cultivation plant Cooperative Provanille, where all work is done by hand on-site. Take a close look at the industrious workers on the job, and witness every step of the way over the 18-month long processing period. There is a gift shop on the premises if you wish to purchase a souvenir.

La Maison du Coco

La Maison du Coco

The curious Maison du Coco in Saint-Leu is where everything revolves around coconuts, which are abundant all throughout the island. Visitors will gain an insight into the way coconut-derived products are made, from juice and various edibles to items made by weaving palm tree leaves.

Kelonia

Kelonia

The Kelonia turtle centre is home to dozens of marine turtles, some of which visitors can come in direct contact with. Apart from providing unique entertainment to visitors, the centre contributes to research on migration patterns and turtle populations, aimed at preserving the species.

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