Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Reunion National Park represents 40% of the territory! With its two volcanoes, one of which is the most active on the planet. Its coasts often frequented by dolphins and humpback whales, and its unique setting of pitons, cirques and waterfalls, the Reunion Island is full of exceptional sites for nature lovers. Let’s discover six incredible and preserved spots on this island.
The Piton des Neiges, roof of the Indian Ocean
Snow is a rare occurrence on Reunion Island, but it offers one of the most breathtaking sunrises you can imagine. Standing at 3,070 meters, the Piton des Neiges is the highest point in the Indian Ocean! There are several trails leading to the summit, one of which winds through guava and tamarind forests starting from the cirque of Cilaos. This trek takes about seven hours and immerses you in the stunning beauty of the Grand Matarum biological reserve. After a brief night at the Dufour cave refuge, you’ll need to set out before dawn to navigate the final stretch to the peak. Upon reaching the summit, you'll be rewarded with a stunning 360° view, where the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean stretch out before you, alongside the three cirques - Mafate, Salazie, and Cilaos - nestled below.
The coasts, a paradise for dolphins and humpback whales
Can you identify them? Over twenty species of cetaceans have been spotted off the coast of Reunion Island, making it a treasure trove for travelers who wish to encounter marine mammals in an eco-friendly way. Among the more approachable species are the spinner dolphin and the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, both of which can be easily seen near the shoreline. From June to October, during the southern winter, the majestic humpback whales - averaging 14 meters in length - can be observed as they migrate to these warm waters to mate and give birth. In contrast, sperm whales, fin whales, and Risso's dolphins are less commonly sighted. So don’t forget your binoculars!
The Mafate cirque, a journey to the heart of ecotourism
In this place, it's not "hamlet" but "islet." Hiking through the villages that cling to the plateaus of the Mafate cirque evokes a sense of timelessness. These villages, accessible only by foot (or helicopter), serve as micro-laboratories for sustainable development, showcasing clean energy use, self-sufficient waste management, a focus on local products, and a commitment to biodiversity preservation. To fully appreciate the breath-taking landscapes and the one-of-a-kind experience of disconnection, it's best to spend at least one night here.
The lava tunnels of the Piton de La Fournaise: a journey to the centre of the Earth
What if we dived into the bowels of the earth? At 2,631 metres, the Piton de la Fournaise is one of the most fascinating and active volcanoes on the planet: it erupts every nine months on average! In addition to walking on its slopes, you can explore the incredible tunnels formed by lava flows, some of which have only recently been discovered. This is the case of the blue tunnel, whose formation dates back more than 20,000 years! By the light of headlamps, the rocks reveal their colours, blue of course, but also orange, red or grey, and their bizarre shapes. The highlight: hundreds of lava stalactites frozen by the cooling of the magma. To be explored with the family, children will love the treasure hunt atmosphere!
The primary forest of Belouve, kingdom of the tamarind of the Highlands
Perched on a plateau at an altitude of 1,300 metres in the east of the island, the Bélouve forest is home to more than a thousand species of plants, some of which are endemic: tree ferns, wild orchids and the tamarind of the Hauts region, whose wood is renowned for its cabinet making. Its tortured silhouette marks out this primary rainforest, bathed in mists and fogs that give it a supernatural appearance. Tuit-tuit or paille-en-queue, we learn to recognise the birds as we walk along the paths to the viewpoint of the Trou de Fer. At our feet, a 300-metre-deep chasm opens, where the water flows down in a thunder of cataracts. Vertiginous!
Accommodation: pure nature
A black basalt cliff beaten by the waves of the Indian Ocean: Welcome to an exceptional setting at Cana Suc! A stone's throw from the Piton de la Fournaise, this 2 hectare estate is a window on the island's luxuriant nature: the two rural gîtes and the guest room, which look like traditional Creole huts, are nestled in a green setting amidst coconut, mango and hibiscus trees. At Terre Rouge in Saint Joseph, three cedar and basalt stone bungalows share a large tropical garden for a 100% disconnected interlude. No TV, WiFi, air-conditioning, doors or windows: you live to the rhythm of nature in its purest form!
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By Anne-Claire Delorme
Globetrotting journalist anneclairedelorme@yahoo.fr
