Reunion Island – A journey into the ultimate destination

Reunion Island is set within the currents of the Indian Ocean in close proximity to South Africa and offers a variety of wondrous experiences for those who want to indulge in a tropical getaway with a twist. This oceanic gem is a short 4-hour flight from Johannesburg and makes for the ultimate destination for South Africans looking to entice their adventurous spirit during the holiday season.

Volcano Experience

Reunion Island is known for the spectacular Piton de la Fournaise, a basaltic volcano that promises some striking eruptions that can be viewed from a safe distance. When it is not erupting travelers are permitted the opportunity to hike along the pristine landscapes of Reunion Island to the peak of the Piton de la Fournaise to view the crater and open volcanic plains. Locals celebrate the Piton de la Fournaise’s eruptions and often invite travelers to join them as they travel up to selected viewpoints to have picnics while viewing the beauty of the volcano.

Bélouve Forest (Near Hell – Bourg)

After your adventures on the Piton de la Fournaise, you can explore the forested wilderness of Reunion Island with a scenic drive to Bélouve Forest, one of the most remarkable tamarind forests found on the island. Bélouve Forest promises unique encounters with a vast variety of bird species nesting in the tree canopies that cast dancing shadows along the forest floor. Explore the natural beauty of Bélouve Forest and venture out across the eastern highlands of the island to encounter sights such as Cirque de Salazie and Trou de Fer’s pristine waterfalls in the distance. Embrace the lush forested paths of this hidden location and keep your eyes open for that sought-after photographic opportunity during your travels.

Le Maïdo (West)

You can leave the forest behind and set your sights on a higher climb or drive up to Le Maïdo which boasts some of the island’s fantastic views! You can expect to see Cirque de Mafate that stretches towards the horizon as well as the Piton des Neiges that stands opposite the Piton de la Fournaise and the west coast that brings in a fresh oceanic breeze. Le Maïdo is the perfect vantage point from which to view the entirety of this tropical jewel and offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the wonders on Reunion Island while enjoying time with family and friends on a hiking excursion.

Le Maïdo is one of the access points to the Mafate cirque and allows you to not only enjoy the scenery but to also utilise your hiking expertise while crisscrossing across the rugged terrain of the island down to places such as Mafate and Îlets de Roche Plate, which house wonderful natural trails ready to be explored by the curious traveller.

Grand-Étang (East)

Lower yourself into the wilderness of Reunion Island by exploring unique sites such as Grand-Étang, an ancient volcanic lake embedded in the lavish tropical terrain of the island. Travel either on foot or horseback and explore the natural wonders found flourishing along the banks of the lake, discover the surrounding areas of Sainte-Anne found on the outskirts of Grand-Étang and take note of the stunning variety of fauna and flora found in these locations.

Lava Tunnels (South-East)

After your explorations through the wilderness of Reunion Island’s forests and mountain ranges, take to the heart of the island by exploring the volcanic tunnels that have formed throughout the centuries. Embark into the unknown and discover new hidden underground facets along with an experienced guide who will fuel your need for adventure while delving into the majesty of these natural creations that have stood the test of time and only recently formed part of sites that can be visited and explored by eager travellers looking to embrace the beauty of the Reunion Island’s wilderness!

Get lost in the magnificence of this tropical destination and find your wild side.

For more information on Destination Reunion click on www.reunion.fr or visit