RÉUNION ISLAND: A HIKING ADVENTURE LIKE NO OTHER
Some adventures are about ticking a destination off your bucket list. Others are about experiencing a place in a way that stays with you long after you have returned home.
Réunion Island is firmly in the second category.
Floating in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and Mauritius, this French island is a spectacular meeting point of volcanic mountains, deep valleys, ancient forests, waterfalls and remote mountain communities. And there is no better way to experience its dramatic interior than on foot.
TriSport’s 8-day/7-night Réunion Island adventure takes hikers deep into the volcanic heart of the island, exploring the legendary cirques of Mafate, Cilaos and Salazie, while also taking on two of its most iconic volcanic landscapes – Piton des Neiges and Piton de la Fournaise.
Beautiful Landscape in Mafate Cirque, Reunion Island
THREE CIRQUES, TWO VOLCANOES AND SEVEN DAYS ON THE TRAIL
The journey begins in the beautiful village of Hell-Bourg before heading into the mountains and the remote Cirque de Mafate. With no roads into much of Mafate, this is a landscape that can only truly be appreciated on foot.
From there, the route continues through Cilaos and over the dramatic Taïbit Pass before heading towards Piton des Neiges, which rises to 3,070m and is the highest peak in the Indian Ocean. For those who choose to summit, an early-morning climb offers the chance to watch the sunrise from high above the island.
The adventure then winds through the ancient Bébour Forest before finishing among the volcanic landscapes of Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes.
Along the way, expect dramatic ridges, lush valleys, waterfalls, indigenous forests, lava flows and tiny mountain villages. It is a journey through both the geology and culture of Réunion.
Piton Fornaise – Réunion’s active volcano, but sleeping at the moment (Hano and Sonja Otto)
THIS IS NOT A BEGINNER’S HIKE
There is an important distinction to make about this adventure: Réunion is for fit and experienced hikers.
There are no technical climbs requiring ropes, but the terrain is rugged and the elevation gain and loss are significant. Some hiking days involve around 1,500m to 1,700m of ascent or descent, with some days on the trail lasting between 7 and 8 hours. Hikers also need to be comfortable with rocks, boulders, uneven volcanic terrain and exposed mountain landscapes.
In other words, this is not a holiday where you simply walk a few kilometres and admire the view. It is a proper mountain adventure – and that is precisely what makes it so rewarding.
SEMI-SLACKPACKING MAKES IT POSSIBLE
While the hiking is demanding, you do not have to carry everything you need for the journey.
TriSport’s semi-slackpack format means bedding and bulk food are provided, while your main luggage is transported ahead at various points. You carry only the essentials needed for the section of trail you are hiking, along with your daily lunch and overnight clothes. Accommodation includes authentic mountain gîtes as well as comfortable three-star hotels.
And after a long day on the trail, there is something rather special about sitting down to a local meal and sharing the day’s stories with your fellow hikers.
READY TO GO FURTHER?
Réunion is not for everyone – but for the experienced hiker looking for something beyond the ordinary, it offers an extraordinary combination of challenge, scenery, culture and adventure.
TriSport’s 27 May to 4 June 2027 departure has just two places remaining, while the 25 May to 2 June 2028 departure is now open for registration.
So, if you have the legs, the experience and the appetite for a real adventure, Réunion could be the next trail with your name on it.
