Cirque de Mafate
Pour les amoureux de la nature et du silence...
Details
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 18.05 mi -
Average duration: 3 days -
Difficulty: Moderate -
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Back to start: No -
Ascent: + 8,386 ft -
Descent: - 5,741 ft -
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Highest point: 6,821 ft -
Lowest point: 1,644 ft
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Country:
France
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Area: Cirque de Mafate -
City:
Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (97460) -
Start: S 20.97903° / E 55.34723° -
End: S 21.11749° / E 55.450227° -
Hour-by-hour weather
Photos
Stages of the route
This route needs several days, find the details below:
Other walks in the area
Îlet des Orangers via the canal
Visorando Member
17.14 mi
+4,409 ft
-4,409 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
One way to access the Cirque de Mafate is from Sans Souci. The pipeline path may seem long, but the landscape overlooking the Rivière des Galets from a height of 500 m is breathtaking. From above, you can see Deux Bras and the narrow gorge through which the Rivière des Galets flows out of the Cirque de Mafate.
The canal path has a gentle slope. After the water catchment, access to Îlet des Orangers is via a narrow gorge after a steep climb.
Estimated elevation gain: approximately 700 metres.
The Bassin Vital
Tourist office
1.44 mi
+686 ft
-686 ft
1h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Étang Saint-Paul is designated as a nature reserve. There are several walking routes around it, including the Bassin Vital trail. Perched at an altitude of just over 150 metres, you can reach it via a short, fairly steep climb or by following a circular route. The views over Étang Saint-Paul are absolutely stunning! You can combine this walk with others in the area.
Bottle Rock
2.08 mi
+1,024 ft
-1,017 ft
1h 50
Moderate
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
This short hike offers magnificent views of the Mafate cirque on one side and the coast of La Possession on the other, with the Dos-d'Àne islet in the foreground. This is the easiest place to get a spectacular, unobstructed view of Mafate.
La Roche Écrite via Dos d'Âne
13.58 mi
+4,436 ft
-4,416 ft
5 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
La Roche Écrite rises to 2,276 metres and is accessible from several points. The route via Dos d'Ane is one of the longest, but also one of the most beautiful, with frequent views of the Cirque de Mafate in the first section. Some sections along the ridge are vertiginous and offer unique views. The detour via the Mare aux Cerfs and the Caverne Soldat adds an extra dimension to this long, challenging route.
La Possession – Grande Chaloupe
4.76 mi
+1,122 ft
-1,135 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Réunion
Eighth stage of the island tour, following the railway line as closely as possible. After the long flat stretch of the previous stages, this short stage sees a return to uphill terrain. As access to the tunnel is officially prohibited, you must go via the Chemin des Anglais, which includes sections with steep gradients. This is a very old paved path that is now a must-do hike on the island.
Cayenne - Roche Plate
4.34 mi
+3,583 ft
-1,683 ft
5h 05
Difficult
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
The passage near the Ravine Grand Mère caldera is breathtaking.
Aurére – Cayenne
4.46 mi
+1,565 ft
-2,812 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
A detour to the centre of Mafate.
Piton des Orangers and return via the Omega Forest Road
4.61 mi
+932 ft
-906 ft
2h 55
Easy
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
An easy hike to see all the islets of the Cirque de Mafate. It is best to set off no later than 10:00 a.m. to enjoy the magnificent views along the edge of the rampart. The start and end of the route are on forest roads. It is possible to picnic along these roads on the way back.
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