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Cirque de Mafate walks
Bottle Rock
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.
From Col des Bœufs to La Nouvelle
The hike from Col des Bœufs to La Nouvelle offers an accessible route for exploring the Cirque de Mafate. This excursion can be done in one day or over two days if you book a lodge. It allows you to discover the Plaine des Tamarins, the small hamlets of La Nouvelle (considered the capital of Mafate) and Marla.
Îlet des Orangers via the canal
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.
Ascent to the Col du Taïbit
A round trip to enjoy the view at Col du Taïbit. View of the Cirque de Cilaos and, on the other side, the Cirque de Mafate. On the way, you will pass by Îlet des Salazes.
Roche Plate - Marla
Second day of the hike in the Cirque de Mafate.
Le Bélier - Aurére
First stage in the Cirque de Mafate.
Cayenne - Roche Plate
The passage near the Ravine Grand Mère caldera is breathtaking.
Marla - Cilaos
Third and final day in the Cirque de Mafate, heading back to Cilaos.
Le Grand Bénare from Le Maïdo
There are several notable peaks on Réunion. Two of them rise above 3,000 metres: Gros Morne and Piton des Neiges. The third is none other than Grand Bénare. The latter is accessible from several points. The routes via Le Grand Bord and La Glacière are the easiest. It is advisable to take the outward route via Le Grand Bord to enjoy the views over Mafate before the clouds roll in. The summit offers a 360-degree view, and the return via La Glacière adds a touch of history.
The Col du Taïbit from the road from Ilet to Cordes
This hike provides access to the Cirque de Mafate from the Îlet à Cordes road, leading to the Cirque de Cilaos. It is a classic route in this part of the island. It also forms part ofthe GR® R1 andGR® R2 trails. Admittedly, this hike is not for everyone, but the view from the pass is spectacular when the weather permits. We will pass through Îlet des Salazes, known for its herbal tea.
Marla - Roche Plate
Stage 3 of the 6-day route in the Cirque de Mafate.
On this stage, we’ll make our way from Marla to Roche Plate via the superb site of the 3 Roches. It is here that the Galets River disappears into an impressive crevasse.
The Roche Plate site is situated directly below the Maïdo viewpoint.
La Nouvelle - Le Bélier
The final stage of the Mafate circular loop.
Scout Trail starting from Grand Place
The famous Scout Trail, where the ridge sections offer impressive views of the Mafate cirque.
Roche Plate – La Nouvelle
A stage made all the more enjoyable by the unforgettable setting of the Trois Roches.
Aurére – Cayenne
A detour to the centre of Mafate.
Le Grand Bénare via the Tamarin Lodge
Le Grand Bénare is an iconic peak on the island. The approach via the Tamarin Lodge is much more strenuous than from Le Maïdo. You’ll need calves of steel to tackle the inevitable sharp rocks. The views are spectacular, and this is the case well before you reach the summit. The climb is steady and the elevation gain is quite significant. The route through the Caverne de la Glacière and the various shafts encountered during the ascent add an extra dimension to this hike.
From Maïdo to Le Bronchard
The route to Mafate via Maïdo is one of the most challenging ways to reach Mafate. This fairly strenuous round trip allows you to see the charming village of Roche Plate and go beyond it to Le Bronchard, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding area. The village of Roche Plate is typical of the villages in Mafate with its Creole houses. It is quite spread out and consists of two neighbourhoods. There are numerous lodges in the area.
The tour of the Plaine d'Affouche via Îlet à Guillaume
Located at an altitude of around 1,400 metres, the Plaine d’Affouche overlooks Îlet à Guillaume and forms an integral part of the Roche Écrite Reserve. Keep your ears and eyes peeled, as you may spot or hear the tuit-tuit, a bird found only on Réunion and exclusively in this part of the island.
Please note: this hike can be completed in under 8 hours. The elevation gain is overestimated: there is approximately 1,500 metres of ascent and descent, not 2,375.