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Cirque de Salazie walks
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.
Hell Bourg and the Three Waterfalls
The village of Hell Bourg is one of the most beautiful on the island. Many tourists come specifically to see its beautiful Creole houses and their ‘guétali’. The village is home to numerous museums and offers a wide range of accommodation options. This circular walk takes in the village’s main attractions; it is suitable for families, and the only challenging part is the round trip to the Trois Cascades: the path is a bit of a workout, but it’s a short climb and the site is enchanting.
The Voile de la Mariée waterfall from Salazie
An easy walk to the foot of the magnificent waterfall called the Voile de la Mariée. This round route is not difficult.
From Hell-Bourg to Bélouve
The Cirque de Salazie is renowned for its hikes. The one linking Hell-Bourg to Bélouve is a classic. It climbs along a rampart for about 500 m of elevation gain. The climb is often winding and rarely difficult, although the slope is present almost all the way. Much of the hike is in the undergrowth. However, this climb offers sumptuous views of the entire cirque, with the final viewpoint at the lodge providing a spectacular finale.
Belvédère de la Fenêtre
This trail will take you to the viewpoint overlooking the natural cirque of Salazie. A breathtaking view, at least what remains of it when you reach the top.
Circular route in the Terre Plate Forest from Hell-Bourg
A fairly technical circular route starting from the Creole village of Hell-Bourg in the Terre Plate Forest, offering beautiful panoramic views of the stunning Cirque de Salazie.
Hell-Bourg – Caverne Dufour
You reach the most legendary point of the Tour des Trois Cirques as you approach Piton des Neiges. The prettiest path, even if it is longer, goes through the Bélouve Forest with its splendid view of Piton des Neiges and its mountainous surroundings, and the primeval forest with its twisted trees and wild vegetation. As you arrive at the Caverne Dufour, there is a magnificent view of the Fournaise volcano and the other craters.
The Trou de Fer from Hell-Bourg and a circular tour through the Belouve Forest
A lovely hike starting from the magnificent village of Hell-Bourg to reach the impressive Trou de Fer site, and a circular route to explore the Bélouve Primeval Forest.
Piton Plaine des Fougères via Maison Martin and the Plaine des Fougères
The Cirque de Salazie is dominated by several peaks, including Piton Plaine des Fougères. Two trails, starting from the Plaine des Fougères, lead to the eponymous peak and form a circular route. The plain is home to countless tamarind trees, each as remarkable as the next. The return trail features a few information boards. The southernmost section runs alongside an imposing escarpment, offering magnificent views of the Cirque de Salazie.
Hell-Bourg – Caverne Dufour
A warm-up hike to the Piton des Neiges, though this is only suitable for experienced walkers as the slope is steep.
Cap Anglais
A very challenging circular walk that takes you through the beautiful, colourful forest on the heights of Bélouve whilst offering splendid views across the entire Cirque de Salazie. The climb to Cap Anglais is gruelling and very difficult, and most of the elevation gain is on this section. Going the other way, the circular route is a little easier. The walk passes through the village of Hell-Bourg, where you can stock up on supplies. Allow a little extra time to visit the village.
From Col des Bœufs to Marla
From the Col des Bœufs, a forest track leads you to the edge of the Cirque de Salazie, where you’ll discover the majestic pass and its breathtaking views over the Cirque de Mafate. Your walk begins on a path carved into the mountainside, offering a dizzying view. You’ll then enter the tamarind forest. After crossing a clearing, you’ll descend towards the pebble-strewn river, discovering a hidden pool along the way. Finally, a short climb takes you to the village of Marla, where you can rest.
Grand Place via the Augustave path and Aurère
A beautiful route offering the chance to explore Mafate and its extraordinary and varied views.