Bélouve Forest – Tamarinaie Trail

Start from the car park before the Bélouve lodge, at the end of forest road no. 2, from La Plaine des Palmistes

(S/E) Go through the barrier just past the car park and follow the road up to the Bélouve lodge. A flight of steps on the right allows you to cut across the first hairpin bend. You’ll soon reach the crossroads just before the lodge. Head towards the lodge and go down the steps leading to the lower viewing platform to take in the panoramic view of Salazie and Hell Bourg, just below.

(1) Then head back up and return to the crossroads before the lodge. Turn right onto the forest track that seems to lead straight towards the Piton des Neiges. It climbs gently through the forest and, after a few bends, reaches a second viewpoint, right next to a communications mast.

(2) From this plateau, you enter the forest by heading out through the top of this open space. Follow the GR®R1 markings, which you then take to reach the top of the Ravine Bringéllier. This section of the route is typical of Réunion, as it was carved out along the crest of Salazie’s eastern rampart. Amidst dense vegetation, you’ll navigate a series of steps and ravine crossings for about half an hour. The path is very busy and may be muddy in places.

(3) When you reach Ravine Bringéllier, turn left to move away from the ridge, then left again at the signpost for the Tamarinaie trail. You will then enter the dense undergrowth, following the path which remains clearly visible throughout. When you come out onto the Vierge forest track, turn left and follow it downhill to the next bend.

(4) Immediately after this bend, leave the forest track to the left and rejoin the path through the forest. You’ll once again feel as though you’re immersed in an environment that is both hostile and protective. As you descend, you’ll come out onto an avenue of cryptomerias, followed by eucalyptus plantations. As you approach the ravine and the forest track that crosses it, the terrain becomes slightly more rugged.

(5) When you come out onto the forest road again, all you have to do is follow it downhill until you reach the car park where you started. (S/E)

The Bélouve lodge offers light meals (by reservation) and a selection of drinks. Please note: it is closed on Wednesdays.

No public transport from La Plaine des Palmistes (approx. 15 km).

To enjoy the view of Salazie and the surrounding mountains, you need to set off before 10 am, as clouds usually start to roll in from that time onwards.