Îlet des Orangers via the canal

We have planned the hike for July 2026.
The download is for preparing our holiday.
I find the route description and maps very informative and valuable.

Thank you!
Rolf Kaiser

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Date of your route : Nov 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Lovely route, clean trail and beautiful views.

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Date of your route : Sep 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Apart from the first 2 km, the rest is flat, but with magnificent views all along the route. We turned off towards Ilet des Latanier instead of Ilet des Orangiers, with magnificent views and a very easy river crossing

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Date of your route : Feb 20, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Superb hike! A bit difficult at the beginning to reach the canal path, and at the end to reach the Îlet des Orangés, but everything else is flat! At this time of year, there was plenty of shade, so I didn't suffer from the heat. There are several streams where you can cool off. There are a few muddy areas to cross, but they are completely passable. I didn't meet many people, barely 10.
It was a beautiful, long day's walk. It took me 9 hours, including breaks, which were necessary to admire the breathtaking views...
Not for those who suffer from vertigo. The path is wide, but the slope is very steep!

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Date of your route : Aug 14, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We did this route in one-way and return, but another idea would be to spend a night on L'Ilet des Latanier (below L'Ilet des Orangers) and return via "the lower route". Someone suggested this to us afterwards, and I think it's a good idea, but you either have to walk further (though it's probably doable in two days) or hire a 4x4 to take you back to your car, apparently!
I think the person who posted the hike slept at Ilet des Orangers, as it says 7:55 p.m. LOL.
I recorded my route on Visorando because I was following the GPX and it recorded 10 hours and 10 minutes, including 7 hours of actual walking.
We took shortcuts on the way there to give our cardio a boost LOL, but not on the way back because, frankly, after so many kilometres, we preferred to give our knees and feet a rest.
Note: in the morning, be sure to bring sun protection +++. On the way back, you're completely in the shade.
Our car was not damaged while we were away.
I agree with Danielfr40 = the hike is worth it more for the route than for the destination, which is ultimately a good thing given the length of the route
Remember to look down as you approach the islet of Lataniers: there is a magnificent waterfall...:

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Date of your route : Aug 03, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The duration and elevation gain of the hike are incorrect. We are average hikers and it took us 5 hours to reach Îlet des Orangers with an elevation gain of approximately +600m and -90m (the terrain distorts the GPS data). The return trip may be a little faster. At the starting point, it is advisable to take every shortcut without hesitation, as they all lead back to the trail. The first is 20 metres above and after the red cistern. Climb this trail until you reach the signpost indicating the direction of the islet. The pipeline trail is about 1.50m to 2m wide and safe. The views are magnificent. This is certainly the easiest way to reach the islet when coming up from Mafate below. It is true that it is best not to leave your car at the starting point, as unfortunately damage has been reported on the return journey.

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Date of your route : Jul 23, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Great hike, diving into the heart of Mafate. The trail along the canal is very easy. Only the last climb, from the retention basin to the orange grove, is really difficult. It's a steep climb! Be careful when you get there, it's cool! However, the time given in the description is not correct. It takes 4½ hours from Sans Souci to the Îlet des Orangers, or 9 hours there and back, and not 19 hours as it says 😅
On the other hand, it's a very popular hike, so it's best to use the toilet before you set off as it's impossible to leave the path for most of the hike... it's not easy to take a toilet break!

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Date of your route : Apr 07, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The first quarter is very muddy at this time of year, making the track slippery, so it's best to avoid shortcuts
in the cleared areas, as this makes for a wide, almost lane-like path, which is safer.
If the trail is not cleared, it is narrow, with tall grass on either side covering the path, making it difficult to see where you are putting your feet.
Ultimately, apart from the distance and the steep sections, the trail is not difficult
There are superb views all along the way, which is just as well because the Ilet des Orangers offers few views, confirming the adage that it's the journey that counts, not the destination.
It's still worth the climb, and crossing the stream is fun.
Thank you for this route.

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