The Kapor Trail

Park at the volcano lodge car park.

(S/E) Take the signposted trail opposite the car park, which climbs fairly straight up to Pas de Bellecombe. The slope is not very steep and allows you to warm up gently. The vegetation consists of shrubs, leaving a relatively clear view.

(1) Go through the metal gate at Pas de Bellecombe, if it is open, and descend into the Enclos Fouqué. The path is sometimes quite steep and the steps are high.

(2) At the bottom, the terrain changes completely. You will now be walking on fairly flat lava that is easy to walk on. Take the path that branches off to the left (east) and runs parallel to the walls of the enclosure, through a few shrubs. Take the opportunity to admire Piton de la Fournaise, which looks fairly easy to access from this side.

(3) The terrain changes. The lava flows are more recent and grattons are appearing. The view towards the summit reveals much more chaotic terrain. Be careful where you put your hands and feet, as the rocks are sharp. Continue winding your way through this very mineral environment.

(4) Piton Jacob was formed during an eruption in 2016 and has slightly altered the morphology of the terrain. For about 100 metres, continue in the same direction as before, watching your step. We did not take the same route on the way back. The first involves entering a very small valley that heads south-west, then curves west. The second, which is also tricky, follows a crevasse in a straight line with some very narrow passages. An easier route may be to climb the slopes of Piton Jacob, north of the two routes mentioned above.

Continue along the path, which climbs gradually. You will reach the viewpoint: this is where the path ends.

(5) To return, follow exactly the same route. The exit from the Enclos, towards the Pas de Bellecombe, is quite difficult but not very long. Return to the Volcano Lodge (S/E).

To find out if the hike is open, check the IPGP website. This trail has been closed regularly in recent times.

This hike is also accessible via the Pas de Bellecombe car park and takes about the same amount of time. You will then join the trail at the metal gate that marks the entrance to the Enclos.

The trail is marked with white dots on the ground, spaced a few metres apart. This is very useful in case of fog (which is common).

This is a fairly short hike, but the environment is hostile. We have rated the difficulty as 'Difficult' because of a tricky section near Piton Jacob (4). Bring water, protection from the sun, rain and cold, and food. The weather can change very quickly and the altitude causes significant temperature variations.

Recent lava flows have left behind a lot of lava rock. It is a very brittle type of lava, but also very sharp. Therefore, wear closed walking shoes, otherwise you will end up with bloody feet at best. Also bring gloves so that you can put your hands down without cutting yourself, especially on the difficult section around Piton Jacob.

You may see a fork in the path near Piton Kapor, which is the unofficial trail that goes around the volcano. Access is prohibited, and it is covered in several places by very recent lava flows. It is mainly used to rescue hikers who may have lost their way on the slopes of Piton de la Fournaise.

On your way to the volcano, you will cross the Plaine des Sables. If you have time, you can also visit the Maison du Volcan in Bourg-Murat.