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 walk is open, check the IPGP website. This path has been closed regularly of late.

This walk is also accessible via the Pas de Bellecombe car park, taking roughly the same amount of time. You will then join the marked trail at the metal gate marking the entrance to the Enclos.

The path is marked with white dots on the ground, spaced a few metres apart. This is very useful in foggy conditions (which are common).

It is a fairly short walk, but the terrain is rugged. We have rated the difficulty as ‘Difficult’ due to a tricky section near Piton Jacob (4). Make sure you bring water, protection from the sun, rain and the 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 scoria. This is a type of lava that is very brittle but also very sharp. Consequently, make sure you wear closed-toe walking shoes; otherwise, at best, you’ll end up with cut feet. Also bring gloves so you can use your hands without cutting yourself, particularly on the difficult section around Piton Jacob.

Near Piton Kapor, you may spot a junction leading to the unofficial path that circles the volcano. Access to this path is prohibited, as it is covered in several places by very recent lava flows. It is mainly used to rescue hikers who may have got lost 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.