Ascent to the Col du Taïbit

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A round trip to enjoy the view at Col du Taïbit. View of the Cirque de Cilaos and, on the other side, the Cirque de Mafate. On the way, you will pass by Îlet des Salazes.

Details

n°2691051
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.47 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 869 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 865 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,094 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,246 m
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Photos

Waterfall almost covered
First view of Mafate
FLOWERS
Typical climb

Description of the walk

Park along the road in the designated bays, either near the campsite or a little further up the road towards the bus stop.

(S/E) At the sign marking the start of the path, climb up the trail. The trail winds several times to quickly gain altitude. After the umpteenth bend, the trail flattens out a little and passes close to Îlet des Salazes.

(1) Passing close to Îlet des Salazes, you will see a building from the path on your right as you climb. Continue your ascent.

(2) Ignore the path on your right that leads to Trois Salazes and Cap Bouteille. Continue along the trail.

(3) When you reach a flat area, and even a slight descent, you are at the Plaine des Fraises. Then the trail starts climbing again to reach the destination of the hike: the Col du Taïbit.

(4) At the Col du Taïbit, you can admire the view of the two cirques by climbing a few metres up the ridge on the right, taking care, or continue along the path without descending, heading towards a small promontory opposite which offers a beautiful view of the Cirque de Mafate.

Descend via the same route to reach the road and the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,247 m - Parking along the road.
  2. 1 : km 0.99 - alt. 1,568 m - Îlet des Salazes
  3. 2 : km 1.46 - alt. 1,685 m - Intersection
  4. 3 : km 2.42 - alt. 1,932 m - Plaine des Fraises
  5. 4 : km 3.2 - alt. 2,082 m - Col de Tabit
  6. S/E : km 6.47 - alt. 1,246 m - Parking along the road.

Notes

The climb is quite long and challenging, with some large steps. Bring enough water, especially depending on your departure time.

(1) At Îlet des Salazes, you can enjoy a cup of herbal tea for a few euros, but above all, chat with the locals. A short detour to the islet is worth considering.

Worth a visit

Îlet des Salazes.
Cilaos.

Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5
Based on 6 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
User 25714493

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 20, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Magnificent, a must-do hike when staying in Cilaos. The climb is a little difficult, very steep from the start, not suitable for young children. But at the top, you are rewarded with an exceptional view of the two cirques. We even saw goats and kids on the peaks! Remember to take a light jacket for the break at the pass.

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Anne17
Anne17

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Half of the climb is under trees and fairly exposed on the last part. A magnificent view, I loved it! Some beautiful panoramas along the way. Only uphill on the way there and downhill on the way back.

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Cervin144
Cervin144

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 06, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Magnificent panoramic views of both cirques, especially Mafate.

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jacq72
jacq72

I haven't done this hike yet, but I'm planning to in November. Thank you.

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Marcosh
Marcosh

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 24, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely walk with a well-marked path and well-maintained steps. Very few flat sections (which is to be expected, as it's a climb up to the pass). Beautiful view of the Cirque de Mafate from the indicated promontory.
Thank you for these directions.

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danielfr40
danielfr40

Overall rating : 5 / 5

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

very well-maintained path with steps
not difficult
3/4 in refreshing shade
beautiful views of Cilaos during the climb, better than at the pass, and beautiful view of Mafate at the pass
thank you for this route

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Camille_RL
Camille_RL

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 07, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hike to enjoy spectacular views of Mafate and Cilaos at the same time.

Be careful with your knees: IT'S ALL UPHILL AND THEN ALL DOWNHILL. My walking sticks came in very handy.

I pushed on to Marla (after all that effort, an extra hour didn't matter...).

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