Hiking Réunion

Ayapana specializes in organizing outdoor sports activities. Alexis, a state-certified guide, is full of enthusiasm and good humor, and knows all about the riches of his adopted island. He accompanies his customers according to their desire for discovery and their level of fitness, adding little stories about botany and tastings of Creole products. From leisurely hikes to trails, from mountain biking to multi-day treks, or even musical hikes for music lovers and nature enthusiasts, all options are possible!

Once parked at the bottom of the road to Mafate, take the path of Bord which starts in its continuity and climbs in laces. This hike takes you along the edge of the rampart of the Rivière des Galets and allows you to enjoy magnificent views as far as your terminus at the Dos d'Âne paragliding take-off area. The little extras: at the beginning of the trail, you will be able to see the old cable support of the Albert Lougnon hydroelectric plant built in 1913 on the left bank, and you will pass through the remnants of the mid-slope forest.

Run'Surv offers two to five-day survival courses in the forest or in the mountains, supervised by a professional guide with multiple skills. We learn all the techniques of autonomy and survival in a natural and hostile environment, such as lighting a fire and knowing how to maintain it, building a shelter with branches, as well as knowledge about fauna and flora. This friendly and fun adventure, which is accessible to all ages and levels, is enjoyed with family, friends or colleagues to build a team. A real reconnection with nature!

The Grand Bénare is one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the island, with its 2 896 m, it is also one of the highest summits. But be careful, it must be earned. You will have to get up early, very early, before the sun would be ideal, in order not to be disturbed by the clouds. The departure is made from the Maïdo, then you follow the Grand Bord path which dominates Mafate, halfway up, with the Piton des Neiges in front of you. At the top of the Grand Bénare, a spectacular panorama: the cirques of Mafate, Cilaos, the Grand Morne and the Trois Salazes is offered to you.

If you're spending the night in the cirque, don't miss this not-to-be-missed hike, one of the most beautiful in Cilaos. It takes you to La Chapelle, a very narrow canyon carved out over the centuries by the Bras Rouge river. The descent is punctuated by magnificent panoramas. Once you've reached the gully, it's time to head back upstream. At the entrance to La Chapelle are a swimming pool and two huge 100 m-high boulders. A route to be avoided after heavy rain or in case of uncertain weather.

Monday is Mafate, Tuesday Grande Bénare, Wednesday Cilaos... One day, a hike. One day, an excursion. Relying on a network of 100% local and independent guides, Otenthike accompanies you on your discovery of the island and its natural wonders, with guaranteed departures whatever the number of people. "Let's make people dream and see mountains in their eyes" is our promise. Authentic encounters and experiences with passionate guides who will tell you all about the history of their island. Treks also available on request.

The ascent of the 4.5 million-year-old Piton des Neiges, an extinct volcano and the highest peak in the Indian Ocean, is often the goal of a trip to Réunion Island for many hikers. Its ascent is reputed to be challenging, but the exceptional panorama on arrival is well worth the effort. Of the three trails, the start from the Cilaos boulder is the most popular, the fastest and also the steepest. The climb is immediate and doesn't stop until you reach the summit. False flats are rare. It's best to make the ascent over two days, with a night in a gîte, so you can watch the sunrise over the Piton de la Fournaise before the clouds cling to it.

Three trails, three options. This hike starts at Le Bloc, 3 km from the village of Cilaos (bus 63). But access to the Piton des Neiges can also be made from the Plaine des Cafres or from Salazie (this option is the easiest, but also the longest).

Sound advice. In high season, if you want to spend the night on the summit, you'll need to make a reservation at the Dufour barracks refuge, also known as the piton des Neiges gîte. Make sure you're well equipped (including for the cold - there's no snow on the summit, but there may be ice, and temperatures can drop to 5°C), and poles are highly recommended. There's little risk of altitude sickness, but you'll need to keep well hydrated and progress at your own pace.