The ULTIMATE Réunion Island Trek
Guided Slackpack Hiking Trek
9 days 95 km +6000 m
With its active volcano and 3070 m Mountain of Snow ‘Piton des Neiges’ surrounded by three gigantic crater valleys, the ‘Cirques’, Réunion Island offers scenery that is out of this world and tells the story of the birth of our planet.
This epic 9 day slackpack trek crosses the extraordinary Cirque de Mafate, only accessible on foot via ancient slave trails to the majestic Cirque de Cilaos before ascending Piton des Neiges, at 3070 m above sea level the highest peak in the Indian Ocean and heart and soul of Reunion Island. From here the trek continues to the grand finale, the Peak of the Furnace, ‘Piton de la Fournaise’, one of the most active volcanoes on earth.
The trek is intense and challenging as the mountainous terrain has been sculpted into deep valleys and high peaks, rivers and waterfalls abounding. The sense of achievement lies more in conquering oneself than the island.
What our clients say
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"What an extraordinary adventure under the guidance of Santie and Manal. I cannot praise and thank them enough for their professional, experienced, knowledgeable and compassionate guiding! They have the needs and safety of each hiker at heart. Thank you thank you!"
Susan Murray, South Africa
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“What an amazing trek across Reunion! Thank you Santie for organizing with such care and attention! Santie really takes into account the individual and group needs. I'd love to join one of Santie's treks again!”
Helen Chorlton, United Kingdom
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"I highly recommend Manal, she is amazing. She made our trip. She is incredibly knowledgeable and shared so much about all aspects of Reunion. She managed the pace well, making sure we had fun, rested and enjoyed ourselves while reaching the gites in good time. I trust her implicitly."
Glenda James, South Africa
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“I've done a few hikes with Fynbos Whisperer including the trek across Reunion. You are in really good hands!”
Harry James, South Africa
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“I was inspired by the enthusiasm with which Santie gradually shared more information. I had some apprehension about my fitness, but she took us on a few challenging routes before we left and that helped a lot. May many more enjoy what I have in hiking with Fynbos Whisperer”
Hester Spies, South Africa
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“Manal is very expert, very motivating, safe, sets a good pace and adjusts accordingly, and appreciates the diversity of Reunion people and nautre very well. I had a wonderful time and would really recommend her”
Maria Wyard, United Kingdom
2027 Hike Date
9-18 July 2027
2027 Tariff
2195 Euro per person sharing
How does it work?
There are only 9 spaces available for the 2027 TREK which will be guided by our expert English-speaking Réunionese guide, Manal Chourafa, a true ‘Volcano Whisperer’.
Guests will be transferred from the airport directly to the start of the hike on the first day. You will be carrying only your clothes for the first half of the hike, toiletries, snacks and water and the day’s lunch. The first 4 days of the trek will cross through the majestic and untamed Cirque de Mafate Crater, only accessible on foot, and across into Cirque de Cilaos, local lunches obtained at the villages you pass. In Cilaos you will be re-united with your luggage for a change of clothes.
After a day of rest at a beautiful mountain hotel in Cilaos, the TREK continues to the summits of Piton des Neiges and Piton de la Fournaise for the next 4 days. You will once again only be carrying clothes, water, snacks for that period and daily lunch.
Finally guests will be reunited with their luggage and transferred to a relaxing beach hotel on the west coast of the island before being transferred back to the airport on the last day.
“Réunion Island is like a beautiful gift box, you already like it just by looking at it. Once you open it and look more closely, you will discover one unexpected treasure after the other. The people living here for generations, the nature that became unique after millions of years of isolation, the exceptional mountains and landscapes built by the still active volcano... be ready to fall in love!”
Included
Six nights shared DB&B dormitory accommodation in ‘Gites’, backpacker refuges with bunk beds and shared bathrooms
Two nights shared accommodation in 3-star bed and breakfast hotel (Private room with twin beds and en suite bathroom)
One night shared accommodation in 4-star bed and breakfast beach hotel (Private rooms with twin beds and en suite bathroom)
Breakfast on day 1 and Lunch packs on the 8 hike days
Transfer to and from airport and as per the itinerary
Luggage transfer from airport to Cilaos and from Cilaos to beach hotel (one bag per person not exceeding 15 kg)
Complete pack list
Detailed hike itinerary with detailed route descriptions, hiking notes and route maps
Experienced English speaking Reunion Island certified mountain guide with First Aid kit and Satellite Messenger Device
Excluded
Flights to and from Réunion Island
All drinks, meals and other refreshments not in the itinerary
Personal travel insurance, trip cancellation, medical insurance and baggage insurance (COMPULSORY)
Personal expenses e.g. laundry, communication costs, telephone bills, room service, tips etc.
1 guided Level 4 - UNTAME training (COMPULSORY) hike @R1250 per person (50% discount off the regular price)
Upgrades to single rooms are not available
Also available for private groups* of 6-9 persons sharing
*Date and Tariff on Request