A Day on Reunion Island – In Africa and Beyond

A day on Reunion Island

Reunion Island is a small 2500 m2 island within the Indian Ocean, a tropical paradise identified for its lush rainforests, rugged volcanic terrain, and beautiful seashores.  Though it’s positioned within the continent of Africa, it’s a division of France and is subsequently managed by the French authorities. Roughly 40% of the island is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Website. The west coast options a ravishing lagoon, whereas the east coast is cloaked with dry lava that flows from the volcano into the ocean.

West Coast of Reunion Island

The volcanic island is dwelling to round 900 000 residents. French and Creole are the primary languages spoken right here and the official foreign money is the Euro. It’s an hour away from Mauritius by air, or an in a single day journey by sea. Direct flights on Air Austral (a French airline based mostly in Réunion) from Johannesburg are slightly below 4 hours, and no visas are required for South Africans.

I had been wanting to go to the island for a protracted whereas however in some way by no means bought right down to it, till my cruise with Norwegian Daybreak. We arrived in Reunion after an evening of crusing, from Port Louis, Mauritius, and boarded a bus that may take us to Piton de la Fournaise, one of the crucial lively volcanoes on this planet.

Mathieu, our information, launched himself and started orientating us by displaying us our location and vacation spot on a map of the island. The route would take us 90 minutes. Nevertheless, luck was not on our aspect, and round 20 minutes after we set off, our bus broke down. We pulled into a petroleum station to attend for a substitute bus which took one other 90 minutes.

Grazing cows

On the intense aspect, the petrol station in Saint-Paul was not the worst place to be stranded. Located on a excessive vantage level, the inexperienced hills behind the petrol station tumbled right down to the white sandy seashores of Boucan Canot, close to Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, a well-liked seaside resort. Cows got here grazing by and we noticed some fairly birds.

Fairly hen

Reunion being a French island, I used to be stunned to see samoosas and different Indian snacks on the well-stocked store, which was priced in Euros. We purchased snacks and drinks and sat on the al fresco restaurant space, whereas we chatted to our fellow travellers, who hailed from the USA, UK and Australia inter alia.

Finally we had been on our manner once more. We took a scenic drive alongside the shoreline to Saint-Pierre then started ascending the excessive plateau of Plaine des Cafres. Alongside the way in which, we handed small villages, rugged mountains, lush canyons, and thick forests, stopping at a couple of viewpoints en route.

On the Nez De Boeuf viewpoint, we loved panoramic views of the beautiful Riviere des Remparts canyon. Far down beneath, we might see some small settlements.

Riviere des Remparts canyon

A couple of minutes later, we stopped at Pas de Bellecombe the place the volcanic space begins, to get an summary of the realm. As we drove additional on, the panorama grew to become extra barren and otherworldly, from the Nice Burnt Land, a lava area left behind after a earlier eruption, to the Plaines Des Sables, a moon-like desert.

Plaines Des Sables

Piton de la Fournaise, essentially the most visited attraction on Réunion Island, is a defend volcano identified for its frequent eruptions a number of instances a yr and comparatively fluid lava flows. Whereas I might have cherished to see the volcano erupt – from a secure distance, in fact – it was fairly calm throughout our go to. Guests can hike to the highest of the volcano nevertheless it takes at the least 5 hours to go there and again, and since we had been time-pressed, we weren’t capable of do it.

Piton de la Fournaise

We spent a while there earlier than starting our journey again to the port. En route, we stopped for lunch at a standard Creole restaurant, the place we ate a tacky pumpkin gratin for starters, rice and beans for mains (there was meat for the meat-eaters), and refreshing coconut ice-cream for dessert.

Creole restaurant

Then it was time to bid au revoir to the island and return to our ship. This quick go to gave us a glimpse of what Reunion has to supply. Hopefully, it was a trailer for a future, longer go to, after we can benefit from all the things else the island has to supply.

Listed here are the 13 finest issues to do in Réunion (on an extended journey)

1. Hike to the highest of Piton de la Fournaise

Discover one of many world’s most lively volcanoes and luxuriate in breathtaking views alongside the way in which.

2.Go to Cirque de Mafate

Nestled within the cirque is a picturesque village that’s solely accessible by foot (a protracted hike) or helicopter, including to its seclusion and distinctive character.

3. Loosen up on the seashores

Spend a day on the beautiful seashores of Réunion, reminiscent of Boucan Canot and l’Hermitage, identified for his or her clear waters and white sand.

4. Uncover the underwater world

Dive or snorkel within the coral reefs to witness the various marine life.

5. Admire the waterfalls

Go to Niagara Waterfall, Langevin Waterfall, and Trou de Fer for a refreshing expertise amidst lush greenery.

6. Go to La Cité du Volcan

This can be a museum devoted to volcanoes.

7. Expertise Creole delicacies

Indulge within the native Creole flavours which is influenced by African, Indian, and French cuisines.

8. Discover Saint-Denis

The capital metropolis is thought for its colonial structure, markets, and vibrant environment.

9. Go to the Vanilla Plantations

Study concerning the cultivation of vanilla, one in all Réunion’s major exports.

10. Take a Helicopter Tour

Expertise Réunion from above with a helicopter tour that gives panoramic views of the island’s various landscapes.

11. Discover the Botanical Gardens

Wander via the plush botanical gardens of Réunion to find a wide range of tropical vegetation and flowers.

12. Go on a Whale Watching Tour

You’ll be able to see humpback whales migrating off the coast of Réunion between June and October.

13, Paraglide over the island

Get a hen’s eye view of Réunion’s picturesque landscapes by paragliding from the hillsides.