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Best Jungle Walks in La Réunion

Mirela Letailleur - (TheTravelBunny)
Itinerary created by
Mirela Letailleur
What you’ll do

La Réunion’s east side is a world of mist, moss, and green — and this 3-day itinerary is your path through it. Designed for travelers who crave shady trails, thundering waterfalls, fern-lined rivers, and the calm that only rainforest walking brings, this route takes you into the island’s most atmospheric natural spaces: the wide basin of Grand Étang, the riverside cliffs of Bassin la Paix, and the forest-covered ridges of Takamaka.

These are not summit hikes or adrenaline trails. They’re about texture, air, light, and birdsong. You'll walk along cliffside paths, through tunnels of bamboo, and under trees heavy with vines. Each day includes accessible routes, safe trail advice, and tips for capturing the essence of Réunion's eastern wilds — whether with a camera, a journal, or your full attention.

Includes full-day routes, add-on suggestions, rest stops, food and lodging recommendations, and weather planning advice.

Day Total

96.7 km (60.1 mi)

2 hr 25 min

Day 1: Grand Étang

07:30 – Breakfast and drive to the trailhead

Wake up on the east side (Saint-Benoît, Plaine des Palmistes, or even Hell-Bourg), and enjoy a calm breakfast. Try Le QG or La Fee Chocolat in Plaine des Palmistes for local warmth and a filling start.

👉 Essentials: walking shoes, water, light rain jacket, mosquito repellent, and a picnic lunch.

🛣️ From Plaine des Palmistes or Saint-Benoît, it’s a short 20–30 minute drive to the Grand Étang trailhead, located off the RN3 via Route de Grand Étang.

1

Choose the option that fits you the best

Le QG (Quartier Général) Restaurant
Le QG (Quartier Général) Restaurant
Casual restaurant with generous Creole classics
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$$$
Restaurant Type
local
La Fée Chocolat
La Fée Chocolat
Pâtisserie, boulangerie, and chocolatier
Category
Bakery
Est. Price
$$

28.8 km (17.9 mi)

43 min

08:30 – Start your walk around Grand Étang

The trail begins at a lookout point over the lake, often mist-covered in the morning — a perfect, moody start.

🥾 Trail info:

  • Loop: ~5.5 km

  • Time: 2–2.5 hours (without waterfall)

  • Terrain: Mostly flat, occasionally muddy, shaded

  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate

  • Best for: photography, birdwatching, quiet reflection

You'll follow the rim of the lake, walking through the low forest, over roots and wooden bridges, with glimpses of water and the dramatic cliffs beyond. Birds are active in the morning, and the scent of wet ferns is unforgettable.

2

Grand Étang
Grand Étang
Inland crater lake with misty forest trails
Category
Hike
Est. Duration
2-3h

12.2 km (7.6 mi)

20 min

10:30 – Optional extension: Cascade du Bras d’Anette

About halfway around the lake, you’ll see signs for the side trail to the waterfall. This extension adds time and effort but rewards you with a tall, serene cascade tucked in the forest.

🥾 Add-on: ~1.5 hours round-trip
⏳ Worth it if the weather is dry — rocks can be slippery if wet
📸 Less visited than most island falls, and wildly photogenic

3

This one is optional

Cascade du Bras d'Anette
Cascade du Bras d'Anette
Secluded waterfall accessible via Grand Étang hike
Category
Sightseeing

12:30 – Picnic lunch near the water

Find a shady spot near the lake or on one of the small clearings near the trail. You’ll often have the place to yourself.

🧺 Bonus if you packed: fresh baguette, cheese, seasonal fruit, juice, or coffee in a thermos
🧘 Stay as long as you like — this place encourages stillness

3.1 km (1.9 mi)

6 min

13:30 – Optional bonus stop: Domaine des Tourelles or vanilla shop

On your drive back, stop at a local shop or café in Plaine des Palmistes:

  • Domaine des Tourelles – charming Creole architecture and gardens

  • Maison de la Vanille (if open) – for a quick vanilla or spice souvenir.

4

Choose the option that fits you the best

Domaine des Tourelles
Domaine des Tourelles
Historic estate and Creole architecture site in Saint-Louis
Category
Museum
Coopérative Pro Vanille
Coopérative Pro Vanille
Vanilla museum, tour, and gift shop with tastings
Category
Culture
Est. Price
$

52.1 km (32.3 mi)

1 hr 12 min

15:00 – Check-in or rest at your lodging

Recommended options:

  • Dimitile Hotel – nature, comfort, and near tomorrow’s hike

  • Les Jardins d’Héva (Hell-Bourg) – local charm and garden views

  • Ti Kaz Maron – rustic and personal.

5

Choose the option that fits you the best

La Villa Blanche
La Villa Blanche
Spacious private villa in central Hell-Bourg
Category
Villa
Est. Price
$$
Lacaze Salazie
Lacaze Salazie
Quiet self-catering stay with mountain views
Category
Homes
Est. Price
$$
Ferme Auberge de Eva Annibal
Ferme Auberge de Eva Annibal
Family-style Creole dining with iconic vanilla duck dish
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$$
Restaurant Type
local

529 m (0.3 mi)

1 min

Dinner suggestion:

  • Chez Alice (Hell-Bourg) – rich, local cuisine, open-air vibe

  • Villa Marthe – excellent traditional Creole and mountain ambiance

  • Or have your gîte host cook you dinner (ask in advance).

6

Choose the option that fits you the best

Chez Alice
Chez Alice
Casual Creole restaurant in Hell-Bourg
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$
Restaurant Type
local
Villa Marthe Restaurant
Villa Marthe Restaurant
Refined Creole dining in a heritage house
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$
Restaurant Type
local
Ti Piment
Ti Piment
Honest Creole food spot in Bras-Panon
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$
Restaurant Type
local

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