La Réunion Hiking Tips for Beginners

This guide covers everything I wish I’d known before I laced up my hiking boots. It’s built for beginners, by someone who hiked all over the island, learned the hard way, and came out stronger (and slightly bruised).

1. What Makes Hiking in La Réunion Different?

• Steep terrain. Even short trails can involve serious elevation gain. My watch once told me I’d climbed over 60 floors.

• Lack of shade. Many trails are exposed. Bring a hat and sunscreen.

• Changing weather. You can start in sun and finish in fog, especially above 1000m.

• No shortcuts. In places like Cirque de Mafate, there are no roads. You hike in and out.

• Wild beauty. The trails aren’t crowded. You’ll often be alone—with birds, wind, and cliffs for company.

2. What You Need to Pack (Even for Short Hikes)

This is where most beginners under-pack. Don’t be that person.

Essentials:

• Trail runners or proper hiking shoes with grip (no sandals, even for "easy" trails)

• Rain jacket or windbreaker (lightweight but reliable)

• 1.5L–2L of water per person (more if it’s hot)

• Snacks with salt (trail mix, dried fruit, crackers)

• Sun protection (hat, SPF 50, sunglasses)

• Layers (fleece or long-sleeve for early starts or altitude)

• Offline map (Organic Maps, Gaia, or AllTrails Pro)

• Charged phone or GPS watch (don’t count on mobile signal)

• Basic first aid: band-aids, blister pads, antihistamines, ibuprofen

• Headlamp or phone torch—even for day hikes.

3. Easy Trails for Beginners

Cap Jaune (South)

Short, dramatic, and perfect at sunset. The yellow cliffs are unreal. The trail can get muddy but not technical. 30–45 min return.

Voile de la Mariée (Salazie)

Lush, waterfall views, no elevation. Great intro to inland Réunion. Combine it with a stroll through the Salazie village.

La Fenêtre des Makes (South)

Short walk to a panoramic lookout over Cirque de Cilaos. You’re on a high ridge — no climbing required. Good intro to the island’s highlands.

Piton de la Fournaise (to the first viewpoint)

You don’t have to summit. Just walking the paved section to Pas de Bellecombe is already stunning. Safe and manageable.

Foret de Bébour-Bélouve

One of the best beginner-friendly forest hikes. Mossy trees, occasional steps, and a fairytale vibe. Some mud, but low elevation gain.

👉 Pro travel tip: Go early for all of these. Fog rolls in by late morning, especially above 1000m.

4. Trail Safety for Beginners

• Always start early. I mean before 8:00 a.m. Some trails start clouding over by 9:30.

• Stick to marked trails. Yellow signs and painted blazes are your friends. Don’t go rogue.

• Don’t hike alone if you’re unsure. Locals are friendly. I once joined forces with a stranger and his GPS watch — we helped lost hikers back to the trail.

• Use a real map. Google Maps is useless on mountain trails.

• Turn back if the weather turns. Especially on volcanic or ridgeline trails.

• Don’t assume you’ll have a signal. You probably won’t.

5. Where to Base Yourself

If hiking is your focus, stay somewhere central or mobile.

• Cilaos. Good access to Cirque trails. Steep road, but worth it.

• Plaine des Cafres. The best base for Piton de la Fournaise and forest trails.

• Salazie. Easier to access than Cilaos. Green and beautiful.

• Saint-Leu. Coastal town with access to lower elevation trails and relaxing post-hike evenings.

If you don’t want to rent a car, it’ll be hard. La Réunion public transport doesn’t reach most trailheads.

6. When to Hike

• Best season: May to October (dry season)

• Best month: October (dry trails, slightly warmer)

• Avoid: January to March (cyclone season)

• Time of day: Start early — always! Afternoon fog is normal in the highlands.

7. Final Tips for Beginners

• Don’t hike in jeans or sandals.

• Don’t plan two long hikes back-to-back. I did, and I regretted it.

• Don’t underestimate short trails. The elevation can still hit hard.

• Don’t rely on trail cafés or shops. Bring what you need.

• Do talk to locals. They’ll tell you which trails are washed out or which gîtes are closed.