A Day on Reunion Island – In Africa and Past

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 situated 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 gorgeous 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 primarily based 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 an extended whereas however someway by no means bought all the way 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 will take us to Piton de la Fournaise, one of the vital energetic volcanoes on this planet.

Mathieu, our information, launched himself and commenced orientating us by exhibiting us our location and vacation spot on a map of the island. The route would take us 90 minutes. Nonetheless, 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 alternative bus which took one other 90 minutes.

Grazing cows

On the brilliant 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 all the way down to the white sandy seashores of Boucan Canot, close to Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, a preferred seaside resort. Cows got here grazing by and we noticed some fairly birds.

Fairly hen

Reunion being a French island, I used to be shocked 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.

Ultimately we had been on our means 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 best way, 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 gorgeous Riviere des Remparts canyon. Far down under, 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 outline of the world. As we drove additional on, the panorama grew to become extra barren and otherworldly, from the Nice Burnt Land, a lava discipline 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 protect volcano identified for its frequent eruptions a number of occasions a 12 months and comparatively fluid lava flows. Whereas I might have beloved to see the volcano erupt – from a protected distance, after all – it was fairly calm throughout our go to. Guests can hike to the highest of the volcano but it surely takes not less than 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 brief go to gave us a glimpse of what Reunion has to supply. Hopefully, it was a trailer for a future, longer go to, once we can reap the benefits of every part 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 energetic volcanoes and luxuriate in breathtaking views alongside the best way.

2.Go to Cirque de Mafate

Nestled within the cirque is a picturesque village that’s solely accessible by foot (an extended 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, equivalent to 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 varied 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

Be taught concerning the cultivation of vanilla, one among Réunion’s important exports.

10. Take a Helicopter Tour

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

11. Discover the Botanical Gardens

Wander by way of the luxurious botanical gardens of Réunion to find quite a lot of tropical vegetation and flowers.

12. Go on a Whale Watching Tour

You may 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.