Piton des Neiges
At 3070m above sea level this is the highest point in the Indian Ocean and arguably one of the best places in the world to watch the sunrise. It is a tough climb up to the refuge near the summit but the views are astounding!
Reunion Island Travel Guide
21° 06′ 55″ S, 55° 32′ 11″ E
Réunion Island in a few words...
Reunion Island is a department of the French Republic and sits
in the Indian Ocean 858km east of Madagascar and just 175km south west of
Mauritius. The island is famous for its volcanoes and is covered in jagged
peaks, ridges and dense rainforest - an outdoor enthusiasts paradise.
Piton de la Fournaise in the south east of the island, is one of the planets most active volcanoes. In the center of the island, the peak of Piton des
Neiges is the highest point in the Indian Ocean at 3071m. Visitors to the
island are blown away by the incredible Cirque de Mafate, an isolated volcanic
valley enclosed on all sides by towering cliffs and mountain ranges. With
no roads in or out, the few inhabitants of the valley depend on helicopters for
their supplies but live a largely self contained existence. 16 of the 91
species of bird on the island are endemic, including the Reunion stonechat, and
Reunion Cuckoo-shrike.
Reunion's jaw dropping landscape, flora and fauna and
fascinating mix of African and French culture make it a must see destination
for any adventure traveller. The trekking here is challenging, do not
think because the island is only 39 miles long that the terrain will be easy,
the traverse of the island is one of the most demanding adventures we
have. But as you watch the sunrise over the Indian Ocean from the summit
of Piton des Neiges, it is worth all the effort.
00:39 GMT +4
local time
St Denis
capital city
2,512
area in km²
French
main language(s)
Our local team
"Zot le parés?" means "Are you ready?" in the local Creole language and is a phrase you will hear at the beginning of each hike here on Réunion. Get ready for awe-inspiring scenery, delicious cuisine, challenging ascents and captivating culture. A journey across Réunion Island is a rollercoaster of sights, sounds and emotions that you will never forget.
Highlights in Reunion Island
St Denis
St Denis is the capital city of Reunion Island, characterised by its Creole architecture that reflects its colonial history.
Piton de la Fournaise
This is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and provides some superb landscapes to explore. The caldera is 8km wide and 400m deep!
