A day on Reunion Island
Reunion Island is a small 2500 m2 island within the Indian Ocean, a tropical paradise recognized 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 due to this fact managed by the French authorities. Roughly 40% of the island is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. The west coast options a fantastic 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 residence to round 900 000 residents. French and Creole are the primary languages spoken right here and the official forex 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 just 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 someway by no means obtained 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 may take us to Piton de la Fournaise, probably the most energetic volcanoes on the 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 facet, 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 intense facet, 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 chicken
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 have been on our approach 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 just a few viewpoints en route.
On the Nez De Boeuf viewpoint, we loved panoramic views of the gorgeous 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 subject 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 recognized for its frequent eruptions a number of instances a 12 months and comparatively fluid lava flows. Whereas I might have liked to see the volcano erupt – from a protected distance, in fact – it was fairly calm throughout our go to. Guests can hike to the highest of the volcano nevertheless it takes not less than 5 hours to go there and again, and since we have 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 conventional 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, after we can reap the benefits of every part else the island has to supply.
Listed below are the 13 greatest 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 (a protracted hike) or helicopter, including to its seclusion and distinctive character.
3. Chill out on the seashores
Spend a day on the beautiful seashores of Réunion, similar to Boucan Canot and l’Hermitage, recognized 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 understood for its colonial structure, markets, and vibrant ambiance.
9. Go to the Vanilla Plantations
Be taught in regards to the cultivation of vanilla, certainly one of Réunion’s fundamental 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 via the luxurious botanical gardens of Réunion to find quite a lot of tropical crops and flowers.
12. Go on a Whale Watching Tour
You possibly can see humpback whales migrating off the coast of Réunion between June and October.
13, Paraglide over the island
Get a chicken’s eye view of Réunion’s picturesque landscapes by paragliding from the hillsides.
