Réunion National Park Travel Guide

Get to know about Réunion National Park in Africa with our comprehensive tour guide. Find out about the best attraction spots, things to do, accommodations, and more.


Introduction to Réunion National Park

Réunion National Park is a diverse and breathtaking nature reserve located on the island of Réunion in the East African Islands, in Africa. Established in 1979, the park covers a total area of 105,000 acres and comprises two-thirds of Réunion’s surface area. The park is home to a variety of unique flora and fauna species, including 96% of the island’s endemic plants and five of its six endemic bird species. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about Réunion National Park, including its must-see attractions, hiking trails, local culture, and customs, and where best to stay.

List of Places to Visit in Réunion National Park

When visiting Réunion National Park, there are various places and attractions to check out. Here are our top picks:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Le Maido Piton des Neiges, an extinct volcano open for hiking adventures
  • Maison de la Vanille, a vanilla plantation that demonstrates the manufacturing methods of vanilla extraction
  • Le Jardin des Parfums et des Epices, a museum that demonstrates the old manufacturing methods of perfume-making

Natural Attractions of Réunion National Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Les Trois Cascades, a triple waterfall that is about 700 feet high within the park’s scenery
  • Cirque de Mafate, a natural amphitheater, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where many picturesque villages are located
  • Piton de la Fournaise, a shield volcano open for hiking, trekking, and photography adventures
  • The Trou de Fer Waterfall, a natural pool made out of cured basalt

Hiking/Biking Routes of Réunion National Park

There are several hiking and biking routes offered within Réunion National Park, including:

  • Entre-Deux, where it is possible to walk around several hamlets to sightsee the Roches Noires cliff
  • The Palmiste Rouge trail that rewards the hiker with a panoramic view of Salazie cirque
  • The Petite Plaine trail, where hikers can spot some endemic plants of the island such as the tamarind.
  • Maïdo trail, which follows the Etang-Salé forest and offers a stunning view over the Mafate Cirque.

Best Things to Do in Réunion National Park: Activities and Tours

When visiting Réunion National Park, make sure to check out these activities and tours:

  • Paragliding at Les Colimaçons
  • River Rafting at Saint-Benoît
  • Scuba Diving in the coral reefs around Réunion Island
  • Hiking up Piton des Neiges, one of the highest mountain peaks in the Indian Ocean

Week-Long Itinerary for Réunion National Park

Here’s everything you should include in your Réunion National Park itinerary:

Day Plan
1 Visit the Museum Stella Matutina, then head to Saint Leu
2 Hike in Maïdo, then have a break at the Palmiste Rouge
3 Panoramic views from Cilaos Cirque and spa treatments
4 Scuba diving at Reunion Island coral reefs
5 Visit The Piton de la Fournaise
6 Take a hike up and down the Mafate Cirque
7 Visit Trou de Fer and spend the day enjoying water sports

Food and Drink Scene of Réunion National Park

When exploring Réunion Island, do not forget to taste the local cuisine & drinks. Here is what you cannot miss from the food and drink scene:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Carri, a local dish made with vegetables & meat flavored with spices such as turmeric, ginger, saffron, and cumin
  • Rougail, a tasty tomato sauce served with rice & meat and accompanied with some lentils or beans

Local Beverages

  • Bourbon Pointu, a high-quality coffee cultivated in Réunion Island
  • The Rum of Réunion Island, which can either be prepared by distillation or maceration of exotic fruits

Where to Stay in Réunion National Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

When visiting Réunion Island, you have a wide range of accommodations to pick from. Here are our top picks:

  • Hotel Bellepierre, which is located at the foot of a hillside and surrounded by a stunning garden
  • Hotel Le Recif-Saint Gilles, which has many amenities, including a tennis court, outdoor swimming pool, and landscaped garden
  • Auberge du Village, which is uniquely designed and includes a spa, an outdoor pool, and some extra sports activities

What to Buy in Réunion National Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When in Réunion Island, pay attention to these souvenirs and local products to bring home:

  • Embroidery, which is typical handcrafted linen from Réunion Island
  • Vanilla, due to its finest quality from the island
  • Essential oils, which are produced from the plants grown in Réunion

Local Culture and Customs of Réunion National Park

Réunion Island is one of the most vividly ethnic places around the world, and their customs and culture are somewhat similar to that of France. It is multicultural, filled with several races, including Creole, Indian, and Chinese ancestries. Cultural dances and music are common in the island, including maloya and sega.

Best Time to Visit Réunion National Park

The best time to visit the Réunion National Park is during the dry season, from May to November. During this period, the weather is cooler and favorable for outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and trekking.

Do’s and Don’ts of Réunion National Park

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and tradition when visiting any village in Réunion Island
  • Take note of weather conditions before embarking on any hiking adventure
  • Try out the different cuisines and drinks

Don’t:

  • Litter the park area or any of the attraction sites
  • Destroy flora and fauna species
  • Smoke in public spaces

Safety and Health

Safety in Réunion National Park

Réunion National Park is safe to explore, with no significant crime rate or security concerns. However, visitors should still remain alert and vigilant in crowded areas, especially at night.

Health in Réunion National Park

Visitors should carry insect repellent and ensure they have proper immunizations and vaccinations before their travel to Réunion Island. It’s also essential to drink bottled water and follow necessary hygiene precautions.

Getting to Réunion National Park: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Réunion National Park

The Réunion Roland Garros Airport serves as the primary gateway to Réunion National Park. It is located in Saint-Marie and is a 40-minute drive away from the park.

Bus Stations Near Réunion National Park

There are several bus stations located around Réunion Island that give access to Réunion National Park, including Saint-Pierre, Saint-Denis, and Saint-Benoît bus stations.

Other Options

Taxis and car rental services are also available in Réunion Island, offering visitors more convenient travel options.

How to Get Around in Réunion National Park

Getting around Réunion Island is easy on foot, but you can also use buses, rental cars, taxis, or hire a private driver. Visitors are advised to use small rental cars because of the island’s winding and narrow roads.

Where to Go Next from Réunion National Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Réunion Island is filled with other picturesque and exciting destinations that are worth exploring, including:

  • Trou d’eau, an inland freshwater pond located close to Saint-Gilles
  • The Piton des Neiges, the highest peak on the island that offers an impressive view
  • The village of Saint-Pierre, known to have a lively nightlife

Conclusion

Réunion National Park is one of Africa’s most beautiful wildlife reserves, offering an array of stunning natural sceneries, unique local culture, and unforgettable outdoor adventures. By following this guide, you can create an itinerary that meets all your expectations and ensures that your visit to the park is a memorable one.

Piton des Neiges Piton des Neiges Piton de la Fournaise Piton de la Fournaise A road in La Plaine-des-Palmistes A road in La Plaine-des-Palmistes A bit more isolated one near the Piton de la Fournaise A bit more isolated one near the Piton de la Fournaise Piton de la Fournaise after an eruption Piton de la Fournaise after an eruption The The "Gîte de Bélouve"


    Cirque de Mafate