Standing 3,071 m in altitude, Piton des Neiges is deemed to be the highest point in the Indian Ocean.
The volcano, which has long been extinct, fascinates with its majestic presence in the centre of the island. The highest point on Reunion Island, Piton des Neiges is a fantastic hiking destination. The perfect opportunity to explore wonderful, unspoilt nature.
Reunion is synonymous with Piton des Neiges. Indeed, the volcano, which has been asleep for 120 centuries, is responsible for creating two-thirds of the island over more than three million years. Eroded by the weather and a lack of volcanic activity, it is nevertheless the highest peak on the island, at 3,071 metres above sea level. But its name is misleading, because this “roof of Reunion” is rarely covered with a white coat: there is no eternal “neige” (= snow) covering, and snowfall is infrequent. Nevertheless, it’s cold up there, and hikers who want to take on its ascent need to be well equipped.
Brave walkers set off from the Cirque de Cilaos, also in the centre of the island. They then stop at the only hut on Piton des Neiges, the unmissable Cave Dufour refuge. After a good night’s rest in one of the four dormitories (48 places in total) and an invigorating meal, they get up very early, before dawn, to cover the last kilometres up to the summit. After a little over an hour, their efforts are rewarded. They watch the sunrise over most of the island, with the Indian Ocean on the horizon, whose turquoise waters merge with the sky. Down below, the three cirques of Mafate (to the north-west), Salazie (to the north-east) and Cilaos (to the south) are also waking up. They formed after the collapse of the roof of Piton des Neiges: the landslides created gigantic cliffs and were then partially filled in by lava flows escaping from the volcano.
https://en.reunion.fr/organize/hiking-trails/cilaos-piton-des-neiges-575464
ITINERARY:
D.1 Pick up the car and self drive to St-Denis
Overnight at 3* Juliette Dodu, shower room – BB + EARLY CHECK IN
D.2 Depart early from St Denis and drive to Cilaos, stop for supplies en route to prepare for your hike, you can also shop in Cilaos for supplies. Afternoon at leisure to explore Cilaos.
Overnight at 3* LE VIEUX CEP – BB
D.3 From Cilaos, short transfer on the local bus. Ascent of the rempart (cliff) towards the Piton des Neiges mountain refuge, through a beautiful forest of “bois de couleurs des Hauts”. As you walk along, vegetation becomes dominated by brandes (a type of heather endemic to Reunion). Spectacular viewpoints for the Cirque of Cilaos and the Marsouins Plain. Around 4-5 h walking, +1100 m
Breakfast & Dinner and accommodation at the Caverne dufour mountain hut, dormitory . – HB
D.4 Before sunrise ( PLS TAKE A HEAD TORCH ) , you climb to the summit of the Piton des Neiges (3070 m), highest peak of the Indian Ocean. When the sky is clear, you can admire the cirques of Cilaos and Salazie, and the volcano in the far distance looking south-east. Descent to the refuge then back to Cilaos on a path in the rempart. Around 6 h walking, +600 m and -1800 m (light backpack for the summit final ascent). Pick up the car and head down to St Pierre.
Overnight at 3*Battant Des Lames – BB
D.5 Day spent at your leisure to explore St Pierre and surrounding area – visit the Rhum Factory, Drive to St Rose over the lava flows and visit St Anne’s Church – can do a lava tunnel excursion or just relax on the beach.
Overnight at 3*Battant Des Lames – BB
D.6 Day spent at leisure exploring the west coast, visit St Leu where the turtle aquarium is, stop off at the volcanic beaches en route and then spend the afternoon on the L’ Hermitage Lagoon.
Overnight at 4*Ness By D’ Ocean – BB
D.7 Subject to flight schedules, drive back to the airport, drop off the car and departure.
UU 344 Q JNBRUN DK1 2345 0535
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Flights depart on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- Return flights on Air Austral from JHB in Economy Q Class
- Airport Taxes
- Handling Fees + 24/7 assistance
- 7 Days Group A Car hire – pick up and drop off at the airport (Driver must have a credit card for the holding deposit of EUR900 which is refunded upon safe return of the car + INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE) + EARLY PICK-UP FEE
- 6 Nights accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary with early check-in
- Breakfast Daily & Dinner when hiking Piton des Neiges @ the mountain hut
- One Tapas and Cocktail per person at Ness on arrival
ZAR28 600 per person sharing (Valid for travel between Feb – Sep 2025)
If you have children traveling with you please advise their ages so we may quote accordingly
PACKAGE EXCLUDES:
- Any items of a personal Nature
- Travel Insurance
- Meals not mentioned / included
- Nightly Tourist tax which is payable directly at each hotel – approx EUR 2 pp/pn
- Optional Excursions
- Tips, Drinks, Taxi fares etc.
Subject to availability, currency, and airport tax fluctuations at the time of booking.