La pasians i géri la gal: (patience heals scabies) Patience cures everything.
LA REUNION TRIP NOTES
What to Expect
You are embarking on an overseas adventure in a place and amongst people whose lives are very different from your own.
La Réunion is located in the Mascarene Islands in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar and southwest of Mauritius.
It is known for its delicious local food (a real fusion of French, Creole, Chinese & Indian) and spectacular scenery including several dormant volcanoes and one of the worlds most active, Le Piton de la Fournaise!
While the activities require a mid-level of fitness, you should prepare to be physically active throughout this trip and the fitter you are the more you will enjoy each activity.
In addition to the personal physical challenges you may face, travel conditions can present unexpected obstacles, such as rough and bumpy roads and changeable weather.
To prepare for this “pack” a flexible and relaxed attitude. Bring a spirit of adventure and inquiry, a healthy sense of humour and a willingness to encounter the unexpected, and you will find your trip to La Réunion the adventure of a lifetime!
When Is The Best Time To Visit La Réunion?
Located in the southern hemisphere, 750km east of Madagascar, Reunion Island enjoys a tropical climate.
Temperatures are softened by the Indian Ocean and by the trade winds, which blow regularly in the regions close to the equator. The year is divided into two main periods:
- The austral summer, or rainy season, runs from November to April
- The southern winter, also known as the dry season, runs from May to October.
The dry season is the most popular, but travelling during the rainy season means fewer tourists.
From May to October, the southern winter offers slightly cooler temperatures than the southern summer, averaging 22°C to 25°C. However, the thermometer remains mild, rarely going below 20°C. There are fewer rainy spells, and during your stay you will enjoy some beautiful sunny days.
From November to April, the austral summer is characterised by daytime temperatures above 30°C near the coast. Intense rainfall events can occur, but are usually concentrated over short periods. The southern summer also corresponds to the tropical cyclone season, which occurs on average once or twice a year and lasts one day.
Our favourite months are? May! The weather is generally better, however the island is still beautifully lush, just after the wet season..
Travel Documents
A valid passport is required by all foreigners travelling to La Réunion.
Passports must be valid for at least 3 months after your trip concludes (return home date) to allow you to apply for a travel visa.
La Réunion Tourist Visa
As Réunion is one of the overseas Departments of France, it is part of the European Union. However, it is not part of the Schengen Area, so has its own immigration policy.
REUNION TOURIST VISA (As of 24th July 2023)
Australian visitors to La Réunion are Visa Exempt for stays of up to 90 days:
For exact information, application submissions and all requirements, please refer here (normally I would always recommend Smart Traveller alone, however in relation to La Réunion they are lacking) the Embassies website, and DFAT.
To qualify as Visa Exempt you must:
- Hold a passport valid at least six months beyond the period of intended stay with one blank visa page
- Hold proof of sufficient funds
- Hold proof of confirmed onward/return airline tickets
- Hold documents showing proof of purpose of trip
- Hold all documents required for the next destination
- Hold a visa for the next country, where applicable
- Confirm with their airline that boarding will be permitted without a visa as these conditions are subject to change
Travellers not travelling on an Australian passport, please consult your local governing body for up to date visa advice.
Accommodation
Accommodation
Usually our travellers sleep in mountain accommodation with shared bathroom facilities and dormitories of 4 to 10 people (with the exception of one dorm in a refuge at the Piton des Neiges which sleeps 8 to 16 people).
Hot showers are not always free, notably in the Piton de la Fournaise area where water is a rare commodity or in the refuge at the Piton des Neiges where there is no running water.
On certain trips you will be accommodated in bed and breakfasts or 2* and 3* hotels for some nights, including in Cilaos, to maximise your comfort.
Gîte accommodation: For many nights, your lodging may be listed as a gîte.
A “gîte” is a holiday home in a stand alone building and will almost always be self catering.
Insurance
Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance is a requirement for all guests travelling on our expeditions. Once you have booked on an expedition we suggest booking your travel insurance as soon as possible to protect your investment. Trip cancellation insurance will reimburse you for any non-recoverable air or land expenses should you have to cancel your trip due to personal or family illness or leave the expedition early due to other reasons. For our Australian guests, we are offering policies from NIB Travel for adequate cover, and you can contact our office direct, via phone or email, to obtain an insurance quote from us.
For guests travelling with us from outside Australia, please check Travel Insurance options within your Country.
If you should receive an injury 12 months prior to your travel date, you must contact the Insurance Company with details to ensure you are covered for this injury whilst travelling. Should you not do this and require medical assistance for this injury whilst travelling you may not be covered by the insurance company.
In the event that an aircraft evacuation is required, No Roads Expeditions will undertake to arrange the evacuation on the condition that the expenses are reimbursed by the passenger before departing the Country.
Note: Accidents caused by the inappropriate consumption of alcohol or drugs may void your travel insurance.
Get a Quote
While we don’t anticipate any uninvited medical disruptions during your trek, No Roads wants to keep your mind at ease and help you get adequate assistance and cover for your well-earned time away. It is extremely important that we ensure you’re covered during your great alpine experience.
We are able to provide you with Travel Insurance for your trip, allowing you to tick this off your ‘To-Do List” as soon as possible. (We strongly recommend that you take out baggage loss and accident insurance)!
Already have a trusted insurance provider?
That’s no problem at all, our primary concern is that you have adequate cover.
Got a Pre-Existing Condition?
Simply call our Insurance Team and quote the reference number we provide you with and they’ll complete an assessment on your behalf. In many cases, there is no additional premium that needs to be paid! Many common conditions are also automatically covered.
In the event that an aircraft evacuation is required, No Roads Expeditions will undertake to arrange the evacuation on the condition that the expenses are reimbursed by the passenger before departing the Country.
Again, if you’ve any questions, don’t hesitate to ask info@noroads.com.au.
Getting There and Away
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
As an overseas department of France, La Réunion is actually (despite it’s far flung location), better served with direct flights from Paris (both Charles de Gaulle & Orly) than anywhere else in the world!
That said, it is possible to connect with reasonable transit times from Australia via Bangkok (Air Austral code-share with Thai Airways), via Perth & Mauritius with Air Mauritius, or via Dubai with Emirates Airways.
Packing for your trip
PERSONAL GEAR
During the day, you will generally only need to carry a small pack.
The luggage that is transferred for you during the day should be packed in a duffle bag or a large sports bag. Suitcases are not recommended.
In your day pack, you will carry water, a light rain coat, perhaps some snacks, and whatever else you would like to take (camera, sunscreen, etc).
LUGGAGE
Your luggage must be divided into two bags:
– A rucksack (35-40L or 45-50L) for use as a day bag. This will contain your (vital) personal belongings for the day, or sometimes for several days. If you buy food on the way and carry only the bare essentials you can carry a small, light bag.
– A larger bag (60-80L) containing the rest of your belongings, those which you do not need with you in the day. This bag will be
transported by our driver to your accommodation each day. Sometimes, as detailed in your itinerary, you will not see this bag for one or more nights. Please bring is a soft bag like a rucksack or holdall rather than a hard cased suitcase because it is more practical for our drivers.
DAY WEAR
Ultimately you want to be comfortable. Consult our recommended packing list, but above all, try to ensure that what you wear during your trip, is not being worn for the first time!
SLEEPING
This is obviously a personal decision (whatever you feel comfortable in), however, be mindful to remain respectful to the local people
To download our handy Packing Check List
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Camera film, Spare camera batteries, lens cleaner & paper. A small supply of favorite snacks – bigger supply for longer and remote area trips. Binoculars, notebook, etc
Note: If you have any questions regarding the above list or any other items that you want to ask about please contact us. We can provide you additional information at any time.
- A cap or sunhat
- 1 or 2 sets of thermals: long- sleeved thermal tops & full-length long johns
- Long sleeved & short sleeved t-shirts, preferably in quick-drying technical material
- 1 light fleece or equivalent (plus extra warm layers for austral winter months)
- A breathable windproof, waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex, etc)
- Lightweight waterproof over trousers
- 1 pair of long suitable shorts
- 1 pair of walking trousers (detachable legs ideal)
- A pair of high-rise walking boots with vibram soles – Réunion’s trails can be rocky & muddy
- A pair of trainers or equivalent casual shoes for the evenings
- Thick walking socks
- Warm gloves, hat & scarf (for June – September trips & those which climb up to the cirques or high mountains)
- A swimsuit
Fitness
All guests should ensure they are suitably fit for the expedition. No Roads is not a medical adviser and we take no legal responsibility for medical or other emergencies that may arise on the course of a trek. As the service provider and hosts, we will take all necessary steps needed to evacuate injured or ill clients on the understanding that all costs involved will be paid to us before leaving the country (see Insurance).
We hope this helps you all enjoy your time on the expedition.
Immunization
In order to enter La Réunion, all travellers must follow the Health Protocol Requirements.
These requirements are fluid and are changing according to international COVID 19 developments. Please click here for more information about arrival requirements in Saint-Denis.
COVID 19 – Recommended you are up to date as part of your preparation for entry into La Réunion.
To enter La Réunion there are no mandatory vaccinations. However, we suggest you do consult a doctor before you leave your country for vaccination against Hepatitis, Tetanus, and Typhoid.
Typhoid: Recommended for La Réunion. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Hepatitis A: Recommended for La Réunion. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Tetanus: Recommended for La Réunion. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Hepatitis B: Recommended for La Réunion. Ideally 2 months before travel.
Measles: Recommended for infants 6 to 11 months old visiting La Réunion. Infants traveling internationally should get 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel.
Influenza & Rabies are also considered risks in La Réunion. Please consult your travel doctor for the best means of immunization or risk prevention.
Plan ahead for getting your vaccinations (seriously, vaccinations are one thing that should NEVER be left until the last minute when TIME can truly be your enemy). Some of them require an initial shot followed by a booster, while some vaccinations should not be given together.
You do not need to carry an extensive medical kit as your Trekking Group Leader carries a comprehensive first aid kit for the group and staff. However, we do advise you to carry your personal medicine.
Insect-borne diseases
Insect is highly recommended to prevent against non vaccine preventable diseases such as:
- Dengue (Mosquitoes)
- Chikungunya (Mosquitoes)
- African Tick Bite-Fever (Ticks)
WATER
As a general rule, the tap water in Réunion is safe to drink, but always take care immediately after a cyclone or cyclonic storm as mains water supplies can become contaminated by dead animals and other debris washed into the system. Never drink untreated water from streams as this might put you at risk of waterborne diseases.
Note: No matter how safe the stream or river water may look, we recommend that all travellers use either water purification tablets such as Aquatab (iodine) or Steri Pen.
WOMEN’S HEALTH
On top of the normal health considerations, women are advised to bring a tube of Canesten and an applicator. The Canesten is used for the treatment of thrush (which can be very painful if left untreated) and can be applied to both internal and external thrush.
Prescriptions can be filled at a Pharmacie (found in most major towns, especially on the coast); it’s best to know the generic name of your drug, however, to save time and possible confusion, it is recommended you bring most of your medicinal and sanitary needs with you.
MEDICINES AND FIRST AID
All travellers are recommended to carry a personal first aid kit with medicines for common ailments, cuts and bruises, pain killers, etc. Anyone using any prescription medicines regularly should carry a supply for the whole duration of their expedition. Please consult your doctor and include items and medicines that may be required for you or for the area you are traveling in. No Roads does not supply any medicines and takes no legal responsibility for any medical treatment or professional medical support to our clients.
GENERAL TRAVEL ADVICE
All No Roads staff and teams consider guest safety and wellbeing an absolute priority and always follow the travel advice and guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Smartraveller. To further maintain the safety of our travelers, we promote good personal and hand hygiene along with adherence to safe food preparation practices.
SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
We are able to cater to all common special dietary requirements.
Please advise us prior to your departure if you have any food allergies we should be aware of.
The No Roads team will do everything it can to support any trekkers with allergies that might require a special diet, by informing all in-country personnel and ensuring reasonable provisions are made for all meals. We do, however, suggest and encourage all affected guests to assist us by providing this information while travelling in situations or instances where it may be required.
Money
The official currency is the Euro.
If carrying funds from home, this money can be exchanged at banks (hours are usually 8am-4pm) or exchange vendors (look for Bureaux de Change).
Alternatively, you can use your ATM card to withdraw money in most large towns (research if your card type will function abroad, and be sure to alert your bank before you travel so they don’t flag your account for suspicious activity).
CREDIT CARDS
American Express, Visa & Diners Club credit cards are widely accepted, Mastercard only in limited locations.
TIPPING
Although the custom is not widespread here, tipping is always appreciated – it is not obligatory and should be left to the discretion of each individual.
POWER IN LA REUNION
In Réunion the standard voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Réunion, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 – 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa).
Manufacturers take these small deviations into account. If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 100 V – 127 V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries), you need a voltage converter in Réunion.
In Réunion the power plug sockets are of type E of French origin. This socket also usually works with plug C and with plug F if it has an additional pinhole.
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
Unemployment is a serious problem on the island, with roughly 60% of the population thought to be receiving some form of welfare benefit.
For many people, Creole is the language spoken at home, and French is only spoken at school (so is seen as a sign of being upper class and/or wealthy), so efforts to speak it may not always receive the same warm response as attempting it in other French speaking places.
Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion, however many of the population originally of migrant origin still practice a level of Hindu devotion, or honour Tamil or Chinese spirits and traditional celebrations.
Many people in rural villagers even still consult with devineurs for predictions on the future, or health advice.
PHOTOGRAPHY
La Réunion’s incredible landscapes affords incredible opportunities for photography. Ensure that you are familiar with your camera well before your trek, and that your camera battery is strong (and bring a spare).
When taking photographs of local people, please ask their permission first and respect their wishes. This is normal courtesy. All you need to do is hold up your camera and wait for a response.
FINAL CHECKLISTPlease make sure you have all the items on the packing checklist before you travel to the airport for your flight to La Réunion.
A little effort to speak like a local can be a great icebreaker (as you stumble over the few words you remember) and is always appreciated by those whose homeland you are visiting.
The official language on Réunion Island is French; the same French spoken and written in metropolitan France.
However, the population also speaks Creole, a language that has developed since the island was settled. It has inherited linguistic traits from all the different populations that make up Réunion, including French, Malagasy, African and Indian.
SOME BASIC CREOLE TO GET YOU STARTED
Hello ~ Bonzour
Goodbye ~ Orovwar
How are you? ~ Koman i lé? or Aparksa
Fine thanks ~ Léla
Thank you ~ Mèrsi
Sorry ~ Kosa
Please ~ Siouplé
Yes ~ Oui
No ~ Non
CREOLE PROVERBS
La lang na pwin le zo: (the word has no bones) Words have little value.
Goni vid i tyen pa standing: (an empty bag can’t stay standing for long) You can’t go for long on an empty stomach.
CREOLE PROVERBS (continued…)
Ou donn in pié, i pran le karo: (if you give a plant, you lose the whole field) If you give a finger, they take an arm.
Ti ash i koup gro bwa: (a small axe can cut a large log) Everything comes to those who wait.
Zanfan i plèr pa i gyen pa tété
: (a child who doesn’t cry will not get their milk) If you don’t ask, you don’t get.
Our Contact Phones & Address
NO ROADS EXPEDITIONS
Office: (03) 95988581
24 hrs Access:
Irene Miller + 61 430 705 222
Peter Miller + 61 425 726 623
Email: info@noroads.com.au
IN COUNTRY
Altai Basecamp
+33 4 12 28 01 50
Email: lareunion@altaibasecamp.com
