La pasians i géri la gal: (patience heals scabies) Patience cures everything.
Welcome to the start of your La Réunion - Grande Traversée
“Pakapab lé mor san esséyé
(He who tries nothing has nothing.)”
– La Réunion Creole Proverb
“Jutting out of the ocean like a basaltic shield cloaked in green, Réunion is a scenically magical island that enjoys a truly astonishing diversity of landscapes.
Expect awesome mountains, emerald forests, tumbling waterfalls, soul-stirring panoramas, energetic coastal cities and a sprinkling of white- or black-sand beaches – not to mention the formidable Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes.
With its extraordinarily varied terrain, Réunion is a dream destination for lovers of the outdoors. Hiking is the number one activity“
– Lonely Planet, Africa
The entire island of La Réunion has been designated by UNESCO as a natural protected site
Your Journey
Day 1: Arrive in La Réunion. St-Denis
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2: Le Brûlé – Plaine des chicots (B,L,D)
2 – 3 hours of walking
Elevation: +660m/-35m
Accommodation: Gîte
Night without luggage – you will be reunited with your bags on day 3.
Day 3: Sommet de la Roche Ecrite – Dos d’âne (B,L,D)
7 hours of walking
Elevation: +600m/-1400m
Accommodation: Local Gîte (you are reunited with your bags)
Day 4: Mafate : Dos d’âne – Grand Place (B,L,D)
6 hours of walking
Elevation: +950m/-1100m
Accommodation: Gîte
Part with your bags the following morning, reunited again in Cilaos on day 7
Day 5: Mafate: Grand Place – Roche Plate (B,L,D)
7 hours of walking
Elevation: +1100m/-770m
Accommodation: Gîte
Night without luggage – you will be reunited with your bags in Cilaos (Day 7).
Day 6: Mafate: Trois Roche – Marla (B,L,D)
6 hours of walking
Elevation: +900m/-350m
Accommodation: Gîte
Night without luggage – you will be reunited with your bags in Cilaos (Day 7).
Day 7: Col de Taibit – Cirque de Cilaos (B,L,D)
3 – 4 hours of walking
Elevation: +450m/-820m
Accommodation: Gite
Your bags will be waiting for you.
Day 8: Cilaos – Refuge du Piton des Neiges (B,L,D)
3 to 4 hours of walking
Elevation: +1100m/-50m
Accommodation: Refuge
Night without luggage – you will be reunited with your bags tomorrow.
Day 9: Summit the Piton des Neiges 3070m for sunrise – Plaine des Cafres (B,L,D)
8 to 9 hours of walking
Elevation: +700m/-1600m
Accommodation: Gîte
Your luggage will be waiting for you.
Day 10: Plaine des Cafres – Gîte du Volcan (B,L,D)
4 hours of walking
Elevation: +350m/-250m
Accommodation: Gîte
Journey time: 30 minutes
Your luggage will be waiting for you.
Day 11: The Piton de la Fournaise (B,L,D)
5 to 6 hours of walking
Elevation: +600m/-600m
Accommodation: Gîte
Your luggage will be waiting for you.
Day 12: Gîte du volcan – Grand Galet – Saint Gilles (B,L)
8 hours of walking
Elevation: +200m/-1800m
Transport: Minibus
Accommodation: Hôtel
Day 13: Journey Onward (B)
Guest Portal
You can update all your personal information directly in our Guest’s Portal. There, you can add your Insurance, Flight Details, and anything else we need for the trip. When you first click on the link you will be asked to reset your password. Please use the same email address you used for your booking.
Training
Despite its small size, La Réunion Island has almost one thousand kilometres (that's about 620 miles) of hiking trails.
Fitness is perhaps the key factor in any trek, especially this one as it could be considered best suited to experienced trekkers/hikers.
Most people of average fitness for their age could complete most of our treks. Take your time, set your own pace, and enjoy the incredible surroundings.
Most first-time trekkers are concerned that they won’t keep up. They soon discover that a steady and moderate pace will have them in their destination much faster than originally expected.
These treks are not training runs for the fit, but walking holidays for people of all ages, however, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy it, and you will have enough energy for extra activities.
The best physical preparation for a trekking and climbing trip is to walk.
Start today. Walk on paths that go up and down, or on hills and steps for 30 or 40 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week.
Carry your day pack and wear the boots you plan to wear on the trek around 3 – 4 weeks before your arrival in La Réunion.
Jogging, swimming, gym work you do additional, are all very helpful.
Regularly within Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland (we’re constantly working to try and get guides in other states on board as well), we’ll have a variety of guides and trekkers get to know one another whilst working on their fitness and sharing advice on monthly weekend walks.
For information on any upcoming walks, please keep an eye out on our Upcoming Events
NOTE: Every participant should consult a physician well before the expedition date and make sure that they do not suffer from any chronic heart, lungs, cerebral, physical or any other serious illness.
As your 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 We’ve got you covered below).
If you already have a frequent training regime, have a higher-than-average fitness level, and already have a few hikes under your belt, check out our Self-Guided Training Program.
Being part of the No Roads Family also gives you access to our On-Demand Trekking Preparation Program, exclusively curated by one of our Guides and Personal Trainers to get you in perfect shape for your trip, at a special discounted rate.
Looking for more training options and ideas for your upcoming trek? Click on the link to visit our exclusive training page for recommendations and suggestions.
GETTING THERE AND AWAY
Saint-Denis de La Réunion was founded in 1669 by Étienne Regnault, first governor of Bourbon Island (as La Réunion was then called).
As an overseas department of France, La Réunion is actually (despite it’s far flung location) best served with direct flights from Paris (both Charles de Gaulle & Orly)!
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.
ARRIVAL IN SAINT-DENIS
Upon your arrival, please go through to collect checked luggage and security, then proceed out the EXIT door.
Roland Garros airport is connected to the rest of the island via Taxi and public buses which depart from the Public Transport Hub, close to the passengers terminal, between the P1 – Proximity Parking and the P4 – Long Stay Parking (see the yellow section below on the map).
If there’s anything specific you feel we need to know before departure, don’t hesitate to Contact Us.
The famed French aviator Roland Garros was born in Saint Denis, and the islands main airport, bears his name.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
The journey between St Denis, Reunion & Paris (France) at 9,349 kilometres (5,809 miles) in 11 hours 40 minutes, is the longest domestic air route in the world!
Visa Information
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.
We've Got You Covered
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.
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.
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.
Things to Remember with Insurance
Insurance contact number:
Please provide the insurance company with a personal number that is actually contactable when you are abroad (an Australian number without global roaming is of little use when the insurance company is attempting to contact you)
Please ensure you travel with:
A Credit Card/Travel Card that can be used internationally. Often, any medical centre or hospital will require payment sooner than some insurance companies will have approved payment (meaning you need to be able to pay them, then seek reimbursement from your insurer).
The international emergency contact number for your insurance company. We will initiate emergency procedures for you, however, it is a far easier process for you to coordinate matters with the insurance company directly (most things we are unable to finalise on your behalf).
Documents to keep on your person, or obtain in event of emergency:
A copy of your flight itinerary with information including – Ticket Number, Airline Reference Number (PNR), Agency Flight Reference Number (if purchased via a travel agency/3rd party as well as contact information for them)
A copy of a Medical report (if you required treatment) and keep copies of all receipts for anything that you have been required to pay.
Remember t
o travel with a copy of your policy or at least your policy number and provider
In the unlikely event of an emergency No Roads and our local team will try their best to provide the best assistance and support to our injured guests.
This is why we request you provide us with the following information via your Guest Portal:
– Name of Insurance Company
– Your Insurance Policy Number
– The 24 hour Emergency Assistance number of your Insurance Company
This information is vital for both our head office team, and guides on the trail in ensuring we can provide you access to emergency care in the unlikely event of an accident.
La Réunion's Piton de la Fournaise, known locally as "Le Volcan" (The Volcano), is currently one of the most active in the world, with it's most recent eruption beginning on the 2nd of July 2023!
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)
Accommodation
Refuge de la Caverne Dufour (also known as Gîte du Piton des Neiges) sits about an hours walk from the summit of Piton des Neiges. On a clear morning at "the roof of the Indian Ocean", hikers are afforded views over almost the entire island!
ACCOMMODATION IN LA REUNION
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 some 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.
La Réunion is a great place for 'Twitchers' (bird watchers), where, with good fortune, it is possible to sight all of the islands endemic birds in a single morning! The island’s national bird, the white-tailed tropicbird, is quite easily spotted along the rocky north-east and east coasts.
Getting Outfitted
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).
Note: There are several days where we are not reunited with our bags at the end of the day, so you need to be able to accommodate this when it comes to your day pack.
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
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
To download our handy Packing Check List
Staying Safe & Respectful
La Réunion has twice been invaded by the British! In 1810 (during the Napoleonic Wars it was captured and returned in 1815). They again invaded during World War 2 to capture the island from the Vichy French regime.
It’s time for a confession.
We weren’t always this confident at what we do!
This was never through a lack of trying, but the reality is after 20 years sending people to remote parts of the world, we’ve picked up a thing or two…
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.
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.
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.
Physical Preparation
The Franc was the currency of La Réunion until 1999 (until the adoption of the Euro), however prior to 1975, it had its own distinct currency, the Réunion franc (many of which, due to their rarity, are prized by collectors)!
FITNESS
Training like it is the real deal!
You know what they say (whoever ‘they’ are):
“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail”
The secret is to do exercises that simulate what the expedition will be like, so hiking with a pack up and down hills for a few hours is ideal. Don’t forget to wear in your clothing and walking shoes/boots/socks so you discover any issues with them before it is too late. Wearing in your footwear usually takes several months of walking, not two or three training walks.
Consider training with 15-20kg of weight so that the recommended 12kg on the trek will be lighter than what you’re used to (basically, train with more, so it feels like less when you travel). If you are planning to use trekking poles, train with them now (they are so common these days, that no one will think that you’re strange).
We all have busy lifestyles so if this is not possible, a hike into the hills every two or three weeks would be beneficial. We believe this will really help you enjoy your time on the expedition.
Never do on the trek what’s not been tested by you (for months ideally) in training.
That is, if you haven’t tried it during months of advanced training, don’t succumb to last minute “bright ideas” (from yourself or others) on the journey unless it has proven okay for you many times in training, for example:
Don’t wrap your feet or toes in sports tape!
Don’t buy new boots or socks just before going on your trek!
Don’t wear new clothes!
You can rarely recreate the conditions exactly, whether that be the humidity of the tropics, or the high altitude, but the better prepared you are, the more enjoyable the adventure will be.
Know The Lingo
Creole was the language of the Maloya during slavery, however was only named a regional language as recently as 2014. The music of the Maloya was considered such a threat to the French state that it was banned in the 1970s.
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.
Give Us A Shout
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
