Mafate hiking tour: River crossings and volcanic geology

A full day crossing rivers, climbing through varied terrain, and walking through the geology of an island built by volcanoes

A guided hike into Mafate on Réunion Island, departing Tuesdays and Saturdays with a local guide from the Reunion Mountain Office. The route follows a regular path through the cirque, crossing the river multiple times and ending at a refreshing pool. Groups stay under twelve. This tour runs outside the rainy season. When water closes the 4x4 track, the same departure offers a hike to Maïdo instead. A 4x4 ride to the trailhead costs €26 per person extra.

The experience

How do you get into Mafate without a car? The 4x4 ride to the trailhead answers that. You gather at the foot of the track, the gateway to the cirque, and spend 30 minutes climbing into the ramparts in a vehicle, then step out onto a regular walking path where the real day begins. The guide, a professional from the Reunion Mountain Office, walks you through the volcanic formation that shaped the island and the history of how people first settled this isolated valley. You'll trace the routes the earliest inhabitants took to the first "Ilets," the small settlements scattered across the floor of the cirque.

The hike follows the river valley, and you'll ford it several times: water depth stays below the knees, but you'll be walking in the water, so expect wet boots and the chance to cool off. The path passes close to the river itself, and the day ends at a refreshing pool where you can recover from the 12-kilometer walk and 550 meters of elevation gain. A local drink and snack are included. The whole outing takes eight hours from start to finish.

When the rainy season closes the 4x4 track, the same Tuesday and Saturday departures switch to a hike up the remparts to Maïdo instead, keeping the same guide and group size. The guide speaks French only, and a good understanding of the language is necessary to follow the geology, history and stories along the way. Minimum age is 12. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s included

• A local professional guide from the Reunion Mountain Office.
• a local drink and snack.
• groups limited to twelve people.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday and SaturdayDeparts at 07:30

AgesAdult (8 and older) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideFrench

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Physically demandingPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Bureau Montagne Reunion

Is this one for you?Book this if you speak French and want a guide-led geology and history lesson during a full-day hike with river crossings. Switch to the Maïdo variant when the rainy season closes the 4x4 track.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Mafate and why can't you drive there?

Mafate is a volcanic cirque (a natural amphitheater carved into Réunion Island's interior) surrounded by ramparts so steep that no road reaches the valley floor. The 4x4 track climbs as far as it can, then the hike takes over from there.

Do I walk in the water on this hike?

Yes, you ford the river several times, with water depth staying below the knees. The path passes close to the river valley, and the hike ends at a pool where you can refresh after the walk.

Is the guide French-speaking only?

Yes, the guide speaks French only, and a good understanding of the language is necessary to follow the explanations about the island's volcanic geology, the cirque's history, and the settlement of the valley.

What's included in the price?

The guide, the group hike, and a local drink and snack are included. The 4x4 ride to the trailhead costs €26 per person extra, paid to the driver on the day.