Day 1: Saint Denis
ITALIA/SAINT-DENIS (-/-/-)
Come and discover the Island of La Réunion, the intense island, where the force of the elements can be felt and nature reigns supreme, and every corner tells a story of wild beauty. Walking through its green mountains and down to its unspoiled beaches, one feels small in front of the majesty of the landscape. But the real magic is revealed when exploring the volcano on horseback, one of the most active on the planet, the Piton de la Fournaise.
The sound of hooves echoing among the lava trails, the fresh air caressing your face, the view opening at every step. The emotion of glimpsing the smoking crater, of feeling the power of the earth pulsing beneath the feet of your four-legged companion, is a unique experience, a journey that will stay in your heart forever. La Réunion is not just an island, it is an adventure that touches the soul.
Arrival at Réunion International Airport (RUN), pick-up of the rental car and self-drive transfer to the center of Saint-Denis. Capital of the Island of La Réunion, Saint-Denis is a city rich in history, culture and architecture; located between the Indian Ocean and the mountains, it offers an ideal setting for a visit that combines urban discovery and nature, without forgetting its characteristic architecture.
Check-in at the hotel Juliette Dodu (or similar), a beautiful historic residence where the atmosphere of old colonial houses still lingers. The afternoon is free: depending on your mood, you can set off to discover the city center, stroll along the Barachois facing the ocean, or admire the colorful Creole houses of rue de Paris. Dinner at leisure and overnight stay.
Day 2:
SAINT-DENIS/ SAINTE-ROSE (B/-/D)
Breakfast at the hotel and departure towards the east coast of the island, the greenest and most fragrant. First stop at the Niagara waterfall, a sparkling veil of water surrounded by sugarcane fields.
The road continues towards the Tamil temples, with their colorful facades that reflect the cultural richness of La Réunion. Further on, at the Vanilleraie Roulof, you will discover the delicate world of Bourbon vanilla: from the flower to the pod, a unique know-how that fills the air with sweet fragrances.
In Sainte-Anne, the baroque church rises like a work of art, with its finely sculpted white facades. Then continue towards Sainte-Rose, a village perched on the wild coast, marked by traces of ancient lava flows. Here, the ocean crashes powerfully against the cliffs, offering a majestic setting.
Overnight stay at Hotel La Fournaise (or similar), facing the waves, dinner (drinks not included) and overnight stay.
Day 3:
SAINTE-ROSE / SAINT-PIERRE (B/-/D)
Direction wild coast, between Sainte-Rose and Saint-Philippe, where ancient lava flows plunge into the ocean. The scenery is breathtaking: the road winds through lunar landscapes shaped by the volcano.
For adventure lovers, a unique experience awaits: enter a lava tunnel with a guide, headlamp on your forehead, to explore the volcanic depths.
Further along, a stop at the Jardin des Parfums et des Épices in Saint-Philippe will immerse you in a world of tropical scents.
At the end of the day, continue towards Saint-Pierre, a lively town overlooking the lagoon, where you will spend the night at Battant des Lames (or similar). Dinner (drinks not included) and overnight stay.
Day 4:
SAINT-PIERRE /PITON DE LA FOURNAISE (B/L/D)
Leave the coast to head up to the Plaine des Cafres, a vast green plateau. Here, time seems to stand still: it is the realm of pastures and forests, with the Piton de la Fournaise in the background.
In the afternoon, an unusual experience awaits: a horseback ride through these mountain landscapes.
In the evening, the adventure continues with a bivouac under the stars, lulled by the whispers of the mountain.
In winter (from June to September), a warmer alternative is offered: a night in a mountain refuge, around a friendly Creole dinner.
The next day, wake up at dawn to enjoy the magical spectacle of the sun illuminating the craters and the Plaine des Sables.
Day 5:
PITON DE LA FOURNAISE / ETANG SALE’ (B/L/D)
After one last ride in the Plaine des Cafres, return to the equestrian center and say goodbye to your faithful travel companions.
Then get back in the car and descend towards the west coast. The day becomes gentler as the sea reappears.
In the evening, check-in at L’Étang-Salé, in the welcoming comfort of the Papangue Hôtel (or similar), not far from the black sand beach. Dinner (drinks not included) and overnight stay.
Day 6:
ETANG SALE’ / LA SALINE-LES-BAINS (B/-/-)
This morning, a new horseback adventure. Meet at the equestrian center (time to be defined) for a two-hour ride to Piton Maïdo. From above, the cirque of Mafate opens before you in all its splendid wild nature, accessible only on foot.
The afternoon is dedicated to discovering the west coast: the Tour des Roches with its canals, the Saint-Paul market (if it's Friday or Saturday), or the savanna landscapes of Cap La Houssaye.
At the end of the day, you reach La Saline-les-Bains for the night.
Your hotel, Le Nautile (or similar), located directly on the lagoon, will offer you a magnificent sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Dinner at leisure and overnight stay.
Day 7:
LA SALINE-LES-BAINS (B/-/-)
A day dedicated to relaxation and the sea. Dinner at leisure and overnight stay.
Day 8:
LA SALINE-LES-BAINS / SAINT-DENIS / ITALIA (B/-/-)
Breakfast and self-transfer to the airport depending on the time of your flight. Return of the rental car.
N The itinerary described above is to be considered indicative. It may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control. As this is a self-drive trip, the excursions (except for the horseback rides) are to be considered suggestions.
Note:
(B/L/D): B = breakfast; L = lunch; D = dinner
Difficulty level: From ° to °°°°°
DURATION: 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: °°° (INTERMEDIATE)
ACCOMMODATION: hotel + bivouac
EQUIPMENT: english saddles
HORSES: mixed horse breeds, docile and accustomed to the steep terrain of the area
PACE: approx. 4 H ON SADDLE. Two days riding at moderate pace with occasionally rough terrain + 2-hour ride
WHAT TO BRING: riding clothes, sunscreen, protective helmet, water bottle, power bank, headlamp, insect repellent, basic first aid kit, waterproof jacket, and warmer clothes for higher altitudes
MINIMUM AGE: 16 years
MAXIMUM WEIGHT: 90 kg
TYPE: self-drive tour with overnight stays in hotel + 1 night bivouac (or mountain refuge)
ACCOMMODATION:
Night 1: Hotel Juliette Dodu BB (or similar)
Night 2: Hotel La Fournaise HB (or similar)
Night 3: Hotel Battant des Lames HB (or similar)
Night 4: bivouac, with no services or electricity available. Simple camping tents with mats and sleeping bags. In winter (from May to August inclusive), overnight stay in a mountain refuge due to low night temperatures
Night 5: Hotel Papangue HB
Nights 6/7: Hotel Le Nautile BB (or similar)
Departure dates on request year-round with a minimum of 2 people departing from Italy
PARTICIPANTS: MIN 2 MAX 5
SUPPLEMENTS & REDUCTIONS
Supplement per person per night in mountain hut (from May to September): €160.00
Triple room reduction: ON REQUEST
Upgrade to higher category car: ON REQUEST
