LA RÉUNION FROM HELL TO HEAVEN

Transcription

1 LA RÉUNION FROM HELL TO HEAVEN

2 INTRODUCTION Between jungle and volcanoes 2 La Réunion offers a big contrast over its sister island Mauritius. Jutting out of the ocean like a basaltic shield cloaked in green, this magical island offers a diversity of landscapes that is truly astonishing for such a small place. La Réunion is a so-called French overseas department and belongs to the EU even though it is located in the Indian Ocean. There are locals on the island inhabiting a space of roughly 2500 square kilometres. In contrast to its neighbouring island Mauritius, La Réunion remains relatively hidden from the big rush of tourists. Indeed, humans left the island on its own for quite a long time. It is located so remotely and surrounded by strong sea currents that even sailors needed a cyclone to get there and discover it. The island was uninhabited until the 17th century. Later on, French settlers arrived and gave the island the name Île Bourbon. They started cultivating sugar cane and the now famous bourbon vanilla on the island. The French brought slaves from Madagascar, East Africa and India to work on their plantations. In 1848, these slaves became citizens of La Réunion. The mix of people caused the island to have a very diverse and rich culture. Réunion has a fascinating Creole, African, Indian, Chinese and French heritage, with a wealth of architectural treasures and vibrant festivals. La Réunion is also geologically much younger than Mauritius and still changing! The island s volcano is one of the most active in the world. La Réunion remains basically unchanged and unimpressed by civilisation that arrived 400 years ago. The island is still untamed and somewhat wild. And that is what makes it so invitingly fascinating.

3 HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR TRIP Discover the majestic and ever-changing landscape from emerald rainforest to wild coasts; from grassy meadows to scrubland and Martian-like landscape. Hike to spectacular waterfalls and to the rim of an active vulcano. Experience authentic creole food and exotic cuisine. Immerse into lively village life and laidback culture 3 Trou de Fer: («Iron Hole») The canyon with its impressive waterfalls is one of the most spectacular natural sights in La Réunion. The gorge can be up to 300 m deep.

4 ITINERARY HELLBOURG Depart from LUX* Belle Mare and transfer to the airport. Take a one-hour flight to La Réunion. Our local guide and driver is waiting for us and brings us to the charming village of Hellbourg. The rest of the day is free for resting or exploring the colonial village and its surroundings TROU DE FER Today we hike from Hellbourg to the spectacular waterfalls of «Trou de Fer». The hike starts with a big ascent of 600 m altitude gain. However, we have plenty of time for this hike and the stunning surroundings are well worth every step. Once on the plateau, we will dive into the Forêt de Bébour-Bélouve. A mix of tamarind trees, huge fanjan (fern trees) and moss makes this a truly majestic place. We continue our hike for another 3.5 km on the flat plateau to reach the Trou de Fer viewpoint where we can witness the impressive waterfalls and one of the most spectacular natural sights in Réunion. We will enjoy a picnic lunch on the way. After our hike, our driver is waiting with our luggage and brings us to our accommodation in Sainte Rose WILD SOUTH-EAST The wild south-eastern part of the island is waiting to be explored. This is where the unhurried life is complemented by the splendid scenery of fecund volcanic slopes, occasional beaches, waves crashing on the rocky shoreline and country roads that twist like snakes into the mountains. In both landscape and character, the south coast is where the real wilderness of Réunion begins to unfold. We will pass through Le Grand Brûlé, where black lava fields slice through the forest and even reach the ocean at several points. Continuing through lush tropical vegetations, passing spectacular waterfalls until we reach Saint- Pierre, the main town of the South PITON DE LA FOURNAISE The previous day, we have seen the lava fields stemming from Piton de la Fournaise, the active volcano on the island. Today, we are going to climb it! This is one of the world s most accessible active volcanoes, and it is possible to hike up to the crater rim if the conditions allow. First, we will drive from our accommodation to Bourg-Murat. The gradual change of scenery is remarkable. The grassy meadows and cryptomeria forests typical of the Hautes

5 Plaines progressively change to scrubland and finally to a Martian-like landscape. During a 5 hour hike with an altitude gain of 500 m, we will be able to climb to the rim of the volcano from where you can gaze down upon the bottom of the crater. En route, stunning lava formations tell the geological story of the island. Afterwards, our driver will bring us to Cilaos, via a spectacular winding road CILAOS Today we have the opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of the Cirque de Cilaos, one of the three main calderas of the island. The setting couldn t be more grandiose, reminding us of a Grimm fairy tale. Different activities are available. There are fabulous hiking options for those who want to go hiking or simply relax in this beautiful setting and enjoy a spa treatment in the Thermes de Cilaos. A perfect way to rejuvenate tired muscles after our hikes. We spend another night in Cilao DEPARTURE Today is the last day our trip around La Réunion. We will depart towards the airport in the morning and stop for lunch and some photos on the way. Our plane back to Mauritus leaves in the late afternoon. Hellbourg Trou de Fer Cilaos St. Rose 5 Piton de la Fournaise St. Pierre Overview of La Réunion

6 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 6 PRICE Rate package for 6 days / 5 nights: CHF 2490 The price includes: Return flight Mauritius La Réunion Multilingual Swiss organizer from Beyond Travel English/French speaking certified mountain guide Accommodation for 5 nights in double/ twin rooms with half board Lunch & pic nics The price does not include: Drinks Tips Personal expenses Any service not mentioned above SIZE OF THE GROUP The size of the group excluding the guides is limited to 9 participants. The minimal size of the group is 7 participants. GUIDANCE The tour will be guided by a Swiss guide of Beyond Travel. Local guides will support us during the hikes and the excursions and will enrich us with their background knowledge on history, culture, flora and fauna. PREPARATION & PHYSICAL CONDITI- ON OF PARTICIPANTS Some activities require specific clothes and a good physical condition. We will provide a detailed packing list so that customers can prepare accordingly. A solid fitness is required for the hikes. The professionals who accompanied the participants will apply all their skills to lead the group towards the realization of their objectives in the best possible conditions of safety. PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS Meteorological conditions, the conditions of the ground, the physical shape of the participants and their capacities are crucial elements which can lead to any modification or reevaluation of the excursions. It may not be possible to climb to the rim of the vulcano if the seismic activities are too severe. We have to accept the decisions of the local authorities.

7 Jungle: Forêt de Bébour-Bélouve: A mix of tamarind trees, huge fanjan (fern trees) and moss makes this a truly majestic place 7 Houses: As if to make the perfect contrast to the landscape the houses of La Réunion are often painted in wonderful colors.

8 For more information visit: Beyond Travel GmbH Schöneggstrasse Zürich (0)