National Park & Nature

Cirque de Mafate

📍 Cirque de Mafate, Réunion (access points include Col des Bœufs, Maïdo, Rivière des Galets, Dos-d'Ane and Taïbit)

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★★★★★

Quick Facts

Location: Reunion
Category: National Park & Nature
Duration: Hiking itineraries ranging from 1 day to several days
Address: Cirque de Mafate, Réunion (access points include Col des Bœufs, Maïdo, Rivière des Galets, Dos-d'Ane and Taïbit)
Coordinates: -21.0500, 55.3800

Introduction

Mafate is one of Reunion's three cirques, hidden deep in the island's central mountains and ringed by steep cliffs. With no roads, it can only be reached on foot or by helicopter, and a dense network of trails links several small villages, making it a mecca for hikers. Entry to Mafate usually starts from the Col des Boeufs, Maido, Riviere des Galets and other trailheads, with itineraries ranging from one day to several. Along the way you can look out towards the Cirque de Cilaos and the Piton de la Fournaise, taking in raw and majestic mountain scenery.

✨ Highlights

🛈 Practical Info

→Suggested duration：Hiking itineraries from 1 day to several days, depending on the route and your fitness.

→Best season：The dry season (roughly May to November) is more stable and suited to multi-day hikes.

→Gear：Bring hiking shoes, trekking poles, plenty of water, rain and sun protection, and a map.

→Notes：There are no supplies and weak signal in the mountains; plan your route, tell someone your plan and hike within your ability.

→Transportation：Drive to the various access-point car parks and then continue on foot; a helicopter is also an option.

💡 Tips

• There are no roads or fuel stations inside the cirque and supplies are carried in by hand, so bring enough of your own.

• Trails have big elevation changes and long distances; choose a route to match your fitness and allow spare time.

• Mountain weather is changeable and signal weak; tell someone your plan and check the forecast before setting out.

• Accommodation and food in the villages are limited, so book ahead in high season and carry cash.

FAQ

Any practical tips for visiting Cirque de Mafate?

There are no roads or fuel stations inside the cirque and supplies are carried in by hand, so bring enough of your own. Trails have big elevation changes and long distances; choose a route to match your fitness and allow spare time.

How long should I spend at Cirque de Mafate?

A typical visit takes Hiking itineraries ranging from 1 day to several days.

This entry is compiled from public travel websites. Tickets, opening hours and transport may change; please confirm with official sources on site.