GRR1 Réunion

On the first stage, you’ll leave Cilaos via the Cascade du Bras Rouge trail. The walk is pleasant up to the waterfall and becomes more difficult after crossing the fjord. A rather steep climb leads to the road of Îlet à Cordes with some steep slopes that are a good warm-up for the ascent to Taïbit. Cross the road of Îlet à Cordes. Then begin the long ascent to Col du Taïbit by way of a lot of stairs. The trail is wide and always in good condition. There are two flat sections that will give you a little breather mid-climb. Reaching Col du Taïbit, you can enjoy the views of the two circuses of Cilaos behind and Mafate in front, before starting the descent to Marla. The trail is narrower and includes a somewhat vertiginous rocky section. You can cross the vast îlet of Marla without difficulty. Along the way, you’ll see different stops for dining or resting. Walk past Maison Laclos towards La Nouvelle, where you have two options. I recommend going by the nice bridge (“par la passerelle” on the sign). Either way, you end up on the common trail a bit further up. A few short steep slopes are the final effort to the largest îlet of Mafate for the night.

The next stage, you head towards Col des Bœufs/Col de Fourche with a first climb that is quite steep in places, up to Plaine des Tamarins. The plain, covered with magnificent tamarins, means you can walk slower to enjoy these beautiful trees. Leave the large trees and turn right at the first trail climbing over the rocks towards Col de Fourche. Again, when you reach the top of the climb, you’ll have beautiful views of Mafate and the Salazie Circus before starting the descent. The slope is really steep on stairs with high steps. After the steep slope that crosses a beautiful forest of cryptomerias lower down, keep heading down on a trail crossing the river several times. Pay attention to the water height in the rainy season (January to May) and avoid spending time in the river bed as the water can rise incredibly quickly. The trail quickly turns into a track and the descent is easier down to the Rivière du Mât. Cross the river by a high and impressive metal footbridge and climb a few winding turns to the end of the road of Bras Marron. The end of the course uses a long paved or concrete section up to Hell-Bourg.

On the third stage, leave Hell-Bourg and climb towards the Bélouve lodge, starting under the filaos, amidst chouchous, and near large bamboo. There are many cemented and stoned steps, making this ascent a pleasant way to climb a rampart. Some vertiginous parts have railings and support cables. Higher up, a long concrete staircase is used before reaching the gîte, just steps from the viewpoint. Then you’ll cross the lodge’s facilities and head back onto the trail.

The trail crossing the primary forest starts here, muddy from the start. It is almost flat and pleasantly bordered by the beautiful tropical forest. It runs alongside ferns, sabres, and large trunks of tamarins often twisted in the branches of which the rays of the morning sun create such a beautiful vibe. Higher up, the mud is still there, but there are some boardwalks to avoid filling your shoes with mud. Some ladders or footbridges help with delicate passages but are nothing to be afraid of. Approaching the rampart, you’ll find magnificent panoramas. You’ll come across some clearings and the vegetation is replaced by high-altitude heaths.

Do not take the trail going right at Cap Anglais (or you would go back down to Hell-Bourg!) but continue towards Piton des Neiges. Unstable stones replace everything on the trail, making this section of the trail very technical. Soon, you’ll see the lodge Caverne Dufour in the distance. There you can decide to do a return trip to the summit of Piton des Neiges or head down to Cilaos. If you choose Cilaos, you’ll hike down dozens of hairpin bends with high wooden steps for two to three hours on this technical descent. When you arrive under the cryptomeria, the descent is over and the trail continues towards Cilaos on the road.

You can hike the GRR1 all year round as Réunion has only two seasons: a warm summer and a warm winter. Some months are still better than others: in winter (June to September), you will benefit from dry days with very little rainfall, and from October to December, the rains are still rare and the temperatures are higher and the days longer.

Keep in mind that the weather in the high mountains can change rapidly, and it’s important to be prepared for all conditions, including tropical rainfalls or heavy heat. Always check trail conditions and local weather forecasts before starting the hike, especially in the cyclone season from January to May.

For hiking the GRR1 on Réunion Island, pack for heavy heat as well as heavy rain! Bring lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, a waterproof jacket, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), a warm layer for higher altitudes (including gloves and a cap if doing the sunrise on Piton des Neiges), a good backpack with a rain cover, plenty of water (2.5L min per day), high-energy snacks as there is nowhere to resupply during the day, a first aid kit, a headlamp, and a map or GPS device. Be sure to include a quick-dry towel for the night in Mafate as most huts don’t provide towels.