Cirque of Mafate | Île de la Réunion Tourisme

Discover Mafate for an authentic and enchanting experience. The heart of a collapsed volcano, Mafate’s cirque is a geological setting designed by the steep walls which a bird’s eye view from several surrounding ridges (Maïdo, Roche Ecrite, Cap Noir…) suggests is inaccessible.

Extraordinary Mafate

Only accessible on foot or by helicopter

Only walking allows access along the small mountain trails, or by helicopter. Its wild nature made it a worthy refuge for runaway slaves. Today, despite their physical isolation, the inhabitants are more than ever committed to this tormented land, living on plateaux or in the hollow of a secret valley, delightfully known as islets decorated with their coloured shacks. In total, 180 Mafatais welcome hikers who stop off here.

Experience Feedback

Mafate: the mythical cirque

An authentic and wonderful experience !

The largest village, called “La Nouvelle”, has just one school, electricity is provided by the sun, and a bakery and grocery stores are supplied mainly by helicopter. These are the wonders of this hidden paradise which has become part of the inhabited heart of the National Park, a World Heritage site. Nature is queen here, bursting out at every turn of a marked trail, the mountains are everywhere, the pitons form unimaginable shapes, the ravines, waterfalls and forests are a feast for the eyes.

An authentic and wonderful experience !

The largest village, called “La Nouvelle”, has just one school, electricity is provided by the sun, and a bakery and grocery stores are supplied mainly by helicopter. These are the wonders of this hidden paradise which has become part of the inhabited heart of the National Park, a World Heritage site. Nature is queen here, bursting out at every turn of a marked trail, the mountains are everywhere, the pitons form unimaginable shapes, the ravines, waterfalls and forests are a feast for the eyes.

Good to know

Mafate, with no roads, has a dense network of trails making life possible in the cirque. Hiking is popular from such entry points as Rivière des Galets, Maïdo, Dos-D’âne, Taïbit (Cilaos) and the Col des Bœufs (Salazie) where a monitored car park keeps vehicles safe.