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Piton d'Anchaing
Walking/pedestrian
in Salazie
3.8
km
One-way
Walking/pedestrian
3h
Medium
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Piton d'Anchaing is connected to the story of two slaves: Anchaing, the legendary “Marron” runaway slave of Reunion Island, and Héva his companion. Anchaing loved a young slave girl called Héva, and they decided one day to flee the brutality of their masters. They took refuge on the summit of a mountain believed to be inaccessible which today bears the name Piton d'Anchaing (or Enchaing). They lived by fishing, hunting and farming, and had several children. Pursued by a hunter named...
Piton d'Anchaing is connected to the story of two slaves: Anchaing, the legendary “Marron” runaway slave of Reunion Island, and Héva his companion. Anchaing loved a young slave girl called Héva, and they decided one day to flee the brutality of their masters. They took refuge on the summit of a mountain believed to be inaccessible which today bears the name Piton d'Anchaing (or Enchaing). They lived by fishing, hunting and farming, and had several children. Pursued by a hunter named Bronchard, who captured Anchaing, Héva and their children and brought them back to their master. Some say that since the master was dead, his daughter freed the two slaves and their children. Other versions say that Bronchard killed Anchaing and brought Héva and her children home to her master. Beyond the story itself, Anchaing and Héva make up Reunion’s tale of the desire for freedom and the struggle required to achieve it.Don’t take on this trek if it’s raining and be very careful, especially during the descent, because the path is made slippery by the numerous gravel sections on certain parts of the trail. Set off very early in the morning to admire the many unique viewpoints over the Cirque of Salazie.
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How to reach the start
Reach Salazie by the D48, then one kilometre after the village and at the junction shortly after the Voile de la Mariée waterfall, continue straight on towards Hell-Bourg. Pass through Hell-Bourg and turn left towards Ilet à Vidot. This road then turns right down towards Ilet à Vidot. Pass through Ilet à Vidot and go to the end of the paved road, then continue along the concrete road. At the junction, continue to descend to the right. In 2006, it was still a dirt road like the car park. Work has been done by the ONF to make this site more accessible and attractive, and today you can park your vehicle on a large clean concrete car park. This place is the starting point of two trails. The one we’re interested in goes to Grand Sable, Col de Fourche, Bélier and Piton d'Anchaing. The other path goes to Source Pétrifiante, but is closed beyond Trou Blanc.
Steps
0 km - The trail is indicated by an ONF board. It begins at the bottom of the car park and descends first towards Rivière du Mât.
0.5 km - There used to be two options to cross Rivière du Mât, but the ford crossing has now disappeared. Take the footbridge laid across Rivière du Mât in 2005.
0.8 km - The trail climbs through fields of christophine (chouchou) and passion fruit, then you reach the first junction. To the left, the direction shown is Grand Sable, Col de Fourche and Grand Ilet. Continue straight on towards Piton d'Anchaing.
1.2 km - The trail crosses the Olivette ravine where little water flows, then starts to gently climb.
2.0 km - The trail passes by a flower cross, and goes off to the right – follow it. The trail on the left joins the car park at the Fleurs Jaunes river, located between Mare à Vieille Place and Grand Ilet.
2.2 km - Pass by a wooden shack under sheet metal. The climb really begins here and the hairpins go on up to the summit. Finding the pace that suits you is the most important thing to reach the top. You’ll save time by adopting a pace that doesn’t put your heart rate too near the red.
3.0 km – Be careful: crossing a small passages requires the utmost vigilance. Sure, it’s no more than 3 metres long, but there’s a void on both sides. After this rein, the climb resumes.
3.2 km – You reach the summit of Piton d’Enchaing. You can go around it following the trail as it offers magnificent views. Heading off to the right will get you to the first viewpoints faster.
3.6 km - The trail is covered with luxuriant vegetation, then you reach a viewpoint from where you can contemplate the entire eastern part of the Cirque of Salazie
3.8 km - You arrive at a large grassy area. The view of the exit from the Cirque of Salazie stretches out at your feet.
3.9 km – You’re at the final viewpoint where you can take in the north of the Cirque of Salazie.
4.3 km – You’re back at the junction of the circuit around Piton d'Enchaing. The return trip back down is made the same way you came up.
0.5 km - There used to be two options to cross Rivière du Mât, but the ford crossing has now disappeared. Take the footbridge laid across Rivière du Mât in 2005.
0.8 km - The trail climbs through fields of christophine (chouchou) and passion fruit, then you reach the first junction. To the left, the direction shown is Grand Sable, Col de Fourche and Grand Ilet. Continue straight on towards Piton d'Anchaing.
1.2 km - The trail crosses the Olivette ravine where little water flows, then starts to gently climb.
2.0 km - The trail passes by a flower cross, and goes off to the right – follow it. The trail on the left joins the car park at the Fleurs Jaunes river, located between Mare à Vieille Place and Grand Ilet.
2.2 km - Pass by a wooden shack under sheet metal. The climb really begins here and the hairpins go on up to the summit. Finding the pace that suits you is the most important thing to reach the top. You’ll save time by adopting a pace that doesn’t put your heart rate too near the red.
3.0 km – Be careful: crossing a small passages requires the utmost vigilance. Sure, it’s no more than 3 metres long, but there’s a void on both sides. After this rein, the climb resumes.
3.2 km – You reach the summit of Piton d’Enchaing. You can go around it following the trail as it offers magnificent views. Heading off to the right will get you to the first viewpoints faster.
3.6 km - The trail is covered with luxuriant vegetation, then you reach a viewpoint from where you can contemplate the entire eastern part of the Cirque of Salazie
3.8 km - You arrive at a large grassy area. The view of the exit from the Cirque of Salazie stretches out at your feet.
3.9 km – You’re at the final viewpoint where you can take in the north of the Cirque of Salazie.
4.3 km – You’re back at the junction of the circuit around Piton d'Enchaing. The return trip back down is made the same way you came up.
- 691 meters of difference in height
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- Start altitude : 753 m
- End altitude : 1308 m
- Maximum altitude : 1336 m
- Minimum altitude : 699 m
- Total positive elevation : 691 m
- Total negative elevation : -136 m
- Max positive elevation : 228 m
- Min positive elevation : -44 m
