4x4 adventure in Salazie

Explore Réunion in a different way, get off the beaten track and discover spectacular landscapes… That’s exactly what this 4×4 tour starting in the west promises. Aboard sturdy vehicles and guided by enthusiasts, I’m about to embark on a real adventure in Réunion, taking in majestic waterfalls, secret roads and authentic encounters.

At the first light of day, we set off eastwards.

It’s 8am when I meet up with Damien and Gérald, the enthusiastic driver-guides from PIKPIK Tours in the west, in Saint-Leu. The atmosphere is friendly right from the start. I take my seat in the legendary Land Rover Defender, ready to take me where the usual roads end.

First stop at Tour des Roches, near Étang Saint-Paul, on the island’s west coast. The morning light filters through the coconut and mango trees, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Over a cup of coffee or tea, the guides share their first stories. The tone is set: this day will be as much about discovering the landscapes as it is about delving into the history and soul of the island.

Waterfalls and spectacular scenery on the road to Salazie.

We set off again towards Niagara Falls, driving through vast fields of sugar cane. The water cascades down amidst lush greenery; we make the most of this break to have some fun, catch up… and I even have a go at skipping stones.

Then, as the kilometres go by, the scenery changes dramatically. The vegetation becomes lush, almost surreal. I can see why people call it a ‘green paradise’. Welcome to the Cirque de Salazie, a true gem of Réunion Island. The stops come thick and fast: Cascade Blanche, Voile de la Mariée… Every viewpoint is a visual feast. The guides recount local legends, describe the flora and fauna, and passionately share their knowledge of the area.

A gourmet break in the heart of the countryside.

At the Fleurs Jaunes picnic area, a surprise awaits us. The table is laid out in the heart of nature, with fresh seasonal juices – mango, guava – and savoury treats. I absolutely love the guava juice; it feels as though I’m biting straight into the fruit. A simple yet deeply enjoyable moment, where I take the time to savour every second.

Let the adventure begin: off the beaten track.

The rest of the day takes on a whole new dimension. We leave the main roads behind and head off along tracks accessible only by 4×4. Rocky climbs, ravines to cross, bamboo forests… The experience becomes more intense, more immersive.

After a good half-hour’s drive, we arrive at a timeless spot, staying with a local family in a cottage nestled in the heart of the countryside. Here, everything exudes authenticity. On these 22 hectares of family land, he grows everything he serves at the table. Lunch is a veritable feast: pumpkin gratin, rougail with sausage, gâteau tison… all shared in a warm, almost family-like atmosphere.

Hell-Bourg, entre charme créole et douceur de vivre.

Nous reprenons ensuite la piste, franchissant champs et rivières, avant de retrouver la route qui mène à Hell-Bourg, classé parmi les plus beaux villages de France. Ici, le temps semble suspendu. Cases créoles colorées, jardins fleuris, petites boutiques… Je profite de ce moment de liberté pour flâner et m’imprégner de l’atmosphère unique du lieu.

Hell-Bourg: a blend of Creole charm and the good life.

Back in the west by late afternoon, I realise just how much this day has allowed me to discover another side of Réunion.

Much more than just a 4×4 trip, this experience is a total immersion in a rich, vibrant and deeply human region. With its breathtaking landscapes, genuine encounters and moments of shared connection, I leave feeling as though I’ve been on a real adventure… in the heart of the ‘Île Intense’.