Reunion Island : Elevate your senses

Family Travel, Luxury and Adventure

-Visa free-

REUNION ISLAND: THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY FOR SOUTH AFRICANS

In the heart of the Indian Ocean, between Mauritius and Madagascar, Reunion Island is a destination unlike any other.

This French overseas department combines dramatic volcanoes, tropical forests, UNESCO-listed landscapes, warm lagoons and vibrant Creole culture. In a single day, you can hike through the mountains, swim in the Indian Ocean, discover a local market and enjoy a meal inspired by African, Malagasy, Indian, Chinese and European traditions.

Whether you are planning a family holiday, looking for a luxury escape or seeking your next adventure travel experience, Reunion Island offers a remarkable journey of discovery.

Start Planning Your Reunion Island Trip

Why Visit Reunion Island?

A FRENCH ISLAND IN THE INDIAN OCEAN

Its range of activities means it has something for every kind of traveller; it’s a safe destination just a short three and a half hour flight from Johannesburg; and it’s possible to experience a remarkable variety of landscapes and activities, from volcanic peaks and deep mountain cirques to waterfalls, coral reefs and coastal villages.

Discover:
Dramatic volcanic landscapes • Tropical forests and spectacular waterfalls • Beaches • Lagoons and protected coral reefs • Hiking trails across UNESCO-listed scenery • Whale and dolphin encounters in the wild • Authentic Creole cuisine and culture • More than 70 • Outdoor activities • Welcoming accommodation for every style of travel • Reunion Island brings nature • Culture • Comfort and adventure together in one unforgettable destination

Mountains and UNESCO Landscapes

Discover the vibrant Creole culture of Reunion Island, where African, Malagasy, Indian, Chinese and French influences come Reunion Island’s interior is defined by its volcanic origins. At 3,071 metres, Piton des Neiges is the highest point in the Indian Ocean. The collapse of this ancient volcano helped create the island’s three spectacular cirques: Cilaos, Mafate and Salazie.
Piton de la Fournaise continues to shape the island today. Its eruptions create new lava flows and constantly transform the surrounding landscape.
Around 42% of Reunion Island is protected by the National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exceptional natural value.
Natural highlights include:

Piton de la Fournaise
Piton des Neiges
The cirques of Cilaos, Mafate and Salazie
Maïdo viewpoint
Trou de Fer
Bélouve Forest
The Takamaka waterfalls
Langevin waterfall

Creole Culture & Cuisine in Reunion Island

Discover the vibrant Creole culture of Reunion Island, where African, Malagasy, Indian, Chinese and French influences come together in a unique way of life. From colourful markets and traditional music to festivals, crafts and warm hospitality, the island offers an authentic cultural experience for South African travellers. Reunionese cuisine is equally diverse, blending aromatic spices, fresh seafood, tropical fruit and French culinary traditions.
Taste local favourites such as :

cari
samosas
Bourbon vanilla
Victoria pineapple
mangoes
turmeric-infused dishes

Exploring Reunion Island’s culture and cuisine is an unforgettable way to experience the flavour, history and welcoming spirit of this remarkable Indian Ocean destination.

Adventure Travel on a Volcanic Island

Reunion Island is a natural playground for adventure travel.
Created by volcanic activity and shaped by erosion, the island is filled with mountains, ravines, forests, lava flows and waterfalls. Its terrain offers an exceptional range of experiences for active travellers, from challenging hikes and trail-running routes to canyoning, paragliding and water sports.

Top adventure activities:

Hiking through Cilaos, Mafate and Salazie
Trail running across mountain landscapes
Exploring Piton de la Fournaise
Canyoning beneath tropical waterfalls
Paragliding along the west coast
Diving and snorkelling in protected waters
Mountain biking
Massage on the lagoon
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Responsible whale and dolphin watching

Family Travel in Reunion Island

Reunion Island is the perfect destination for family travel, with experiences suitable for all ages and interests.

Families can enjoy the island at their own pace, from beach days to cultural discoveries. The lagoon is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and other water activities, while the island’s museums and wildlife attractions offer engaging experiences away from the beach.

Family-friendly experiences include:

Swimming and snorkelling in the lagoon
Exploring tropical forests and waterfalls and scenic viewpoints
Visiting Kelonia, the island’s turtle sanctuary
Discovering the Cité du Volcan volcano museum
Exploring local markets and colourful villages
Learning about vanilla, spices and Creole traditions
Watching whales and dolphins during the season
Sharing traditional dishes influenced by the island’s diverse cultures

Luxury Travel with a Sense of Place

Luxury in Reunion Island is defined by extraordinary surroundings, personalised experiences and genuine local character.

Stay beside the lagoon, relax in a boutique hotel or retreat to a peaceful mountain guesthouse surrounded by nature. Enjoy the island’s landscapes from above, arrange a private excursion or experience Creole cuisine prepared with fresh local ingredients.

A luxury Reunion Island holiday can include:

Boutique and upscale coastal accommodation
Private transfers and tailored itineraries
Scenic flights over volcanoes, forests and cirques
Whale and dolphin watching
Big-game fishing
Golf
Wellness and relaxation experiences
Gourmet Creole dining local cultural encounters

DIRECT FLIGHTS WITH AIR AUSTRAL

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There are destinations we know. And then there are those that change the way we see the world. To reach them, Air Austral charts the way. With up to three flights a week between Johannesburg and Reunion Island, the airline brings South Africa closer to the Indian Ocean, opening the door to new horizons. And the journey can continue to Mauritius, Madagascar, Mayotte or Rodrigues… each offering its own stopover, atmosphere and discoveries, shaped by the desire to explore. On board Air Austral, the journey takes on a whole new dimension. Loisirs or Confort, two ways to travel at your own pace, settle in, slow down and let the elsewhere begin before you even land. Because some adventures are closer than you think. Because a journey is about more than the destination. It begins the moment you leave. And sometimes, all it takes is a flight to change your horizon.

How to get there?

• Johannesburg – Reunion Island
• Direct flights with Air Austral
• Up to 3 flights per week
• Fares from ZAR 8,700 incl. taxes

(excluding service fees. Subject to availability.)

Discover Air Austral’s offers to Reunion Island →

PRIZE DRAW SOUTH AFRICA 2026

From 1 October to 31 December 2026

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Travel agency partners in South Africa

These South African travel partners offer curated packages to Reunion Island. Simply click on the logo and let them build your perfect island escape.

Practical Travel Information & Air Austral

Location: South-west Indian Ocean

Capital: Saint-Denis

Airport: Roland Garros Airport

Currency: Euro

Time difference: 2 hours ahead of South Africa

Length of Flight from Johannesburg: About 3 hours 30 minutes

Main regional airline: Air Austral

Travel documents: A valid passport is required. South Africans do not require a visa to enter Reunion Island.

Contact our partners Air Austral for flights to Reunion Island from Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Cape Town and Hoedspruit. Air Austral acts as the primary the primary flah carrier of Reunion Island, acting as a vital economic, cultural, and logistical partner for the Island’s connection to the global community. Experience your first taste of Creole cuisine in the air; Wifi connection for the business traveller; and 50 movies available on their in-flight entertainment system.