Reunion
Reunion, famous for one of our planet's most active volcano's - Piton de la Fournaise. This monster blew its top twice in 1998, the March eruption attracting no less than 20 000 awe-inspired spectators. Seeing the volcano - whether there is activity or not - is a primal experience. Reunion also has the highest mountain in the Indian Ocean, Piton des Neiges (3069m). Nature enthusiasts are invariably enthralled by Reunion's beautiful forests. No visit to Reunion would be complete without exploring at least one of the three vast and rugged "Cirques", as the natural amphitheatres of Cilaos, Salazie and Mafate are called.
In Cilaos, you can sample excellent locally made wines, embark on challenging hikes and then recharge your batteries in the world-renowned Irene Accot Thermal Center. Needless to say, the scenery is breathtaking.
Salazie - which is arguably more beautiful than Cilaos - merits at least a night's stay. This cirque features 100 waterfalls, which plummet down steep gorges like giant silvery ribbons. The little mountain town of Hell-Bourg will leave you enchanted, with its quaint Creole houses, colourful flower gardens and dreamy ambience.
The third amphitheatre, Cirque de Mafate, is for adventurous visitors only. Because no roads traverse Mafate, one must get there on foot. But accommodation is plentiful, in the form of mountain houses. After having experienced the interior, most visitors head for the warm west coast, for a welcome rest on the Saint Gilles Les Bains Beach, where you can arrange a wide choice of water sports.
Top Attractions
Piton de la Fournaise (Peak of the Furnace) the active Volcano: Viewing the lunar landscape of this grumbling monster - one of our planet's most active volcanoes - by means of helicopter or from ground level, is a primal experience no visitor should miss out on. It is possible to hike into the volcano using a good path system from Pas de Bellecombe, where you can leave your hired car. Visitors should also check the recent lava flows, which come down to the east coast near the tiny settlement Tremblet.
Saint Gilles Les Bains: Reunion's seaside resort, where you'll find an array of hotels, lively restaurants and bars, and the island's prettiest white sand beach, Boucan Canot.
Saint Leu: Further down the west coast is Saint Leu, which is a surfers paradise. The west coast towns are renowned for their nightlife.
Bebour-Belouve Forest and La Plaine des Palmistes: La Plaine-des- Palmistes is one of the island's most beautiful towns. In spring and summer it features an explosion of colourful flowers, which seem to be everywhere.
The Wild South: Misty perfumes, colours and fragrances define the spiritual wild south. In between sea and mountain lie Petite Ile, Saint Joseph and Saint Philippe. Visit Caheb perfume workshop and learn how perfumes are created. Do not miss the Perfumes and Spice Garden in Saint Philippe offering an exotic variety of plants.
7 DAY SELF-DRIVE ITINERARY
DAY 1: Fly from Johannesburg to Saint Denis, the island’s capital. Our agents will meet you on arrival at Roland Garros Airport (Connection Reunion counter) and hand over the car.Self-drive to Saint Gilles Les Bains 50km from the airport. This is the sun, sea & sand holiday mecca of Reunion, on the island’s west coast. Check in and overnight stay at Le Saint Alexis Hotel (B&B).
DAY 2: Day to unwind in Saint Gilles Les Bains, where you can relax at the beach, snorkel, scuba dive and try local restaurants. There are also nightclubs and bars – playground for the young French elite – giving the area a festive, holiday ambience. Overnight stay at the Le Saint Alexis Hotel (B&B).
DAY 3-7: Explore Reunion at your own pace. The island is only 50km x 80km but very rugged. It takes a maximum of two hours to get from any one point on the island to another. Overnight stay at the hotel of your choice (B&B).
Hotels:
- Le Saint Alexis **** in Saint Gilles Les Bains
- Boucan Canot **** in Saint Gilles Les Bains
- Les Villas du Lagon Resort **** in Saint Gilles Les Bains
- Palm Hotel & Spa **** in Grande Anse
- Hotel Bellepierre **** in Saint Denis
- Guesthouse Villa Belle *** in Saint Pierre
DAY 8: Drive the car to the airport and hand in the keys; check-in for your return flight to Johannesburg.
Price includes : International flights (departure from Johannesburg), hotel accommodation for 7 nights Bed and Breakfast, car hire (category A) for 7 days with unlimited mileage and insurance and meet and greet on day of arrival.
Not included : Visa fee, meals not indicated, drinks, tips, personal expenses, fuel, airport car parking tax, travel insurance, airport taxes, hotel taxes (+/- EUR 1/day/person).
Car insurance includes : CDW (Collision damage waiver): damage to the car, fire and glass breaking, TPC (Theft protection coverage): Theft of car and damage to car, PAI (Personal Accident insurance): covers all passengers in the car within seating capacity, Technical assistance.
Car insurance does not cover : Inside damages, damages to the wheels and tires, personal belongings in the car, loss or theft of equipment (radio, windscreen wipers, radio antenna, wheel rims.), NWR (non waiverable responsibility). A credit card imprint for NWR is required, this amount will be debited in case of a problem with the car and reimbursed if the car rental company's insurance states that the hirer is not responsible for the charges. With Budget Rent a Car you can rent a GPS for EUR 10/day.
From $2350.00 per person sharing
