Reunion Island Trip Planning: Your Next Adventure

Reunion Island, a hidden gem in the Indian Ocean, is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those who simply want to unwind. With its stunning volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches, this island offers an unforgettable experience. In this post, I outline a 5-day itinerary to help you make the most of your Reunion Island trip.

In this post I will outline details of where I stayed, what I did and what everything costs as of July 2024 on my trip to Reunion Island. I travelled with my friend Nafisa (whose tech website you can find here) and together, we rented a car to get around the island. 

FIRST IT’S TIME FOR A BRIEF PPG (PANDA’S PROGRESSIVE GEOGRAPHY) LESSON!

• Early Discoveries: The island remained uninhabited until the early 16th century when Portuguese explorers stumbled upon it.
• French Colonisation: In the 17th century, France claimed the island and named it Île Bourbon. The focus shifted to agriculture, primarily coffee and sugar, with enslaved Africans brought in as labour.
• Shifting Fortunes: The island’s name changed several times, reflecting political shifts. It became Réunion during the French Revolution, then Bonaparte Island under Napoleon, and back to Bourbon after his defeat.
• Abolition of Slavery: In 1848, slavery was abolished on Réunion. To sustain the plantation economy, indentured labourers were brought in from India, Madagascar, and Southeast Asia.
• French Overseas Department: In 1946, Réunion became an overseas department of France, marking a significant step towards integration.

This history has shaped the island’s unique cultural blend, with influences from Africa, Europe, Asia, and Madagascar. Today, Reunion is a popular tourist destination, offering a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.

Cost Breakdown

When to Go

For those who don’t like very hot weather, prefer less intense sun and cooler air, the winter season from May to November is ideal. During this period, beach lovers can indulge themselves on the west coast beaches of the island and conditions are ideal for hiking. Summer is also the period of cyclones, which often occur between December and February and sweep the Reunion Island coastlines. 

Getting There

Air: Various major airlines offer cheap flights to Saint-Denis de la Reunion including: Air France, Air Mauritius and Air Madagascar. 

If you’re flying from Johannesburg, consider Air Austral which is Reunion’s national carrier. They offer direct flights to the island three times a week.

Where to Stay

Reunion Island offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every budget and travel style. Unless you absolutely MUST stay at a hotel, I would consider renting self catering apartments.

This is because restaurants on Reunion have strange opening hours (most are only open between 11 and 14:30).

Having your own small kitchen space will help to alleviate hunger after a grocery store run. 

Here are the two places we stayed at:

• Résidence Touristique Les Mascarins: Situated in Petite Île, this is the perfect place to base yourself if you want to explore the south of the island. It’s close to Grand Anse beach (stunning sunset views and big tidal pool for swimming) but you need to have a car to get around. It has a well equipped kitchen and swimming pool. 

• Le Moma: For accommodation on the west side of the island, this is a great option. You can walk along the beach to a swimming lagoon and watch fantastic sunsets from the property. It has a swimming pool and communal kitchen.

Tips for Your Reunion Island Trip

Currency:  The Euro is the currency utilised on Reunion. Almost every palace accepted cards, even market vendors and ice cream trucks.

Visa: Check visa requirements for your nationality before travelling. South Africans are visa exempt and can stay in Reunion for up to 90 days. There are specific requirements for Chinese and Indian passport holders in order to be visa exempt. Read them here. For other nationalities, the visa process needs to be confirmed with the nearest French consulate or embassy. 

Packing: Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat for your Reunion Island trip. Even in winter, the African sun is strong and days get quite warm! If you plan to go hiking, I would advise proper hiking shoes as the terrain can be rough. 

Helicopter Tour: If you’re booking a helicopter tour, make sure to leave space for it in your itinerary over 1-3 days. Flights often get cancelled due to lack of people to fill the helicopter or changing climate conditions so you need to be flexible. We booked our helicopter ride with Corail. 

Halal food: Many people reached out to me asking for halal food options in Reunion. I suggest you consult this website which has a list of certified eateries in Reunion which are halal.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive on Reunion

What you accomplish on this day depends on what time you land. We landed at 6am so we had an entire full day ahead.

Stop 1: Pick up your rental car 

The rental car terminal is located about a 7 minute walk out of the arrivals terminal at Roland Garros Airport.  We rented with Avis but I wouldn’t say that renting with them is a must. Shop around for the best deal and remember that roads in Reunion can be narrow- a smaller vehicle is better.

Stop 2: Cascade Niagara

A 20 minute drive away from the airport is the tall Niagara Falls. Don’t worry when you start driving through towering sugarcane plantations- that means you’re on the right track. This waterfall requires no physical effort as you can see it from the parking lot!

Stop 3: Bassin Bouef

This natural wonder features a series of inviting pools carved into the volcanic landscape. With crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush greenery, it’s an idyllic spot to relax, swim, or simply soak up the beauty of nature. A short hike leads to these tranquil pools, making it accessible for adventurers of all levels. If you’re more adventurous, there are a number of longer hikes you can do as well- consult the sign in the ‘parking lot’. 

This is where we started driving around looking for restaurants that Google said were open but they were either closed or were open but weren’t serving food! This led us to find the nearest mall and stock up on grocery items.

From St. Suzanne we drove to our first accommodation, checked in and rested.

Stop 4: Watch sunset from Grand Anse Beach 

The plan was to find a beachside restaurant and watch the sunset but of course, none were open. There was a tiny sandwich kiosk which was serving baguettes with various fillings and we spent the afternoon relaxing once we were full. 

Day 2: St. Pierre and Langevin

Stop 1: Temple Tamoul

Temple Tamoul offers a captivating glimpse into Hindu culture and architecture. This stunning edifice, adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant colours, is a testament to the rich heritage of the Tamil community. While access to the interior is restricted, exploring the temple’s exterior and surrounding grounds is a rewarding experience. Be sure to respect the sacred nature of the site by dressing modestly and being quiet.

Stop 2: Breakfast at Café Hippi’Eat

This charming café offers a unique blend of international flavors and local ingredients, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Indulge in mouthwatering dishes like eggs Benedict, fluffy pancakes, or fresh fruit bowls, all prepared with a touch of island flair. The cafe overlooks the water but there was some construction going on nearby so it can be a bit noisy. Still, the excellent food made it worth it!

Stop 3: La Marine Langevin

This secluded spot offers stunning coastal views and stunning coral pools. However most posts online said that this was a place you could swim- you definitely cannot unless you want to die- and that there was a waterfall (Cascade Langevin)in the vicinity. We walked around for an hour and while the views were impressive, we could not locate a waterfall or swimming area. 

We ended the day back at Grand Anse Beach for sunset where we enjoyed some sushi from the local Carrefour.

Day 3: Pierrefronds and St. Pierre

Stop 1: Aéroport de Pierrefonds

We had booked a 9:30am helicopter ride with Corail. You need to arrive early to be weighed and then receive the safety briefing. The process is quite streamlined which impressed me. No matter where you sit, the helicopter is designed so that you will still have amazing views as you soar over the island’s iconic volcanoes, witnessing firsthand the dramatic landscapes shaped by molten lava. From the lunar-like Plaine des Sables to the imposing Piton de la Fournaise, this aerial adventure offered unparalleled views of the island’s volcanic heart. If you don’t fancy seeing volcanoes, there are other tour options available. 

Stop 2: St. Pierre Market 

We decided to explore the island’s largest market  and attempt to find some food. It was a true kaleidoscope of colours and scents as we explored stalls brimming with exotic fruits, fragrant spices, and intricate handicrafts. You can sample sweet Bourbon vanilla and haggle for unique souvenirs at this bustling market which offers an authentic taste of island life. Top tip for visiting this market is to come early (9am) because parking is an absolute nightmare and the market gets really busy around midday. 

Stop 3: Ice Cream at Glaces Péepée

With a commitment to using local ingredients, every scoop at Glaces Péepée is a delightful taste of the island. Whether you’re enjoying a classic flavour or trying a unique local combination, you’re guaranteed a truly unforgettable treat. I strongly recommend pistachio and coconut!

Stop 4: Kélonia Turtle Sanctuary 

A visit to Kélonia Turtle Sanctuary on Reunion Island is an unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in the world of these majestic creatures as you learn about their lifecycle and the importance of conservation. Witness the incredible work being done to protect endangered sea turtles, and if you manage to be there at 4pm, you will see the turtles getting fed. Make sure to spend the most time at the outdoor pools because the turtles do surface a lot and you will be able to get lovely photos if you are patient. It’s a truly inspiring opportunity to connect with nature and contribute to a vital cause.

Day 4: Trois Bassins

Stop 1: Brunch at Copacabana

After trying to find an open breakfast place, we finally stumbled upon Copacabana in St. Paul. I was actually happy that the other places we tried first were closed because This beachfront restaurant offers more than just delicious food; it’s an experience. Enjoy fresh seafood while gazing at the stunning Indian Ocean, or soak up the lively ambiance with your feet in the sand. I strongly recommend making a reservation through their website as it does get busy! 

Stop 2: Kayak Transparent Reunion

The idea here was to rent a transparent kayak and paddle through the crystal-clear lagoon, marvelling at the vibrant coral reefs and colourful fish swimming beneath us. Well personally I couldn’t see any coral reefs that were alive in the demarcated kayaking area. We thought we would paddle for an hour but ended up giving the kayak back after just 30 minutes since the kayak was filthy (we couldn’t see anything through it) and we couldn’t see anything through the water either. The company offers a guided tour with the promise of seeing fish so that might be a better option but personally don’t recommend this experience unless you just really love kayaking in the sea.

Stop 3: Dinner at iPanema Restaurant 

This was probably my favourite eating experience on Reunion! Every dish that we ordered was sublime and I loved the poolside laid-back atmosphere as we savoured a fusion of traditional and French cuisine. Make sure you don’t skip dessert as their creme brûlée and brioche pudding are both incredible! 

Day 5: St. Paul and St. Denis

Stop 1: Brunch at Le Faam

Brunch at Le Faam on Reunion Island is a delightful culinary experience. We indulge in a harmonious blend of sweet and savoury delights, crafted with fresh, local ingredients. From fluffy pancakes to savoury egg dishes, the menu caters to every palate. Do not miss out on the matcha- even though I wouldn’t normally order matcha, I was glad I branched out and tried it here because it was delightful! Parking near this restaurant can be challenging on a weekend so try to go early or park in the Carrefour parking lot.

Stop 2: Marché forain de l’Étang Salé les Bains

Right outside Le Faam was an unexpected market selling locally produced handmade items. I picked up some artisanal jewelry and Nafisa got herself a hat. We could’ve wandered around here longer but the market closes at 1 and we got there a little too late! Note that this market only operates on a Sunday morning.

Due to the flight schedule of Air Austral, we had one entire Sunday afternoon left of our Reunion Island trip before our evening flight. On a Sunday afternoon in Reunion, most things are closed. Although we tried to visit the Cap Noir viewpoint, we had some issues with our rental car and didn’t make it to the top. If you have the Sunday afternoon free, try to make sure you do something ‘in nature’ because shops and other activities will be closed. You could stop at Niagara Falls (mentioned on day 1) enroute to the airport. 

Stop 3: Roland Garros Airport

We returned our car and prepared to depart the island. Note that this airport is very small and has limited shopping and eating options both before and after passing passport control. There are no airport lounges in this airport either so try to spend as little time there as possible!

This 5-day itinerary offers a glimpse into the magic of a Reunion Island trip. With its diverse landscapes, thrilling adventures,and warm hospitality, this island is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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Have you considered a Reunion Island trip before? Or have I inspired you to visit? Let me know in the comments below!