Cirque de Mafate – A Secluded Paradise on Réunion
The Cirque de Mafate is a remote crater on the island of Réunion in the Indian Ocean and is one of the most impressive natural wonders of the island. Surrounded by steep volcanic walls, the Cirque is only accessible on foot or by helicopter, which adds to its isolation. The crater is known for its breathtaking hikes, leading to stunning views of lush valleys, waterfalls, and the turquoise sea. The Cirque de Mafate is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular destination for adventure travelers.
Early in the morning we left La Nouvelle for Marla (1629 m). We wanted to spend the second night in the Mafate in the secluded mountain village. Again, the path was fantastic. It went up and down, along streams and partly through forests. Seeing the massive caldera under a blue sky was impressive, especially as we had had few distant views as we made our way through the cloud forests off La Nouvelle.
A hike through the gorges and over the ridges of the "Cirque de Mafate" is overwhelming. We started in the morning on the north side of the huge caldera of the Piton des Neiges, crossed the Col de Fourche (1,946 m) and finally reached the small mountain town of La Nouvelle (1,450 m) before nightfall, although it was hidden in thick fog. Our surprise was all the greater in the morning when we were able to continue the hike to the next mountain town called Marla under a blue sky and bright sunshine. The road to La Nouvell was beautiful.
