WHY WE LOVE REUNION ISLAND AND YOU WILL TOO
Reunion Island is not your average tropical island. It might not look like much on Google Maps, but the island’s small size is big in experience.
The tiny island lies in the Indian Ocean, just a 4-hour flight from Johannesburg and is visa-free for South African travellers.
Reunion island is a department of France, and the citizens hold the same status as those in mainland France. The result? A genuinely unique French-meets-tropical island-destination.
Reunion is not your typical ‘fly-and-flop’ tropical island.
Picture hiking up volcano slopes, canyoning down waterfalls, exploring ancient lava tunnels, helicopter tours and stand up paddling in warm turquoise lagoons. Add to this croissants and a touch of French chic, and you have a truly unique Indian Ocean island experience.
The island’s showstopper is Piton de la Fournaise, an active volcano that regularly erupts in a dramatic show of nature’s majesty (posing no danger to the island). Lace-up the hiking boots or hop in the helicopter to explore the three sensational cirques, formed by ancient collapsed volcanoes.
These cirques shelter lush, emerald forests, Alpine-Esque villages and hidden waterfalls. Laze on the beach or enjoy the watersports. Stand up paddling and kayaking is a popular pastime at the L’Hermitage lagoon, offering balmy 26 degrees, calm and clear water year-round.
Work up an appetite and explore the multicultural flavours of the island’s cuisine. The island’s capital, Saint-Denis, is small and easily navigable with a fascinating mix of architecture. And for the apres-island lifestyle, mingle with the locals in the beach bars and restaurants lining the lagoon.
For adventure lovers and travellers looking for a unique, off the beaten path holiday brimming with nature and culture, Reunion Island travel is just the ticket.