Reunion Safari Tours & Holidays

Reunion Island is located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar and southwest of the island nation of Mauritius. Known for Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and its breath-taking mountains and calderas, Reunion Island is home to an incredible diversity of landscapes and micro-climates, a melting pot of cultures, bustling towns, and stunning beaches. The main entry point is the Roland Garros International Airport in St. Denis, the capital city. From here, many adventures await those who want to explore this diverse island! I’ve explored the length and breadth of this island and based on my trips, I’ve compiled this guide of the best places to visit in Reunion Island. These places can be visited on a comfortable 10-day self-drive itinerary – scroll down for a day-by-day overview of this suggested Reunion Island itinerary.

Reunion’s tropical climate gives it both a rainy summer season (October – March) which reaches about 28C and a cool, dry winter season (April – September) which reaches about 20C in temperature.

With 50% of the island a UNESCO Heritage Site and almost one thousand kilometers of hiking trails winding through Reunion’s landscapes, the island is a nature lover’s dream.

How to get to Reunion Island

The main airline to serve Réunion is Air France (www.airfrance.com) from Paris. Air Austral (www.air-austral.com) and Air Mauritius (www.airmauritius.com) operate daily flights between Réunion and Mauritius.

Roland Garros Airport serves several airlines, including Air Austral and Air Mauritius. Direct flights depart from Johannesburg, and connecting flights depart from Cape Town. The flight duration from Johannesburg to Reunion Island is approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes.

Passport, Visa, and Entry requirements for Reunion Island

Hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of country exit and with one blank visa page and proof of onward and return flights.

A visa is not required for this destination for a stay of up to 90 days. Please keep in mind that while a visa is not required.

The health sector of Reunion Island

Health care in Réunion is generally excellent. Public hospitals offer the cheapest service, but may not have the most up-to-date equipment and medications; private hospitals and clinics are more expensive but tend to have more advanced drugs and equipment and better-trained medical staff. Travelers will still need travel insurance during their travel to Reunion Island.

Malaria and Yellow fever vaccination for Reunion Island

The fact that a country has no requirement for yellow fever vaccination does not imply that there is no risk of spreading it there so ensure you are vaccinated before traveling to Reunion island.

Autochthonous malaria has been eliminated from Réunion in 1979. To prevent secondary transmission and re-emergence of autochthonous malaria, permanent epidemiologic and entomological surveillance and vector control measures are conducted around imported malaria cases. so do pack some anti-malarial drugs with you

The currency of Reunion Island

The franc was the currency of Reunion until 1999. Before 1975, Reunion had its own franc, distinct from that of France. After 1975, the French franc circulated. Reunion now uses the euro.

Official Language of Reunion Island

The language in common use on the island is Réunion French Creole, and Tamil is also spoken by some people; French, however, is the official language.

Best time to travel to Reunion Island

The best time for a trip to Reunion is the cooler and dry months between May and November.

What to wear to Reunion Island

Conservative/casual clothing is acceptable in the bigger towns and cities in Reunion and dependent on the climate. Comfortable beachwear is fine on the coast, just be sure to take sun cream because the sun gets very strong in the summer months. Generally speaking, light layers of clothing are the best items to bring with you, as well as a warmer jacket or fleece for the cooler evenings. A hat is also a must-have!

What to bring while traveling to Reunion Island

Reunion may boast a tropical climate, but it’s worth packing warm clothes and a waterproof jacket if you plan on going hiking.

long and short sleeve shirts and trousers
A warm fleece or jumper
A lightweight waterproof jacket
Comfortable but sturdy shoes
Flip-flops
Swimming costume
A hat or baseball cap
Sunglasses
Sunscreen – a must!
Toiletries – most camps will provide shampoo, shower gel, and soap
A small torch
Spare batteries, plug adaptors, and charging equipment
A good pair of Binoculars
Books or a fully loaded Kindle / iPad for siesta time
Most camps and lodges will have a small medical and first aid kit, but we recommend bringing your own supply of essentials

Car hire and driving in Reunion Island

It’s absolutely safe to self-drive in Reunion Island and travelers should ensure they travel with their international driving license and follow the road rules of the island nation but we recommend hiring a Car with a driver.

Accommodation in Reunion Island

During your holiday in Reunion Island, you will not lack where to stay and the accommodation facilities are pretty reasonably priced and an advance booking is required during the busy tourism months of May to November.

Local food of Reunion Island

The main local specialty is curry, a savory stew of meats, fish, or shellfish, simmered with garlic, onions, ginger, cloves, turmeric, and other local spices. Curry is served with white rice, legumes (beans or lentils), and a spicy condiment called Rougail made with tomatoes, lemon, and pistachios.

Tipping while Travelling in Reunion Island

Tipping is not expected in Réunion and travelers can tip anything between 15- 20 dollars for a few hours’ hikes and free to go more if the guide is exceptional.

Further information for Reunion Island

The shores of Reunion Island are home to many marine mammals. Many diving schools, as well as other establishments, offer sessions of whale and dolphin watching. Among the mammals you will get to see are blower dolphins, spotted dolphins, humpback whales, and the Risso dolphins, a species discovered off the shores of the island in 2003.

From 2009 a charter for approaching and observing whales at bumps came into being.

This charter presents the rules of good conduct aimed at containing the disturbance caused to whales, while enjoying the spectacle of nature and with mutual respect for users of the sea. It has been signed by many institutions, organizations, professionals, or individuals.

After several years of application, it appeared necessary to consolidate this charter with the creation of a new device intended for? Promote the best practices of sea users on a whale watching a? La Re? Union: the label The objective of the 02CR label is to provide a sustainable framework for this activity, which does not harm cetaceans, humans, or operators. This label also aims to contribute to the education of the general public in matters of the marine environment and falls more generally in the recommendations of the South Indian Ocean Blue Book which identifies the potential for sustainable development of this type.

On a voluntary basis, professionals and boaters will be able to apply for certification of their activity. The files will be examined by a certifying body.

Safety of Reunion Island

Overall Reunion is relatively safe compared with most Western countries, but occasional robberies do occur. Don’t leave anything of value in a rental car or on the beach and ensure that your room or bungalow is securely locked. Violence is rarely a problem, and muggings are almost unheard of.