RANDONNÉE À MAFATE

A paradise for hikers, with no roads or cars, inaccessible only on foot or by helicopter, the cirque de Mafate abounds in fascinating landscapes and a network of well-marked trails. But a hike in the cirque de Mafate can't be improvised. Prepare well.

Equip yourself well. Bring good walking shoes, Compeed® bandages, appropriate clothing (including fleece and K-way) and enough food and water (between 1.5 and 2.5 liters per person). In your rucksack, also pack a cap, a first-aid kit, some groceries, a rubbish bag for your garbage, sunglasses and sun cream, a headlamp and, of course, your fully-charged cell phone and camera. And don't forget to bring some cash, as gîtes and small shops don't always accept credit cards.

Check the weather conditions. The weather can change rapidly on Mafate, and you're not safe from heavy rain that could lead to landslides or river overflows. Consult the Météo-France website before setting off (www.meteofrance.re).

Check the duration of your trip. The time indicated on the information sheets is given as a guide only, and will depend on your walking pace, your breaks, the group, etc. Set off early in the morning and make sure you return before nightfall, and never set off alone.

Follow the marked trails. Each circuit is marked by a GR (grande randonnée). The red and white GR is used for the main itinerary of the GR.R1 and GR.R2 (linear paths), the red and yellow GR corresponds to loops and the GR.R3 circumnavigates the cirque of Mafate. Certain trails may be prohibited by prefectoral decree, in which case it's best to give up or change route.

Respect nature. Many of our forests are part of Unesco's World Heritage List, and you'll have the chance to walk through dense, endemic vegetation. Leave no trace of your passage. Don't light fires outside designated areas. Take all your garbage with you and don't pick plants or disturb wildlife.

Respect the Mafatais. Be discreet, respect their privacy, be curious but not intrusive, and ask their permission before taking photos.

Useful numbers. Mountain rescue: 0262 930 930 or 112. Allô sentier: 0262 90 48 00.

Useful websites : www.randopitons.re, www.onf.fr/la-reunion, https://randotectec.reunion-parcnational.fr and www.ouest-lareunion.com.