The ridge above Mafate to the island's third-highest summit
At a glance
- Category
- Hikes
- Area
- The west
- Distance
- 12 km
- Elevation gain
- 700 m
- Time
- 5–6 h
- Difficulty
- 3 out of 5
- Water on the route
- No
- With children
- Teenagers with some experience
- Best time
- May — November; start at dawn
- Places to stay nearby
- 14 places to stay within 1 km
A route from the Maïdo lookout along the rim of the Mafate cirque to the summit of Grand Bénare (2,896 m). The whole way runs above the cliff, with views of the îlets below and of Piton des Neiges.
Maïdo → the ridge. Arrive at Maïdo for sunrise: the lookout over Mafate is a goal in itself. The trail follows the ridge through low scrub.
The summit of Grand Bénare. The final climb is over rocks. Return the same way, or descend into Mafate (for multi-day routes).
- The drive up to Maïdo from Saint-Paul takes about 1 h
- Sun protection is essential: there is no shade
On the map
Orange dots: places to stay nearby. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Coordinates are approximate.
Where to stay nearby: Grand Bénare from Maïdo
All places to stay in the area →
Distance from the sight as the crow flies: Gîte Le Kerval — 350 m; Gîte Fanélie César — 360 m; Gîte Chez Bibic — 400 m; Gîte Giroday — 560 m.
Tours nearby
All tours on the island →
Guided hikes
Overnight trek into the Mafate cirqueA cirque without roads: on foot from hamlet to hamlet, with a night in a gîte
2–3 daysMay — November≈ 3.1 km
Canyons and thrills
Canyoning in Cilaos and SalazieWaterfall descents, from beginner canyons to sporting ones
Half a day to a full dayMay — November≈ 5.1 km
From the air
Paragliding over the Saint-Leu lagoonA tandem flight from 800 m with a landing by the beach
15–30 minAll year, best in the morning≈ 17 kmMore to see nearby
Hike
From Cilaos to Mafate over the Col du Taïbit
A crossing between two cirques over a 2,080 m pass≈ 2.0 km
Hike
Piton des Neiges from Cilaos
The highest point in the Indian Ocean: a climb with an overnight stay and sunrise above the clouds≈ 5.2 km
Hike
La Chapelle in Cilaos
A chapel-like canyon on the floor of the cirque, with river crossings≈ 6.1 km
Hike
Into Mafate: Col des Bœufs → La Nouvelle
The shortest way into the roadless cirque, and a night in an îlet≈ 6.3 kmOpening hours, prices and rules are a rough guide: check official websites before you go.