Réunion is an island in Indian Ocean that is a department of France and as such uses the Euro as its currency. It is famous for tropical forests, sugarcane plantations and its volcanic activity. 

You will find so much biodiversity. Mountains, lush tropical flora, forests, grasslands and beautiful beaches.

Interesting fact: Réunion accounts for 16% of all shark attacks in the world! It is situated between South Africa and Australia in what is known as “Shark alley”.

And today, we are going up 2,631 metres (8,632 feet) to visit Le Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most active. In fact, le Piton is sometimes referred to as a sister to the Hawaiian volcanoes. 

It’s most recent eruption was in September 2022. The eruptions are not explosive like Mount St-Helen’s but rather like fluid basaltic lava flows out of the vent in the caldera.

We steadily climb up twisted roads and switchbacks through small towns. You almost feel like you are in the French countryside with pastoral fields and totally French road signage and names.

At times, we feel like we are in Switzerland and other times as if we were in the forests of Bryce Canyon and then on the surface of Mars.

Our first stop is Nez du Boeuf a high summit at 2,050 metres (6,725 feet) in between Le Tampon region (yes, an unfortunate name) and St-Joseph. The mountain range and deep gorges are spectacular.

As we continue our journey up, the landscape begins to change into bare peaks with a skirt of low lying colourful brush.

It is tight for the bus to navigate the constant sharp . At times, it seems we are only one wheel away from falling down the rocky cliffs.

Before we arrive at the volcano, we must traverse the barren Mars-like ash covered crater. 

The clouds quickly move in as we arrive at the caldera where the vent is. It looks like a mini volcano or super-sized ant hill.

The clear blue skies for our way back have made way for clouds and mist. But it doesn’t deter the many local  picnicking by the side of the road, enjoying the last school Christmas holiday break that lasted 3 weeks.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant with some nice wine to accompany the pumpkin lasagna. It is delicious!

Out last stop is at the Cité du Volcan—the volcano museum which explains all of the history and geology of the volcanic nature of the island.

Our next post will be the west coast of South Africa.