Maïdo excursion: Panoramic view over Mafate

The Maïdo and Saint-Paul Bay tour

The Piton Maïdo is one of the most breathtaking viewpoints on the island! This collapsed flank of the ancient Piton des Neiges volcano opens onto the wildest of the three cirques: Mafate, revealed 1000 meters below our feet.

We’ll reach it through a beautiful forest of endemic species, and explore an important page of Reunion Island’s history: the Marronage, the fleeing of enslaved people to the mountains in search of freedom.

On the way down, we’ll stop at a traditional geranium distillery to discover the extraction methods and secrets of this local fragrant plant.

Then we’ll head to Saint-Paul, considered the “cradle of the island”, with a first stop at Tour des Roches, a charming and preserved natural area, where you can also swim in fresh spring water.

We will then head to the bay and enjoy our picnic in the park. It is close to Reunion’s oldest cemetery….

Finally, before returning to the hotel, we’ll stop at Cap Lahoussaye — maybe we’ll spot some turtles or even passing whales? Or take a dip in the natural basalt pool at the base of the cliff.

From sea spray to mountain peaks
Duration : 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
125€ / pers

Activities

Visit

Level

Easy

Languages

French, English, German

Places visited : Point de vue du Maido / Plantation de géranium / Cimetière marin / Tour des roches / cap Lahoussaye

Need more information?

Contact us on 0262 6 93 91 86 05

catherine clain guide touristique à La Réunion Vavang Tours V2

Your guide

For more than 8 years, I've had the pleasure of helping travelers from all over the world discover Reunion Island.

I'm a multilingual independent guide (French, English, German), passionate about my island, its history and its landscapes.
I adapt each outing to your pace and desires, and make sure that each moment is rich, human and authentic.

My goal: that you leave with true memories, great encounters, and the impression of having experienced something unique - far beyond a simple tourist circuit.

Itinerary

  • 7:00 AM Departure from Saint-Gilles
  • 8:15/8:30 AM Arrival at Maïdo / About 30 min on site
  • 9:00 AM Departure from Maïdo / Descent towards the geranium distillery (stop at Calumets on the way)
  • 9:30–10:00 AM Visit of the Geranium House (about 30 min. Distillation process + shop)
  • 10:45 AM Stop at the Marine Cemetery, black sand beach
  • 12:00 PM Picnic and break at Tour des Roches (freshwater swimming possible)
  • Around 2:30 PM Access to Cap Lahoussaye natural pool
  • Return to hotel around 4:00 PM

Itinerary and stops may be adapted according to weather or traffic conditions, to ensure the best possible experience on the day of the excursion.

* Modular tour on request, subject to conditions. Contact me for more information

Service details

Price includes

  • Minibus transportation
  • French / English / German-speaking guide
  • Drinks, tea and coffee at the picnic
  • Creole picnic lunch, seasonal cakes or fruit, drinks and coffee
  • Entry fees for visited sites

Price does not include

  • Souvenirs and personal purchases
  • Travel insurance

Would you like to make this tour your own?

Enjoy an entirely private experience, tailored to your desires and your pace.
Tailor-made excursions for families, couples or groups of friends.
Contact us for a personalized package.

Further information

  • Languages: French, English, German

  • Schedule: departure at 7:00 a.m., return around 5:00 p.m.

  • Transport included: comfortable minibus with optimal visibility
  • Meal: Creole picnic or restaurant (depending on excursion)
  • What to bring: comfortable shoes, water, sun protection, light jacket
  • Reservation required (minimum 3 participants)
  • Payment: On site by cash or credit card
  • Target audience: ideal for couples, families, private groups, cruise passengers, and premium travelers
  • Custom services available for travel agencies or specific requests

Excursions are confirmed from 3 participants. If you’re fewer, booking is still possible by paying the equivalent of 3 people.

Remember to take

A light jacket or windbreaker / rain protection / comfortable shoes / hat and mosquito repellent. Beware of motion sickness!

Walking distance: max. 800 m

How to make a reservation

Would you like to book or privatize this tour?

Simply fill the form bellow, specifying your requirements (location, date, time, number of people…).

I’ll get back to you promptly with a personalized, no-obligation quote.

✅ Service available 6j/7
✅ Quick response by e-mail or telephone
✅ Payment on site (Cash, CB)

Mail address

vavangtours@gmail.com

Phone

+262 693 91 86 05

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