Cirque de Mafate caldera on Reunion Island

Reunion and Mauritius – Self Drive and Beach

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

15 Days

Prices Start from

£3,105pp(ex. flights)

Explore the volcanic landscapes of Reunion, driving around this pocket-sized French island – lost in the Indian Ocean. Continue to the beaches of Mauritius, staying at the beautifully positioned 20 Degrees Sud, a boutique hotel beside the warm ocean.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Cirque de Salazie seen from le col des boeufs, Reunion 1

Captivating landscapes

Self-drive around the island of Reunion, home to captivating landscapes and beautifully isolated.

Aerial view of Reunion 2

Hidden Waterfalls

Discover hidden waterfalls and hike across the lush hills that carpet this island.

Crater of volcano La Fournaise, Reunion 3

Crater Hike

Climb to the rim of the Dolomieu Crater and look down at the active Piton de la Fournaise Volcano.

White sand beach, Mauritius 4

Beaches

Relax on the beautiful beaches of Mauritius, swimming and sunbathing in the warm climate.

Why we like it

This journey combines two Indian Ocean islands that contrast with one another. The landscapes of Reunion, with its quirky exported French culture, compliment the relaxed beachside ambience of Mauritius perfectly. Flexible and active, yet stress free, this holiday delivers an exciting dose of exotic landscapes and desert island escapism.

Explore our suggested itinerary

  • Day 1

    Saint-Denis - Sainte Anne

  • Day 2

    Sainte Anne

  • Day 3

    Sainte Anne - Saint-Pierre

  • Day 4

    Saint-Pierre - Cilaos

  • Day 5

    Cilaos - Saint-Leu

  • Day 6 - 7

    Saint-Leu

  • Day 8

    Saint-Leu - Saint-Denis - Mauritius

  • Day 9 - 15

    Mauritius

Day 1

Saint-Denis - Sainte Anne

Day 2

Sainte Anne

Hell bourg from above in the cirque of Salazie, Sainte Anne, Reunion

Captivating landscapes

Self-drive around the island of Reunion, home to captivating landscapes and beautifully isolated.

Day 3

Sainte Anne - Saint-Pierre

Day 4

Saint-Pierre - Cilaos

Langevin waterfalls, Reunion

Hidden Waterfalls

Discover hidden waterfalls and hike across the lush hills that carpet this island.

Day 5

Cilaos - Saint-Leu

Day 6 - 7

Saint-Leu

Crater of volcano La Fournaise, Reunion

Crater Hike

Climb to the rim of the Dolomieu Crater and look down at the active Piton de la Fournaise Volcano.

Day 8

Saint-Leu - Saint-Denis - Mauritius

Day 9 - 15

Mauritius

White sand beach, Mauritius

Beaches

Relax on the beautiful beaches of Mauritius, swimming and sunbathing in the warm climate.

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Langevin waterfalls, Reunion
Reunion

Waterfalls and Spice Gardens

Circumnavigate this small island, beginning with the small towns of Sainte Anne and Saint-Pierre, exploring the villages that lie between. Visit the beautiful Riviere du Mat, with its steep cliffs and tumbling waterfalls.

Then continue to the ancient spa village of Hell-Bourg, named one of the most beautiful villages in France. Explore the spice gardens of Saint-Philippe and walk the wild wave-swept beaches of Manapany-les-Bains.

Beautiful Mafate, Saint Leu, Reunion
Saint-Leu, Reunion

Explore Dramatic Calderas

Continue inland to the town of Cilaos, which sits in an impressive caldera, ringed by jagged volcanic peaks. Here, explore the precipitous landscape, hiking along the various trails the zigzag across this rocky, green amphitheatre.

Afterwards, return to the coast and visit the picturesque village of Entre-Deux, before stopping at the Trou du Souffleur blowhole, which explodes from the ocean swell.

Scenic view of Dolomieu Crater of the Piton de la Fournaise volcano, Reunion Island
Piton de la Fournaise, Saint-Leu, Reunion

Climb an Active Volcano

From the coast, again return to the highlands. Visit the crater-riddled south of the island, home to Reunion’s only active volcano, Piton de la Fournaise. Have the opportunity to hike across the lunar landscape of the Dolomieu Crater, up to the ash-dusted rim and look down on the smoking volcano.

Finish with some time exploring the picturesque western coast, admiring the beautiful scenery of Mafate and the Piton Maido.

Exterior View, 20 Degrees Sud, Mauritius, Mauritius
20 Degrees Sud, Mauritius

A Week on the Beach

After an active week exploring Reunion’s rich landscapes, have some time to relax beside the warm Indian Ocean waters of Mauritius. Stay at 20 Degrees Sud, a boutique beachside hotel.

Swim, snorkel and sunbathe from the hotel’s private beach. Looking out over the beautiful Grand Baie, 20 Degrees Sud is tranquil and secluded, wonderfully detached from any surrounding hustle and bustle. Have the chance to venture offshore and dine atop the deserted Flat Island – ideal for a romantic meal.

For those who do not require total relaxation, additional activities can also be arranged. Offshore snorkelling, diving and swimming with dolphins are all popular choices, whilst – on land – there are visits to the markets, garden and museums of Mauritius.

Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

20 Degrees Sud £££££

  • Mauritius
  • Beach and Island Escapes

A true haven of refinement and exclusivity, this small, intimate hotel comprises 34 bedrooms decorated with antiques and designer furniture. It is situated in exceptional surroundings not far from the Pointe aux Canonniers at the mouth of the beautiful bay of Grand Baie.

View Property

A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

This Itinerary
Price
From £3,105 Per person

When to travel

Mauritius in January

December and January are typically Mauritius’ hottest months. Humidity is high and afternoon showers can be expected. It is also the start of the cyclone season.

Mauritius in February

February is most affected by cyclones. However, these don’t happen all the time and you will still have wonderful warm weather.

Mauritius in March

With the cyclone season coming to a close, it is a great time to visit Mauritius. The days are still hot and it can still be humid with the occasional rain shower. Depending on when Easter falls, the hotels can be busy.

Mauritius in April

April is still hot and humid. Temperatures will start to fall towards the end of the month. Depending on when Easter falls, the hotels can be busy.

Mauritius in May

Heading into winter, this is one of the better times to visit Mauritius. The temperatures have dropped and there is little to no humidity, making it a very pleasant time to visit.

Mauritius in June

With warm sunny days and cooler evenings, June is a very pleasant time to visit Mauritius for those who prefer not to have it too hot.

Mauritius in July

July is mid-winter for Mauritius, yet still a busy time due to the European summer holidays. The hotels along the east coast can be affected by the trade winds, which tend to pick up in the late afternoon.

Mauritius in August

The hotels along the east coast can be affected by the trade winds, which tend to pick up in the late afternoon. The temperatures are in the low to mid twenties during the day and the evenings tend to be cooler.

Mauritius in September

Temperatures remain cooler in September and October, with the trade winds still affecting the east of the island.

Mauritius in October

Temperatures remain cooler in September and October, with the trade winds still affecting the east of the island.

Mauritius in November

November marks the beginning of the island’s hot and humid summer, with temperatures rising and rainfall becoming far more frequent.

Mauritius in December

December and January are typically Mauritius’ hottest months. Humidity is high and afternoon showers can be expected. It is also the start of the cyclone season.

Why Choose Steppes?

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