Bélouve Forest
Forêt de Bélouve
A high-altitude native forest above the Salazie cirque, covered in moss and tree ferns. It is the starting point for the hike to the Trou de Fer falls viewpoint.
Bélouve Forest lies on the high plateau along the southern rim of the Salazie cirque, above the town of Plaine-des-Palmistes. It is one of the best-preserved high-altitude humid native forests on Réunion, with tall tamarin des Hauts trees, tree ferns and hanging moss creating a fairy-tale landscape. The trail from Bélouve mountain hut (Gîte de Bélouve) takes about 3 to 4 hours round trip to the Trou de Fer viewpoint, which overlooks one of the deepest waterfall gorges in the world. The hut's terrace also offers views over the Salazie cirque and the village of Hell-Bourg. From Plaine-des-Palmistes, it is about 40 minutes by car along the forest road to the car park, and the road is narrow. The forest is often misty and rainy, so bring waterproof clothing.
Opening hours
Open all day (hiking best started early in the morning)
Nearby sights
- Cirque de Salazie & Hell-Bourg
- Trou de Fer
- Voile de la Mariée
- Piton des Neiges
- Cirque de Cilaos
- Grand Bassin
- Cirque de Mafate
- Cité du Volcan