Mauritius and Réunion Volcanoes
Explore Mauritius's southwest highlands and Port Louis, fly to Réunion for Maïdo and Piton de la Fournaise, then return to the east coast to visit Ile aux Cerfs.
Adds two nights in Réunion to the standard Mauritius route. For the first three days, stay on the west coast and tour the central plateau, the southwest highlands and Port Louis. On day four, fly about 45 minutes to Réunion. Stay on the west coast, and at dawn go up Maïdo to overlook Mafate cirque. Then move to the plains area. The next morning, climb Piton de la Fournaise before flying back. Finally, stay on the east coast and visit Ile aux Cerfs. Ideal for travelers who want both island beaches and volcanic landscapes.
Réunion's dry season, May–Nov, is best for hiking. Trails close during volcanic eruptions.
Day by day
Day 1 · Landing and Heading West Across the Central Plateau
Mauritius Island（Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao)、Trou aux Cerfs）
About 45 minutes' drive from the airport to Grand Bassin, about 30 minutes on to Trou aux Cerfs crater, then about 40 minutes to Flic en Flac.
Stay: Flic en Flac
Day 2 · Black River Gorges, Chamarel and Le Morne
Mauritius Island（Black River Gorges National Park、Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth、Chamarel Waterfall、Le Morne Brabant）
Self-drive or hire a car around the southwest highlands, about 100 km in total.
Stay: Flic en Flac
Day 3 · Port Louis and the Botanical Garden
Mauritius Island（Aapravasi Ghat、Port Louis Central Market、Le Caudan Waterfront、Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden）
About 40 minutes' drive from Flic en Flac to Port Louis. In the afternoon, about 25 minutes to Pamplemousses, then back to the west coast.
Stay: Flic en Flac
Day 4 · Flying to Saint-Denis, Réunion
Réunion（Jardin de l'État、Le Barachois、Boucan Canot Beach）
Drive about 1 hour to the airport in the morning, then fly about 45 minutes to Roland Garros Airport. Pick up a car to tour Saint-Denis, then about 40 minutes to Saint-Gilles.
Réunion is a French overseas department, so visa requirements differ from those for Mauritius.
Stay: Saint-Gilles-les-Bains
Day 5 · Maïdo Sunrise and Volcano City
Réunion（Maïdo Viewpoint、Cité du Volcan）
Climb in the pre-dawn hours, about 1 hour to Maïdo. After returning, about 1.5 hours via the southern motorway to the plains area.
Clouds often roll in at Maïdo after 10 a.m., so get there early.
Stay: Plaine des Cafres (Cité du Volcan area)
Day 6 · Piton de la Fournaise, Then Fly Back
Réunion（Plaine des Sables、Piton de la Fournaise）
Early in the morning, drive about 45 minutes across the Plaine des Sables to the volcano viewpoint. Hike for half a day, then drive about 1.5 hours to the airport. Fly back to Mauritius in the evening, then about 45 minutes' drive to Belle Mare.
Check the volcano observatory's notices on trail openings before setting out.
Stay: Belle Mare
Day 7 · Ile aux Cerfs Island Day
Mauritius Island（Île aux Cerfs）
About 15 minutes' drive from Belle Mare to the pier, then take a boat to Ile aux Cerfs for a full day of water activities.
Stay: Belle Mare
Day 8 · Belle Mare Beach and Departure
Mauritius Island（Belle Mare Beach）
Relax on the beach in the morning, then about 45 minutes' drive to the airport.