At the heart of the Salazie Cirque, the hiking trail connecting Gîte de Belouve to Trou de Fer traverses one of Réunion's best-preserved primary forests. Trou de Fer is a breathtaking volcanic chasm approximately 200 meters deep, fed by a spectacular waterfall. This trail, classified within the core zone of the National Park, demands good physical fitness but rewards you with total immersion in the highland tamarin forest.

Practical Info at a Glance

• Trail access: Gîte de Belouve is reached from Hell-Bourg (Salazie) via a forest road — check access conditions with the National Park before departure.
• Recommended duration: allow a full day (round trip from the lodge).
• Difficulty: challenging hike, terrain sometimes muddy and slippery, significant elevation gain.
• Essential equipment: waterproof hiking boots, rain gear, sufficient water and food.
• Regulations: trail in the core zone of Réunion National Park — strict respect for fauna and flora, no plant collection.
• Accessibility: not wheelchair accessible.

What You'll See

The trail descends into the highland tamarin forest, an emblematic endemic species of Réunion. Vegetation is dense and humid, scattered with tree ferns and mosses. As you approach Trou de Fer, the distant roar of the waterfall announces the chasm before it comes into view. The viewpoint platform offers a plunging vista of this natural amphitheater where the cascade plunges into an abyss ringed by basaltic cliffs cloaked in vegetation.

History and Context

Trou de Fer is a collapsed caldera, a remnant of the ancient volcanic activity of the Piton des Neiges massif. Long inaccessible and little-known, it became one of the island's most photographed natural sites once helicopter tours popularized it. Gîte de Belouve, the historic starting point, is managed as part of the National Park's refuge network and remains a prized stopping point for hikers crossing the cirque.

Highlights of the Journey

The Highland Tamarin Forest

From the first kilometers, the forest envelops the trail in a misty, hushed atmosphere. Centuries-old tamarins form a dense canopy. This is one of the rare places on the island where primary forest remains intact across such an expanse.

The Trou de Fer Viewpoint

Arrival at the viewpoint is breathtaking: the chasm opens suddenly beneath your feet. The waterfall plunges into a void encircled by black and green walls. The depth and ambient humidity create a distinctive atmosphere, often shrouded in clouds by late morning.

Endemic Wildlife

The area is home to several endemic bird species, including the Réunion fody (Foudia elepaio) and the Réunion thrush. Walk slowly and quietly to maximize your chances of spotting these birds.

Photography Tips

Morning light, before clouds rise from the cirque, is ideal for photographing the chasm. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the full scope of Trou de Fer from the viewpoint. A polarizing filter reduces reflections on wet vegetation. The tamarin forest photographs best in overcast conditions, which soften contrast. There are no particular photography restrictions on this trail, but stay within marked areas.

Location and Access

The trailhead is at Gîte de Belouve, located above Hell-Bourg in the Salazie Cirque. Hell-Bourg is accessible from Saint-André on the island's east coast. The forest road to the lodge may be closed by prefectural order after heavy rain — check conditions before departure. There is no public transport to the lodge; a private vehicle or taxi is necessary. Carpooling is common among hikers departing from Hell-Bourg.

Nearby Attractions

• Hell-Bourg — a Creole village ranked among France's most beautiful villages, an essential starting point for exploring Salazie.
• Salazie Cirque — one of the island's three volcanic cirques, marked by its waterfalls and lush peaks.
• Bridal Veil Waterfall — a cascade visible from the main road through the cirque, easily accessible.
• Piton des Neiges — the highest peak in the Indian Ocean, accessible by several trails from surrounding cirques.