Col des Bœufs is the land passage connecting the Salazie cirque to the Mafate cirque, at approximately 1,900 m elevation. From the La Nouvelle parking area, a marked trail descends toward the hamlet of the same name, one of Mafate's most isolated settlements. This hike is one of the rare on-foot entrances to this roadless cirque, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Quick reference

• Access: forest road from Grand-Ilet (Salazie) to Col des Bœufs parking — road occasionally closed by prefectural order due to weather or cyclone risk.
• Recommended duration: allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the descent to La Nouvelle (hamlet), and longer for the return climb.
• Level: hike accessible to a fit walker; the return uphill is demanding.
• Footwear: hiking boots mandatory — the trail can be muddy and slippery.
• Entrance: free.
• Accessibility: not wheelchair accessible.

What you'll see

From the col, the panorama opens onto the sheer cliffs of Mafate and the peaks that structure the cirque. The trail descends through dense vegetation — tree ferns, Tamarind trees, wild cinnamon — before reaching the hamlet of La Nouvelle. This roadless settlement is home to several dozen inhabitants, a school, a church, and guesthouses. Life here follows a rhythm dictated by helicopter resupply.

History and context

Mafate is the only cirque in Réunion without road access. Its hamlets were populated from the 18th century onward, notably by runaway slaves fleeing coastal plantations. The name "Mafate" is attributed to a maroon leader, Mafate, who took refuge there. Col des Bœufs takes its name from the oxen once used to transport goods between the two cirques.

Highlights of the visit

The panorama from the col

From the parking area, the view plunges into the Mafate cirque. On clear days, Piton Cabris, Piton Maïdo, and the cliff faces stand out sharply. This is often where hikers pause to photograph before descending.

The descent to La Nouvelle

The trail follows a steady elevation loss through humid mountain forest. Morning mists create a distinctive atmosphere. The endemic highland vegetation — tamarinds, wild cinnamon — is well-preserved on this section.

The hamlet of La Nouvelle

Arriving at La Nouvelle means entering a village cut off from road access. Residents cultivate terraced gardens, raise livestock. A few guesthouses allow overnight stays and onward travel to other Mafate hamlets.

Photography tips

Morning light is ideal from the col: clouds often blanket the cirque by late morning. Face northwest to frame the cliffs and peaks. On the descent, tree ferns offer interesting foregrounds. No known photography restrictions on this trail.

Location and access

Col des Bœufs is located on the Salazie commune, reachable from Grand-Ilet via forest road. From Saint-Denis, allow approximately 1.5 hours to the parking area. The road can close without notice — check conditions with the prefecture or ONF before departure. No public transport serves the col parking.

Nearby

• Salazie Cirque — the lush cirque of which the col marks the upper boundary, with its waterfalls and Creole villages.
• Grand-Ilet — the last village before the forest road, logistical starting point for the hike.
• Hell-Bourg — village classified among France's most beautiful, at the heart of Salazie cirque.
• Piton Maïdo — viewpoint over Mafate from the western slope, reachable by car from Saint-Paul.