Between the Salazie Cirque and the heights of Piton des Neiges, this hike links two emblematic shelters in Réunion: Belouve Shelter, perched in a high-altitude tamarind forest, and Piton des Neiges Shelter, the classic starting point for climbing the Indian Ocean's highest peak. A demanding route in the heart of Réunion National Park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Practical information at a glance

• Hike type: two-stage itinerary with night(s) in mountain shelter
• Level: difficult — significant cumulative elevation gain, occasionally slippery terrain
• Reservation required at both shelters (limited capacity)
• Gear: waterproof hiking boots, warm clothing for nights at altitude
• Suggested duration: 2 days minimum (Belouve Day 1, Piton des Neiges Day 2)
• Starting point: from Hell-Bourg (Salazie Cirque) to reach Belouve
• Water: water points available at shelters; bring hydration supplies for the trail

What you'll see

The trail crosses dramatically different landscapes depending on altitude. The high-altitude tamarind forest surrounds Belouve Shelter, with its suspended lichens and filtered light. As you climb toward Piton des Neiges, vegetation becomes sparse, giving way to highland moors, volcanic rock, and on clear days, sweeping views over the three cirques.

History and context

Piton des Neiges rises to 3,070 meters. It is an extinct shield volcano, far older than Piton de la Fournaise. Mountain shelters were developed to enable the traditional night ascent: hikers depart from Piton des Neiges Shelter before dawn to reach the summit at sunrise. The massif has been part of Réunion National Park since 2007.

Highlights of the experience

Belouve's tamarind forest

Around Belouve Shelter, the primary high-altitude tamarind forest is among the island's best preserved. The misty atmosphere, tree ferns, and endemic birds—including the tuit-tuit—make this a destination in itself, not merely a waypoint.

The night ascent to the summit

Departing before dawn from Piton des Neiges Shelter is a defining moment. The trail climbs through darkness, headlamp aglow, before opening onto the summit crater as the sun colors the cirques below. On clear days, views extend to Mauritius.

Panoramas over the cirques

Between Belouve and Piton des Neiges, several natural viewpoints offer vistas over Salazie, Cilaos, and Mafate. These three cirques, carved by erosion into the old volcano's flank, create a landscape without parallel in the Indian Ocean.

Photography tips

• Sunrise at the summit: raking light colors the cirques in orange and pink—plan to arrive before 6 a.m.
• Belouve forest: morning mist creates a photographic atmosphere; prioritize the first hours after sunrise.
• Sea of clouds: common late morning from the ridges—clouds fill the cirques and create a striking effect.
• Protect your gear from humidity: fog is nearly permanent at Belouve.

Location and access

The usual starting point is Hell-Bourg, a village in the Salazie Cirque, accessible from Saint-André on Réunion's east coast. From Hell-Bourg, a marked trail climbs toward Belouve Shelter. Piton des Neiges Shelter is also accessible from Cilaos (southern approach), allowing you to combine two cirques on a longer circuit. No road access serves the shelters: everything is on foot.

Nearby attractions

• Hell-Bourg — Creole village ranked among France's most beautiful villages, ideal starting point for this hike.
• Salazie Cirque — waterfalls, chayote fields, and sheer cliffs frame the valley.
• Cilaos Cirque — alternative access to Piton des Neiges, with thermal springs and high-altitude vineyard.
• Piton des Neiges — 3,070 m summit, the final objective of this itinerary.