This stunning French volcanic island lies in the Indian Ocean, approximately 760km due east of Madagascar. Small, spectacularly diverse uninhabited islands are dotted around the main island of Reunion. Sublime volcanic peaks running diagonally across the island separate the dry south and west from the lush humid eastern zone.

Most of the population inhabit the island’s beautiful coastline. Although Reunion is volcanic, over half the arable land on the island is sugar cane, generating the majority of the island’s income. Other basic supplies tend to be imported.

Réunion’s climate varies because of the high mountains. But it only has two distinct seasons: the hot, rainy summer from December to April and the cool, dry winter from late April to October. The east coast is considerably wetter than the west, but wettest of all are the mountains above the east coast – around Takamaka, Plaine-des-Palmistesand the northern and eastern slopes of the volcano. As with Mauritius, the cyclone season is roughly December to March.

In the winter temperatures on the coast average 22°C and 11°C in the mountains making this the best time for hiking as it is also drier. In the summer temperatures on the coast are around 27°C and 18°Cin the mountains. Clouds generally cover the peaks and high plains from mid-morning.

Facts and Figures