If you think about a paradise island in the Indian Ocean, what would be the main activities? On Reunion island one of the major ones is hiking. Our first one was the Grand Bassin waterfall hike.
Grand Bassin is close to the center of Reunion and it can be reached from Le Tampon which is in the south of the island. The hike is classified as medium difficulty but be prepared for some serious ups and downs. The difference in height is about 1107m (3631.89 feet).
Unusually, the hike starts from the top and you will be going downhill for the first part of it. It will take you to the small village of Grand Bassin that is often called Little Mafate.
If you want to go further you can also walk to the waterfall to have a refreshing swim. The only way to the village is via the hiking trail or by a helicopter which is also used for transporting food to the village.
Grand Bassin hike is fine to do with children as we saw lots of families. And children had even more energy than us on the way up.
Equipment For The Hike
We did the hike in December which is summer in Reunion. The high temperature and hot sun made it more difficult and we didn’t need warm clothing nor a raincoat. But as you never know when it rains in the mountains it’s always good to bring all the equipment with you.
The hike took us about 5.5 hours with the 1-hour rest at the waterfall. So bring some food and energy bars.
Usually the waterfall is way bigger, but it had been too dry so the large one was missing.
Definitely remember to bring water. We were already on the trek when we discovered that we had left one of our water bottles in the car and we decided not to go back for it. It was a HUGE mistake and we definitely came to regret it. But more about that later.
If you do the hike in the austral summer you need a lot of water but don’t worry as there is a pumping station at the halfway point of the trek. This really saved us on our way back!
Instructions For The Grand Bassin Hike
If you go on Sunday (as we accidentally did) you’ll find a little market before the viewpoint. We bought some gateau de patate (traditional sweet potato cake) to have for lunch.
1. To reach the start point put “Belvedere of Bois Court” into Google Maps. There is a car park. Park your car and walk through the market area. Stop at the viewpoint that already has some fascinating views. (but wait until you see the views on the hiking trail)
2. The hiking trail starts to the left from the viewpoint. Just go straight on a sandy road.
3. You will reach the steps going downwards.
4. Just continue and enjoy the views. There is no way you can get lost. Just stay on the path.
5. In about 2 km (1.24 miles) you will arrive at the pumping station where you can fill your water bottles.
6. Continue but be aware of the rocky steps.
7. The section before arriving at the village might be difficult as it’s rocky and your feet are already tired of going down-hill for the last 1.5 hours.
8. If you want to go to the waterfall turn left or turn right to visit the church.
9. The way to the waterfall is about 1km (0.62 miles). The hot sun can make it harder but it’s not difficult especially compared to the journey already taken.
It’s also possible to stay the night in the village.
The Adventurous & Sweaty Way Back
I definitely recommend going to the waterfall even if you feel you’re too tired.
The water is nicely refreshing and you can take some cool photos. Later just enjoy the sun and have something to eat to ensure you will have the energy to hike back. Brace yourself as the next 2.5 hours you need to CLIMB UP.
So, do you remember when I said that we only had 1 bottle of water? It was about 900ml and we ran out just before heading back. We wanted to ask someone for water but we didn’t see anyone as all of the places were closed because of the pandemic.
Finally, we saw a local villager and we tried to ask for water in French as well as we could. They probably understood us only because I was holding a water bottle. They were so kind and even gave us some local bananas that were the cutest I’ve ever seen.
We were so thirsty so half of the bottle was gone in seconds.
The hike back up in 30 degrees (86F) was a real challenge. The only thought that kept me going was that we would get to the water tap soon. But, that soon wasn’t that soon… We thought that the pumping station was closer to the village than to the starting point but we were wrong… But we kept going because it was the only thing to do!
And when we arrived at the pumping station..it felt like we arrived in heaven. Precious water!
Source: giphy.com
We did like a 15 min break, ate the bananas we got from the village, and kept going for about an hour more. And finally, that feeling when you have challenged yourself for 5 hours and you can sit down in peace.
My calves have never been so painful in my life. It was probably because I hadn’t been to the gym for almost a month so the Grand Bassin waterfall hike was a kind of a shock to my body. But it was still worth it! The views were amazing and I kept taking pictures every step I took!
If you have any questions regarding the Grand Bassin hike, let me know in the comments or contact me through Instagram or email!
More about Reunion Island if you are considering moving to the paradise!
