Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
What to Bring
Good shoes are essential for hiking the trails of Réunion, which are made of gravel and
stone and often very steep, muddy or slippery. Hiking shoes with good ankle support are
better than sneakers.
Be sure to carry water (at least 2L for a day's hiking), wet-weather gear, a warm top, a
hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, a whistle, a torch and a basic medical kit in-
cluding plasters (Band-Aids), elastic bandages and muscle balm for blisters and minor
muscle injuries. The
gîtes
provide sheets and blankets, but if you intend to sleep out at alti-
tude, you'll need a decent sleeping bag, as temperatures in the Cirques can fall rapidly at
night.
In most places to stay and places to eat, payment will be expected in cash, so bring a
stash of euros with you. The only places to get euros in the Cirques are the ATMs at the
post offices in Salazie and Cilaos, and these can't be depended on.
You will be able to buy most last-minute supplies at a sporting-goods store or one of the
big supermarkets in Réunion as well as in Cilaos.
