Reunion Island: Guided Tour of the Wild South

Planning a trip to Réunion Island and craving an experience that highlights its natural beauty and local charm? This guided tour of the Wild South offers a chance to explore some of the most striking landscapes and authentic spots along the southern coast, from Petite-Île to Saint-Philippe. We’ve reviewed this experience to help you decide if it’s worth your time and money.

What we love about this tour is how it combines breathtaking scenery — think waterfalls and lava fields — with genuine local culture, all in a manageable day trip. The inclusion of a knowledgeable guide ensures you’ll learn about the island’s volcanic activity and Creole traditions while soaking in stunning views.

A potential drawback? The tour’s pace might feel rushed if you’re keen on long contemplative stops, but for many, the variety and richness of sights more than compensate.

This experience suits travelers who want a comprehensive snapshot of Réunion’s diverse landscape without the hassle of planning multiple itineraries. If you prefer guided insights, enjoy nature hikes, and like authentic local flavors, this tour will likely be a highlight of your trip.

This experience made our article of Reunion’s 10 Top Tours & Things To Do.

Key Points

• Stunning views of waterfalls, lava flows, and coastal panoramas.
• Authentic Creole culture and local sites, including the famous Notre Dame des Laves.
• Diverse landscapes from lush forests and volcanic pools to dramatic cliffs.
• Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned minivan with a guide explaining the sights.
• All-inclusive price covers entrance fees and lunch, offering good value.
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Exploring the Wild South of Réunion

This tour offers a well-rounded look at Réunion’s southern coast, an area celebrated for its untouched beauty and volcanic history. Starting from Petite-Île and ending in Saint-Philippe, it’s designed to showcase both the natural and cultural highlights. The tour provides a full day of sightseeing, with transportation in a cozy, air-conditioned minivan, making it easier to focus on the scenery without worrying about navigation.

La Plage de Grande Anse: The Beach with a View

The journey kicks off at La Plage de Grande Anse, a postcard-perfect stretch of sand lined with coconut and latan trees. While ocean swimming is not recommended due to strong swells, the natural pools are perfect for safe bathing and snorkeling. Travelers report enjoying the vibrant tropical fish and the scenic hike to Piton Grande Anse, which offers sweeping coastal views and, during June-September, a good chance of spotting whales—an extraordinary bonus for wildlife lovers.

Le Belvédère de Manapany: A Hidden Gem

Next, we stop at the Belvédère de Manapany, a lesser-known vantage point in Saint-Joseph. Here, you’ll get a glimpse of the Manapany seawater pools, natural formations carved by volcanic activity. Keep an eye out for the Manapany Day Gecko, a colorful species unique to Réunion, which adds a touch of wildlife curiosity to this scenic spot. The views over the coast are quietly stunning, making it a peaceful break from busier tourist spots.

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Le Bassin de Manapany: Natural Pools and Surfer’s Paradise

A favorite among visitors is the Bassin de Manapany, where volcanic rock pools offer a magical setting for swimming and relaxing. Once a boat landing, this site now shines as a place where surf and serenity coexist. If you’re lucky enough to visit during the Manapany Festival, you’ll experience vibrant local culture in addition to the natural beauty.

Magnificent Waterfalls: La Cascade de Grand Galet

No natural tour of Réunion’s south would be complete without visiting Langevin Waterfall. This multi-stream cascade plunges through lush vegetation, creating a picture-perfect scene for photos or a picnic. The area is also great for canyoning, and many reviews highlight how the surrounding jungle feels like stepping into an Eden. The lush flora and the sound of rushing water make it a top natural highlight.

The Legendary Lava Flows: 2007 & 2023

One of the most remarkable features of this tour is the drive along the Lava Route (National Road 2), where you see the recent black lava fields from Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Travelers often comment on the stark contrast between this volcanic landscape and the lush greenery surrounding it. It’s a surreal experience to see how recent eruptions have changed the terrain, with vast black fields stretching to the sea. It’s a powerful visual reminder of the island’s volcanic nature.

Piton Sainte-Rose and Notre Dame des Laves

The visit to Piton Sainte-Rose features the Notre Dame des Laves Church, which famously survived the 1977 lava flow that swallowed the village. The story of resilience is visible in the church’s architecture and the short film shown nearby. It’s a moving site that encapsulates the power and unpredictability of Réunion’s volcanoes and the local community’s endurance.

Anse des Cascades: A Peaceful End

The tour wraps up at Anse des Cascades, a tranquil cove with waterfalls, a small fishing harbor, and a pebble beach. It offers a quiet space to relax, reflect on the day, or enjoy a picnic while listening to the sounds of water and seabirds. It’s the perfect spot to wind down and soak in the peaceful coastal scenery.

What’s Included and What to Consider

The $210 per person price covers a guided experience with an English-speaking guide, transportation by air-conditioned minivan, entrance fees, taxes, and lunch. This all-inclusive approach adds good value, especially when considering the cost of individual site entries and meals if you planned independently.

However, some travelers might want to bring extra soft drinks or plan for personal expenses. The tour doesn’t include accommodation, so it’s best suited for travelers staying locally or those on day trips.

Transport & Group Size

The comfort of a private vehicle means you won’t be stuck in a large bus, and the guide’s insights make the experience more engaging. While the exact group size isn’t specified, most reviews suggest a manageable number that makes the trip intimate enough for questions and personal touches.

Timing & Flexibility

The tour is designed to be one full day, allowing enough time at each stop without feeling rushed. The flexibility to reserve and pay later or cancel with 24 hours’ notice is helpful, especially for travelers with unpredictable plans.

Authentic Experiences and Visitor Recommendations

Many reviews praise the guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge about Réunion’s volcanic activity and local culture. The highlight for most is the stunning views—whether from the Belvédère, overlooking lava flows, or from the beaches. Visitors also enjoy the blend of natural wonders and cultural stories, like the resilience of Notre Dame des Laves.

Some mention that the pace is brisk, but considering the wide array of sights covered, this is understandable. The included lunch has been described as tasty and filling, giving travelers energy for the afternoon.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This guided tour is ideal for travelers who want a rundown of Réunion’s natural and cultural highlights without the hassle of planning each stop independently. It’s perfect for those with limited time on the island but who still want to see varied landscapes, from waterfalls and beaches to volcanic terrain. Nature lovers, geography buffs, and anyone interested in volcanic activity will find much to enjoy.

If you prefer a slow-paced, contemplative experience with lots of extra time at each site, this might feel a bit rushed. But if your goal is to maximize your day with a curated, insightful journey, it’s a smart choice.

The Sum Up

This tour offers an excellent way to see Réunion’s wild south through a balanced mix of scenery, culture, and adventure. The combination of waterfalls, lava fields, beaches, and local stories makes it suitable for a wide range of travelers, especially those eager to experience the island’s dramatic landscapes firsthand. The value is strong considering the all-inclusive nature, guided insights, and variety of stops.

Most travelers will appreciate the stunning views and authentic sites, making this tour a memorable highlight. It’s particularly well-suited for visitors wanting a well-organized, informative day that takes the stress out of exploring Réunion’s rugged terrain.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour is designed as a full-day experience, covering a wide range of sites from morning to late afternoon.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, you’ll be traveling in an air-conditioned minivan, which makes the journey pleasant, especially on hot days.

Are entrance fees included?
All site entrance fees and taxes are covered in the price, so you won’t need extra cash for that.

Is lunch provided?
Yes, a meal is included, making it easier to stay energized for the day’s activities.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in your planning.

What language is the guide?
The guide speaks English, so communication should be smooth for English-speaking travelers.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the stops and scenery are family-friendly, but consider the walking involved at some sites.

Are there opportunities for wildlife viewing?
Yes, especially during whale watching (June-September) at the coastal hike, and you might see the rare Manapany Day Gecko.

What’s the best time of year to go?
The tour runs year-round, but whale watching is particularly good from June to September.

Is this tour good for photography?
Absolutely. The stops offer plenty of opportunities for stunning photographs of waterfalls, lava fields, and coastal vistas.

This guided tour of Réunion’s Wild South promises a day full of memorable sights and stories, perfect for travelers eager to see the island’s most dramatic landscapes without the hassle of organizing each stop. It offers a good balance of natural beauty, local culture, and comfort, making it a worthwhile addition to your Réunion itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby