The Island & Practicalities

This oval shaped island lies about 400 miles east of Madagascar and only about 130 miles southwest of Mauritius in the southwest Indian Ocean. With an area of some 2,500 km or approximately 1,000 square miles Reunion’s 125 mile coastline was first visited by the Portuguese in 1513. French immigration and eventual development continued throughout the next 300 years and the island was a strategic location as a stopping point on the East India trade. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 decreased its strategic importance, but agriculture, primarily sugarcane, contributed the island’s economic foundation. Today, tourism is growing as is the overall service sector. Reunion is one of 4 overseas French Departments with a population of just over ¾ million. Saint-Denis, its capital and site of the larger of its two airports, is on the northern coast.

Geography.

The island terrain is a mix of every different type found in tropical regions. Coastal beaches abut a narrow strip of fertile lowlands and the island’s interior is a green carpeted vista of high massifs and jagged outcroppings of volcanic origins. The highest point is Piton des Neiges at 3,069 meters, or over 10,000 feet and Reunion is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Piton de la Fournaise, which has been regularly active since 1998. In the center of the island enormous volcanic cone collapses produced three “cirques:” Mafate, Cilaos and Salazie that open through narrow passages into the sea. These cirques are crisscrossed with hiking trails, cascades and gorges attracting mountain-lovers, trekkers and adventure sportsmen. In geologic time Reunion is too young an island to have a face softened by erosion and its panoramas offer wildly sharp-edged drama.

Climate.

Reunion is purely tropical, so for visitors from the Northern Hemisphere, it always seems like summer. There are, in fact, two seasons: Dry/Cool from May to October and Damp/Warm from November to April. Higher altitudes bring cooler temperatures. The island’s east coast (windward) is a bit wetter because of the East-Southeast trade winds…the west coast is much drier. Saint-Denis, on the northern coast, records these monthly temperature averages, all in  Farenheit:

Nature.

Reunion is profuse with color and vibrant nature. Native botanical species now coexist with introduced exotics and the Reunionese are skilled gardeners. Native animal species are not quite as abundant…as a tiny island its precolonization visitors were mainly birds and tortoises, many of which ended up in the pots of the human colonists. The island’s emblematic bird is the elegant “paille-en-queue” sea bird that nests in the sea cliffs. The “papangue” is a bird of prey visible on the thermal winds in the cirques. The ubiquitous Java deer were introduced. In the sea scuba divers will enjoy the colorful abundance of coral flora and fauna on the reef slope, and beyond that, the deeper waters is populated by migrating pelagics.

Reunionese People.

Like so many other Indian Ocean islands Reunion is a mix of peoples who came to make their fortunes or who were brought to provide the labor to create the fortunes. The population has representatives from Africa, the Indian subcontinents and Asia, as well as from France…and their unifying language, Creole, was developed from Old French with overlays of Malagasy and Tamil dialects. Most of the population is Roman Catholic, with sizeable minorities of both Muslims and Hindu practitioners. And ancient tribal ceremonies dedicated to ancestors are still practiced by the descendants of the Malagasy slaves, along with their traditional music and drums. The cuisine is a rich ethnic blend spiced with local ingredients…distinctive yet united…a good phrase to use to describe the island’s people.

Practicalities.

Entry Requirements.

A valid passport plus return or continuation ticket is required (and visas in some cases, South Africa is an example). For European Union nationals a valid identity card or passport is necessary. Visitors from countries where yellow fever is endemic must present proof of inoculation.

Health Related Questions.

There is no malaria or any tropical diseases in Reunion. The water throughout the island is safe to drink and spring and mineral bottled water is available readily. Reunion’s sanitary system is the same as in Europe. Health services are very good and there are 117 hospitals and clinics with modern facilities located throughout the island.

Electricity.

Reunion uses 220 volts.

Time Difference.

Reunion is +4 from GMT, during daylight savings months +3 from the UK. Normal standard time is +9 hours from U.S. Eastern Standard Time.

Open Hours.

Normal office hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Banks are usually open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Normal shop hours are from Monday to Saturday from8:30 AM to 12:00 Noon and 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM.

Currency.

The Euro is the currency and major credit cards are accepted. Holders of foreign bank cards (MasterCard, Visa, Cirrus) can receive Euros at ATM’s.

What to Take/What to Wear.

Pack light for tropical climates, especially if you are staying in the lower lands. Layers work very well and sweaters/jackets are necessary in the higher elevations during the winter months especially. From July to November temperatures in the higher elevations can drop to 50 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and to the lower 40’s at night. Obviously if you’re planning on trekking or hiking, sturdy shoes and socks, a fold-up rain parka, a small daypack plus insect repellent and first aid kit will be necessary.