Landscapes in Africa
Anse des Cascades is a black rock beach flanked by a vertical mountain wall, where narrow waterfalls cascade down and run into the sea. Fishermen have their small boats lined up on the nearby ramp. Judge by the number of parking spaces, Anse des Cascades is a popular site for locals and tourists alike. There is a single restaurant and a small snack stand, else the shady coconut grove is favoured as a picnic spot.
When the volcano erupts, the lava flows towards the sea. Thousands of years of eruption have created a barren moonscape of lava, which is called Le Grand Brûlé. Once in a while the area is expanded, when the lava choose to reroute its course to the sea. The vegetation will then slowly reestablish itself until next eruption. The more black the lava field is, the younger it is. Some of the youngest lava flows are from the big eruption in 2007. There are viewplatforms along the road, which cross the Le Grand Brûlé.
Réunion's most famous - and only active - volcano is Piton de la Fournaise. Every second year or so it erupts, but it's impossible to predict. The outer crater is easy accessible, as you can drive all the way to the car park and viewpoint at Pas de Bellecombe (2311 m). The road is winding and narrow, but otherwise in good condition except for the last 4 km, which is a dirt road across an eeri moonscape. In the non-active periods it's possible to hike across the bottom of the outer crater and up to the viewpoint Balcon du Dolomieu (5 h return). During eruptions it's possible to see the spewing lava and lava flow either from the distance from the car park at Pas de Bellecombe or get closeup by walking along the outer rim to the viewpoint at Piton Kapor (3h return). If the volcano is erupting, come in the early afternoon, bring warm clothes and expect traffic jams up to the car park at Pas de Bellecombe.
The platform at Takamaka Viewpount gives you a panoramic views of the untouched valley (beside a small power plant). Narrow waterfalls tumbles down the sheer mountain walls and is the only contrast to the otherwise green impenetrable forest which cover the mountains. The ride to Takamaka Viewpount is almost as exhilarating, a 9 km long twisted road with lots of blind bends.
This waterfall is a part of the Water Tunnel Hike, but deserve its own entry. The waterfall is about 17 m tall and is located between the first and the second tunnel.
This iconic needle-shaped (volcanic plug) peak is so magical that you hardly believe your eyes when you see it the first time. It shoots up from the forest below (mostly palm oil plantation) and looks like something from Jurassic park. Obviously, it's not possible to hike to the peak (but it has been climbed a few times), but you can hike to the base and back.
When the condition of the sea is right, water is pressed through the natural rock channel and through a hole, which sends a fountain of sea water many meters into the air. In less perfect conditions, Hell's Mouth (Boca do Inferno) is still a beautiful spot with great views of the Sao Tomian coastline. Usually there will be some young boys selling refeshing coconuts, but they don't take it too seriously.
A beautiful lagoon with baobab trees and azure blue waters. There is a viewpoint with a small lighthouse. Lagoa Azul is popular in the weekends, when locals come to picnic.
As you approach Principe's Ecological Zone, you will see O Que Pipi Waterfall plunge out of the jungle in the distance. To reach the pool, you will need to hike uphill for about an hour through dense jungle. It's not a difficult hike, but the trail can get dangerous slippery when wet, so wear sturdy footwear. As you finally get to the base, you will get soaked in the spray. As this is Principe, nobody knows the exact height, but about 30 m. The natural pool offers a refreshing dip before you head back the same way. Though locals will tell you different, you don't need a guide, but you do need a ride to the trail start. There are signs and even a rope for the tricky section. If going with a guide, you will also need to pay 5 euro per pax for the national park fee.
The central highlands have many waterfalls, but São Nicolau Waterfall is probably one of the easiest to reach, as it's right next to the road. The winding and bumpy mountain road has beautiful views over green gardens and lush jungle and is a destination of its own. There is a natural pool at the base, where you can take a chilled dip.