Col des Bœufs → La Nouvelle

The easiest and most popular way into the Cirque de Mafate, mostly downhill, to the most populated and most visited îlet (hamlet) in the cirque.

The route

The classic way into the Cirque de Mafate via the Plaine des Tamarins from the Col des Bœufs. 11.1 km out-and-back, 695 m of elevation gain, 4 h 35, rated Easy by Île de La Réunion Tourisme. The route follows the GRR1 on the section towards La Nouvelle and crosses a forested plain of highland tamarinds (tamarins des Hauts) before starting the descent to the îlet. The guarded car park at the Col des Bœufs is the starting point (indicative rate €10/night — to be updated).