Cascade des Trois Roches

A waterfall ringed by three huge rocks, in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Cirque de Mafate, where the Rivière des Galets rushes into a basalt crevice.

The route

The Cascade des Trois Roches is one of the most inaccessible waterfalls on Réunion, tucked deep in the Cirque de Mafate at the confluence of the Rivière des Galets and its tributaries. It owes its name to three imposing basalt rocks at the foot of the falls, forming a natural enclosure unique in the island's highlands.\n\nThe most popular route goes over the Col du Taïbit (2,081 m), then through the îlet of Marla — the highest in Mafate, at 1,600 m above sea level — before descending to the waterfall along the Rivière des Galets. As an out-and-back from Îlet à Cordes (Cilaos), it covers about 19 km and 8 to 9 hours of walking, with 1,800 m of elevation gain. This day trip is for seasoned hikers only and requires serious preparation.