Secret Paths to the Indian Ocean.

Adventurous souls, this trip is for you. You will spot whales and dolphins, place your foot on the ancient lava, abseil in the waterfalls, kitesurf the southern winds, explore the oceanic depths and learn how to play traditional drums. We will take you off the beaten track and show you behind the scenes of coastal life.

You will live by the beach in Réunion Island at the beautiful Lux* Saint-Gilles. Morning ocean swims, jogging on the beach, resting in the shade of the filao trees, and eclectic dining will become your everyday.

While in Mauritius, you will be nestled in a charming farm-to-table eco-lodge of La Vieille Cheminée. Longing for a nature immersion? You will experience it here with fresh food, ocean adventures, and deep nature immersions.

Your journey includes seamless private transfers, ensuring comfort and ease between experiences. Expert local guides will accompany you, offering insights that transform typical tourist encounters into meaningful cultural exchanges.

*Flights between Reunion & Mauritius not included

1. What level of physical fitness is required for this adventure trip?

This journey is designed to be an active immersion into the wild hearts of Mauritius and Réunion. A moderate to high level of fitness is recommended to get the most out of the experience. You should be comfortable with:

• Trekking for 4-6 hours over varied terrain, including uneven paths and elevation changes in Réunion’s cirques.
• Mountain biking on trails with some inclines.
• Swimming and being comfortable in open water for activities like scuba diving, kitesurfing, and abseiling in waterfalls (canyoning).

While you don’t need to be a professional athlete, an active lifestyle and a spirit of adventure are key. Our local guides are experts at tailoring the pace, but the nature of the activities is inherently physical. It’s all part of the thrill of discovering these secret paths!

2. What is the best time of year to go on this trip for these specific activities?

The ideal time for this multi-activity trip is during the shoulder seasons: April to June and September to November. Here’s why:

• Pleasant Weather: During these months, the weather is typically warm and sunny with lower humidity and reduced rainfall compared to the summer wet season (January to March), which is also the main cyclone season.
• Optimal Conditions for Activities:
  • Trekking & Biking: The cooler, drier conditions make for perfect hiking and biking weather.
  • Water Sports: The lagoons are warm and clear for scuba diving. While the winter months (July-August) offer stronger winds for kitesurfing, September and October provide a great balance of consistent wind and warmer overall temperatures.
  • Waterfalls: Water levels in the canyons for abseiling are generally ideal, being neither dangerously high nor disappointingly low.

3. How does the “island hopping” between Mauritius and Réunion work?

We make the journey between these two island jewels seamless so you can focus on the adventure. The transfer between Mauritius and Réunion is a short and scenic flight, typically lasting about 45 minutes (NOT included in the trip).

4. The trip emphasises staying in “sustainable, eco-lodging.” What can I expect from the accommodations?

Our commitment to sustainability means you will be staying in unique lodges that are in harmony with their natural surroundings. You can expect accommodations that:

• Embrace Nature: Are often built with local, renewable materials and designed to blend into the landscape, whether nestled in a forest or perched by a quiet coast.
• Are Environmentally Conscious: Prioritize energy and water conservation, waste reduction, and the protection of local biodiversity.
• Support Local Communities: Are often locally owned and operated, employing local staff and sourcing food from nearby farms and markets.

This isn’t about sacrificing comfort; it’s about enhancing the experience. Expect authentic charm, warm hospitality, and a deep connection to the place, allowing you to be held in “nature’s soft embrace.”

5. What does the “talk to locals, laugh with locals, be guided by locals” experience truly entail?

This is the soul of our journey. It means we move beyond the typical tourist trail to foster genuine connections.

• Your Guides: Your adventures will be led by certified, passionate guides who were born and raised on the islands. They won’t just show you the way; they’ll share the folklore of the forest, the history of the volcanoes, and personal stories you won’t find in any guidebook. They know the “secret paths” because they’ve walked them their whole lives.
• Language: In Mauritius, English is widely spoken, along with French and Mauritian Creole. In Réunion, French is the official language, with Réunion Creole being the common tongue. Your guides will bridge any language gaps, but learning a few phrases like “Bonjour” (Hello) and “Merci” (Thank you) is always appreciated!
• Authentic Immersion: We facilitate experiences—like sharing a meal in a small village or visiting a local market with your guide—that allow for natural, unscripted interactions. This is how a trip becomes a meaningful story, filled with shared laughter and a real understanding of the island’s culture.