About Réunion
Réunion is a volcanic island paradise in the Indian Ocean where French sophistication meets tropical adventure. This overseas French department offers dramatic landscapes dominated by three massive volcanic calderas—Cilaos, Mafate, and Salazie—with Piton de la Fournaise being one of the world's most active volcanoes. Hikers flock to Réunion for its spectacular trails through UNESCO-listed cirques and lush forests, while beach lovers enjoy the white and black sand coasts. The island's unique Creole culture blends African, Indian, Chinese, and French influences, evident in its vibrant markets, spicy cuisine, and colorful festivals. Don't miss the capital Saint-Denis with its colonial architecture, the stunning coastal road between Saint-Pierre and Saint-Benoît, or helicopter tours over the otherwise inaccessible Mafate caldera. Réunion offers world-class canyoning, paragliding, and whale watching alongside sophisticated French dining experiences.
Upcoming Events in Réunion
Entertainment
Miss Malaika Ghana 2025 Grand Finale
Date TBC
Accra, Ghana
From GHS 100
Art & Craft
Asa Baako - Jungle Party
Date TBC
Busua, Ghana
From GHS 150
Spiritual Gathering
Reformation Community Leadership Summit
Date TBC
Accra, Ghana
Free
Comedy
Comedicine by Fun Factory
Date TBC
Kampala, Uganda
From UGX 30,000
Outdoor Activity
Sunday Potluck in the Park: a multilingual gathering
Date TBC
Accra, Ghana
From GHS 59
Music
Seli's Bistro presents Monthly Life Band Music with Cedi Band
Date TBC
Accra, Ghana
Free
Things to do in Réunion
Hanoi Motorbike Tour: Food, Culture and Fun by Vintage Motorbike
From $49.5
5.0 (6982)
Top Notch Street Food Motorbike Tour In Ho Chi Minh City
From $29
5.0 (2965)
Agafay Desert Sunset Dinner with Camel Ride & Moroccan Live Show
From €16
5.0 (2586)
Agafay Desert Camel Ride Sunset Dinner and Live Moroccan Show
Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City
From $27.55
5.0 (2021)
3 Hour Small Group All Inclusive Manatee Swim with free Photo pkg
From $85
5.0 (1931)
Rome Morning Vespa Sidecar Tour in Rome with Cappuccino
Agafay Desert Dinner with Camel Ride from Marrakech Sunset Tour
From €18
5.0 (1646)
Hanoi half-day with Food + Culture + Fun By Minsk Motorcycle
From $50
5.0 (1528)
Hanoi Half-day with Food + Fun + Culture By Russian Jeep
From $70
5.0 (1350)
Private Scottsdale Off-Road Jeep Tour
From $219
5.0 (1278)
Hidden Gems of Old Hoi An – Food & Cultural Walking Tour
Snorkeling excursion, discovery of the lagoon, small group.
From €97
5.0 (955)
West Maui Snorkeling Experience by Boat from Ka'anapali
From $193.17
5.0 (930)
Merzouga Desert 3-Day Tour from Marrakech with Camel Ride
From €1,200
5.0 (899)Places to visit in Réunion
Zoo
Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre
Entebbe, Uganda
From UGX 10
Mall
Accra Mall
Accra, Ghana
Landmark
National Theatre
Accra, Ghana
Pub
The Honeysuckle
Accra, Ghana
Casual Dining
The Local - Bugolobi
Kampala, Uganda
Pub
Sky Bar
Accra, Ghana
Pub
+233 Jazz Bar & Grill
Accra, Ghana
Stay
Lemala Wildwaters Lodge
Jinja, Uganda
From $500
Specialty
The Lawns
Kampala, Uganda
From UGX 0
Park
Extreme Adventure Park - Busiika
Wakiso, Uganda
Attraction
Murchison Falls
Masindi, Uganda
Zoo
The Reptile Village
Entebbe, Uganda
From UGX 15,000
Attraction
Sempaya Male Hot Springs
Bundibugyo, Uganda
Fine Dining
Aurous Restaurant
Kampala, Uganda
Specialty
Le Tandem
Accra, Ghana
Travel Tips for Réunion
Getting Around
Renting a car is essential for exploring beyond main towns. Roads are good but mountainous; automatic cars are limited. Public buses (Car Jaune) connect major towns but have limited schedules. Taxis are expensive and must be booked. Popular ride-hailing apps include local services like Allo Taxi. Domestic flights connect Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre. Helicopter tours provide access to remote cirques. For hiking, guided tours are recommended for challenging trails.
Best Time To Visit
May to November (dry season) offers cooler temperatures, less humidity, and ideal hiking conditions. September-October is perfect for whale watching. December to April (wet season) brings lush vegetation but heavy rainfall, cyclones, and high humidity. Avoid February-March peak cyclone risk. Festivals like the Festival of Freedom (December) and Chinese New Year add cultural appeal.
Local Customs
Greet with 'bonjour' and handshakes. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Beachwear is inappropriate in towns. Tipping is not expected but appreciated for good service (5-10%). Respect trail etiquette when hiking. Sunday is family day with many closures. Réunionnaise are proud of their Creole culture—show interest in local traditions. Remove shoes before entering homes. Meals are social events; don't rush.
Safety Information
Réunion is generally safe with low violent crime. Petty theft occurs in tourist areas and vehicles; never leave valuables visible. Avoid isolated beaches at night. Road safety is the primary concern—mountain roads are narrow and winding; drive cautiously. When hiking, stay on marked trails, check weather forecasts (flash floods occur), and inform someone of your route. Shark attacks have occurred; swim only in designated supervised areas. Cyclone season (December-April) brings severe weather risks.
Health Information
Medical facilities are excellent by regional standards, with modern hospitals in Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre. EU citizens should bring their European Health Insurance Card. Recommended vaccinations include routine vaccines plus Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Dengue fever and chikungunya occur; use mosquito repellent. Tap water is generally safe in urban areas. Healthcare is French-standard but expensive without insurance. Pharmacies are well-stocked.
Languages Spoken
FrenchRéunion Creole
Quick Facts
Currency
Euro (EUR)
€
€
Timezone
Indian/Reunion +04:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+262
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
870,000
Area
2512 km²
Government
Overseas department and region of France with a Regional Council and Departmental Council
ISO Code
974