Mare Longue rainforest, life conquers the volcano

"I love to see families marvelling and feeling good as they discover the living spaces and nature of the Sud Sauvage," says Christine Hairon. During a walk lasting a few hours, this born entertainer, who handles the art of transmission to perfection, invites you to explore one of the island's unique and exceptional remnants of lowland rainforest. Those who enjoy discovering the botanical and geological particularities of Réunion Island will gladly immerse themselves in this setting from another time, to the sound of the many endemic birds that enchant the area.

Between oceanic lava fields and forest, the sign language Christine shares with young and old alike whenever the moment lends itself to it, extends the visitor's sensory journey for a marvellous stroll through signed lands in the heart of Saint-Philippe. Christine easily alternates speech and sign language gestures to raise awareness and invite her audience to experience silence. She is gifted with a genuine pedagogical sensibility, which makes her walks naturally captivating and memorable for a very wide audience. She takes the time to teach curious walkers to identify a few endemic woods and to raise awareness of the fragility of our natural spaces, particularly in the heart of a national park.

The eco-responsible +: Christine invites all visitors to leave as few traces as possible of their passage through nature. When waste is produced, Christine explains why it's essential not to leave it in nature, even if it's biodegradable. Here's a hint: in addition to causing pollution, edible waste is a feast for rats, which proliferate and pose a threat to many endemic species.

What participants need to bring:

Hiking shoes or sneakers (with small crampons if possible). Mosquito repellent. Rain jacket. Long-sleeved jacket. Sun protection. Water. Snacks. Garbage bag. A cup / tumbler. Walking sticks are available. Change of clothes and shoes for carpooling. Rucksack.

Additional information:

The weather can change very quickly and rain can be a problem, making the route even more slippery. Temperatures can drop rapidly depending on the weather, especially during the austral winter.

We can car pool to get to the site (Mare Longue), and we ask you to respect the driver and the vehicle in which you will be transported.