Visit the Pandanaie

It's hard not to be captivated by the Pandanaie, the only forest of its kind in the world This exceptional natural heritage invites us on a journey to the heart of a mosaic of remarkable environments! This plant formation is home to the Pimpin des Hauts(Pandanus montanus, endemic to Réunion Island). The Pandanaie de
la Plaine des Palmistes is a small area of just a few square kilometers bordering the commune of Saint-Benoît. Still little known and appreciated, it is nevertheless an ideal place for observing and studying the diversity of environments and species.

Didier and Jean-Maurice, respectively mountain guide and self-taught naturalist, will welcome you to explore the Pandanaie and discover its flora and fauna. Among the orchids, you may be lucky enough to spot the Zoizo Vert foraging on a Tan Rouge flower, the Bourbon green gecko hiding in the leaves of the Pimpin des Hauts or the architect spider in the heart of its web...

After the forest outing, Jean-Maurice will invite you into his "zarlor" garden, a treasure trove! Here you'll find everything from ferns and tiny orchids to spiders and endemic birds.

Meet at 7.45 a.m. in Plaine des Palmistes for a Creole breakfast (coffee, herbal tea and Pei cake).

Equipment required:

• Hiking shoes and boots
• Rain gear and change of clothes (+ garbage bag for wet clothes)
• 1.5L water
• Sun protection