Îlet des Orangers Mafate
An authentic guesthouse in Mafate offering breathtaking views, warm hospitality, and delicious meals after a rewarding hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Guesthouse opens, avoid early arrival wait
Îlet des Orangers Mafate
Best Time
Guesthouse opens, avoid early arrival wait
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An authentic guesthouse in Mafate offering breathtaking views, warm hospitality, and delicious meals after a rewarding hike.
"This exceptional guesthouse is well worth the effort: the hike and the elevation gain to reach Mafate are significant, but it's so worth it!"
🎯 Pack Light, Hike Smart
Bring only essentials for the hike; comfort is key. Sturdy shoes are a must!
⏰ Avoid Early Arrivals
Guesthouse check-in is after 3 PM. Use the snack bar if you arrive early.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 · 252 reviews
Type
Bed & Breakfast
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sublime Bellevue View
Guesthouse terrace
Breathtaking panoramic views of the Mafate caldera and surrounding peaks from the guesthouse terrace.
Warm Hospitality
Guesthouse common areas
Experience genuine kindness and a welcoming atmosphere from hosts Rose and her family.
Convivial Dining
Guesthouse dining room
Enjoy delicious, varied meals in an intimate setting, fostering connection with other guests.
Barau's Petrel Serenade
Nighttime surroundings
Listen to the unique calls of Barau's petrels at night, a special natural soundtrack.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for Your Mafate Hike
Embrace the Authentic Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pack Light, Hike Smart
Bring only essentials for the hike; comfort is key. Sturdy shoes are a must!
⏰ Avoid Early Arrivals
Guesthouse check-in is after 3 PM. Use the snack bar if you arrive early.
🍽️ Inform About Dietary Needs
Rose is accommodating! Let them know about vegetarian or other needs in advance.
🛏️ Comfortable Beds Await
After a long hike, you'll appreciate the comfortable beds and clean facilities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pack Light, Hike Smart
Bring only essentials for the hike; comfort is key. Sturdy shoes are a must!
⏰ Avoid Early Arrivals
Guesthouse check-in is after 3 PM. Use the snack bar if you arrive early.
🍽️ Inform About Dietary Needs
Rose is accommodating! Let them know about vegetarian or other needs in advance.
🛏️ Comfortable Beds Await
After a long hike, you'll appreciate the comfortable beds and clean facilities.
📸 Capture the Views
The terrace offers stunning photo opportunities – don't forget your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the exceptional hospitality at Îlet des Orangers, highlighting the warm welcome from hosts Rose and her family, delicious communal meals, and breathtaking views. The guesthouse is praised for its cleanliness and comfort, making the challenging hike entirely worthwhile. It offers a truly authentic Mafate experience.
"Exceeded our expectations! We thought a place in such a location would be a bit rudimentary but this bed and breakfast is beautiful and clean. There are multiple bathrooms with showers and the beds are quite comfortable, which you'll need after a day hiking to get there. Dinner was delicious and the quantities were decent too. And of course, you can't beat the view!"
John
"Review by Fanny, Émilie, and Sébastien
An absolutely exceptional gîte! The view from Bellevue is simply sublime. The place is extremely clean, quiet, and perfectly maintained.
We had mentioned that Fanny was vegetarian, and everything was taken care of: she was treated to a delicious dish specially prepared for her. Thank you again for this thoughtful touch!
Rose and her whole family are extraordinary, incredibly kind. You can really feel their love of hospitality and sharing.
This exceptional gîte is well worth the effort: the hike and the elevation gain to reach Mafate are significant, but it's so worth it once you arrive!
A little tip: the gîte doesn't open before 3 pm, so avoid arriving too early. Otherwise, there's a snack bar downstairs where you can wait comfortably.
Thank you again, Rose, for this superb experience; we will definitely be back!"
Marsault Sébastien
"An authentic guesthouse, with fantastic staff who make themselves at home and share their stories with us in a rural Mafate setting, serenaded by the calls of Barau's petrels at night (from October to April). An ideal location to enjoy incredible views alongside wildlife.
The meals are excellent and varied, served in an intimate dining room that brings us together for a lovely, convivial evening! I highly recommend this guesthouse – it's truly exceptional :)"
Bisson Ronan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Reaching Îlet des Orangers involves a significant hike into the Mafate caldera. There are no roads, so hiking is the only way. The journey requires good physical condition and proper hiking gear.
The hike is described as significant with considerable elevation gain. It's challenging but rewarding once you reach the beautiful plateau and guesthouse.
No, for Îlet des Orangers specifically, hiking is the sole access method. Mafate is a 'no-car' cirque, emphasizing its remote and natural character.
While not explicitly stated, reviews suggest it's a full day's effort, especially with luggage. Plan for several hours of trekking.
While not mentioned in reviews, hiring a local guide is often an option for challenging hikes in Réunion. It's advisable to research this possibility beforehand if you're not an experienced hiker.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book your stay in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot at this popular guesthouse.
The guesthouse typically opens for check-in after 3 PM. There are no specified check-out times mentioned, but it's usually around mid-morning.
There is no specific entrance fee for the Mafate caldera. The costs are associated with your accommodation and any meals or services you use at the guesthouse.
Reviews mention the guesthouse is beautiful and clean with comfortable beds, implying a reasonable cost for the experience. Specific pricing is not detailed but is considered worth the effort.
It's wise to carry cash as smaller, remote establishments may not accept credit cards. Confirm payment methods directly with the guesthouse when booking.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The guesthouse offers clean rooms with comfortable beds, multiple bathrooms with showers, and a communal dining area. There's also a snack bar available.
Delicious and varied meals are served, often in a communal dining room. They are known for accommodating dietary needs like vegetarian meals with advance notice.
Given the remote location in Mafate, Wi-Fi and reliable cell service are unlikely. Prepare to disconnect and enjoy the natural surroundings.
The primary activity is enjoying the stunning views, hiking in the surrounding caldera, and experiencing the tranquility of Mafate. Listening for Barau's petrels is also a unique experience.
While the hike is challenging, families with older children who are accustomed to hiking might find it rewarding. The welcoming atmosphere and beautiful scenery are great for all ages.
📸 📸 Photography
The guesthouse terrace offers the most iconic views of the Mafate caldera. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times for photography.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for capturing the dramatic landscapes of Mafate. The golden hours can be spectacular.
During the season (October to April), you might be able to photograph or at least capture the sounds of Barau's petrels. The unique flora of Réunion is also present.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive caldera views. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant peaks or potential wildlife. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
Drone usage in national parks and protected areas like Mafate is often restricted or prohibited. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit