Mafate is surprisingly affordable despite its exceptional character. The indicative budget of €70/day/person covers a comfort experience: night in family gîte half-board (€35-50/person, homemade carry included), breakfast (included in half-board, €5-8 otherwise), takeaway picnic lunch (€8-12), drinks (rhum arrangé, Dodo beer: €4-6).
In economic mode: €35-50/day with dormitory in gîte (€15-25/night), personal supplies brought from outside (freeze-dried pasta, dried fruits, energy bars — watch backpack weight), free water at gîtes (springs and rainwater collection).
In comfort mode: €90-130/day with private gîte (individual room €55-80), full board (dinner + breakfast + picnic €50-70/day), accompaniment by a guide (€250-400/day shared on 4-6 people), equipment rental (poles, sleeping bag).
The helicopter budget: €200-300/person one way to main îlets from Saint-Gilles. To consider if you want to save a long approach march, transport heavy luggage, or if you are injured. For a panoramic overflight without landing, €250-400/person for 30-45 min of flight.
Read also
- The Cirques of Réunion — Mafate, Cilaos and Salazie: the UNESCO heart of the island, its vertiginous ramparts and îlets.
- Cilaos, the cirque accessible by car — The twin cirque of Mafate, accessible by car via the 400-bend road: thermal baths, AOP wine, lentils.
- Piton Maïdo — The belvedere at 2,205 m altitude over the cirque of Mafate, classic starting point of the descent.
- Réunion — Complete guide of the intense island: formalities, budget, climate, regions to discover.