Safety: all you need to know for a holiday without hitches
When trekking
Protect yourself from the sun (sunhat and sunblock), don’t stray from the marked footpaths, do not take a route that has been signposted as officially closed, avoid walking on your own, and do not light any fires. It is also important to make sure the trek you have chosen corresponds to your level of fitness.
Do not drink water from the rivers or natural pools. Make sure you take enough water with you and don’t forget to reserve your accommodation and meals beforehand!
For up-to-date information on the state of the footpaths call: 02 62 37 38 39 or go to the National Forestry Commission website (in French).
During a cyclone
When a cyclone is approaching the island (between December and March), keep well-informed by tuning in to the radio and respect the security bulletins.
There are three different levels of alert: cyclone watch, orange and red alert. When the orange alert has been announced, it’s time to stock up on batteries, torches, candles, canned food and bottled water. Cancel any hiking plans you may have and dig out your books and board games instead! During the red alert, it is forbidden even to go outside.
After the red alert has been lifted, find out the state of the roads before driving anywhere (call Inforoutes on 02 62 97 27 27), do not touch any electric cables that may have fallen on the ground, do not drink any tap water unless it has been boiled for at least 5 minutes, don’t go up into the mountains and finally, do not attempt to cross any rivers or fords.
Volcanic Eruptions
When the Piton de la Fournaise enters into a phase of eruption, the whole surrounding area is permanently monitored and surveyed by the police. If you wish to see the lava flows close up, make sure you respect the security regulations and read the regular information bulletins (in French) from the Piton de la Fournaise Volcano Observatory.
Swimming
Do not partake in any watersports (swimming, surfing) outside of the specific zones set aside for these purposes.
During extremely hot periods, it is recommended to first splash one’s head and body before swimming and of course to make sure young children don’t spend too much time exposed to direct sunlight. Choose beaches with shade as opposed to the black sand beaches.
Avoid swimming too far away from the shore, beware of possible currents (especially at the points where the lagoon meets the open sea) and take heed of the lifeguards’ advice.
Swimming sandals are a fine way to avoid injuries caused by walking on coral or on sea urchins in the lagoon. Even so, do not walk on the coral and do not pick any up, even if it is dead. The coral is protected, and in doing so you may run the risk of having to pay a fine.
Extreme prudence is also required when swimming in natural pools up in the mountains: the cold temperatures can cause seizures and the water levels can rise suddenly after heavy rainfall, making it an activity to avoid during the days following a cyclone.
Fauna and Flora
Reunion has no dangerous animals on land. In the water, the lagoon has no particular risks, but watch where you’re putting your feet if you want to avoid sea urchins, coral or stonefish. Coming across jellyfish is possible but rare.
Divers would love to see more sharks, but the sight of any such animals, whether they be dangerous or not, is extremely rare. To be on the safe side, avoid surfing around nightfall or in unclear or unauthorised waters.
And just in case...
Reunion has an excellent network of nurses, doctors and fully-equipped hospitals.
