gite5 km
Mafate · Cayenne
Jeff et Cathie campsite, Cayenne: ready-pitched tents at the heart of the Mafate cirque
A quiet, restful campsite full of flowers, run by Jeff and Cathie in Cayenne îlet (hamlet), a classic starting point for crossing Mafate. Ready-pitched tents (no need to carry gear), shared Creole meals and a communal evening drink.
Cayenne, MafatelocationFrom €13 / personrateOn foot onlyaccessReady-pitched tentsspecial
Jeff and Cathie's campsite is one of the most popular stops in northern Mafate. Set in Cayenne îlet (îlets are the small hamlets scattered across the cirque), a classic starting point for crossing Mafate, it puts comfort and hospitality ahead of roughing it. What sets it apart: tents already pitched, so there's no need to carry your gear along the approach trail, and meals cooked on site by Cathie waiting for you after the walk.
Here's what you need to know before booking: rates, facilities, access from La Possession, shared meals and evening drinks, trail advice plus ideas for planning your crossing. From Cayenne, trails lead on to La Nouvelle, Aurère and the rest of the cirque, which you can also explore on the guided trek from Cayenne with a qualified local guide.
At a glance
The campsite essentials
The experience
A night with Jeff and Cathie
Arriving in Cayenne. The îlet is one of the easiest parts of Mafate to reach from the north, making it an ideal start or finish for a crossing. Jeff and Cathie's campsite is signposted on the edge of the îlet, where several tents stand ready for hikers: no gear to carry, which makes all the difference on the steep trails into the cirque.
The setting. The campsite is described as “quiet, flower-filled and very restful”, and that's exactly what it is: a peaceful, well-kept spot where you can unwind after a day of walking. The flowers and ornamental plants are a welcome contrast with Mafate's rugged trails. There are clean toilets, showers and water points to freshen up.
Meals with Cathie. Cathie cooks Creole meals, served to everyone together on the veranda. You can also cook your own food if you'd rather. In the evening, hikers gather for a drink: trail tips, stories and homemade spiced rum get passed around. It's what makes the stop memorable.
The fire pit. A communal fire pit keeps the evenings going under the stars. Nights in Mafate are exceptional: no light pollution, an incredibly clear sky and total calm once the îlet goes to sleep.
How to get there
How to reach Cayenne on foot
Cayenne sits at the heart of Mafate and is only reachable on foot. Several entry points lead to the îlet:
Sans Souci (La Possession):about 3 to 4 hours of steady walking via the Scout trail. It's the most popular route to Cayenne, with a big climb rewarded by your first panoramic views over the cirque.
Rivière des Galets (La Possession): about 4 to 5 hours of walking from Deux Bras, along the trail that follows the river upstream. Risk of flash floods: do not attempt it in wet weather.
From Aurère or La Nouvelle: trails within the cirque, allow 2 to 4 hours depending on your starting îlet. Ideal as one stage of a multi-day crossing.
There are no vehicles in the cirque. All supplies come in on foot or by helicopter. Fill up with fuel and do your shopping in La Possession before you set off.
On site
Services and facilities at the campsite
- Ready-pitched tents waiting on arrival (no gear to carry)
- Creole meals cooked on site by Cathie (book on arrival)
- Option to cook your own food
- Communal evening drink with the other hikers
- Communal fire pit for the evenings
- Well-maintained showers and toilet facilities
- Water point for washing up and freshening up
- A well-kept setting full of flowers, quiet and restful
- Trail advice and directions from the hosts
Rates
How much does a night cost?
The base rate is from €13 per person per night, according to the site's camping directory. That's slightly above average for Mafate campsites, but it generally includes the ready-pitched tent (a real saving in weight and time) and use of the facilities.
The Creole meals and the evening drink are extra, paid on site. Check current rates by phone before booking. Cards are not accepted, so bring cash.
Contact & booking
Booking with Jeff and Cathie
Phone: +262 692 34 39 99
Address: Cayenne îlet, Mafate cirque
Bookings by phone only. Mobile signal is poor in Cayenne, so be patient if you're calling from elsewhere on the island. Plan several weeks ahead in high season (June to October).
Let them know when booking if you'd like meals with Cathie, so they can buy in fresh produce before you arrive.
Combine it with
Things to do from the campsite
Cayenne is one of the classic northern entry points into Mafate. Make the most of your stop to explore further or carry on to other îlets.
Guided trek in Mafate from Cayenne
A multi-day crossing of the cirque with a qualified local guide, departing directly from Cayenne.
See the activity
Bélouve and the Trou de Fer waterfall
A guided walk to the viewpoint over the island's tallest waterfall, from the uplands above Salazie.
See the activity
Horse riding at Piton Maïdo
A horse ride through the cryptomeria forests of the western uplands, towards the cliffs overlooking Mafate.
See the activity
Also worth doingAerial view
Mafate from the sky: the perfect complement to a trek
Camping in Cayenne shows you the cirque from the north, watching supply helicopters from below. A helicopter flight flips the perspective: it covers the whole cirque in a few minutes, from the La Possession cliffs to the Brèche, and shows Cayenne in its full setting.
A great complement to a trek: you see from above the ground you have covered on foot. There are 8 routes departing from Saint-Pierre or Saint-Paul, lasting 15 minutes to 1 hour.
From €125 · 210 Manawa reviews · Saint-Pierre / Saint-Paul
See helicopter rates
Other campsites
Other campsites in the Mafate cirque
Camping La Bonne Terre, Aurère
A neighbouring spot at €5 per person in Aurère îlet, more rustic but just as authentic.
See the campsite
Camping Les Filaos, Îlet à Malheur
A campsite at €5 per person, a handy stop between Aurère and Roche Plate.
See the campsite
Camping du Cryptoméria, La Nouvelle
A campsite in a cryptomeria forest in the largest îlet in the cirque (check availability).
See the campsite
Stay nearby
Alternative accommodation nearby
If the campsite is full or you're after more comfort, here are partner places to stay within 25 km.
gite5 km
hotel8 km
hotel14 kmFrequently asked questions
FAQ: everything to know before booking
How do you book with Jeff and Cathie?
Book by phone on +262 692 34 39 99. Mobile signal is poor in Cayenne, so be patient. Book several weeks ahead in high season (June to October). Let them know if you'd like meals, so they can buy in fresh produce before you arrive.
How much does a night cost?
€13 per person per night, according to the site's camping directory. That's slightly more than other Mafate campsites, but it generally includes a ready-pitched tent. Creole meals and the evening drink are extra, paid on site.
How do the pre-pitched tents work?
You arrive without any camping gear: Jeff and Cathie have tents already set up and equipped. It's one of the campsite's biggest advantages, especially if you are new to Mafate and to independent trekking, or would rather not carry a heavy pack over the first few kilometres.
Does Cathie really cook meals?
Yes, Creole meals are cooked on site. You can also cook your own food if you'd prefer. In the evening, everyone gathers for a drink on the veranda: a highlight for swapping trail tips and stories with other hikers.
How do you get to Cayenne?
Cayenne can only be reached on foot. There are three main routes: Sans Souci (La Possession, 3-4 hours via the Scout trail, the most popular), Rivière des Galets (La Possession, 4-5 hours from Deux Bras with a river crossing), or from Aurère / La Nouvelle within the cirque (2-4 hours depending on your starting îlet).
What else can you do from Cayenne?
Cayenne is the classic northern gateway into Mafate. Options include a multi-day guided trek through the cirque, walks to other îlets (Aurère, La Nouvelle, Roche Plate) or exploring the nearby trails. For the widest view of the cirque, nothing beats a helicopter flight.
When should you come and camp in Cayenne?
The southern winter (May to October) brings the most stable conditions on Mafate's trails: dry ground, often clear skies, cool but pleasant temperatures. Avoid the cyclone season from January to March, when some trails can become impassable after heavy rain.
Page updated on 19 September 2026. GPS coordinates, contact details and rates verified as of this date. Confirm availability with the campsite before travelling.