gite6 km
Mafate · Aurère · 940m
Camping La Bonne Terre, Aurère: a haven of peace at JP Thomas's place in the north of the Mafate cirque
A small, friendly campsite run by Mr Thomas in Aurère, one of the easiest îlets (hamlets) to reach in Mafate from the northern entrance. Ready-pitched tents for hire, Creole meals, a superb viewpoint and the warm welcome the place is known for.
Aurère, MafatelocationFrom €5 per personpriceOn foot onlyaccessEquipped tent for hirespecial feature
Camping La Bonne Terre, run by Mr Jean-Paul Thomas, is one of the best-loved campsites in the Mafate cirque. Set in the îlet of Aurère, at 940 metres, it's a natural stop on treks that start from the northern entrance (Sans Souci in La Possession). Described as a “true haven of peace” in the lush greenery typical of Mafate, it puts genuine hospitality ahead of modern comforts.
This page covers everything you need to know before booking: prices, facilities, access from the Mafate trailheads, tent hire and Creole meals cooked on site, plus ideas for planning your trek. If you're new to Mafate, the guided trek from Cayenne îlet pairs well with a night at JP Thomas's place, so you can get to know the cirque step by step.
At a glance
The campsite essentials
The experience
A night in Aurère at JP Thomas's place
Arriving in Aurère. This is one of the most charming and accessible îlets in Mafate, with its main house, school, church and trails branching off to other îlets. The campsite is signposted right by the trail. Mr Thomaswelcomes hikers personally and sorts out whatever you need when you arrive (a pitch, or an equipped tent if you're travelling light).
The equipped tent for hire.This is one of the campsite's stand-out features. If you'd rather not carry your own gear on the trail, JP Thomas rents out an equipped tent for 2 people, with a flysheet, mattress, pillows and blankets. Ideal for trekking through Mafate without lugging heavy gear on the first stage.
Creole meals.Creole meals cooked on site are available on request, as is breakfast. Again, it's a real treat not to have to cook after a long walk in: caris (Creole curries), rice, beans and sometimes homemade desserts. Order when you arrive so JP Thomas can plan the portions.
Basic facilities. The campsite has 2 showers, 2 toilets, 2 sinksand a water point. That's plenty for a stop in Mafate, though of course more rustic than a commercial campsite on the coast. The view over the cirque from the campsite is one of the finest in Aurère.
How to get there
How to reach Aurère on foot
Aurère can only be reached on foot. There are three main ways in:
Sans Souci (La Possession): the most direct route, around 3 to 4 hours of steady walking via the Scout trail. A good choice for your first visit to Aurère.
Rivière des Galets (La Possession): around 4 to 5 hours on foot from the Deux Bras car park, with river crossings. Avoid in wet weather (risk of flash floods).
From La Nouvelle or Roche Plate: trails linking îlets inside the cirque, 4 to 6 hours depending on where you start. Ideal as one stage of a multi-day trek across Mafate.
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 the town you set off from before heading up.
On site
Campsite services and facilities
- Pitches for your own tent
- Equipped tent for hire for 2 people (flysheet, mattress, pillows, blankets)
- Creole meals cooked on site (order on arrival)
- Breakfast on request
- 2 showers
- 2 toilets
- 2 sinks
- A water point for washing up and washing
- A superb view over the cirque
- Trail advice and directions from Mr Thomas
Rates
How much does a night cost?
Prices start from €5 per person per night, according to my camping overview page. Tent hire and Creole mealscost extra. It's still very good value for what you get (a Mafate setting and a personal welcome).
Check current prices by phone before booking. Cards aren't accepted, so bring cash to pay on site.
Contact & booking
Booking La Bonne Terre
Phone: +262 692 39 32 93
Address: Aurère, Mafate cirque, 97419 La Possession
Bookings by phone only. Mobile signal is poor in Aurère, so be patient when calling. Book several weeks ahead in high season (June to October).
For tent hire and meals, let Mr Thomas know when you arrive so he can get things ready.
Combine it with
Activities to combine with your stay
Aurère is a crossroads on the northern route through Mafate. Make the most of your stop to explore the nearby trails.
Guided trek in Mafate from Cayenne
A multi-day trek across the Mafate cirque from the îlet of Cayenne, with a qualified local guide.
See the activity
Bélouve and the Trou de Fer waterfall
A guided trail from the highlands of Salazie to the viewpoint over the island's tallest waterfall, also visible from Aurère.
See the activity
Horse riding at Piton Maïdo
A horse-riding trip through the cryptomeria forests of the western highlands, towards the rampart overlooking Mafate.
See the activity
Pair it withAerial view
Mafate from the sky: the other perspective
Camping in Aurère shows you the cirque from the inside: trails, îlets, local life and supply helicopters seen from below. A helicopter flight turns that around: in a few minutes it sweeps over the whole cirque, from the ridge shared with Salazie to the Brèche, and shows you Aurère in its full setting.
The perfect complement to a trek, so you see the same landscape from the ground and from the air. 8 routes 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 Les Filaos, Îlet à Malheur
Camping at €5 per person in Îlet à Malheur, halfway between Aurère and Roche Plate.
See the campsite
Camping Chez Gigi, Îlet à Malheur
A family-run homestay campsite at €7 per person, also in Îlet à Malheur.
See the campsite
Camping du Cryptoméria, La Nouvelle
A campsite in a cryptomeria forest in the cirque's largest îlet (check it's open before you go).
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.
gite6 km
hotel7 km
hotel12 kmFrequently asked questions
FAQ: everything to know before booking
How do you book with JP Thomas?
Book by phone on +262 692 39 32 93. Mobile signal is poor in Aurère, so be patient when calling. Book several weeks ahead in high season (June to October).
How much does a night cost?
€5 per person per night, according to my camping overview page. Tent hire and Creole meals cost extra. Check current prices by phone before heading up.
Why hire the equipped tent?
If you'd rather not carry your own gear on the trail, JP Thomas rents out an equipped tent for 2 people, with a flysheet, mattress, pillows and blankets. Ideal for trekking through Mafate without lugging heavy gear on the first stage (it takes a lot of weight off your back).
Can you have dinner at the campsite?
Yes, Creole meals are cooked on site on request, as is breakfast. Say so when you arrive so Mr Thomas can plan the portions. It's one of the best things about the place: turning up tired and finding a cari (Creole curry) ready without having to cook.
What washing facilities are there?
2 showers, 2 toilets, 2 sinks and a water point. That's plenty for a stop in Mafate, but more rustic than a commercial campsite. The water may not be hot if it hasn't been sunny, so be prepared.
How do you get to Aurère?
Aurère can only be reached on foot. There are three main ways in: from Sans Souci (La Possession, 3-4 hours, via the Scout trail), along the Rivière des Galets (La Possession, 4-5 hours from Deux Bras, with river crossings), or from La Nouvelle or Roche Plate inside the cirque (4-6 hours depending on where you start).
What else can you do from the campsite?
Aurère is a crossroads in northern Mafate. You can climb towards Cayenne and the Brèche, head down to Îlet à Malheur or explore the trails around the îlet. For the best overall view of the cirque, nothing beats a helicopter flight.
What's the altitude in Aurère?
Aurère sits at around 940 metres. Nights are cooler than on the coast, but not as cold as on the summits (Maïdo, Piton des Neiges). Bring a sleeping bag rated to 12°C to stay comfortable, especially in the southern winter (June-August).
Page updated on 23 September 2026. GPS coordinates, contact details and rates verified as of this date. Confirm availability with the campsite before travelling.