hotel2 km
Taïbit trail · ~1,700 m · local association
Trois Salazes: herbal teas, wood-fire curry and camping on the Taïbit
A friendly stopover between Cilaos and Marla, on the trail to the Col du Taïbit. Run by a local association, the îlet offers tent pitches for a small contribution, a herbal-tea house, and wood-fire curry on weekends.
~1,700 maltitude1h30walk from Bras-SecAssociationdonation-basedHerbal-tea house+ curry on site
Îlet des Trois Salazes is one of the most distinctive spots in the Cilaos cirque. Sitting halfway between the start of the Taïbit trail (Bras-Sec) and Marla, it stands apart from other camping areas because of how it's run: a local association maintains the site and welcomes hikers, in exchange for a modest donation.
The site is more than just a place to pitch a tent. The herbal-tea house serves snacks and teas on the spot (pay what you like, sometimes even self-service). On weekends and some evenings, the manager and his family prepare a delicious wood-fire curryfor passing hikers. It's the authentic atmosphere of Cilaos/Mafate, far from the touristy areas.
At a glance
The Trois Salazes camping essentials
Route
How to reach the îlet on foot
From Cilaos town centre, take the D242 towards Bras-Sec. At the Taïbit trailhead car park, start the climb on the waymarked path. Îlet des 3 Salazes sits on the left of the trail, 1h to 1h30 of walking away, before the Col du Taïbit. A moderately technical trail, with around 400 m of elevation gain.
Backpack
What to bring
- A 35-50L hiking backpack: everything on your back for 1h to 1h30 of walking from Bras-Sec
- A 3-season tent plus a 5°C-rated sleeping bag: at 1,700 m, night-time temperatures drop below 10°C
- A warm fleece: the temperature drops quickly at the Salazes' altitude
- Cash (no card payments): for your donation to the association
- A head torch: no public lighting, the îlet is remote
- Bin bags: all rubbish leaves with you, biodegradable waste included
- Grippy hiking boots: the Taïbit trail has technical sections in places
Regulations
Camping in the National Park: the rules
- 'Tents and other hammocks must be pitched before sunset and taken down in the morning'
- 'Do not light campfires': only stoves and the built, designated fire spots are permitted
- 'Take all your rubbish away with you', including biodegradable waste
- 'The use of generators is prohibited'
- 'No harm may be done to wildlife or plant life'
- 'Leave the site as you found it'
Source: Parc national de La Réunion: Wild camping in the Park core. The donation requested by the Association des 3 Salazes goes towards maintaining the site and is not a Park fee.
Combine it with
Activities to combine from Cilaos
La Chapelle hike, Cilaos
An alternative outing in the Bras Rouge valley with a local guide, in the same cirque.
Discover
Fleur Jaune canyoning, Cilaos
A guided water descent through one of the cirque's most beautiful canyons.
Discover
Mafate hike from Îlet Cayenne
If you're crossing the Taïbit, extend your trip with a guided hike through Mafate.
Discover
Also worth combiningAerial view
The Col du Taïbit from above
Camping at Trois Salazes gives you the crossing into Mafate on foot. The helicopter gives you the Col du Taïbit from above, the Cilaos-Mafate-Salazie sequence in a few minutes of flight.
It's the perspective that rounds out the hike perfectly: you recognise what you walked, trace the trails, and see the whole cirque at once.
From €125 · 210 Manawa reviews · Saint-Pierre / Saint-Paul
See helicopter rates
Stay nearby
Accommodation in Cilaos
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Other camping spots around the Taïbit
Camping at Bras Rouge, Cilaos
At the foot of the Col du Taïbit, a 30-minute drive from Cilaos town centre.
See the spot
Wild camping at Aurère, Mafate
If you're crossing the Taïbit, Îlet d'Aurère is a neighbouring stop on the GR R2.
See the spot
Trois Roches, central Mafate
An iconic waterfall right at the heart of Mafate, on the GR R2 trail.
See the spot
Frequently asked questions
FAQ: Trois Salazes
How do you get to Îlet des Trois Salazes?
On foot only. From Cilaos, take the D242 towards Bras-Sec, then follow the signs for the Taïbit trail. Allow 1h to 1h30 of walking from the trailhead to the îlet, with moderate elevation gain. The îlet sits halfway between Îlet à Corde and Marla, on the route that crosses the Col du Taïbit to reach Mafate.
Is it free to camp at Trois Salazes?
No. The îlet is run by the Association des 3 Salazes, which provides tent pitches in exchange for a donation towards the upkeep of the site. This sets it apart from other free camping areas. There's no fixed rate; it can vary, so check with the manager on site.
What does the association offer on site?
The association runs a herbal-tea house with snacks and teas to enjoy on the spot. The price is usually pay-what-you-like, sometimes even self-service. On weekends and some evenings, the manager and his family prepare a wood-fire cari (Creole curry) for passing hikers. It's one of the rare spots in Mafate/Cilaos with genuine food on offer.
Why camp here rather than at Bras Rouge or Marla?
For the authentic atmosphere of the local association, the manager's warm welcome, and the wood-fire curry prepared on site. It's also a practical stop for anyone tackling the Col du Taïbit over two days (day one from Bras Rouge to Trois Salazes, day two over the pass and down to Marla). Far from the bustle of more touristy spots like Marla or Cilaos town centre.
What altitude and temperatures should you expect?
Îlet des Trois Salazes sits at around 1,700 m altitude. Night-time temperatures drop to 8-12°C in the dry season, sometimes below 5°C during austral winter. A sleeping bag rated to at least 5°C, a fleece and a beanie are recommended. The Taïbit trail is exposed, with frequent wind at the pass.
Do you need to book with the association?
Not mandatory, but recommended during high season (July-August, school holidays). In low season, showing up unannounced usually works fine. The association doesn't have an official website; contact is often made through regular Taïbit hikers or directly on site.
How else can you get into Mafate without crossing the Taïbit?
Several other ways into Mafate: from Sans Souci (the Scout trail, giving access to Aurère), from Salazie (Col de Fourche), or from Saint-Paul. For the widest perspective without the walk, a scenic flight gives you the entire cirque in a few minutes.
Page last updated 18 September 2026. Prices and services are indicative, to be confirmed on site with the Association des 3 Salazes.