Hikes · Saint-Denis
Above Saint-Denis, the trail climbs from the Mamode Camp cryptomeria forest through montane cloud forest to the Plaine des Chicots, then to the summit (2,276 m), which looks straight down into the Salazie and Mafate cirques. It is also home to the tuit-tuit, an endangered endemic bird protected in the heart of the National Park.
Hike : ≈ 7 h 30 return (≈ 19 km) · ≈ 1,100 m ascent · Hard
Leave at dawn: clouds often hide the view from late morning. A windproof jacket and a warm layer are essential, it is cold at the top. You can split it over two days with a night at the Plaine des Chicots hut (booking required); check trail status on the ONF website before you go.