Do I really need a guide on Reunion Island ?

If you have sufficient experience as a hiker in tropical conditions, if you take a sporty approach to the hikes and are only marginally interested in the surrounding nature and culture; if you speak French fluently, prepare the trip extensively beforehand and are in possession of the necessary material (maps, GPS ...) the answer is a clear: NO.

But maybe you have not so much hiking experience under tropical conditions, want to get to know the island intensively and are not inclined to sacrifice a lot of time and energy for preparation. Then you are much better off with A.A.R. and our certified mountain leaders.

We are there for:

• organizing your outing/stay and resolving any problems that may arise during your journey. In short: You will waste less time preparing your trip, and you will  feel more comfortable during the outings.
  
• helping you with language problems: very few people on Reunion Island can speak other languages than french and creole. So your guide will be a fully grown interpreter.
  
• providing you with an inestimable added value: with the help of your guide you will be able to dive intensively into the marvelous landscape and into creole culture. You will make acquaintance with animals, plants, landscape details and cultural peculiarities, which you would never have even noticed walking on your own.
  Our mission is the transmission, enhancement and interpretation of Reunion Island's natural and cultural heritage.
                               We will be the spokesperson for your personal angle of view
  
  Your guide is a trained geophysicist and will be able to reveal most of the secrets of the volcano #pitondelafournaise to you. He has been active as a guide on Reunion Island for more than 15 years and has an exhaustive knowledge of the botany and the culture and history of the island.
  
• There are several trails which are rarely used by hikers. Determining them and assessing their touristic value and their risk potential is an preeminent task of your guide.
  Certain places are accessible only in company of a guide.
  
  
• Safety is paramount: A.A.R. will give you advice on your equipment and your state-certified guide, in case of any problems, will know exactly what to do. He is also the best placed to assess the weather, which is quite difficult to predict on Reunion Island. For hiking on your own in the area of the active volcano Piton de la Fournaise, especially during an eruption, you should have at least some basic knowledge of volcanism.

Come with us for an outstanding experience !