Forêt de Bélouve

Forêt de Bélouve is a high-altitude cloud forest on the rim above the Cirque de Salazie in north-east Réunion, a French island in the Indian Ocean. It is thick with tree ferns, moss and the endemic tamarin des hauts trees that only grow at this elevation on the island. The forest is managed by the Office National des Forêts (ONF), and its gîte de montagne offers accommodation and meals, serving also as a trailhead on the path used to reach the Trou de Fer viewpoint. Most visitors pass through the forest as part of a longer hike rather than as a destination alone. The route usually begins by driving towards Grand Îlet and then walking about two and a half hours to the gîte; helicopter access from Saint-André is also possible. Walkers follow a well-kept forest track through twisted, moss-covered trees, with boardwalks over wet ground and glimpses of the valley when the cloud lifts. The highlight is the tamarin des hauts grove, a twisted forest found only at this altitude band. The visit can take from half a day to a full day, and some hikers stay overnight at the gîte, where half-board costs around €30 to €40 per person. The forest is often wrapped in cloud, which is normal for the elevation rather than a sign of bad weather, and the cloud cover keeps temperatures noticeably cooler than the coast. May to October is the drier period and better for walking, while the rest of the year can bring heavy rain and slippery paths. Weekdays are quieter, with the busiest periods at weekends and during school holidays, when the gîte is more likely to be fully booked. Visitors should bring waterproof layers, sturdy shoes and water, and book gîte beds ahead.