Hikes

Island's highest point (398 m; some sources give 389 m). A wooden sign on the Palissade road marks the start; stone and earth steps lead to a wooden platform with a wind rose and 360° views. Optional steep, rocky descent (~1 km) to Lataniers village.

Short version of the coastal trail: pleasant walk under casuarinas to the Trou d'Argent cove via Saint-François.

In the centre-east of Rodrigues, Grande Montagne reserve is an ecological restoration project led since the 1980s by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation and the forestry services. On around twenty hectares replanted with native species, signed trails lead to a lookout over the east coast. The guided tour starts at the Dominique Farla information centre and lets you see the Rodrigues fody and warbler, the Rodrigues fruit bat, Aldabra tortoises and extremely rare plants such as café marron. A great introduction to the island's unique nature.

On Rodrigues's east coast, this path links Graviers with Pointe Coton through the island's wildest coves. After a track under casuarinas, you join a coastal path passing Anse Fémie, Anse Bouteille, Trou d'Argent, Anse Philibert, Saint-François, Anse Ally and Fumier beach. Height gain is minimal, but a few steps and short climbs break up the route between limestone cliffs and white sand. Pack a swimsuit and mask: every cove invites a stop. The walk is one way, with a return by bus.

From the road end at Cascade Pistache (bus from Mont Lubin), about 2 h on foot to Pointe Mapou, then a fishing-boat crossing to Île Catherine and its volcanic desertscape.