Caverne des Lataniers


Useful Information

Location: Parc national de La Réunion. At the northwestern side of the Piton de la Fournaise volcano. At the road RF5.
(-21.205669, 55.651406)
Open: no restrictions.
[2023]
Fee: free.
[2023]
Classification: Speleologylava cave
Light: bring torch
Dimension: A=2,373 m asl.
Guided tours: self guided
Photography: allowed
Accessibility: no
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History


Description

Caverne des Lataniers (Cave of the Lataniers) is not one of those numerous lava tubes which are used for cave trekking tours. It is a small cave located high up on the mountainside. It was once a frequent stop for expeditions hiking to the summit of the Piton de la Fournaise from the Cafres plain. After one day they reached the cave and stayed here overnight. The cave was partly closed by a dry stone wall intended to improve protection against the cold. This and the traces of fireplaces show that it was frequently used. It's also a dry place during rain. On the other side it is quite small and not high enough to stand upright. There is now a road RF5 to the summit, and hiking lost its popularity. And as it is now in the middle of Parc national de La Réunion we guess making fire is not allowed anymore. The cave is of no speleological interest.

The GR R2 long-distance hiking trail still passes near the cave. The cave is rather easy to visit, as it is not far from the road. From the Bois Ozoux picknick area its 750 m up the road to a parking lot on the left side. From here it's a 500 m walk uphill to the cave which is 50 m higher.