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Reunion, Africa:
Reunion, Africa:
Reunion is a tiny French-speaking island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. An overseas department of France, its population reflects a rich ethnic mix of African, French, Malay, Indian (Hindu and Muslim) and Chinese, giving the country a vibrant and unique cultural heritage.
If you're looking for rugged terrain suitable for trekking, Reunion offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery anywhere. But if you prefer a more genteel landscape, there are gorgeous gardens, fragrant spice farms and beautiful Creole houses to explore. The only possible flaw in this paradise has to do with water: Reunion's lagoons are small and shallow, and the island has little protection from the pounding surf, so its beautiful beaches and clear waters are more suitable for basking than for swimming and diving. Nevertheless, Reunion calls out to explorers seeking exceptional encounters and experiences -- jagged peaks, sheer cliffs, waterfalls and an active volcano to boot. It is a sensational place to unwind.
Weather Overview
Because of the high mountains, the island's climate varies greatly. In general, however, it experiences two distinct seasons: the hot, rainy summer from December to April and the cool, dry winter from late April to October. The windward east coast is considerably wetter than the dry, brown west coast, but wettest of all are the mountains above the east coast - around Takamaka, Plaine-des-Palmistes and the northern and eastern slopes of the volcano. As with Mauritius, the cyclone season is roughly December to March.
Temperatures on the coast average 22°C (72°F) during winter and 27°C (81°F) in summer. In the mountains, they drop to 11°C (52°F) and 18°C (64°F) respectively. The southeast trade winds blow year-round and can make hiking at high altitude uncomfortably cold in winter.
La Reunion - Travel Guide
La Réunion vous attend...
Reunion Travel Guide | Reunion Travel Information Guide
(click links on right side of page)
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