Piton de la Plaine des Cafres, Mountain summit in Réunion, France.
Piton de la Plaine des Cafres is a mountain summit reaching 1443 meters, positioned between La Plaine-des-Palmistes and La Plaine des Cafres and featuring volcanic rock formations. The slopes and volcanic terrain shape the appearance of this exposed peak.
The Plaine des Cafres region got its name from enslaved Africans who sought refuge in this area during the 18th century. This historical connection shapes the identity of the plateau today.
The area is known for cattle farming on the plateaus, where pastures shape the landscape and give the region an Alpine character.
Multiple marked hiking trails lead to the summit from the RF5 road, with conditions varying by season and weather. Visitors should plan different amounts of time depending on the route and physical fitness.
The Piton de la Fournaise Volcano Observatory has been monitoring volcanic activity across the region from this location since 1979. This active volcanic monitoring makes the site important for earth scientists.
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