If, thanks to Netflix, you’re enjoying 1993’s Jurassic Park all over again and now feel the urge to experience the real thing – you could do a lot worse than a trip to the island of La Reunion.
The Indian Ocean island has got everything you need for a Jurassic Park-style holiday (minus the dinosaurs, obviously) – volcanic landscapes, jungle gorges, lava caves and, with one experience that’s just hit the market, even a waterfall helicopter ride reminiscent of the ‘arrival’ scene from the cult film.
The trip, called ‘Like Nowhere Else on Earth, is being offered by adventure holiday firm Off the Map Travel.
If, thanks to Netflix, you’re enjoying Jurassic Park all over again and now feel the urge to experience the real thing – you could do a lot worse than a trip to the island of La Reunion. Pictured is one of the helicopter rides it’s possible to experience on the island – reminiscent of the ‘arrival’ scene from the cult movie
Off the Map Travel offers a trip to the Indian Ocean island, pictured, called ‘Like Nowhere Else on Earth
As part of the trip, guests get to spend the night in a see-through bubble tent, sleeping underneath the stars
The company describes the French island as being the crossroads of African, Indian, European and Chinese cultures and very similar to Hawaii – where Jurassic Park was shot.
The trip starts with guests enjoying a helicopter flight over the cavernous, waterfall-strewn ravines, moon-like volcanoes and the lush forest.
The helicopter then lands at Hiker’s Edge, a lodge retreat deep in the mountains.
The trip starts with guests enjoying a helicopter flight over the cavernous, waterfall-strewn ravines, moon-like volcanoes and the lush forest
The French island is described as being the crossroads of African, Indian, European and Chinese cultures and very similar to Hawaii – where Jurassic Park was shot
Jonny Cooper, founder of Off the Map Travel, said: ‘La Reunion is a dramatic land of fiery volcanoes, steep-sided jungle landscapes and starlit skies – off-the-beaten track and offering a taste of Creole culture with a splash of luxury’
There they will enjoy a Creole lunch cooked over an open fire followed by an on-land exploration upward through the area’s lava tubes and caves created by lava flow and a zip-lining experience through the jungle.
As darkness falls, guests are taken to the small village of Les Makes, 1,500 metres (4,900ft) above sea level and in the middle of the tropical forest.
Here they will settle into one of four individual see-through bubble tents, where the night sky and surrounding wilderness form a natural outdoor blanket.
Each transparent bubble provides a sleeping and relaxation space and is connected to a shared bathroom and lounge.
As darkness falls, guests are taken to the small village of Les Makes, 1,500 metres (4,900ft) above sea level and in the middle of the tropical forest, where the bubble accommodation is located
Off the Map Travel’s La Reunion ‘Like Nowhere on Earth’ program is offered year-round. It says that the itinerary can be tailored to each guest, but prices for a seven-night, eight-day itinerary start from £1,899
Each transparent bubble provides a sleeping and relaxation space and is connected to a shared bathroom and lounge
Jonny Cooper, founder of Off the Map Travel, said: ‘Picture Jurassic Park all around you.
‘La Reunion is a dramatic land of fiery volcanoes, steep-sided jungle landscapes and starlit skies – off-the-beaten track and offering a taste of Creole culture with a splash of luxury.
‘It’s an area unmarred by tourism and filled with adventures.’
Off the Map Travel’s La Reunion ‘Like Nowhere on Earth’ program is offered year-round. It says that the itinerary can be tailored to each guest, but prices for a seven-night, eight-day itinerary start from £1,899.
Included are daily breakfasts; all transfers; accommodations in hotels and villas in the coastal town of Sainte-Gilles; one night in a see-through bubble; a tour into the lava caves; a jungle zipline and a heli-hiking experience to Hiker’s Eden with lunch. Flights are additional.
Other volcanic adventures are available.