In June of 2014, nine top bloggers and digital storytellers from around the world delved deep into the heart of Reunion Island during the #gotoReunion campaign. This October, seven South African storytellers will discover even more of what this diverse island has to offer. 

After the success of 2014’s #gotoReunion campaign, which focussed on promoting the many different aspects of the destination, Destinate's 2015 campaign will hone in and focus the audience's attention on a few of Reunion's most unique offerings, which appeal specifically to the South African audience.

Two aspects that hold great appeal to the South African audience are the beaches and the hiking; specifically the cirque of Mafate, staying with locals in unique gites.

In 2015, 7 South African bloggers and prominent digital influencers will head to the island for the experience of a lifetime: Hiking across the island’s 3 cirques and stopping along the way to take in the views, learn about the history of the island, stay and eat with locals and share their stories. They will end of their adventure in Reunion Island with a two day stay in a villa on the lagoon, experiencing life as a local - shopping at the markets, using local transport and soaking up the coastal lifestyle of the island before heading home.

#gotoReunion 2014

The 2014 #gotoReunion camaign resulted in inspirational images, fascinating first-person stories and an epic video, which told the stories of the island from a visitor's perspective. The team of talented digital storytellers explored the island high and low and shared their experiences through social media and blog posts. 

Day 1: Arriving on the island

Day 2: Visiting Piton de la Fournaise

Day 3: Exploring the market of Saint Pierre

Day 4: Taking to the ocean

Day 5: Sunset snaps

Hiking to the remote village of Mafate

Canyoning and exploring lava tunnels

The island from the air

Winding down on Reunion Island

Stories from #gotoReunion 2014

A look at Reunion Island with Velvet Escape

Reunion Island captured by Matty Brown

'Welcome to Reunion Island' by local photographer Yann Macherez

#gotoReunion: Mzansigirl's Instagram Diary

#gotoReunion: Hiking to Mafate

Getaway finds 12 of the best things to eat & drink in Reunion

#gotoReunion: Exploring Lava Tunnels with Expert Vagabond

#gotoReunion 2015

From 11-18 October 2015, seven of South Africa's top bloggers and Instagrammers will tell new stories as they explore the lagoon, volcano and the island's famous hiking trials. Follow along and see what a seven day trip to Reunion Island could look like when you #gotoReunion. 

11 October: Travel to Reunion Island. Air Austral flies direct from Johannesburg (four hour flight) and South Africans do not require a visa to visit the island.

12 October: Relax on the beach at Saint-Gilles and shop for local foods and spices at the Saint Paul Market

13 October: Spend the day visiting the famous Piton de la Fournaise - one of the most active, yet safest volcanoes. Drive back along the south coast, known as the Wild South, where you can see the hardened lava flow into the ocean and sink your feet into black volcanic beach sand.

14 October: Paraglide over Saint-Leu and touch down near the beautiful Kelonia beach and turtle concervancy. Shop for groceries at the Le Port local market and cook a home cooked Creol meal for dinner.

15 October: Drive to the cirque of Salazie and start the hike to the remote cirque of Mafate. Spend the night at a gite in Mafate. 

16 October: Spend the day hiking in Mafate. Have a picnic lunch next to the river. Spend the night at a gite.

17 October: Hike from Mafate to the cirque of Cilaos. Explore the cirque before taking the bus to the capital, Saint-Denis. Spend the night in Saint-Denis.

18 October: Travel to Johannesburg. 

The Storytellers

For the 2015 campaign, we selected influencers who have a strong presence on social media across a number of platforms, who also produce great content for their blogs or clients using photography, video and digital storytelling.

1. Natalie Roos for Destinate | @NatalieRoos | @TAILSOFAMERMAID | www.tailsofamermaid.com

2. Tony Weaver, GQ Magazine | @GQdotcoza | @GQSOUTHAFRICA | www.gq.co.za

3. Andy Carrie | @andycarrie | @ANDYCARRIE_ON | www.vibetrain.co

4. Dee Lou | @the_goodholiday | @THEGOODHOLIDAY | www.thegoodholiday.com

5. Heather Mason | @2summers | @2SUMMERS | www.2summers.net

6. Mike Lawry | @thelawry | @THELAWRY | www.lifeofmike.co.za

7. Carlinn Meyer | @superficialgirl | @SUPERFICIALGIRL | www.superficialgirls.com

Follow them as they explore the island, by using the tag #gotoReunion on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.