Mafate

The Cirque de Mafate is a caldera on Réunion Island (France; located in the Indian Ocean).

The name "Mafate" comes from the Malagasy word "Mahafaty", which means lethal, an allusion to the difficulty of reaching the Cirque.

The Cirque is entirely public property, managed by the Forestry service, from which the inhabitants rent inexpensive concessions.

Typically, these stores also provide some limited bar and restaurant services (hot coffee and local fast food, such as samosas).

Many inhabitants have opened gîtes (dormitories, WC and showers) where hikers can stay for the night, and often dine, for a fee.

There are several dispensaries between which a few nurses rotate, as well as scheduled visits of a physician, but no permanent health care facilities.