Man looking at young coco de mer palm in forest of World Heritage site Vallee de Mai in Praslin National Park.

Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images

Vallée de Mai

Top choice


Gorgeous World Heritage–listed Vallée de Mai is one of only two places in the world where the rare coco de mer palm grows in its natural state (the other being nearby Curieuse Island). It's also a birding hotspot: watch for the endemic Seychelles bulbul, the lovely blue pigeon, the Seychelles warbler and the endangered black parrot, of which there are between 520 and 900 left in the wild. It's a real slice of Eden.

Three hiking trails (plus a number of connecting minor subtrails) lead through this primeval, emerald-tinged forest, which remained totally untouched until the 1930s. The shortest is about 1km and the longest is 2km and all are clearly marked and easy going – perfect for families. As you walk amid the forest, the atmosphere is eerie, with the monstrous leaves of the coco de mer soaring 30m to a sombre canopy of huge fronds. Signs indicate some of the other endemic trees to look out for (there are more than 50 other indigenous plants and trees), including several varieties of pandanus (screw pines) and latanier palms. This is also home one of only two populations of the giant bronze gecko, and 14 endemic reptile and amphibian species.

There are free guided visits at 9am and 2pm, but we recommend taking a private guide for a 1½- to two-hour guided walk (Rs 1000 per group) through the forest – you'll miss so much if you go it alone.

There's an informative visitor centre, cafe and excellent shop on-site.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Praslin National Park

0.15 MILES

This national park is spread across the hills of Praslin's interior. At its core is the Unesco World Heritage–listed Vallée de Mai, one of the most…

2. Anse Volbert

1.21 MILES

This long, gently arching beach is among the most popular strands on the island. It's great for safe swimming and sunbathing, and it's also good for water…

3. Rita's Art Studio & Gallery

1.21 MILES

Bright Seychellois landscapes and still lifes (think exotic flowers) bring much cheer to this gallery owned and run by local artist, Rita Morel, who can…

4. Church

1.51 MILES

This sturdy local church will help you get your bearings along Praslin's west coast.

5. Anse Marie-Louise

2.15 MILES

At the island's southern tip, Anse Marie-Louise is a pretty spot. There are no facilities and no parking lot; just pull over at the side of the road and…

6. Grand Anse

2.24 MILES

Grand Anse has a long, typically beautiful beach, but swimming is only average, with shallow waters and a profusion of algae.

7. Anse Consolation

2.27 MILES

Draped along a corner of the island that sees few visitors, Anse Consolation is a fine stretch of sand to spend an afternoon.

8. Anse La Blague

2.81 MILES

Head to Anse La Blague on the east coast if you're after a secluded picnic spot. Very few tourists make it to this isolated beach, which feels like the…