These are the 17 best hiking trails in Seychelles:
1. Copolia Lodge Trail, Mahe
Duration: 45 minutes - 1.5 hours
Approximate length: 1.5 kilometres
Difficulty level: Moderate
Entrance Fee: SCR 100
How to reach: This trail is located on Mahé Island and is near Victoria. Take a bus or a taxi to Copolia Lodge in Sans Souci Road. The starting point is located across the lodge.
2. Glacis Trois Frères Trail, Mahe
Named for the three granite rocks that tower over the region, this hiking trail offers splendid views of Mahé from its high point. On a clear day, you can view Praslin Island and La Digue from here. A part of the Morne Seychellois National Park, this path is also home to the carnivorous pitcher plant that you can spy on. Adventure junkies can go beyond the end point of this trail to scale till the Trois Frères Cross which is located at a higher altitude, but this is advised only for experienced hikers.
Duration: 45 minutes
Approximate length: 1.5 kilometres
Difficulty level: Easy
How to reach: This trail is in Mahé Island, and you can take a bus from Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, to reach the starting point. Get down at the Sans Souci Forestry Station and follow the path, to reach the starting point.
3. Vallée de Mai Trail
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is believed to be the Garden of Eden! If that connection of history is not enough to drive you to this scenic locale, consider this - Vallée de Mai is home to three separate hiking trails that can take you all around the park. The area is full of dense tropical forests, which give you some much-needed respite from the tropical sun. The views are also stunning! Note that you will have to pay an entry fee of EUR 26 per person per visit.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Approximate length: 1-2 kilometres
Difficulty level: Easy
How to reach: This trail is located in Praslin Island; you can get a ferry or a seaplane from Mahé Island to Praslin. At Praslin, the starting point of this trail is along the road between Grand Anse and Baie Sainte Anne.
4. Morne Blanc Trail
This challenging trail offers magnificent views of the island and neighbouring areas, and a slice of history as well. Sip on some perfectly brewed tea at SeyTé, take a tour of the factory and embark on this trail, as you attempt to scale the mighty peak of Morne Blanc. As you cross the tea plantation, the terrain gets more and more mountainous, and the mist may get to you as well. Don't let that stop you - the views and weather at the top will melt your fatigue away! Embark on this trail in the early hours of the morning, to escape the mist and sun.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Approximate length: 1.6 kilometres
Difficulty level: Difficult
How to reach: The trail is in the Morne Seychellois National Park, and you can get to the starting point by taking a car or a bus to the SeyTé tea factory.
5. Cassedent Trail
This winding trail for hiking in Seychelles takes you up and down the terrain, and is a perfect rollercoaster ride! Follow the ascents and descents as you pass marshlands, screw pines and palms. There are some bridges to cross as well, which are super fun. As you reach the end of the trail, feast your eyes on a gushing waterfall in the lap of nature, and take a swim. Close by is a cool cave as well, where you can eat lunch and even take a quick nap. This is a perfect date idea!
Duration: 4 hours
Approximate length: 8 kilometres
Difficulty level: AdvancedHow to reach: This trail is located on Mahé Island, on the Sans Souci road. Go up to Mission Lodge - the trial starts just a kilometre away.
6. Fond Ferdinand Trail
Full of Coco de Mer trees, this 122-hectare park offers beautiful panoramic views of Sister Island, Coco Island, La Digue, Curieuse, Round Island, Mahé, Félicité, Frégate and Silhouette. You are sure to spot some tropical birds as well. An adventure is guaranteed at Fond Ferdinand! Note that an entry fee of EUR 8 per person is charged to enter Fond Ferdinand - this is inclusive of a guide as well, so it's a great bargain.
Duration: 2 hours
Approximate length: 2 kilometres
Difficulty level: Moderate
How to reach: Praslin Island hosts this gorgeous plantation. You can take a bus to reach Fond Ferdinand, which is near Anse Marie Louise.
7. Anse Major Trail
This small trail is perfect when you don't have enough time to explore the entire county - it offers the best of Seychelles in the least time! As you start and pass through a private resort, prepare yourself for breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and exotic plants. The trail ends at Anse Major, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Seychelles, which is secluded and perfect as a lovers' paradise. You can also snorkel here!
Duration: 40 minutes
Approximate length: 2 kilometres
Difficulty level: Easy
How to reach: The trail is in the Bel Ombre District of Mahé Island. You can take a bus to Bel Ombre and reach the starting point at the southern end of the Bel Ombre Road
8. Vacoa Nature Trail
This short trail is perfect for beginners, as it does not involve an incline or tough terrain. Trace the path of the Dauban River and pass through the stunning mangrove and screw pine forests, as you embark on this circular trail. The area gets its name from the Panadanus trees - screw pine - which is called 'Vacoa' in the local Creole language.
Duration: 30 minutes
Approximate length: 2 kilometres
Difficulty level: Easy
How to reach: The trail is located on Mahé Island. Take a bus or a taxi to reach Avanii Barbarons Hotel at Anse Boileau. The trail begins close by.
9. Anse Mondon Trail
This trail takes you through the National Park to the Anse Mondon beach, which is accessible only on foot. You can take stunning photos of the island from the Belle Vue viewpoint on the trail. Try spotting the Seychelles bulbul on your way. A fun fact - a nineteenth-century pirate is said to have buried his treasure here! Note that this trip is offered at a price of SCR 950 per person by the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort and Spa.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Approximate length: 3.2 kilometres
Difficulty level: Moderate
How to reach: This trail is located in La Passe village on Silhouette Island. From La Passe village, reach the Hilton Labriz complex, and walk along the beach till you reach the signboard for the trailhead. Note that La Passe is not to be confused with the one in La Digue Island!
10. Nid d'Aigle Trail
This path is sure to test your endurance and grit, and the rewards are stunning indeed! Every trekker's dream, the Nid d'Aigle trek involves climbing all the way to the Eagle's Nest, the highest peak in La Digue, reaching over 1090 feet above sea level. There are two means to go about this hiking trail in Seychelles - you could either trek from La Passe village till the summit (which is longer and more strenuous), or you could take a taxi till Belle Vue restaurant (the halfway mark) and trek from there.
We recommend the latter, as it is easier and you can save your energy to climb the mountain. It takes you through fragrant pine forests, granite rocks and stark red soil, and involves climbing past a ledge to reach the summit. You are assured of unbelievable views of Praslin, Marianne and Félicité from the summit.
Duration: 40 minutes
Approximate length: 1.4 kilometres
Difficulty level: Moderate
How to reach: The trail is located in La Passe village in La Digue Island. You can take a bus or a taxi from La Digue to Belle Vue Restaurant. The starting point is located very close to it.
11. Dans Gallas Trail
This trail is right for you if you're looking for some adventurous trekking! As you climb up the trek, you are greeted by thick woods and granite boulders. Don't worry - there are steps and ladders to help you reach the summit. Once you do, you can have a spectacular birds' eye view of Victoria, Beau Vallon and Morne Seychellois National Park making it one of the most breathtaking trails for hiking in Seychelles.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Approximate length: 3 kilometres
Difficulty level: Advanced
How to reach: Dans Gallas trail is located at Mahé Island. Take a bus to Le Niol at Beau Vallon, to reach the trailhead.
12. Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette Trail
This relaxed trail gives you a glimpse of both the jungles and the ocean of the tropics while being just a stone's throw away from civilization. This trail starts and ends at a beach, which means that you can lounge by the ocean before and after walking - a perfect stress-buster indeed!
As you start off from Anse Lazio - a picturesque beach on one side of Praslin, follow the trail and pass through a wooded section. As you reach Anse Georgette, get ready to hear exotic birds herald you in. Note that you will have to pass through the private property of the Lémuria Resort to reach Anse Georgette, so it is recommended that you get prior permission from the resort management.
Duration: 3 hours
Approximate length: 7 kilometres
Difficulty level: Moderate
How to reach: This trail is located in Praslin Island. Take a bus to Anse Lazio. The trail is located on the western side of the beach.
13. Grande Barbe Trail
This trail takes you through Silhouette Island, to the Grande Barb plateau. Here you can spot giant hawksbill turtles lounging by the beach! The Grande Barbe trail is spread across different terrains - white sand beaches, rocky plateaus and mangrove forests. You can also explore the abandoned houses of the Grande Barbe villages. Note that this hike is offered by the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort and Spa, for a fee of SCR 1500 per person.
Duration: 3 hours
Approximate length: 2-3 kilometres
Difficulty level: Advanced
How to reach: The trail is located on Silhouette Island. The resort offers transportation from Mahé Island.
14. Glacis Noire Trail
This interesting trail promises you many rewards - spotting the Seychelles Black Parrot, the Seychelles Black Snail, the Seychelles bulbul and the Indian Mynah! Nature lovers are sure to be dazed at the Glacis Noire trail, where you can also see the thief palm and Coco de Mer trees. The viewpoint at the top gives you incredible views of the island.
Duration: 40 minutes
Approximate length: 4.7 kilometres
Difficulty level: Moderate
How to reach: The trail is located on Praslin Island. Take a bus to Vallée de Mer. The trailhead of Glacis Noire is located near the entrance.
15. Glacis La Réserve Trail
This super easy hiking trail is perfect for beginners to get an authentic experience of Seychelles, as it is just half an hour long, and offers you splendid views. Set against a stunning backdrop of steep granite boulders and charming cliffs, the path is full of tall palm trees. There are three viewpoints to choose from, from where you can see distinct areas of the island. Once you reach the end, take a selfie against the granite cliff!
Duration: 25 minutes
Approximate length: 1 kilometre
Difficulty level: Easy
How to reach: The trail is located in Mahé, on the Montagne Posée Road. The starting point is near the Cable Station in Bon Espoir.
16. Mare Aux Cochons
This beautiful trail covers the distance to reach the verdant Mare Aux Cochons valley and is nestled within the cosy green crevices of the Morne Seychellois National Park in Mahé. This uphill climb can be daunting at first but is worth it. Take a walk along this hiking trail which crosses a gurgling stream, a waterfall, some abandoned factories and even an ancient pirates' cave. This moderately difficult walkway is fit for an adventurer indeed. We're getting serious Indiana Jones vibes!
Duration: 5-6 hours
Approximate length: 9.6 kilometres
Difficulty level: Moderate
How to reach: This trail is in Mahé Island and can be reached on Victoria Road, from Beau Vallon.
17. Salazie-Pasquière Trail
This is actually a combination of two trails - it means double the fun! Start off with the Salazie trail which snakes through thickly wooded mahogany forests and tea plantations, and experience the majesty of being surrounded by the wild. It is not very difficult to climb either, as it is not very hilly.
You can cross petite bridges, granite boulders and stunning ocean views of Anse Volbert and Cote d'Or along the way. Once this trail reaches the end, you can shift to the Pasquière trail and go along the Pasquière River, following the path. This is one of the best trails for hiking in Seychelles as it is privately maintained by the Raffles Resort. The Pasquière trail leads right back into the Salazie trail, so you can go back to right where you started, and enjoy the views.
Duration: 4 hours
Approximate length: 9 kilometres
Difficulty level: Moderate
How to reach: This trail is located in Praslin Island. Reach Grand Anse by bus, and go along the Britannia Cemetery. Head north to find the starting point of the trail.
Best Time for Hiking in Seychelles
As Seychelles is a tropical country, the sun shines all year long, so you can safely embark on trips. The monsoons get intense, and the region has two monsoon seasons as well - this may put you off, as the tracks may get muddy. The interim dry season from June to September is the best time to go hiking in Seychelles because the trails are drier and easier to walk across. This doesn't mean that you cannot experience rains during this season - the tropical climate ensures that there can be isolated showers anytime, so take an umbrella along.
Tips
- Check the weather before you embark on hiking. If the conditions are rainy or stormy, do not go.
- Wear appropriate footwear while hiking - boots and shoes are preferred. Avoid wearing sandals and flip-flops. Tougher hikes may demand rough mountain boots.
- Keep a map handy, and look out for signboards and trail markers so that you don't get lost.
- Carry along health bars and packed lunch.
- Take insect repellants and band-aids.
- Carry matches, a lighter and a candle in case of emergencies.