Vallée de Mai, Praslin, Seychelles

We visited Vallée de Mai on a rainy day, and it was magical. Despite the rain, we stayed completely dry — the enormous jungle leaves created a natural umbrella over the entire trail. It felt like walking through a prehistoric world, surrounded by lush greenery and the unique beauty of the coco de mer palms. We chose the longest trail, about an hour and a half, and it was a peaceful, easy walk through this stunning UNESCO-listed forest. A beautiful, calming experience — perfect even in the rain. 🌿🌧️✨ After the walk, we had coffee at the on-site bar, but it wasn’t particularly impressive — there are much better spots for coffee elsewhere on the island. Still, the nature experience itself was unforgettable and well worth the visit. 🌴☕🌧️

Gorgeous nature reserve. We cycled there from Coco De Mer. I would not recommend cycling there unless you are very fit and an experienced cyclists. Take the bus or hire a car instead. The reserve was gorgeous. We saw birds, lizards, snails, lots of spiders and a tenrec (which was super cute) If its a cloudy, wet or windy day, I would definitely suggest going. We did it without the tour and were perfectly happy going around ourselves.

The forest! OK, there's a road inside, but it's still just an experience. I felt like an ant among those huge palm trees with those big leaves. A great experience. But of course, as with any tourist attraction, it is ideal to go in the morning so that you are inside before 9:00, otherwise you will stumble on other visitors. Tickets can be bought in advance online

Valle de Mai is a breathtaking nature reserve and a must-visit for anyone traveling to Praslin, Seychelles. Walking through this UNESCO World Heritage Site feels like stepping back in time—towering palm trees, lush greenery, and the famous Coco de Mer palms create an enchanting atmosphere. The trails are well-marked and suitable for all fitness levels, making it easy to explore at your own pace. Along the way, you might spot the rare black parrot and other unique wildlife. The guided tours provide fascinating insights into the ecosystem, adding even more depth to the experience. The sheer tranquility of this place is incredible. Whether you're a nature lover, a photographer, or just someone looking for a peaceful escape, Valle de Mai is pure magic. Highly recommended!

Valle de mai is breathtaking natural reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels like a true lost world. It’s home to the legendary Coco de Mer palm, which produces the largest and most unique seed in the plant kingdom. The trees themselves are ancient and majestic, and the shape of the nut, famous for its resemblance to the female form, is both symbolic and culturally important to the Seychelles. The Coco de Mer only grows naturally on Praslin and Curieuse islands, making it incredibly rare and protected. It plays a vital role in the local ecosystem and is a key part of Seychellois identity and heritage. To really appreciate its biological and cultural significance, I highly recommend visiting with a knowledgeable guide. They’ll share fascinating insights not just about the Coco de Mer, but also about the rare birds, plants, and legends tied to the forest. Without a guide, it’s easy to miss these stories. The experience is unforgettable and absolutely worth including in your Seychelles trip.

This is a wonderful nature reserve in the heart of Praslin and you should definitely make the effort to go, although the entrance fee at 450 SCR is a little steep. It's home to many endemic flora and fauna of the Seychelles including the famous coco de mer - the world's biggest nut! The park contains a well laid out, very easy trek and you get a map with your entry ticket. Highly recommend you take a guide. We were lucky to have Dora from Parrot Tour. She made the tour so interesting and we learnt and saw so much.

Beautiful place. Trails available for tourists are easy to walk through and there are 3 lengths trails available. It is a must item on ylthe list if you visiting Praslin. Highy recommended!

Quite an expensive place to visit, which may not feel worthwhile to many. It's great for a short hike and if you like walking around a forest. If you want to do some birdwatching, you'll need to visit early in the morning and carry a telephoto lens. The souvenir shop has tshirts and paintings starting from 450 SCR.