Vallée de Mai, Praslin – Complete Visitor Guide 2022 (Seychelles)

Vallée de Mai, Praslin – Complete Visitor Guide 2022 (Seychelles)

In the heart of the Seychelles' granite island of Praslin lies an ecological wonder known as the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. Discover rare, endemic species at this magical UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Vallée de Mai is an incredible palm forest on Praslin in the Seychelles. Its beauty and biodiversity has enjoyed international acclaim for centuries and was once described by General Charles Gordon as the true “Garden of Eden”. Today it serves as a prime example of the Seychelles' endemic palm forests and is a refuge for the critically endangered Coco de Mer palm, which produces the world's largest seed.

In this guide I will give you an up-to-date overview of how to visit the only Vallée de Mai on the island of Praslin. I will also include photos from my trip that I hope will inspire you to visit this amazing place.

Featured in: Praslin Island Travel Guide – 15 Best Things to do

Vallée de Mai – A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Vallée de Mai is one of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Seychelles (the other is Aldabra Atoll). It enjoys a global reputation as the best protective forest for the endangered Coco de Mer palm (Lodoicea) and five other palm trees that are endemic to the Seychelles. In 1983 it was declared a World Heritage Site.

The site is approximately 19.5 hectares in size and is as it has been since prehistoric times. Its natural beauty and the opportunity to walk among some of the rarest species on earth make a visit to the Vallée de Mai on Praslin one of the must-do things on the island.

Vallée de Mai, translated from French to May Valley, is often written as Vallee de Mai in English.
alt="Endemic palm trees Praslin Island, Seychelles">

The ultimate Seychelles travel resource

Looking for more Seychelles travel guides and inspiration? Below are my most comprehensive travel guides that will serve as a great resource for your trip.

– 50 Things to Do in Seychelles – Seychelles Accommodation Guide – 18 Best Beaches in Seychelles – 10 Best Islands in Seychelles – 15 Best Hikes in Seychelles

Current visitor information:

• Vallée de Mai Eintrittsgebühr: 350 SCR
• Zeiten und Öffnungszeiten: 9:00 – 17:30 Uhr – Besuche sind auf eine Stunde begrenzt.

The reserve is open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. However, visits are limited to one hour. There are a few hiking trails that run through the nature reserve including:

• Rundweg (Nord und Süd)
• Zentraler Weg
• Zedernpfad

alt="Vallee de Mai, Praslin, Seychelles">
Additionally, I have included a map of the Vallée de Mai below, showing the trails and points of interest.

Tip: Book a first-class guided tour of the Vallée de Mai, which also includes a trip to Anse Lazio.

Ticket purchases help support Seychelles' UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including 20% ​​for the management of the Seychelles Islands Foundation, 30% for the management of Vallée de Mai and Coco de Mer, and the remaining 50% goes to Aldabra Atoll.
alt="Vallée de Mai Trails on Praslin">

Vallée de Mai map

alt="Vallee De Mai map with paths and routes for visitors and travelers">

Where is the Vallée de Mai on Praslin?

The Vallée de Mai is located right in the heart of Praslin Island in the Seychelles in the Praslin National Park. In addition, the entrance is very accessible as it is right on the main road that connects Grand Anse beach to the eastern side (ferry side).

How do I get here?

Of course, if you are not on the island yet, you first have to go to Praslin.

As the Vallée de Mai is located in the center of the island, travel by public or private transport is required if you do not have your own car. Of course, if you book a full-day tour that includes a guided visit to the Vallée de Mai and the famous Anse Lazio, transportation is included, including hotel pickup and drop-off.

Alternatively, you can arrange a taxi from your hotel to the nature reserve. There is a parking lot on the side of the street opposite the entrance where taxis occasionally return. Taxis are metered in Seychelles, so the price depends on the distance from your hotel.

Is there a bus to Vallée de Mai? Although I didn't take the bus, after some research it seems there is a bus route you can take. The bus you want is this:

Route 61: Mont Plaisir – Anse Boudin via Vallée de Mai

The cost is 14 SCR for a bus to Vallee de Mai. Simply wait at any bus stop on the route above. Here is a map of the bus routes between Mont Plaisir and Anse Boudin (via Vallée de Mai).
alt=“Bus route Vallee De Mai Seychelles”>

See also: La Digue Island Travel Guide

Vallée de Mai tour

Before we get into what to expect at this incredible ecological wonder, I want to give you a logistical consideration.

If you would like a professionally guided tour of the nature reserve, including information about its history and the diversity of endemic plant and animal species, then I strongly recommend that you contact my friend Medina from Laboudolloniana Tours.

She was my private tour guide during my visit and she is very knowledgeable and knowledgeable. In fact, her father, Victorin Laboudallon, is a highly acclaimed Seychelles naturalist who is credited with discovering new plant species and is also the founder of TRASS, a volunteer initiative that aims to repopulate over 15,000 plants on Praslin every year. Medina definitely takes after her father and I highly recommend you give her a message for a great experience.
alt=“Medina Seychelles Tour Guide”>

Related: Best Praslin Beaches

What awaits you in the Vallée de Mai

Once you arrive, you must pay the entrance fee of 350 SCR. The staff will then grant you access to the website. At the entrance you will find a gift shop, a small restaurant and toilets.
alt=“Facilities in the Vallée de Mai, Praslin Island”>
If you continue to the left you will find the path that leads to the Vallee de Mai Praslin.
alt="Vallée de Mai hiking trails on Praslin Island, Seychelles">
Almost immediately you are immersed in a magical tropical palm forest with a dense canopy. At the entrance there are dried specimens of Coco de Mer (male and female) as well as some other Seychelles endemic palm seeds.

If you haven't opted for a guided tour, then I suggest taking the central route and following the circular route north back to the entrance.
alt="Coco de Mer male and female">

The endemic Coco de Mer in the Vallée de Mai

Of course, the main attraction and reason for Vallée de Mai's protected status is that it is the best and most abundant reserve for the endemic Coco de Mer palm.

The Coco de Mer, or "nut of the sea" in English, is an endangered palm tree endemic to Praslin and produces the largest seeds in the plant kingdom. It has a unique shape and plays an important role in the island's unique ecosystem.
alt=“Coco de Mer Seychelles”>
Its scientific name, Lodoicea maldivica, is so named due to a historical scientific error. The Coco de Mer was first discovered on the islands of the Maldives, over 2000 kilometers away. However, the palm never grew in the Maldives, instead the Coco de Mer seed had floated across the ocean! The interesting thing is that the Coco de Mer actually sinks and rests at the bottom of the ocean for several years until the interior withers and the Coco de Mer floats back to the surface.
alt="Coco de Mer palm, Praslin Island">
Since there was no evidence of the seed's plant origin in the Maldives, it was initially suspected that it came from a new underwater plant species. There is currently an effort by the local naturalist community to change the scientific name to reflect the plant's endemic origins in Seychelles.

As mentioned, Vallée de Mai is the best place to see natural Coco de Mer forests. The Coco de Mer has significant cultural and historical value to the Seychelles and they are very proud of it.
alt=“Palm forest Coco de Mer, Vallée de Mai, Praslin”>

Other endemic species of the Vallée de Mai Praslin

There are actually 5 other endemic plant species found in the Vallée de Mai. These include:

• palmist
• Dieb Palme
• Stelzenpalme der Seychellen
• Lattanyen milpat
• Lattanyen oban

In addition, among the palm trees you will find several fruit trees and unique tropical plants. Below are some photos I took of the diverse plant life in this beautiful palm forest.
alt="Vallée de Mai plant seeds, Seychelles">
alt="Coco de Mer palm in Vallée de Mai, Seychelles">
alt="Endemic palm trees Praslin Island, Seychelles">
alt="Jackfruit tree in the Vallée de Mai, Praslin, Seychelles">

Wildlife species

Of course, you will also find a large selection of wild animals here. Some of these are only found on Praslin, including the Seychelles black parrot, which nests almost exclusively in the dead trunks of the Coco de Mer palm.

Unfortunately I didn't have a chance to see the black parrot. However, I was told that they often fly through the reserve earlier in the morning.

Other endemic birds, mammals, snails and reptiles include:

• Blaue Taube der Seychellen
• Seychellen Bulbul (suchen Sie nach dem lauten Vogel mit dem Funk-Haarschnitt)
• Der grüne Gecko der Seychellen
• Seychellen-Bronze-Geckos (3 verschiedene Arten)
• Laubfrosch der Seychellen

I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun looking for all the rare animals that call the Vallée de Mai home. I sure did. However, some, particularly the frogs and bronze geckos, are very difficult to spot. Without the help of my guide Medina, I certainly wouldn't have discovered so many.
alt=“Seychelles Bulbul bird”>
alt="Green Gecko of the Seychelles">
alt=“Seychelles palm spider”>
alt="Seychelles snail">

Next up: Curieuse Island – island hopping from Praslin

Where to stay on Praslin Island

Praslin is the second largest of the inner islands and offers some incredible hotels and resorts. A little sleepier than Mahe, Praslin is aimed at the more relaxed crowd.

The main area to stay on Praslin is Cote D’Or Beach. This is the main tourist area with many hotels and beach resorts. However, there are also great resorts and accommodation options throughout Praslin, including near the famous Anse Lazio. I've written a separate, comprehensive accommodation guide for Praslin, but below are some of the best tips.

Amazing Cote D’Or Beach Resort: Acajou Beach ResortAcajou is a beautiful resort offering 4-star accommodation right on the doorstep of the white sandy beaches of the Cote D’Or. I had the pleasure of staying here and honestly, it was one of the best resorts I have ever stayed at. Acajou offers sea-view rooms, a swimming pool and some of the island's best restaurants.
alt="Acajou Resort, Praslin Island, Seychelles">
Luxury Honeymoon Suites: Constance Lemuria Hidden between 3 of the best beaches in Praslin, this luxurious 5-star resort is considered one of the best honeymoon resorts in Seychelles. Attached is a luxurious spa center with a whirlpool and sauna in the middle of a palm and bamboo forest. There is even an 18-hole golf course.
alt=“Lemuria Resort Seychelles”>
Budget Self-Catering: Treasure Island RetreatTo be fair, I wouldn't describe any of the hotels on Praslin as 'budget'. However, for those who want to enjoy the outdoors and save a few pennies on accommodation and food, opting for a self-catering stay on Praslin is a good choice. The best you will find on the island is the Treasure Island Retreat. This hotel offers seafront apartments on Anse Kerlan, all equipped with king-size beds, fully equipped kitchens and furnished terraces or balconies.

alt=“Treasure Island Retreat self-catering apartments on Praslin Island, Seychelles”>

More travel inspiration for the Seychelles

I sincerely hope that my photography and this guide to Praslin Island in the Vallée de Mai in Seychelles have inspired you to visit this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the meantime, check out some of my other articles. Below you will find more ideas and travel inspiration for Praslin and the Seychelles.

alt="Vallée de Mai Praslin, Seychelles">
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