Praslin's secret highland reserve offers a dramatic ridge-top trail through ancient Coco de Mer forest with sweeping views over the Seychelles archipelago — wild, uncrowded, and unforgettable. A UNESCO-worthy counterpart to Vallée de Mai, but with almost no crowds.
What to expect
The trail ascends through dense Coco de Mer groves alive with birdsong, revealing a landscape of gnarled endemic palms and lush ferns unchanged for millennia. Your expert guide points out the erotic forms of the Coco de Mer nut — central to Seychellois legend and folklore — as well as rare native birds and reptiles along the way. At the ridge summit, jaw-dropping 360° views stretch across Praslin, La Digue, and the scattered granite islands of the inner Seychelles. The descent winds through perfumed jungle, a meditative and deeply atmospheric close to the hike.
Good to know
Wear good trail shoes; the path has some rocky, rooted sections. The reserve is on the eastern side of Praslin, roughly 20 minutes from the pier by taxi. Opening hours are 09:00–17:00. Pre-book your guide via Seyvillas to avoid the (rare but possible) wait for a ranger. Combined well with an Anse Lazio visit in the same half-day.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Praslin — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Praslin
- Vallée de Mai: Private Expert-Guided UNESCO Palm Forest
- Anse Lazio: Private Half-Day Beach & Snorkel Experience
- Curieuse Island & St. Pierre: Private Boat, Giant Tortoises & BBQ
- Anse Georgette: Exclusive Beach Hideaway at Lemuria Resort
- Full-Day Private Praslin Discovery: Vallée de Mai, Museum & Anse Lazio