Getting there by car
The entrance is on the road that crosses the island between Grand Anse and Baie Ste Anne. Approximate drives:
| From | Distance | Driving time |
|---|---|---|
| Baie Ste Anne jetty | ~4 km | ~10 min |
| Grand Anse | ~5 km | ~10 min |
| Praslin Airport | ~7 km | ~15 min |
| Côte d'Or / Anse Volbert | ~8 km | ~15 min |
There's a car park at the visitor centre. The road on both sides of the reserve is steep and winding, so take it slowly and use a low gear on the way down.
Hours and tickets
- Open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm; the last entry is at 3:30 pm. The reserve is closed on 25 December and 1 January.
- Entry costs SCR 450 per person. You can pay in rupees, euros, US dollars or pounds sterling, in cash or by card.
- At the entrance you get a free leaflet with a map of the trails and a checklist of species to look out for.
- The visitor centre has a café, lockers, a shop and toilets. The centre and the first part of the forest are wheelchair accessible.
The reserve is managed by the Seychelles Islands Foundation, and the entry fee funds its conservation work.
Which trail to walk
Several marked walking routes run through the forest, from about 1.5 km to 4 km. A short loop takes about an hour; the longer circuits take two to three hours at a relaxed pace with stops. You can walk on your own with the leaflet, or hire a local guide at the entrance, who will show you things you'd otherwise walk straight past.
Things to look for:
- Coco de mer palms, both male and female. The female trees carry the enormous double nuts, and the giant fan-shaped leaves form the forest canopy.
- The Seychelles black parrot, more often heard than seen. Listen for its whistling call high in the canopy.
- Endemic geckos and skinks on the palm trunks, and freshwater crabs along the streams.
When to go
Come at opening time. The forest is cooler, the light through the canopy is beautiful, and you'll be ahead of the tour groups that arrive later in the morning. It's a rainforest, so showers are common at any time of year; the trails can be slippery after rain, and good walking shoes matter more than an umbrella. Bring insect repellent and water.
Rules worth knowing
- The whole area, including the visitor centre and car park, is no-smoking.
- Stay on the paths and don't touch or take any seeds or nuts.
- A real coco de mer nut can only be bought with official certification, as sold at the reserve's shop. Without it, you can't take one out of the country.
Make a day of it
The Vallée de Mai fits neatly into a day of driving around the island:
- Morning forest, afternoon beach. After the walk, drive about 25 minutes to Anse Lazio for the afternoon. Our beaches by car guide covers parking and timing there.
- Add Fond Ferdinand. About 10 minutes south, this second, quieter coco de mer reserve can only be visited on a guided walk. The route climbs to a viewpoint over the island. Visits take two to three hours, entry costs about SCR 300 including the guide, and the last tours leave in the early afternoon. Check times on the day.
New to Praslin's roads? Read driving on Praslin first, then choose a car for your dates.
FAQ
How long do you need at the Vallée de Mai?
Allow one and a half to three hours. The short loop takes about an hour, and the longer trails, up to about 4 km, take two to three hours with stops.
How much does it cost to visit the Vallée de Mai?
Entry is SCR 450 per person. You can pay in rupees, euros, US dollars or pounds, in cash or by card.
Can I visit the Vallée de Mai without a guide?
Yes. A free leaflet with a trail map is handed out at the entrance, and the trails are well marked. Local guides are available if you'd like one.
Is there parking at the Vallée de Mai?
Yes, at the visitor centre on the cross-island road between Grand Anse and Baie Ste Anne, about 10–15 minutes from most hotels.