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Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve

Nature Reserve

On Praslin island the Vallée de Mai preserves a primeval coco de mer palm forest and endemic species; visitors follow boardwalks to see the rare double‑lobed sea‑coconut and shaded walking trails.

Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve VictoriaPraslinLa DigueVallée de Mai Nature Reserve
In this guide

Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve essentials

Address: Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, Praslin, Seychelles
Website: sif.sc
Hours: Daily 8:30am-4:30pm
Admission: SCR 350 (~US$25) adult (foreign nationals); reduced rates for children and Seychelles residents
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About Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve

Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is a protected palm forest on Praslin island in the Seychelles, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its unique endemic vegetation. The reserve is internationally known for containing large numbers of the endemic Coco de Mer palm (Lodoicea maldivica).

The reserve’s primary attractions are its dense palm groves, marked footpaths and close-up encounters with endemic plant species and birds. Visitors walk boardwalks through the valley to see the distinctive double-lobed Coco de Mer seeds and search for the Seychelles black parrot, the only endemic bird species largely restricted to Praslin.

The area has long been recognised for its botanical importance and was set aside for protection in the 20th century; it gained UNESCO World Heritage status for its undisturbed example of a palm-dominated forest and its contribution to biodiversity conservation. Management focuses on conserving native species and restricting unregulated access.

Located near the centre of Praslin island, the reserve lies inland from the main coastal settlements and is accessed by a short road from the island’s harbour and village areas. The site occupies a discrete valley that retains a humid forest microclimate distinct from the surrounding coastal terrain.

  • Coco de Mer and wildlife: Home to the world’s largest seed produced by the endemic Coco de Mer palm and a stronghold for the Seychelles black parrot, the site is protected and visited by controlled numbers on marked trails.

What to See#

  • Coco de Mer groves: A core grove of the endemic Coco de Mer palms that features the species’ distinctive double-lobed seeds and tall, free-standing trunks, concentrated along the reserve’s shaded valley floors.
  • Main trails and boardwalks: A network of short, waymarked trails and boardwalks through the palms and understory that concentrate visitor access and protect the forest floor while allowing close views of endemic plants and birds.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve

Visit during the drier months (May-September) for easier, less humid walks and better trail conditions.

Dry season (best for hiking and beach time)
May-September · 24-28 °C
Drier, slightly cooler and breezier-trails in the reserve are easier and humidity is lower, making walks among endemic palms more pleasant.
Wet/warm season
November-March · 26-30 °C
Warmer with higher humidity and more frequent heavy showers; the forest is very lush but trails can be muddy and slippery.
Shoulder months
April & October · 24-30 °C
Transitional periods with variable weather-occasional storms but often calmer seas and good conditions for short visits.

Weather & Climate near Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve

Climate

Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (2330 mm/year), wettest in January.

Air Quality: AQI 20 Good
Best Time to Visit
AprilMayMarch
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
24°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 23° - 29° 26° 369 mm partly cloudy 82% 3.6 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.2h
February Very Good 24° - 29° 27° 274 mm partly cloudy 80% 3.8 m/s 2.8 extreme 12.1h
March Very Good 24° - 30° 27° 191 mm partly cloudy 78% 3.5 m/s 2.8 extreme 12.0h
April Very Good 24° - 30° 30° 164 mm some cloud 77% 3.8 m/s 2.6 extreme 11.9h
May Very Good 24° - 30° 27° 146 mm partly cloudy 80% 4.7 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.8h
June Very Good 24° - 28° 26° 99 mm partly cloudy 82% 6.5 m/s 2.0 very high 11.7h
July Very Good 23° - 27° 25° 93 mm partly cloudy 83% 6.4 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.8h
August Very Good 23° - 27° 25° 146 mm partly cloudy 82% 5.7 m/s 2.3 extreme 11.9h
September Very Good 23° - 28° 26° 144 mm partly cloudy 81% 4.8 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.0h
October Very Good 23° - 29° 26° 191 mm partly cloudy 80% 4.4 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.1h
November Very Good 23° - 29° 26° 219 mm partly cloudy 80% 3.6 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.2h
December Very Good 23° - 29° 26° 294 mm partly cloudy 81% 3.6 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.3h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve

Vallée de Mai is on Praslin island. From Mahé you can reach Praslin by the high-speed Cat Cocos ferry from Victoria (Eden Island/Baie Sainte Anne) - the ferry terminals land at Baie Sainte Anne on Praslin - or by short scheduled domestic flights from Seychelles International Airport to Praslin’s airport at Grand’Anse. From Baie Sainte Anne ferry terminal or Praslin Airport it is a short taxi or rental-car drive to the reserve (roughly 10-20 minutes depending on traffic); local island buses also run around Praslin with stops a short walk from the reserve entrance.

Tips for Visiting Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve

  • Arrive at opening time to enjoy the quieter central forest and better light on the coco de mer trees-midday often fills with cruise-ship day-trippers arriving from Praslin and Mahé.
  • Use the reserve's main visitor centre entrance so you can pick up the official trail map and opt for a short ranger-led talk; these point out the best stands of coco de mer and the Seychelles black parrot.
  • Don't rush the side paths: many visitors stick to the main loop and miss smaller trails where endemic palms, orchids and viewpoints are easier to spot away from the crowds.