The Copolia Trail lies in Morne Seychellois National Park above Victoria and is one of the best-known walking trails in the Seychelles. It is short but steep, leading through damp mountain forest to an open granite plateau. From there you look out over the east coast of Mahé and the marine national park just offshore.
What to expect
The path begins with a few steps and then runs through palm forest with moss-covered rocks and dense vegetation. In the upper section the terrain becomes rockier and you need to take bigger steps. Finally, you climb a narrow metal ladder onto the plateau. The last 100 metres or so take you across a large, flat expanse of granite.
From the top you can see Victoria, Eden Island, the airport and the Ste Anne Marine Park. In clear weather you can even make out the silhouettes of Praslin and La Digue in the background. The highest point is at 497 metres.
Nature along the way
At the edge of the granite plateau grows the endemic Seychelles pitcher plant (Nepenthes pervillei). It is carnivorous and found only in the Seychelles. With a bit of luck you may also spot the tiny frog Sooglossus gardineri, which lives only on Mahé and Silhouette and measures just 9 to 12 millimetres. Along the way you may also see the white-tailed tropicbird or the Seychelles bulbul.
The trail is maintained by the Seychelles National Parks Authority. It reopened in July 2020 after repair work and was at that time the first hiking trail in the Seychelles to charge an entry fee.
Getting there and access
The starting point is on Sans Souci Road, about 6 kilometres from Victoria. By car it takes around 15 minutes. Drive from Victoria towards Beau Vallon and turn onto Sans Souci Road. At the start of the trail there is roadside parking, as well as a small hut where you pay and sign in.
By bus, take the route towards Sans Souci. The bus to Copolia Turnpoint does not stop near the trail. The entrance is a few metres above the Copolia Lodge.
Practical information
The trail is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm. Visitors aged 12 and over pay an entry fee of 100 rupees; younger children go free. Prices may change, so if in doubt ask on site.
Allow about 45 minutes for the ascent, and roughly 1.5 to 2 hours for the round trip, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos. The distance is usually given as 1.4 to 1.6 kilometres one way. The difference in altitude is around 140 to 240 metres, depending on the source. The climb is steep, and in the heat and humidity you will work up a proper sweat. You do not need a guide, as the path is well marked.
- Sturdy footwear rather than flip-flops or sandals
- At least 2 litres of water per person
- Sun protection, a hat and insect repellent
- The path and the granite are slippery after rain
- Do not grab hold of trees without looking first
It is best to start early in the day and, if possible, when there is little cloud, as the view is the main reason for the climb. Since large parts of the path are in shade, the hike is also feasible around midday.
