The Glacis Noire Trail is the only official walking trail in Praslin National Park and is regarded as one of the finest walks on the island. It is just 1.4 kilometres long and easy going, and according to the national park authority SPGA it sees comparatively few visitors. If you would like to experience Praslin's forest in a quiet, unspoilt way, this is the place.
What to expect
The path begins wide and open. It follows an old forestry track from the early 1980s, with a surface of red earth. Later it narrows and winds through shady palm forest. At the end stands a fire tower. From there the view stretches across Praslin's east coast to La Digue, to the islands of Ile Ronde, Félicité and Marianne, and on to Curieuse. In good visibility you can even make out Denis, Mahé and Frégate.
Allow about an hour for the climb from the car park to the tower. The difficulty is considered low, and there are small resting places along the way.
Nature along the way
The trail is often described as a living open-air laboratory. All six of the Seychelles' endemic palm species grow along the path, including the famous coco de mer. With a little luck you will see or hear the Seychelles black parrot, which occurs only on Praslin and a few small islands nearby. Other typical residents are the Seychelles tiger chameleon, the bronze-eyed gecko and large endemic snails.
In the first section the vegetation is partly secondary, because fire once swept through here. Remarkably, a good many native species survived all the same. The name Glacis Noire means "black slope". The dark colour of the rock comes from microscopic blue-green algae.
Getting there and access
The entrance is right on the Vallée de Mai road in the east of Praslin, near Fond B'Offay and Baie Sainte Anne. You can hardly miss it, as there is a brightly painted ticket booth and a large car park. The start of the trail is opposite the car park. The Vallée de Mai is only about 100 metres away, so the two sights combine well in a single day.
Practical information
The trail is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm. Non-resident visitors over 12 years old pay an entry fee of 100 Seychelles rupees. Entry is free for locals and for children under 12.
Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, as the path can be muddy and slippery after rain. Bring enough water, with at least one litre per person recommended. Sun protection and a camera are also worth packing, and if you like, a pair of binoculars for the birds. Since most of the route is shaded, it is especially pleasant in the morning and late afternoon. Including time at the viewpoint, allow a good hour to an hour and a half for the round trip.
