The Trois Frères Nature Trail lies in Morne Seychellois National Park, above Victoria. It is one of the shorter walks on Mahé, yet it still offers a wide view over the capital and the coast. The name refers to the three peaks that rise above Victoria. In English they are known as the "Three Brothers".
What to expect
According to the operator, the trail is around 1.4 kilometres long. It takes you through a residential area, then forest, and up to a viewpoint. The start is along a small road. After that the actual path begins, running first through a palm forest.
At the first viewpoint there is a covered shelter. From here you can see Victoria, the Sainte Anne Marine Park and the Trois Frères themselves. If you start early, you will often have the trail to yourself. Visitors recommend this in their reviews too.
Nature and history
A large part of the trail runs through secondary forest, where cinnamon trees and other introduced species dominate. Palms grow among them, along with the odd endemic tree such as the Bois Rouge. The endemic pitcher plant is also mentioned as a special feature along the way.
The path ends at the foot of the Trois Frères cross. For the Catholic community of the Seychelles it is a traditional place of pilgrimage on Good Friday. The trail was therefore once a pilgrimage route.
Getting there and access
The starting point is on the Sans Souci Road. From Victoria, drive uphill for about 6 kilometres until you see signposts and a ticket office. There is parking at the roadside beyond the official trail board. A hire car or taxi is the easiest way to reach the start.
Practical information
Opening hours: The official nature trails are open daily from 8 am to 4 pm.
Entry: Non-residents aged 12 and over pay Rs 150. Entry is free for locals and for children under 12.
Duration: Allow 45 to 60 minutes for the ascent. For the round trip with photo stops, plan on about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Difficulty: The trail is short but steep, with many steps and tree roots. It is usually rated as moderate to demanding. In the rain it can become very slippery, especially on the way down.
Equipment: Wear sturdy shoes with good grip. Take water, a hat and a camera. As the trail is mostly in shade, you can walk it at any time of day. Mornings are usually quieter.
Safety: Beyond the viewpoint the path becomes rougher, and a warning sign advises against going further. For safety reasons the summit is not part of the walk. Please respect this.
