Vallée de Mai (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

The park, which covers 19.5 hectares, has been a World Heritage Site since 1983. Many endemic plants grow here, such as the famous Coco de Mer. Several myths surround these palms. The trees originally occur on only two islands in the Seychelles, Praslin and Curieuse, and the density is highest in the park. Coco de Mer palms are dioecious, with separate male and female trees, and the female palms produce the largest and heaviest seed in the world.

With a little luck you may also spot the rare "Kato Noir", the Seychelles black parrot, which is found only on the island of Praslin. The valley is home to six endemic palm species and many other indigenous trees, and it is also one of the most important remaining habitats of the threatened black parrot. The animal you will meet most often in the palm forest, however, is the Seychelles chameleon, which also occurs on other granite islands such as Mahé.

The valley was declared a nature reserve in 1966, and since 1979 it has been run by the Seychelles Islands Foundation. The foundation also looks after Aldabra Atoll, the country's first World Heritage Site.

From the harbour on Praslin, turn right and head north. In the village of Baie Ste Anne, turn left at the ABSA Bank and drive up the hill to the highest point. The car park is there, directly opposite the entrance to the Vallée de Mai. Visitors report that parking is free and large enough.

From the airport it is about a 15 minute drive, as the road to the park is on the way to the east coast and Baie Ste Anne. For how to get to Praslin, see the pages Cat Cocos ferry and Getting around the Seychelles.

Route 61 runs between Mont Plaisir and Anse Boudin via the Vallée de Mai. There is a bus stop directly in front of the visitor centre entrance. On Praslin, buses run much less often at weekends and on public holidays than on weekdays, so check the current timetable with the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation beforehand. For general information on travelling by bus, see Taking the bus in the Seychelles.

Many operators combine the Vallée de Mai with Anse Lazio, some with pick-up at your hotel or the harbour. Day trips from Mahé by ferry are also common. If you are travelling without a hire car and are short of time, this saves you waiting at the bus stop.

At the ticket desk you are given a brochure describing the trails as well as the wildlife and plants. It includes a map of the paths and a checklist of common species. There used to be a free guided tour every day at 9.00 and 14.00. The foundation does not confirm on its website whether this is still offered, so please ask at the ticket desk. Private guides and tour operators charge extra for their tours, so agree the price beforehand.

The Vallée de Mai has several trails that can be combined with one another. The paths are well signposted and the climbs are moderate. A viewpoint in the north looks out over the Praslin National Park. The Glacis Noire trail is described in guidebooks as suitable for wheelchairs, but please check with the visitor centre in advance.

Allow one to two hours, or up to three if you take a guided tour or want time to watch wildlife and take photos. Beneath the canopy of the palms it is noticeably cooler than on the coast, though the humidity can feel heavy. Mornings are more pleasant, and if you arrive early you often have the paths almost to yourself. During the rainy season the trails are slippery. For details on the individual months, see Best time to travel.

With a half-day plan, the valley combines well with a few beaches: Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette in the north-west, Grand Anse in the south or Anse Volbert on the east coast. If you would like to learn more about the island, the Praslin Museum makes a quiet stop along the way. The Fond Ferdinand nature reserve, which can only be visited with a guide, is often mentioned as an alternative to the Vallée de Mai. You will find more places to visit on the island and accommodation on the Praslin page and under Sights.