Morne Seychellois National Park

While the dazzling coastline of Mahé is undoubtedly one of the main attractions of the Seychelles, it’s a good idea to take the time to explore the island’s mountainous interior. One of the highlights is the Morne Seychellois National Park…

It covers 20% of the land area of Mahé with a wide variety of habitats, from coastal mangrove forests up to the country’s highest mountain peak.  The central part of the park is virtually deserted and can only be reached by walking trails, so you don’t have to go very far before the outside world starts to feel a very long way away.  The park was established in 1979 to preserve and protect the natural habitats of the island and it boasts a wide variety of landscapes, panoramic views, unique flora and fauna, and colonial ruins. A trail network has been developed and this is probably the best way to enjoy the incredible variety of wildlife and vistas.

You should try to experience the breathtaking viewpoints at the top of the Dans Gallas, Trois Frères, Copolia, and Morne Blanc trails or take in stunning landscapes such as the valley of La Mare aux Cochons and its pond surrounded with pandanus, the ‘glacis’ habitats unique to the Seychelles at Copolia and Trois Frères, the beauty of the shore line between Danzil and Anse Major, or the mangrove at Port Launay.

Here too you’ll see the ruins of cinnamon distilleries scattered in the valley of La Mare aux Cochons and the ruins of the first school for freed slaves’ children at Mission.  Fascinating plants and wildlife also abound: from carnivorous pitcher plants to the surprisingly loud croak of Gardiner’s Tree Frog, one of the tiniest frogs in the world,  to the beautiful flight of the ‘paille en queue’ and the unique song of the Scops Owl.

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