Hiking

With countless secluded bays and forested nooks and crannies, Praslin is ideal for exploration on foot. The island is covered in a network of paths, and due to its small size, any path will lead to the coast within an hour, so there's very little chance of getting lost.

Vallée de Mai. The hauntingly beautiful primeval forest of the Vallée de Mai is home to some 6,000 Coco de Mer palm trees and was once believed to be the original Garden of Eden. The well-maintained trails here allow hikers the flexibility of doubling back before completing an entire circuit, but for thorough exploration of the park, it's best to allow three to four hours. The Vallée boasts all six of Seychelles' endemic palm species and many other indigenous trees, and it is the last habitat of the endangered black parrot (the only parrot endemic to Seychelles). A path branching off from the main circular track leads up to a sheltered viewpoint that looks out across the valley. The trails are very well maintained, and sandals will suffice. Vallée de Mai, Vallée de Mai, Praslin, Inner Islands.

Glacis Noire Trail. The Glacis Noire Trail leads to a fire tower built on a hilltop overlooking Praslin's east coast, allowing a fine view of La Digue and the surrounding smaller islands. This is a moderately difficult trail due to its ascent, so even though it measures just 0.8 miles, two hours should be allotted for the hike.