Seychelles has more to offer than white sand beaches and blue waters. It is a lush haven for hikers, with a wide variety of scenic trails, biodiversity sites, and stunning vistas.Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the archipelago's granitic island chain and nature reserves promise a guarantee of unique hiking experiences that blend nature, adventure, and culture The following is an in-depth guide to the best Seychelles hiking trails.
Morne Blanc Trail – Mahé
A cloud forest trek over the sea
Located inside Morne Seychellois National Park, Morne Blanc Trail is among the most popular hiking trails in Mahé
The hike leads you through the dense tea estates and shrouded cloud forests to a stunning panoramic view of Mahé's west coast.
Distance: 1.6 km (one way)
Duration: 1–1.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Best for: Cloud forest enthusiasts, photographers, and birdwatchers
Look out for endemic birds such as the Seychelles bulbul and the Seychelles swiftlet, as well as exotic vegetation and mossy granite boulders.
Copolia Trail – Mahé
Granite boulders and island vistas
The Copolia Trail is a brief but thrilling hike that twists through secondary forest and terminates in a huge granite outcrop, which provides a 360-degree panorama of Victoria, Sainte Anne Marine Park, and the nearby islands.
Distance: 1.4 km (one way)
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Beginners, families, and casual hikers
At the summit, you’ll find the famous carnivorous pitcher plants and a stunning visual of turquoise coastlines framed by emerald jungle.
Anse Major Trail – Mahé
Coastal bliss meets wild terrain
For adventure-seekers who love the ocean, the Anse Major Trail is a beautiful blend of coastal scenery and tropical forest. The trail winds along rocky outcroppings and secluded coves and arrives at the private Anse Major beach.
Distance: 2 km (one way)
Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best for: Beach enthusiasts, nature photographers, couples
En route, walkers are rewarded with seascapes, massive granite outcrops, and periodic flights of fruit bats over the treetops.
Glacis Trois Frères Trail – Mahé
A short but towering view
This brief but steep path takes one to one of Mahé's most photographed viewpoints. The Glacis Trois Frères path begins near Sans Soucis Road and climbs to a plateau with sweeping views of Victoria and the eastern coast.
Distance: 1 km (one way)
Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Morning hikes, sunrise views, and drone enthusiasts
The trail is flanked by scented cinnamon trees, and it's not unusual to see geckos and butterflies along the way.
Morne Seychellois Trail – Mahé
The ultimate jungle challenge
Morne Seychellois Trail is the longest, toughest, and most rewarding hike in Seychelles. Climbing the island's highest summit at 905 meters, this trail pushes endurance but provides unparalled views and intense immersion in Seychelles' untouched wild.
Distance: 5 km (one way)
Duration: 4–5 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Best for: Experienced hikers, adventurers, nature photographers
Rare orchids, lookout points in the clouds, and dense forests await those with the courage to tackle this trail.
Vallee de Mai Nature Trails – Praslin
UNESCO World Heritage rainforest nature walk
Prehistoric palm forests cover Praslin Island, and on it lies the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve with a series of simple nature trails. The only location in the world where the Coco de Mer palm naturally occurs.
Distance: 1–2 km depending on the loop
Duration: 45 minutes to 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Families, eco-tourists, wildlife enthusiasts
Look out for the shy black parrot, and be awed by the ancient Coco de Mer seed, the world's largest and most heavy seed.
Fond Ferdinand Nature Trail – Praslin
A lesser-visited treasure with breathtaking views
Under-rated and under-touristed, Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve is a longer and less visited option than Vallée de Mai. The walk comprises a guided tour, with extensive explanations of endemic flora, birds, and scarce reptiles.
Distance: 2.5 km
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Botanists, birders, and tourists looking for peace
The path ends at an all-around viewpoint overlooking Praslin, La Digue, and more.
Nid d'Aigle Trail – La Digue
Eagle's Nest: La Digue's highest point
The Nid d'Aigle (Eagle's Nest) path leads you to the topmost point on La Digue Island, offering you panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and surrounding islands as reward for climbing up.
Distance: 2.4 km (one way)
Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Best for: Sunset enthusiasts, experienced hikers, nature enthusiasts
This trail is best undertaken early morning or late afternoon to escape heat and maximize photo opportunities.
Grand Anse to Anse Marron – La Digue
An iconic coastal scramble
One of Seychelles' most adventurous trails, this path follows La Digue's rocky shoreline from Grand Anse to Anse Marron. Because it has a difficult path and tide-dependent sections, it is strongly advised to have a local guide.
Distance: About 3 km (dependent on route)
Duration: 3–4 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Best for: Adventure-seekers, explorers, guided tours
Look forward to bouldering, wading across tide pools, and discovering secluded beaches not visited by tourists.
Hiking Tips for Seychelles
Stay safe and have the experience
Wear suitable hiking footwear – Trails are often rocky and slippery.
Start early – Hikes in the morning miss heat and provide more time for rest stops.
Take water and snacks – Hydration is a top priority in tropical environments.
Take a guide on remote hikes – Particularly for Anse Marron or Morne Seychellois.
Respect nature – Stay on designated trails and do not harass wildlife.
Conclusion: Experience Seychelles on Foot
Seychelles is not merely a beach heaven — it's an international-class hiking haven with green rainforests, granite mountains, secluded waterfalls, and breathtaking vistas. From easy, picturesque strolls to marathon summit climbs, every trail presents a fresh view of the islands' beauty. As a seasoned mountaineer or a laid-back traveler, Seychelles hiking trails will ignite your adventurous heart.
