Vallée de Mai
Magnificent rainforest, virtually untouched by human activity
A magnificent tropical forest nearly entirely devoid of human activity, located in the heart of the island of Praslin, offers a glimpse into the archipelago’s rich environment. The Vallée de Mai is one of the most stunning jewels of the Indian Ocean, having been designated by UNESCO for its animal and plant richness. Endemic palm palms dating back to prehistoric times, cocos, black parrots, and other exceedingly uncommon species can all be found here.
Among these palms is the famed Coco de Mer, the plant that produces the world’s largest seed, affectionately nicknamed the coco-buttock due to its unusual shape. The tallest specimens are several meters tall, with leaves up to six meters wide and fourteen meters long.
Visitors will feel as if they are strolling through prehistoric eras or on the original paradise’s trails. A one-of-a-kind location on the planet.
The Vallée de Mai is unique in that it covers a very small area of only 20 hectares. It is likewise protected and classified for this purpose. The forest, which is vulnerable to fire and other disasters, is one of the archipelago’s most important natural assets.
Its geckos, birds, and mammals, all of which are endangered, are enough to make travelers fantasize. The black parrot, Seychelles’ lone parrot, calls this place home. It’s a stately black bird with a light beak and huge black eyes.
The Vallée de Mai, known as the world’s eighth wonder, is crisscrossed by numerous defined routes that allow tourists to explore the area while maintaining the utmost respect for the environment. Along the trip, you’ll see crystal clear waterfalls, exotic palm tree plantations, and colorful birds. All of this while being surrounded by tropical scents and the sounds of the jungle.
The three marked paths allow you to tailor your hike to your skill level and preferences. You should plan on spending one to two hours taking in everything the Vallée de Mai has to offer. Tours of the Vallée de Mai are available on a daily basis. The Raffles Praslin and the Constance Lemuria are both adjacent to the Valle de Mai.
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Recognition of this Paradise Site
UNESCO designated the Vallée de Mai, which had been a nature reserve since 1966, as a World Heritage Site in 1983. The site is home to a variety of palm trees as well as a variety of animal species, some of which are endemic to the archipelago, such as the endangered black parrot and a variety of birds and reptiles, including several geckos.
The site is heavily guarded, in part because of its small size, which makes it vulnerable to fires and other natural calamities. The Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF), which safeguards the Vallée de Mai’s ecological integrity, is primarily responsible for its conservation.
