Vallée de Mai National Park

Vallée de Mai is a protected rainforest valley on Praslin island, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The forest is dominated by coco de mer palms, which produce the largest seed of any plant on earth — a double nut that can weigh twenty-five kilograms. The valley also holds wild vanilla orchids, endemic palms, and small streams running through the undergrowth.

The Seychelles black parrot lives here, and Vallée de Mai is one of the few places where you have a reasonable chance of seeing one. The canopy is dense enough that the forest floor stays relatively cool and shaded even at midday.

Walking trails run through the valley at various lengths and gradients, so the park is accessible whether you have an hour or a full morning. Wooden walkways protect the root systems along the wetter sections, and information signs along the route explain the ecology of the trees and plants around you. Guided tours are available for visitors who want more detail on the ecosystem.

A small visitor centre at the park entrance covers the conservation history of the valley and the story of the coco de mer. The park sits near Grand Anse on Praslin, and most visitors arrive by taxi or as part of a day excursion from elsewhere on the island.