Morne Seychellois National Park (Mahé, Seychelles)

Morne Seychellois National Park, located on the island of Mahé, is the largest national park in the Seychelles, covering over 20% of the island’s landmass. Established in 1979, the park is named after its highest peak, Morne Seychellois (905 meters/2,969 feet). It is a vital protected area known for its dramatic granite landscapes, lush tropical forests, and exceptional biodiversity.

Highlights and Activities

The park is a haven for hikers and nature lovers, offering an extensive network of trails that vary in difficulty, including:

• Morne Seychellois Trail: This challenging trek leads to the highest point in the Seychelles, rewarding experienced hikers with sweeping panoramic views of Mahé and the surrounding islands. A licensed guide is generally required for this demanding hike.
• Copolia Trail: One of the most popular trails, it is a moderate hike leading to a granite plateau viewpoint that offers stunning vistas of the capital, Victoria, the coastline, and the Sainte Anne Marine Park. This trail has a small entry fee for non-residents.
• Morne Blanc Trail: A shorter, steep hike that takes you through a unique mist-covered forest up to a spectacular viewing platform overlooking the west coast of Mahé.
• Trois Frères Trail: An easier, shorter route offering great views of the coast and the Sainte-Anne Marine Park.
• Anse Major Trail: A trail leading down to the secluded Anse Major beach.

Flora and Fauna

The park is crucial for protecting the Seychelles’ unique environment, safeguarding remnants of the island’s rare indigenous forest, alongside secondary forests filled with introduced cinnamon and lemongrass. Key biodiversity highlights include:

• Endemic Birds: It is a prime location for birdwatching, home to endemic species such as the Seychelles Bulbul, Seychelles Blue Pigeon, and the elusive, nocturnal Seychelles Scops Owl.
• Unique Plants: The forests feature the carnivorous Seychelles Pitcher Plant in the higher, mistier altitudes.
• Historical Sites: The scenic Sans Soucis road cuts through the park, where you can find the ruins of Mission Lodge (Venn’s Town), a former school for liberated slave children, which offers one of the island’s most famous viewpoints.