Hiking tours

🥾 Hiking in the Seychelles: Jungle trails and granite peaks

Those who only lie on the beach in the Seychelles miss half the islands' beauty. The lush, emerald-green mountains and massive granite boulders offer fantastic hiking trails with breathtaking views. But tropical trekking is different from hiking in the Alps. Here you'll find out which tours you can easily do on your own and where you absolutely need a professional guide.

📱 On your own: Perfect with the Komoot app

Some of the Seychelles' most beautiful hiking trails are maintained by the National Park Service, are well-marked, and ideal for self-guided tours. Tip: Download the offline map of the Seychelles in your Komoot app (or another GPS app) beforehand, as you often won't have cell service in the jungle!

• Copolia Trail (Mahé): One of the most popular hiking trails on the main island. It is well-maintained, with steps, and leads through dense forest up to a vast granite plateau. At the top, you'll be rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view of the east coast and the capital city of Victoria. (Note: A small national park fee is payable at the trailhead.)

• Anse Major Trail (Mahé): A stunning coastal hike that follows a relatively flat path along the granite cliffs. Getting lost is almost impossible. The destination is the picturesque bay of Anse Major, accessible only on foot or by boat – don't forget your swimsuit!

• Morne Blanc (Mahé): A short but challenging steep climb through a fascinating cloud forest. The trail is well-marked and rewards you with one of the best views over the west coast of Mahé.

• Glacis Noire Trail (Praslin): A great, free alternative to the Vallée de Mai. The trail leads uphill through dense forest to an old fire tower, from which you have a 360-degree view of Praslin and the neighboring islands.
  
  

🧭 You absolutely need a local guide here

As soon as you leave the well-maintained national park trails, the Seychelles jungle becomes wild, dense, and impenetrable. Old paths are completely overgrown within a few weeks.

• Morne Seychellois (Mahé): The hike to the highest peak in the Seychelles (905 meters) is extremely challenging. There is no clearly defined path; you have to climb through dense undergrowth, and there is a risk of falling. Never attempt this hike without a licensed guide! The guides know the route intimately and know where it is safe to step.

• Southern Circumnavigation & Anse Marron (La Digue): As mentioned in the previous excursions, this tour combines jungle treks, climbing over huge, sometimes extremely slippery boulders, and wading through the sea. Tidal range and currents can be life-threatening here. A guide is absolutely essential.

• Mare aux Cochons (Mahé): A vast network of old paths in the hinterland. Without a guide and excellent local knowledge, it's extremely easy to get lost in the dense rainforest here.
  
  

🌴 Important tips for hiking in the tropics

Whether a leisurely coastal walk or a steep summit climb – the tropical climate demands a lot from your body. Be sure to follow these rules:

• Start early: The sun beats down relentlessly at the equator, and humidity often reaches 80 percent or more. It's best to start your hikes right after sunrise (around 7:00 a.m.) to avoid the midday heat.

• Water, water, water: You'll sweat more than you can imagine. Take at least 2 to 3 liters of water per person, even for seemingly short hikes.

• The right footwear: Forget flip-flops! You absolutely need closed, sturdy shoes with good tread (trail running shoes or light hiking boots). The granite rocks and clay soil in the jungle are often damp and extremely slippery.

• Be aware of sudden weather changes: Tropical downpours can come quickly and intensely. Rocky paths can instantly become slippery. If it starts to rain heavily, it's best to turn back.

• Sunscreen & insect repellent: Even if you're walking in the shade of trees, UV radiation is high. A good mosquito repellent (preferably one with DEET or Icaridin) will also protect you from those pesky jungle mosquitoes.