Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is found in Praslin Island in Seychelles. It is known for its preserved natural palm forest. It is rich in flora and fauna. Visitors enjoy wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and nature trails. You need to wear comfortable shoes to explore the reserve. Don’t forget to carry drinking water. Your tour operator can help combine this destination with nearby attractions. Here, we learn more about the reserve including its frequently asked questions.
- Wildlife
Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is rich in wildlife. It is home to endemic and global species. This is because of its palm trees. It is a great place to enjoy bird-watching. The common species are the Seychelles black parrot, Seychelles blue pigeon, bulbul, sunbird, Mascarene swiftlet, and kestrel. The reserve is home to sooglossid frogs. These are endemic frogs that are rare in other areas. Other common species are tiger chameleon, bronze gecko, and many other species of reptiles. Tourists enjoy closer views of the wildlife during game drives and nature walks.
- Scenery
Vallée de Mai has a scenic view. It has Coco de Mer, a beautiful endemic tree. The tree can grow as tall as 34 meters. Its leaves can be as long as 10 meters and 4.5 meters wide. Its fruits can be as heavy as 42 kilograms. Other common species of palms are thief palm, Seychelles stilt palm, latanier palm, and millionaire’s salad. The natural palm forest gives the reserve its aesthetic beauty.
- Geography
Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is situated in the middle of the second-largest island in the country. This is the Praslin Island. The Island hosts a mountain that rises to 373 meters above sea level. It is known for its many tourist attractions. It has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world such as Anse Lazio.
- Climate
The reserve experiences a humid climate. Temperatures range between 24 and 32 degrees Celsius. The wet season is between December to April. The reserve receives a lot of rain in the season. The dry season is between May to November. This is the best time to enjoy most activities in the reserve.
FAQs about Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
- Where is Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve located?
Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is located on Praslin Island Seychelles. It is about 40 km northeast of Mahe Island. It is located at a latitude of 4.3319° S, and a longitude of 55.7401° E. This is in the middle of Praslin Island.
- Things to do at Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
Tourists enjoy many activities at the reserve. You can enjoy birdwatching as the reserve is home to many bird species. Just ensure that you have your camera and binoculars. Wildlife viewing is great at the reserve. You will see many species of insects, amphibians, and reptiles. The place is great for nature trails and photography. You can also combine a tour of the reserve with nearby attractions such as Anse Lazio.
- The best time to visit Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
The best time to visit Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is between May to November. The roads are in good condition. It is also the perfect time to visit nearby attractions. But the wet season, December to April, is also a good time to spot birds.
- How to get to Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
You will get to the reserve via the international airport in Seychelles. Your tour operator will take care of transfers from the airport to the reserve. You will travel by road to the island and then enjoy a boat ride to the reserve.
