hotel in Seychelles | The Adventure Travel Site

Vallee De Mai Nature Reserve is a protected UNESCO world heritage site which is located in the Praslin island of Seychelles Archipelago. This tropical reserve is home to a number of distinctive plant and animal species that cannot be seen elsewhere in the world. Read on to know more.

Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve — Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve | Img by: Leila Maziz via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO

About

Located in the middle of the Praslin Island which is the second largest Island in Seychelles; the Vallee De Mai Nature Reserve is rich in biodiversity. The reserve is composed of a well- preserved palm forest that is home to the world’s rarest plants and animals in the world.

History

The park was an unspoilt virgin forest till 1930 and after the exploration and researches done by environmentalists, the forest obtained a Nature Reserve status in 1966. The reserve later, became a popular tourist destination and words about this wondrous reserve started to spread and during 1983 under Criterion (vii), (viii), (ix), and (x) the reserve obtained recognition as a UNESCO world heritage site.

Flora

The reserve is home to 6 endemic plant species that includes the flagship species of global significance as the largest seed-bearing plant in the world – their coco-de-mer. The 19.5 ha area of palm forest includes a wide range of plants that have not undergone any changes since the prehistoric times.

Fauna

The animal species that belong to the reserve include a myriad of bird species most of them being endangered species, law enforcement and penalties for harming these creatures have been made strict by the government. The reserve is also home to small amphibians and mammals such as turtles, hedgehogs, fruit bats and more.

Visiting here and accommodation options

You can visit the island by a boat or ferry which is located 40 kilometers away from Mahe. You can choose to stay at a hotel in Seychelles in the mainland of Mahe the likes of Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino or you can also find accommodations in the island of Praslin itself where the reserve is located.

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Lush, green landscapes home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, natural unspoiled beaches, and clear, turquoise blue water as far as the eye can see; the Republic of Seychelles has some of the most beautiful natural sights the region has to offer. So it’s not surprising that these tropical islands are a dream destination for couples, on the lookout for a comfortable and luxury hotel in Seychelles, which offers tranquil accommodation near the crystal-blue shoreline of Mahe, such as the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino.

Doubtless, the beaches are a main attraction for many, but not far from the coast, are forests and mountainous landscapes, just waiting to be explored. The Morne Seychellois National Park is the perfect example; situated on the highest point of the archipelagos, on the island of Mahe. The Morne Seychellois National Park is the largest of its kind in Seychelles, and covers over 20 percent of Mahe Island.

Dense tropical jungles, winding mangroves and the country’s highest peak, Morne Seychellois, are located within the park, and can be accessed along several hiking trails for either half-day or full-day excursions. While there are plenty of marked trails, the best way to experience the park is on a guided tour, where an expert will take you around the park and show you all the best spots. However, if you prefer to do it alone, there are also some easy routes you can try on your own. Several of the trails start from the nearby town of Danzil, and go up into the park, providing dramatic views of the island’s coast.
You can also take the park trails to Baie Ternay and Port Launay, the national marine parks. A haven for snorkellers and divers, the marine parks are home to eye-popping vistas and an array of marine life. If you head further north, you’ll find the Anse Major beach, a great place to chill and watch a sunset over the Indian Ocean.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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