Vallée de Mai
A forest of coco de mer, the largest seed in the world, which grows on only two islands.
Duration
2 hrs – 3 hrs
Difficulty
●●○○○
Best time
At opening
Open
Every day
Entry price
To confirm
The Vallée de Mai, on Praslin, is a forest of coco de mer palms, a species that grows naturally on only two islands in the world, Praslin and Curieuse.
Its seed is the largest in the plant kingdom — up to twenty-five kilos — and its very recognisable shape fed legends for centuries: found floating in the Indian Ocean, the nuts were held to grow on an underwater tree. General Gordon believed the valley was the Garden of Eden. Every nut leaving the country carries a number and a certificate.
Getting there
In the middle of Praslin island, fifteen minutes by bus or taxi from the coast. Ferry from Mahé, one hour.
What the price covers
paid entry to the UNESCO site, rate to be confirmed; the ferry to Praslin is extra
What to bring
- Walking shoes
Rules on site
Picking up a fallen nut is forbidden and penalised: any nut leaving the country must carry an official certificate. The paths are damp and slippery, and there is no phone signal in the valley.
