The Dan Gallas trail, while challenging, is one of our favorite hikes on Mahé – thanks in large parts to the stunning views you get at the end.

In this article, we’ll cover the trail in its entirety, so you know how to get there and best enjoy yourself.

How To Get There | What To Consider | The Dan Gallas Trail

How To Get To Dan Gallas Trail

The Dan Gallas Trail trail is located in the north of Mahé. It is in close proximity to other popular locations like Beau Vallon beach.

If you drive up by car, which we recommend due to time saving reasons, then simply follow the location laid out on Google Maps.

This should take you to the entry point of the hike, which is also where the bus stop is located. Parking is free and plentiful.

You also have a shop around the corner should you need to load up on water and snacks. If you take the bus, then you need to take line 32 to Le Niole.

The bus route ends at the entry of the hike. However, do be sure to notify your bus driver to drop you off or, alternatively, keep checking your mapping software of choice.

You can check timetables on the official Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) website under “Mahe Normal Timetable No. 103” by downloading the attached Word document.

Alternatively, download the namesake SPTC mobile app where you can also purchase individual tickets or reload your existing travel card.

We recommend downloading the mobile app. It’ll provide you with the best possible connection based on your current location.

Lastly, there’s also an entry point coming from the Anse Major trail. The shorter and more convenient option is via Le Noile, though.

What To Keep In Mind

There are a few intricacies that you need to be aware of before embarking on the hike. First, this is a fairly challenging hike, so only go if you are moderately fit.

Second, please refrain from going if it rained heavily before or if it is currently raining. A great portion of the hike has you walking in soil, which can get very slippery if it rains (particularly important to keep in mind during descend).

Going on hikes by yourself, especially if you’re not familiar with the terrain, should also be avoided. You don’t need a tour guide but do make sure to at least go in pairs.

As such, bringing hiking shoes is recommended. You could also do the hike in regular trainers but definitely shouldn’t do it in sandals or flip flops.

It’s also important to be cautious and look before touching trees on many hikes in Seychelles. For example, the Verschaffeltia splendida palm trees are known for having sharp, long spikes along their stems.

Lastly, bring sufficient amounts of water with you as well – one liter (0.26 gallons) should be the absolute minimum per person.

Sunscreen (especially for the viewpoint) and mosquito spray should also be in your backpack. Plus a drone to take pictures along the way and especially at the top.

The Dan Gallas Trail

Before we get started, here are some key facts about the Dan Gallas trail:

• Total Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
• Elevation Gained: 516 meters
• Duration: 3 – 4 hours
• Difficulty: difficult

First things first: this is one of the most challenging hikes in all of Mahé. We are fairly experienced hikers, yet had to take multiple breaks during ascend.

Personally, it took us 2 hours and 35 minutes to complete the trail. However, that also included heavy picture taking along the path and an extensive (non-recorded) break at the viewpoint.

If you begin the hike at the bus stop, then walk up until you see the greenish house. This is a Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA) information point, which is the organization maintaining all popular hikes on the islands.

From there, you’ll enter a beautiful garden. Follow the arrow and take a right. After about 200 meters, you’ll encounter the sign pictured below (left):

Take a left as indicated on the sign. We got confused initially since you can walk up a hill directly after the right turn, which will lead you to a water tank.

You know that you’re on the right path if you see the communications tower as well as two houses located on the hill.

Simply continue on the path until you arrive at the entry of the trail. The sign seemed to have been removed, so just look out for the metal pole.

From here, the real hike finally begins. You’ll know how far you’re away from the viewpoint thanks to the poles that the SPGA put up alongside the trail (second picture above).

Make sure to soak in the views that you’re gifted with along the trail. They’re truly one of the most stunning on the entire island.

You’ll also find a small roof area midway through the hike where you can take a break from the sun. Generally, we do recommend doing the hike either in the morning or afternoon. The sun can be scorching hot during midday.

That said, around 70% of the hike is covered by the trees, so you’ll be protected from the sun most of the time.

The hike continues on until around the 500 meters mark where it gets slightly confusing (the yellow markings aren’t very visible).

First one is this rock formation, which has a path on the left and right. We initially didn’t see the yellow arrow pointing left (midway in the picture below) and went right (wrong!).

Now, you’ll encounter the physically most exhausting part of the trail. The last 300 meters are essentially just one steep ascend.

Eventually the terrain flattens. Be on the lookout for the following arrow, which is carved on a stone.

From there, it’s another 100 meters until you reach your final destination: the viewpoint.

Make sure to apply some additional sunscreen since it likely wore off during the hike. And definitely get out that drone if you brought one – the shots are truly epic.

The descend will likely be much faster and not nearly as exhausting. Just make sure to watch your steps as you get down.

Here are some additional impressions from the hike:

The Copolia Trail is one of the best hikes you can do on Mahé, thanks in large parts due to its stunning views and relative easiness.

We have done the hike for the first time back in 2018 – and it continues to be just as awesome in 2023. One of the only things that changed are the number of tattoos on Viktor’s legs.

In this guide, we’ll detail how you can get there, what things to keep in mind, and show you what to expect on the hike and viewpoint.

How To Get There | What To Keep In Mind | The Hike Itself | Some Additional Impressions Of The Copolia Trail

How to get to the copolia Trail

The Copolia Trail is located in the north of Mahé Island, on the edge of the Morne Seychellois National Park (which contains other amazing hikes like the Morne Blanc Trail and historical sites like Mission Lodge).

If you rented a car (or hired a driver), simply drive up Sans Souci Road until you reach the information booth. The location on Google Maps is accurate and there’s plenty of (free) parking space.

Another option is to take the bus. The bus stop is just a few meters away from the information booth (see first picture above). Bus lines 14 or 35 are the ones you could take.

You can check timetables on the official Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) website under “Mahe Normal Timetable No. 103” by downloading the attached Word document.

Alternatively, download the namesake SPTC mobile app where you can also purchase individual tickets or reload your existing travel card.

We recommend downloading the mobile app. It’ll provide you with the best possible connection based on your current location.

What to consider

The two most important aspects to be aware of are the opening hours as well as the fact that you need to pay to be able to hike the trail.

The Copolia Trail costs 100 SCR (~ $7.75) for non-residents over 12 years old and can only be paid by card. Another 5 SCR are charged if you need to use the toilet, which is part of the booth where you pay.

Interestingly, when we did the hike for the first time back in 2018, it was free of charge. In August 2020, at the height of the Covid pandemic, the trail was reopened after renovation works – and has since not been free anymore.

Apart from paying, you also need to consider opening hours. The trail can be accessed any day from 8 am to 4 pm. Security is guarding the entry during non-opening hours, so you won’t be able to sneak in past those times.

Since the views are what makes this trail one of the best on Mahé, we recommend that you do the hike if there isn’t much overcast.

Otherwise, your pictures may look somewhat like this (from when Gaelle and Viktor’s sister did the hike):

The same naturally goes for rain. The majority of hikes in Seychelles are jungle trails, which means it gets very slippery during rain and can lead to greater risk of injury.

Talking about pictures, make sure to bring a drone. The imagery you can get from the top of the mountain are second to none (ours is currently broken, otherwise you’d see a bunch of examples).

Plus, if you go early in the morning and/or during the week, then you’ll likely be by yourself, giving you even better photo ops.

Another thing to keep in mind for almost any Seychellois hike is to not randomly touch trees without looking. For example, the palm trees of the species Verschaffeltia splendida carry hard long spikes on the stems. You also want to do your part in keeping the nature intact.

Last but certainly not least, make sure to bring water (and whatever else you need) with you since there are no nearby shops.

Hiking the Copolia Trail

Before we get started, here are some key facts about the hike:

• Distance: 2.8 km (1.74 miles)
• Elevation Gained: 488 meters
• Duration: 1 hour – 2 hours
• Difficulty: low – medium

While some might wonder why you would have to pay to go on a hike, it becomes evident from the moment you enter the trail.

The whole path, all the way to the mountain top, is extremely well maintained (for a jungle trail, that is), thus making it a safe hike for all age groups.

The Copolia Trail, just like other hikes including Morne Blanc, is conserved by the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA).

They’re also the ones providing you with additional information alongside the trail, educating visitors on the local fauna and flora.

The trail itself is pretty straightforward. You will, for the most time, simply walk up. Anyone who’s moderately fit shouldn’t have any issues in our opinion.

That said, those of you with knee-related issues may struggle, especially on the way down. We, therefore, recommend taking your time if you do feel any form of discomfort.

What’s certainly helpful is the fact that most of the trail is covered by the (palm) trees, thus providing plenty of shaded spots for rest.

The sky begins to clear up around the 200m sign, which means that you’re close to the viewpoint. Right before reaching it, you’ll be asked to climb these stairs and a ladder.

And that’s about it. You’ll need to walk another 100 meters or so until you end up at the mountain top.

Make sure to take your sweet time because it’s truly on of the most magnificent experiences to be had on Mahé Island.

Even if you don’t have a drone, there are plenty of spots to take incredible pictures of Eden, surrounding islands, and the Indian ocean (btw, these pictures are not edited and the sky really is this blue).

There’s also a small shaded area where you can take a break from the scorching sun.

However, we implore everyone reading this to not test their limits. Please stay within the designated area and refrain from going to the edge of the mountain – it’s a steep drop that’d likely end up being fatal.

Once you’re ready to go back down, make sure to pace yourself. Some of the steps are abrupt, which can be strenuous on the knees or even cause you to slip and possibly get hurt.

More Impressions of the Copolia trail

Here is some additional imagery from the three times that we (plus Viktor’s sister) did the hike throughout the years:

Let us know in the comments if you have any questions about the trail or would like to share your experience.

The Glacis La Reserve trail is one of the easiest, yet most stunning hikes you can do in the Seychelles. It’s perfect for those exploring the southern side of Mahé, so we’ll cover what you can expect on the trail.

How To Get There | The Glacis La Reserve Trail

How To Get to Glacis La Reserve

Glacis La Reserve, not to be mistaken with the Glacis La Noire trail on Praslin, is located right in the heart of Mahé island.

There are two SPTC buses crossing the trail, namely line 2A (ANSE BOILEAU VIA MT.PLAISIR on platform A) and line 4 (ANSE BOILEAU VIA MT.POSEE on platform Q).

The bus stop is located close to the start of the trail. Simply look out for the blue Cable & Wireless sign (pictured below) or let your bus driver know that you stop there.

You can check timetables on the official Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) website under “Mahe Normal Timetable No. 103” by downloading the attached Word document.

Alternatively, download the namesake SPTC mobile app where you can also purchase individual tickets or reload your existing travel card.

If you come by car, which we recommend since it’ll save you tons of time, then parking in front of the trail’s entry is plentiful and free.

The sign reading “La Reserve Nature Trail” is your cue to that you made it to the track, which we’ll cover in more detail below.

The Glacis La Reserve Trail

Before we get started, here are some key facts about the trail:

• Distance: 1.2 km (0.75 miles)
• Elevation Gained: 100 meters (328 ft)
• Duration: up to 45 minutes
• Difficulty: low

The Glacis La Reserve trail is one of the easiest and quickest in all of Mahé. It’s doable for all age groups and fitness levels.

If you’ve done hikes like Morne Blanc, which we absolutely recommend you to do, then this will be easily manageable.

You also don’t need any special shoes or equipment as you’ll mostly walk on solid ground and rarely have to climb on rocks. Most of the hike is covered by trees, so you’ll only be exposed to the sun on the viewpoint.

We do, however, recommend that you bring Seychelles hiking essentials with you, namely water, sunscreen, and mosquito spray.

The journey along the Glacis La Reserve trail offers a diverse and enriching experience.

As you embark on the trail, you’ll traverse through a serene mahogany (Sweitenia macrophylla) timber plantation, dotted with endemic palms that add to the area’s natural beauty.

This tranquil path then descends slightly, leading you to a small stream. Keep in mind that during the dry season, this stream often dries up, subtly reflecting the seasonal changes of the region.

The trail then winds through secondary woodland, a testament to the resilience of nature as this area has regrown following previous exploitation and disturbances.

As you continue, the woodland opens up to reveal a striking landscape of bare rock and boulders.

This change in scenery is not just visually stunning but also ecologically significant, with vegetation resiliently sprouting from the crevices and spaces among the rocks.

As you approach the glacis area, a wide expanse of rock and boulders, caution is advised. This area, while offering breathtaking views, also has steep drops and crevices hidden among the boulders.

The trail ultimately culminates at a wooden platform and picnic area, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view that is nothing short of spectacular.

The vista extends from the end of the airport and Anse Aux Pins on the East coast to the distinctive ‘tooth’ of Morne Blanc mountain to the North West.

This vantage point also offers a view of the native forest backdrop, where endemic palms and broadleaf trees dominate, showcasing the unique biodiversity of the Seychelles.

There’s a note prior to entering the platform, urging visitors to “not go beyond this point.” Some of the wooden plates are missing, so please do be cautious and watch your steps.

Other than that, just soak in the views, which are some of the best you can get on the island (next to the 360 degree views you’ll get at the end of the Copolia Trail).

This type of forest is increasingly rare, threatened by invasive species and creepers, making your visit to this trail not just a journey through stunning landscapes, but also a witness to the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem.

And if you want to know what you’re getting yourself into, then here are a few more impressions from the quick hike:

Not tired from your day at the beach and ready to explore the Seychelles at night? We got you covered with the best party and social spots Seychelles’ three biggest islands have to offer.

What To Know Before Going Out | Mahé Party Spots | Praslin Options | La Digue Venues

What To Know About Partying In The Seychelles

First things first: you’re travelling to a foreign country, so being respectful of local traditions and looking for confrontation should go without saying.

That said, the Seychelles is very safe, so if you’re behaving normally, then you’ll be fine (unlike countries such as Colombia where you need to watch your drinks at all times).

Music-wise, expect most venues to play local creole music, hip hop, and/or reggae. There are a few events where you can listen to house but that’s about it.

When it comes to business, then Friday’s and the end of each month are normally the times when most people go out partying.

Where To Go Out On Mahé

Mahé, the biggest and most developed island of the Seychelles, is also the one where most of the partying is going down.

Whether that’s clubs, bars, concert or even beach parties – you’ll find something for almost any taste.

Night Clubs On Mahé

There are two night clubs on Mahé, namely Barrel and Katiolo. Both clubs, as we wrote above, mostly play creole, reggae, and hip hop music.

Barrel is located in the heart of Victoria in walking distance to the Little Big Ben. So, if you’re staying in town, there’s no need to grab a taxi.

What we love about Barrel is its super chilled outdoor vibes and the fact that it’s the only club with a basement, so the dancing can get absolutely heated.

Plus, there’s a little shop within the premises of the club serving delicious burgers – perfect for an after-party snack.

Keep in mind, though, that you have to pay entrance (cash and card are ok) to be able to get into the club.

Be sure to check out Barrel’s Facebook or Instagram page to be in the know about upcoming events.

The other option you have if you want to party hard is Katiolo, which is located on Mahé’s east coast. You’d definitely need a taxi or designated driver to get there as it’s not well connected.

Katiolo is the oldest night club in Seychelles, yet has remained popular throughout the years.

On Friday’s, you tend to find younger crowds while Saturday’s are for the more mature folks among us.

Entrance is often free before midnight or 11 pm (depending on the event), so make sure to check out Katiolo’s Facebook page to know what to expect.

Bars On Mahé Worth Checking Out

There are various bars on Mahé that we can recommend. Our personal favorite is certainly Beach Shak, which is situated right on Beau Vallon beach.

The venue itself is incredible, especially during the evening when you can enjoy some of the most beautiful sunsets you’ll ever see.

Drinks at Beach Shak, similar to most restaurants in the Seychelles, are also made pretty generous. Just order a Rasta Mai Tai and see for yourself.

Lastly, Beach Shak also hosts events from time to time such as Creole Night (pictured below) or various concerts. Check the above-linked Instagram or Beach Shak’s Facebook page for more details.

Another venue that’s popular with locals and tourists alike is Boardwalk, which features a bar, club, and restaurant all in one place on Eden Island.

Want to dance your feet off? Go on Friday or Saturday when DJs light up the dancefloor.

Or simply in the mood for some food and conversations? Then either a table or relax in the seated outside area (where you can also watch sports) any day during the week.

Other Venues & Events On Mahé

Apart from bars and clubs, you also have a variety of other options to explore. One of our favs is the Takamaka Rum Distillery, which is run by the namesake alcohol producer.

On Friday’s, the distillery transforms into an open-air venue where you can sip Takamaka-infused cocktails or feast on some delicious fish tacos.

It also functions as the perfect spot for pre-gaming since the event is only open until 10:30pm. And during the week, you can explore the history of Takamaka by participating in its daily free tours at 11:00am, 1:00pm, and 3.00pm.

If you’re into house and techno music, then you should check out Electric Awakening. Their parties take place at different spots all around the island (such as this undisclosed Beau Vallon location pictured below).

Mahé also welcomes pretty well known artists from time to time. Just a few months ago, we went to watch Blaiz Fayah perform in front of thousands of people.

Unfortunately, sites like Eventbrite aren’t really popular in the Seychelles. Your best bet would be to ask hotel staff or your host whether they’re aware of any concerts or special event that’s around the corner.

The other two options, especially if you don’t want to be surrounded by loud music and intoxicated people, would be to hit up either the cinema or various casinos.

Casino-wise, we would recommend checking out Club Liberté (best sushi on the island) or either Gran Kaz casino (the one in Bel Ombre has a fun outside area where you can watch sports, play pool, and indulge on tasty chicken wings).

And for those wanting something more calmer, we recommend checking out Deepam Cinemas, which is also available on Praslin.

Insider tip: Purchase your popcorn at the neighboring Glorius Bakery. It's better than the one Deepam sells. 

You can check Deepam’s current and upcoming movie slate as well as purchase the tickets here.

Where To Go Out On Praslin

Admittedly, we both haven’t gone out on Praslin. So instead, we asked a few of our friends who are residing on the island.

The two venues most of them recommended were Oxygen for clubbing and the Tapas Lounge Bar for more laid back vibes.

The Tapas Lounge Bar is part of the Le Duc hotel, which also houses Cafe des Artes, one of our favorite restaurants on Praslin.

Personally, we’ve only been here during the day for lunch. However, we heard that it’s a great spot to have a few drinks, enjoy the ocean breeze, and maybe watch a live band perform.

Occasionally, they also host beach parties. You can check their upcoming events on the Facebook page.

Clubbing-wise, the only real option in town is Oxygen. It’s located on the East Coast of Praslin in Baie Sainte Anne.

What’s cool about Oxygen is that you often see famous local artists perform there, so the locals are normally pretty fired up to see them.

In that regard, it’s fairly similar to the crowd that Katiolo attracts. Again, Friday’s are normally reserved for the younger folks while Saturday’s attract more mature crowds.

Where To Go Out On La Digue

La Digue, the smallest of the three islands, is naturally also the quietest. That doesn’t mean it’s completely dead, though.

Your best bet for an active night out is the reggae bar on La Digue. It’s normally the place that’s opened the longest (but don’t expect to be pulling an all-nighter).

Another favorite of ours is the beach bar at the Le Repaire Hotel and Restaurant right next to Anse Reunion.

The ocean breeze (you’re seated right in front of the beach) and delicious cocktails make it a great spot to unwind. Plus, the Italian restaurant that’s part of the hotel serves some incredible food (make sure to reserve a table before you go).

That said, La Digue isn’t really known for its nightclubs and party scene, but its laid-back vibes and gorgeous beaches.

Reserve your partying for Mahé and use this as a time to truly unwind from the business of life..

The Seychelles is home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches. However, its waterfalls are nothing to scoff at either.

In this article, we will detail the 4 best waterfalls that we visited across Mahé and Praslin, the archipelago’s most popular islands.

Sauzier | Cascade | Vallee de Mai | Grande Anse

Sauzier Waterfall

Sauzier, which is also known as Port Launay  or Port Glaud Waterfall, is certainly the most famous and frequented waterfall across the archipelago.

And that’s for good reason. The pool is extremely refreshing and even allows for a feet-first dive from the rocks. It’s one of our favorite activities, especially if the weather isn’t on your side.

Sauzier Waterfall is located in the northwest of Mahé Island in the district Port Glaud – close to other picturesque beaches like Port Launay.

Non-residents have to pay SCR 50 to enter the privately-owned premises while respecting the opening times (around 9am to 4pm).

Pro tip (for all waterfalls on this list): only go if it rained beforehand. Otherwise, the waterfall won’t be as impressive. During dry season, which is from May to October, waterfalls tend to not be blessed with too much pouring water.

If you want to know more about the waterfall, feel free to check out our detailed guide on Sauzier.

Cascade Waterfall

Cascade Waterfall is a hidden gem of the Seychelles – and one that we absolutely recommend visiting.

As a result of its relative anonymity, you will often be uninterrupted and have the waterfall all to yourself – especially if you visit during the week when everyone’s at school or work.

The waterfall is located in the eastern part of Mahé Island. You do need to hike around 1km to get to Cascade – and the way isn’t as straightforward (make sure to check out the linked guide below).

Another thing to note is that the waterfall won’t always be visible (even Gaelle, who grew up in the Seychelles, has only seen it twice).

We do recommend to go when it rained heavily before if you want to take pictures like this one:

To know more about the waterfall and how to get there, feel free to check out our detailed guide on Cascade.

Vallée de Mai Waterfall

This is the only waterfall on this list located on Praslin – and for good reason. The current is flowing down from a 20m tall rock, providing you with some truly great photo ops.

While you can park your car at the Vallée de Mai nature reserve and walk from there, we do not recommend it as the roads are quite narrow and don’t offer sidewalks for pedestrians.

Instead, if you come from the UNESCO site, drive down towards the waterfall until you reach the following water treatment plant, which also offers a parking spot.

From there, it’s a quick walk up again until you reach the red sign (pictured above). As the sign says: make sure to not step into the current as it’s processed to become drinking water.

Do make sure to watch your steps, though. The rocks can be quite slippery. A park ranger we talked to even said that some people have seriously injured themselves, so please be cautious.

Grande Anse Waterfall

The Grande Anse Waterfall, located in the heart of the Morne Seychelles National Park, is as much about the waterfall as it is about the hike leading up to it.

We recommend accessing it from Sans Souci Road from which it is a roughly 25 minutes walk. While half of the trail is paved, keep in mind that it can be quite slippery and muddy, so try and avoid wearing flip flops or slippers.

Other than that it’s a neat little waterfall that is particularly great to swim it due to the spacious and deep pool. At times, you can even find shrimp swimming in the water.

That said, we do recommend visiting the other three if your time on either island is limited, simply because they’re much nicer to look at and also easier to access.

Whether you’re going by yourself, with your better half, or your whole family – Anse Major is a must-see for anyone visiting the Seychelles.

Gaelle and I would certainly know considering that we did the hike and beach both by ourselves as well as with her cousins (who are 7 and 10 years old, respectively).

In this article, we’ll let you know what aspects you need to consider, how you can get to Anse Major, and what you can expect on both the hike as well as beach.

What To Consider | How To Get There | The Hike Itself | Anse Major Beach | More Impressions Of Anse Major

What To Bring & Consider

Every Seychelles beach adventure as well as hike starts with a healthy dose of sunscreen that you should take with you – as evidenced by the number of burnt backs we saw at Anse Major.

Mosquito repellent and water should also be part of your travel stack for the day. Shoe-wise, I’d certainly recommend using trainers or hiking boots, even though I’ve seen people on the track wearing flip flops.

As I said above, make sure to bring cash as well. You not only need it for the bus, but there’s a bar at the beach where you can purchase coconut water and other refreshments.

Also, pack your snorkeling gear if you have any. The marine life and water visibility in the bay is awesome to explore and makes for some truly stunning underwater views.

That said, when taking children into the ocean please keep a continuous eye on them . The current can get strong when the tide is high.

If you brought a drone with you, then make sure to bring it as well. You can create some incredible footage, particularly if you go in the morning when no one’s there.

Last but certainly not least, watch where you choose to place yourself on the beach. Coconuts are occasionally falling down from the trees, so the last thing you want is a bashed head on your vacation.

How To Get To Anse Major

The beach and trail are both located in the north-west coast of Mahé. To get there, you can drive, catch a bus, or by boat.

Should you take the land route, then you need to drive through the district of Bel Ombre. For those taking the bus, take line #21, which ends in the Bel Ombre district.

The bus, which costs SCR 10 per trip (don’t forget your bus card, which you can get at the airport or post office), departs every 10 – 20 minutes from Victoria. Driving back and forth will therefore cost SCR 20 in total.

You can check timetables on the official Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) website under “Mahe Normal Timetable No. 103” by downloading the attached Word document.

Alternatively, download the namesake SPTC mobile app where you can also purchase individual tickets or reload your existing travel card.

Keep in mind that the last bus back to Victoria departs at around 6:30 pm during the week and 7 pm on the weekends.

For those of you who are driving, there’s luckily enough space to park your car. Drive up past the La Scala Restaurant until you see the first sign of Anse Major.

Continue a little further until you reach the end of the road – you’ll know that you’ve arrived if you see this stunning villa. There, you can park your car under the trees by the side of the road.

Your last option to get to and back from Anse Major is by boat. We recommend ordering from Mr. Happiness who you can contact on WhatsApp or directly call via +248 254 04 54.

That said, you’ll miss out on the amazing jungle hike and incredible views, which we’ll detail in the following chapter.

The Anse Major Hike

Here are a few of the hike’s key facts:

• Distance: 6 km (~3.7 miles)
• Elevation Gained: 270 meters
• Duration: 1.5 – 2.5 hours
• Difficulty: low

At this point, we have done over a dozen different hikes in Seychelles and the Anse Major trail is, hands down, one of our favorites.

Not only do you get to reward yourself with a swim in the ocean but the views and nature you experience throughout the hike are just out of this world!

The hike itself starts off by requiring you to take a left up the stairs when you see the following sign, which appears directly after the parking area (around 200 meters past the villa).

From there, it’s quite literally impossible to get lost. You will find signs every 500 meters, indicating how far away you are located from the beach.

The path itself is a mix of concrete, jungle terrain, and rocks. Whereas we recommend to wear solid footing for hikes like Cascade Waterfall, you can get away with wearing flip flops on your way to the beach.

Furthermore, you will be exposed to the sun for most of the hike, so make sure that you apply sunscreen and cover up properly – especially when hiking around lunch time (like we did).

Protecting yourself is especially important for when you’ll inevitably end up taking photos on the various viewpoints and lookouts.

Midway through, there’s a platform where you can overlook the Indian ocean and see the waves crashing onto the various rock formations. Plus, it makes up for some great couple photos that your in-laws will absolutely adore.

Another aspect that we loved about the hike, especially if you’re taking children with you, is that it’s accompanied by various informatory signs talking about the endemics or the cave church you’ll inevitably walk through. The signs give you the opportunity to learn about the flora and fauna of the Seychelles and a well deserved water break!

And if you are ever in need of a small energy boost, make sure to pick up some plums, called Prune de France, which grow on the trees alongside the hike. There’s also a small river, next to a small bridge, with drinkable water flowing from the mountain top.

The hike is ultimately nearing its end when you reach the viewpoint (called Point de vue sur Anse Major) overlooking the beach.

From there, it’s just a quick walk through the jungle until you reach your ultimate destination – Anse Major beach.

Arriving at Anse Major Beach

The beach at Anse Major is certainly one of the most beautiful and pristine locations on Mahé and the Seychelles at large.

Again, if you elect to swim, only do so when the waves aren’t too strong or if you’re an experienced swimmer. Snorkelling can be a fun experience, even though marine life is limited due to the lack of underwater flora however, if you are lucky you may encounter turtles, schools of fish and Gaelle’s favourite the parrot/rainbow fish .

On the other side, you should be able to see quite far ahead since the water itself is incredibly clear (more so when there isn’t any overcast), so I’d still give it a go if you took the necessary gear with you to Seychelles.

If you bring children, then we’d recommend for them to only use the small pond located at the hike’s exit or in supervision near the shore (it gets very deep just a few meters into the ocean). Plus, there’s a swing for the smaller ones to enjoy.

The sand itself is probably one of the softest I (Viktor) ever stepped on – and made for some great football games with Gaelle’s cousins.

That said, if you want to be by yourself (or yourselves) and duck the afternoon sun (or crazy football-playing people), then we’d recommend going in the early morning.

However, the bar located near the beach may not be open yet, so you would have to hold off your coconut water refreshments until it does.

Conveniently, there’s also a toilet located at the beach. However, make sure to bring your own paper.

Once you decide to depart (and if you don’t elect to take a boat), we’d recommend getting up via the left side of the rocks and not where the bridge is located since it’s much easier to climb and clean your feet.

Overall, Anse Major remains one of our favorite beaches and, especially if you only stay on Mahé during your vacation, should definitely be on your bucket list of locations that you need to explore.

More Impressions From the Beach & Hike

The trail and beach are one of the best experiences the island of Mahé has to offer – and, weather permitting, will make up for an incredible memory on your travels.

Here are a few more photos of the various times we went to Anse Major:

Needing a cool down from the hot weather? Or simply looking for a place to create memorable travel experiences? Then you absolutely need to check out Sauzier Waterfall (also referred to as Port Launay or Port Glaud Waterfall).

It is hands down, one of the best destinations and activities you can explore on the island of Mahé.

In this guide, we’ll detail what to keep in mind before heading out, how to get to the waterfall, and what you can ultimately expect.

What To Consider | How To Get To The Waterfall | Exploring The Sauzier Waterfall

Things To Keep In Mind

The first aspect to keep in mind that the waterfall isn’t free. Non-residents have to pay SCR 50 (for adults; SCR 25 for children below the age of 12) to be able to enter the premises.

That’s because the waterfall is privately owned and not, unlike many trails, maintained by the Seychelles National Park Authority or Seychelles government at large.

Do make sure to keep the ticket with you and don’t throw it away. They do occasional checks and will likely escort you off the premises if you can’t show proof of payment.

Another thing to keep in mind are opening times. Sauzier Waterfall can be accessed Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm as well as 9:30am to 4pm on the weekend.

Proper timing also extends to the seasons itself. The waterfall will be more enjoyable when it rained before (as water is flowing down from the mountains).

In fact, hitting up the various waterfalls located on Mahé Island is probably one of the best activities you can do when the beach gets rough due to the rain.

Meanwhile, the rainy season in the Seychelles normally lasts from November to March, so that’s when waterfalls like Cascade or Sauzier are worth exploring.

Generally speaking, we would advise visiting the waterfall during the week when the locals are at work and it’s thus less busy.

Lastly, we do want to point out to be cautious. The rocks can be slippery. And if you decide to jump off one of the cliffs, do make sure to not go head first!

How To Get To Sauzier Waterfall

Sauzier Waterfall is located in the northwest of Mahé Island in the district Port Glaud – close to other amazing beaches like Port Launay.

A drive up the namesake Port Launay Road, with a turn around the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul, will get you there. Simply add the Google Maps location to your navigation and you should be good to go.

Do make sure to take a left turn once you see this intersection – the right street will lead you towards private premises.

Parking around the payment booth is plentiful and included in the price of admission. Alternatively, you can also take the bus using line 9 (Les Cancelles), 13 (via La Misere), or 14 (via Sans Souci).

However, we do personally advise against it as you will end up losing valuable time that could be used exploring Mahé’s many wonders.

A warning from the authors: in the past, there have been scammers frequenting the area and warning tourists about allegedly high entry prices while luring them in via the promise of a secretive route. 

You can check timetables on the official Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) website under “Mahe Normal Timetable No. 103” by downloading the attached Word document.

Alternatively, download the namesake SPTC mobile app where you can also purchase individual tickets or reload your existing travel card.

After you paid the entry fee at the booth, it will take you around 5 minutes to reach the waterfall. Feel free to bring your flip flops as the path itself is laid out fairly well.

You’ll know that you’ve arrived when you see the above-pictured construction, quickly followed by the majestic Sauzier Waterfall.

Exploring The Waterfall

Once you arrive, there isn’t a lot to do except to enjoy the waterfall and the refreshment that it brings.

The temperature of the water is particularly incredible, especially after a long day in the sun.

Again, please refrain from taking any risk when it comes to jumping off the rocks. However, as long as you take a big enough leap, you’ll be fine.

There’s also a small pond down the river where children can play in should they not be able to swim in the waterfall’s lake.

While you’re relaxing in the water, do make sure to keep an eye on your belongings, especially if the waterfall is crowded.

That said, here are a few more impressions from the various times that we’ve visited the waterfall over the years:

The Cascade Waterfall, located of the East side of Mahé Island, is one of Seychelles hidden tourist gems – and one that only pops up occasionally.

In fact, even Gaelle in her 25 years of living in Seychelles has only been able to see the full waterfall a handful of times, making it one of Mahe’s hidden gems.

So, to make sure you guys are having an equally incredible experience, we compiled everything you’d need to know for this little hike.

Things To Consider | How To Get There & The Cascade Hike

What to consider before Going

Before getting too excited to take a refreshing plunge in the soaring (and frankly cold) water, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

First and foremost, the waterfall is not active all the time. In fact, even many locals have not had the chance to experience it.

The weather is what’s going to determine whether you will be able to see it or not. Your best bet is when it has rained in the days leading up to your hike.

When we went in September, it had been raining (as is common for this time of the year in Seychelles) for the past few weeks – and especially the day prior, when it was absolutely pouring.

However, keep in mind that you shouldn’t do the hike if it’s raining. Some of the paths are quite muddy/slippery, so it’s best to wait a few hours until the ground dries up a little.

The same, by the way, also applies to the waterfall itself (Gaelle unfortunately has a few scratches and bruises to show for it lol).

If possible, you’d want to bring hiking boots to avoid slipping and getting your feet wet. That said, locals do the hike in sandals or flip flops as well, so it’s not an absolute necessity.

Also, keep an eye out for insects. While the spiders will draw all the attention (don’t worry, they’re not poisonous), the red ants (also called restless ants) are what you need to be aware of – their bites can cause a bit of discomfort.

They’ll likely crawl over your belongings when you remove them at the waterfall, so make sure to shake your clothes when you put them back on again.

If you’re a moderately fit person, then the hike up to the waterfall shouldn’t be an issue whatsoever. Back and forth from the parking lot, you’ll walk around 1.5km while gaining roughly 100m of elevation.

Lastly, and I hope that goes without saying, please refrain from jumping off the rocks. Not only is the pool below the waterfall not that deep, but the current itself is quite strong.

How to get to the Cascade Waterfall

The waterfall, much like everything else worth seeing on Mahé, is best accessed by driving up either with your own rented car or by hiring a driver.

If you drive by yourself, then please don’t solely rely on Google Maps as the single source of truth. Road information in the Seychelles isn’t always the most accurate and you may end up parking your car somewhere that’s not allowed.

That said, the drive to your parking spot should be fairly straight forward. Angel Care Hire is roughly the spot where you’d want to park your car at.

You’ll get there by taking a turn off of East Coast Road towards the street where Saint Andre Church is located.

Now, simply drive straight up that road until you roughly reach the spot of the pin (again, keep in mind that Google Maps’ drawing of the road isn’t up to date).

The location where you’d want to park your vehicle will look like this:

From there, you want to follow the road that I’ve marked with the arrow. Eventually, you’ll see a small bridge that you’d want to cross:

At the end of that bridge, there’ll be a white house. In between that house and the river is the path you need to get on in order to get to the waterfall.

By the way, most of the time you can already hear the waterfall pouring down from that location, so you’ll know whether it’s worth hiking up or not.

For the majority of the hike you simply stay on the concrete staired path. You’ll know that you’re on the right way when you cross the following house and little farm.

Eventually, you’ll hit an intersection where the left road leads you to another house. Then, take the right and continue walking up.

From there, it’s a few hundred meters to the waterfall, which’ll hopefully look somewhat like this.

If you cross the part where the pipe is located (make sure to remove your shoes before), then you can walk up further on top where you can take a plunge as well.

Again, when walking back from the waterfall, please watch your steps as some of the rocks can be quite slippery. Also, you’d want to leave before 6pm as the forest gets quite dark and not to disturb the locals living there.

Please refrain from using any strong products on your skin and hair as the water is used in some of the homes in the area. Lastly, take back any rubbish you may accumulate to keep this hidden gem clean.

Plus, some of the spots pointed towards Cerf Island will make for truly incredible views!

The Morne Blanc trail, even though it can be challenging at times, is one of the coolest experiences you can have on Mahé.

In this guide, we’ll detail how you can get there, what things to keep in mind, and show you what to expect on the hike and at the end.

How To Get There | The Morne Blanc Hike | The Morne Blanc Viewpoint

How to get to the morne blanc trail

The Copolia Trail is located in the north of Mahé Island, on the edge of the Morne Seychellois National Park (which contains other amazing hikes like the Copolia Trail and historical sites like Mission Lodge).

You simply drive up Sans Souci Road until you reach the entrance. Parking around the area is plentiful and free. You know that you’ve arrived when you see the below pictured sign.

The Google Maps address is accurate, so just set this as your destination and find yourself a nearby parking spot.

Keep in mind that there isn’t any nearby toilet. The closest one is at Mission Lodge, which is roughly 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) away.

Another option is to take the bus (bus lines 14 or 35). That said, we don’t recommend it since the nearest bus stop is quite far away. Plus, you’d lose a lot of time (versus renting a car) since buses drive irregularly.

You can check timetables on the official Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) website under “Mahe Normal Timetable No. 103” by downloading the attached Word document.

Alternatively, download the namesake SPTC mobile app where you can also purchase individual tickets or reload your existing travel card.

If you want the viewpoint all by yourself, then we recommend going during the week, preferably sometime in the morning before 12 pm.

The Morne Blanc Trail

Before we get started, here are some key facts about the trail:

• Distance: 1.6 km (1 mile)
• Elevation Gained: 226 meters (741 ft)
• Duration: 1 hour – 2 hours
• Difficulty: medium – difficult

First things first: yes, this hike is definitely on the more challenging side, in large parts due to the steep ascend and subsequent descend.

We do recommend using hiking shoes if you brought a pair along with you, especially if it rained before or it does during the hike. Hiking sticks, or a branch of wood like the one Gaelle used, may also be of help.

It does tend to get slippery when it rains, so you at least want to make sure to not go out in flip flops or sandals. Athletic shoes should suffice as well, though.

Furthermore, do make sure to watch your steps along the trail since there are many branches that could cause you to trip.

The trail itself, similar to all the other popular hikes we recommend on Mahé, is very well maintained – thanks in large parts due to the Seychelles National Park Authority.

Unfortunately, there aren’t many info signs teaching you about the local flora and fauna, which is what we particularly love about trails like Anse Major or Copolia.

On the other hand, you’ll be greeted with lush jungle forests that make for some truly scenic views along the trail.

This means that you also won’t need to necessarily bring sunscreen since you’ll largely be covered by trees (we do recommend taking mosquito repellant and water with you, though).

And if you need some further protection, just hide in this little tree formation.

From there, it’s around 200 meters until you reach your ultimate destination: the Morne Blanc viewpoint.

The Morne Blanc Viewpoint

Once at the summit of Morne Blanc, trekkers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, the surrounding islands, and the dense forest below.

The viewpoint is also the reason why we a) recommend to bring a drone and b) make sure that you go when the sky is clear.

Otherwise, your views will probably look somewhat like this (from the time Viktor had the grandios idea to go by himself during the rain):

The viewpoint itself isn’t the only picturesque spot, though. Right before the small ladder bridge, there are some additional locations facing the mountains (from the time Gaelle & Viktor’s sister went).

Please be cautious – slipping could result in a steep (and likely fatal) fall. Consequently, the same also applies to the descend.

Make sure to watch your steps and take your time, especially considering that the path is plastered with slippery rocks.

But above anything else, enjoy yourself on this true gem of a hike – you won’t regret it.

Here are some additional impressions to get you into the spirit for the Morne Blanc trail:

Gaelle recently took me on a trip to visit Mission Lodge, one of Mahé’s hidden gems. If you have a car, then it’s a must-see in our opinion, especially because it won’t take up too much of your time.

In this article, we’ll cover how you can get to Mission Lodge, how much it costs, and what to expect overall from your visit.

How To Get There | Mission Lodge Costs | Exploring Mission Lodge | More Impressions Of Mission Lodge

How To Get To Mission Lodge (+ Opening Hours)

Mission Lodge, initially known as Venn’s Town, is a historical emblem nestled on Mahé Island within the serene bounds of the Morne Seychellois National Park.

If you rent a car, simply drive up San Soucis Rd until you reach a parking lot and see this friendly sign. The Google Maps listing is accurate, so just set this as your destination.

Another option is to take the bus. You can check timetables on the official Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) website under “Mahe Normal Timetable No. 103” by downloading the attached Word document.

Alternatively, download the namesake SPTC mobile app where you can also purchase individual tickets or reload your existing travel card.

You can either take Route 14 or Route 35. Just let the bus driver know that you’re headed Mission Lodge and they’ll drop you off accordingly.

With that being said, we’d personally recommend to rent a car or driver for the day. Buses in Seychelles are notoriously unreliable and you could potentially lose valuable vacation time waiting on the bus.

Also, you likely won’t explore Mission Lodge for more than an hour anyways, so taking the bus would literally take more time than the experience itself.

Another reason is that the road driving up to and down from Mission Lodge, right through the jungle, looks incredibly scenic and vibrant, so you’ll likely end up taking a small pit (or rather photo) stop. Plus, popular hikes like the Copolia Trail are also located on the way.

Mission Lodge is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day of the week. If you have questions regarding transportation or opening hours, feel free to phone them at +248 422 4542 or text the team on Facebook.

How Much It Costs

There’s an entrance fee of SCR 100 for non-Seychellois visitors, although entrance remains free for locals and non-Seychellois under 12 years old.

The fee covers the cost of weekly maintenance and further development of the heritage site as well as pays for the staff who ensures everything remains orderly.

Payments can be made either by card or in cash (we recommend paying by card since ATM fees in Seychelles can be steep). The parking lot as well as the toilet can be used for free.

Exploring Mission Lodge

Mission Lodge, initially known as Venn’s Town, embodies a crucial part of the island’s history. Established in the late 19th century by a missionary society, it served as a beacon of hope and education for the first slaves freed in Seychelles​.

The large numbers of freed Africans had a great impact on Seychelles in the formation of the Creole Seychellois identity and it gave birth to subsequent civilization. 

Venn’s Town itself was named after Henry Venn (1796 – 1873), the former Secretary of the Church Missionary Society. Other names are Capucin, Venus Town, and Mission Ruins.

Transitioning from a botanical garden in 1870 to an industrious school by 1875, it aimed to empower liberated African slave children with basic education and catechism lessons under the auspices of the Church Missionary Society​.

Initially, Venn’s Town spanned 50 acres, with a significant portion dedicated to vanilla and cocoa farming. The primary structures included two dormitories, each measuring 100 feet by 25 feet, segregated for boys and girls.

The settlement comprised various facilities such as houses, washrooms, kitchens, laborers’ huts, a workshop, a storeroom, and a mission cottage designated for the schoolmaster and his family.

Mission Lodge is also a haven for a myriad of endemic plants and animals unique to this region. Besides a variety of native and exotic flora.

For example, the Morne Seychellois National Park hosts a diverse fauna, including the world’s smallest frog (Sooglosus species), linked to an ancestral species recently unearthed in India’s mountain ranges.

Notably, it shelters the Seychelles scops owl (Otus insularis), a rare bird endemic to Seychelles and listed as critically endangered as well as the Seychelles bulbul (pictured above).

The biggest highlight of Mission Lodge, without a doubt, is the viewpoint you reach at the end of the site. It overlooks the National Park well into the vast Indian Ocean.

The viewing lodge itself was inaugurated on March 20th, 1972, by Queen Elizabeth II, who was accompanied by her husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. That same morning, they also inaugurated the Seychelles International Airport.

Walking downstairs from the viewpoint, there’s a bench where you can rest and soak in the scenic views. Next to the bench, you can also use a coin-operated binocular/telescope if you want to enhance your vision.

Roaming the incredible nature and soaking in those views, it’s little surprising that Mission Lodge, in 2013, was put on the tentative list to become a UNESCO World Heritage site (the admission is still pending).

A few More Impressions of Mission Lodge

Here are some of the other pictures we took. Although we had overcast for the majority of our visit, learning about Seychellois history and seeing its natural beauty at display makes Mission Lodge an absolute gem to visit.