Exploring The Dan Gallas Trail On Mahé (Seychelles)
From The Authors: Gaelle and Viktor are avid hikers and have done almost every imaginable hike there is in the Seychelles.
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:
