Glacis Noire Trail, Praslin National Park

What it is

Glacis Noire is the only official trail in Praslin National Park, a 324-hectare park created in 1979 that covers the upper slopes of Praslin and encloses the Vallée de Mai. The Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA) describes a 1.4 km route, rated low difficulty, that ends at a fire tower; its trail guide gives an elevation figure of 190 m. SPGA puts the walk from the main road to the tower at up to an hour.

On the trail

The first stretch follows a forest road built in the early 1980s, wide, open and covered in red earth. It then narrows into a shaded path, a gentle climb followed by a steeper section through native palm forest. Along the way you can see all six endemic Seychelles palms, the coco de mer among them. SPGA lists the black parrot, the Seychelles tiger chameleon, the bronze-eyed gecko and the coco de mer snail among the animals. The park also holds a high-altitude wetland. From the end of the trail the view takes in La Digue, Ile Ronde, Félicité and Marianne, with Denis, Mahé and Frégate further off. You may climb the fire tower at your own risk.

Getting there

The trailhead is on the Vallée de Mai Road, marked by a painted ticket office with a large car park opposite the start of the path. SeyVillas places it about 100 metres east of the Vallée de Mai entrance, so the two fit into the same morning.

Cost and hours

The trail is open daily from 8am to 4pm. Non-residents over 12 pay SCR 100 (SPGA, checked 16 September 2026); residents and children under 12 enter free. SPGA takes card payments only on site and encourages buying tickets online.

Tips

SPGA notes that few visitors use the trail. Go in the morning or late afternoon, bring water and binoculars, and wear shoes with grip for the steeper section. The Grand Coco souvenir shop at SPGA's offices, just down the road from the trail entrance, sells coco de mer nuts and crafts.