Veuve Special Reserve

What it is

The Veuve Special Reserve protects 21 hectares of lowland woodland, part of a 200-hectare plateau on the west side of La Digue, as breeding and feeding habitat for the Seychelles black paradise flycatcher, known locally as the veuve. Concern over the bird's rarity in the 1960s led to a local man, Abraham Niole, being employed to protect the birds and their nests in 1970. The reserve opened in 1982, was legally designated in 1991 and is now managed by the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA). The Tourism Board listing describes it as the only place on La Digue where visitors can see the island's original lowland forest.

What you see

The flycatchers prefer badamier and takamaka trees for nesting and feed on the insects bred in the nearby freshwater marsh and ponds. Staff are on hand to answer questions and help you locate the birds. Other species include the Seychelles sunbird, the Seychelles bulbul and Seychelles terrapins. A display covers the flycatcher and the wider Seychelles environment.

How to visit

The reserve is at Anse Réunion, beside the island's only school. SPGA lists opening hours of 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 3pm on Saturday; no Sunday hours are given. Non-citizens over 12 pay SCR 150 (SPGA, checked 16 September 2026) for an unguided visit or SCR 200 for a guided tour, and the Tourism Board listing shows free entry for children under 12. Tickets can be bought online through SPGA, and on-site payment is by card only.

Tips

About 1,000 international visitors come each year, according to SPGA, many of them specifically for the flycatcher. Look for the birds in badamier and takamaka trees, their preferred nesting trees. A guided visit costs SCR 50 more than an unguided one. Combine it with L'Union Estate, which is also at Anse Réunion.