Top 3 Hiking Trails in Mahé Island, Seychelles

Mahé Island is the largest island in Seychelles and the heart of the country's hiking scene. While many visitors come for the beaches, the interior of the island is mountainous and covered with tropical forest, offering some of the most rewarding hiking routes in the Indian Ocean.

Mahé is dominated by the Morne Seychellois National Park, the largest protected area in Seychelles. The park protects dense forests, endemic plant species, and mountain landscapes that rise sharply above the coastline. For visitors who want to experience more than beaches, hiking offers a completely different view of the island.

Among the many trails found across Mahé, three routes stand out for their scenery, accessibility, and overall experience. These trails allow hikers to explore coastal cliffs, tropical forests, and mountain viewpoints.

1. Anse Major Trail

The Anse Major Trail is one of the most well-known coastal hikes in Seychelles. The trail begins near Bel Ombre on the northwest coast of Mahé and follows a scenic path along the granite coastline. The route runs through dry coastal vegetation and passes large granite rock formations typical of the islands. As hikers move along the trail, several viewpoints open toward the Indian Ocean, where distant islands and turquoise waters can often be seen.

The trail eventually leads to Anse Major beach, a quiet bay surrounded by forested hills. Because the beach is only accessible by foot or by boat, it remains less developed than many other beaches on the island.

Swimming conditions can vary depending on sea conditions, and waves can sometimes be strong. A small beach shack occasionally operates at the beach selling drinks and simple food, although availability depends on sea conditions because supplies arrive by boat.

Some visitors choose to return by hiking the same trail back, while others may use a private taxi boat when available. These boats are not on a fixed schedule and operate independently.

2. Copolia Trail

The Copolia Trail is located inside Morne Seychellois National Park and is one of the most popular short hikes on Mahé.

The trail climbs steadily through tropical forest before reaching exposed granite slabs near the summit. These granite viewpoints are one of the most photographed landscapes on the island.

From the top, hikers can see wide views of the eastern coast of Mahé, including Eden Island, St Anne Marine Park, and the capital city of Victoria. On clear days the colours of the lagoon and surrounding islands are particularly striking.

The trail also passes through forest that contains several endemic plants, including carnivorous pitcher plants which grow in humid areas along the route.

3. Morne Blanc Trail

The Morne Blanc Trail is another route located inside Morne Seychellois National Park. It is known for its dramatic viewpoint overlooking the western coast of Mahé.

The trail begins in dense tropical forest and climbs steadily through shaded vegetation. The forest canopy helps protect hikers from direct sunlight, but the climb can still feel demanding due to humidity and elevation gain.

At the end of the trail, hikers reach a wooden viewing platform that overlooks the west coast of Mahé. From here it is possible to see the coastline stretching toward Port Glaud and the surrounding mountain slopes covered in forest.

Cloud formations often move quickly across this part of the island, creating changing light conditions over the landscape below.

Hiking in Mahé Requires Preparation

While these trails are accessible to many visitors, hiking in Seychelles still requires preparation. The tropical climate means humidity is high throughout the year, and granite surfaces can become slippery after rain.

Proper footwear with good grip is strongly recommended, and carrying enough water is essential even for shorter hikes. Weather conditions can also change quickly in the mountains.

Many visitors choose to hike with a local guide who understands the flora and fauna, the terrain, weather patterns, and access rules within protected areas.

Exploring Mahé on foot allows visitors to discover a side of Seychelles that many travellers never see. Beyond the beaches lies a mountainous island filled with forest trails, viewpoints, and landscapes that reveal the natural beauty of the archipelago.