Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve

Fond Ferdinand covers a valley and hillside on the southern side of Praslin planted thickly with coco de mer, the palm that produces the largest seed of any plant and grows naturally only on this island and Curieuse. Unlike the Vallée de Mai, the trail here climbs, which means the walk ends at a viewpoint looking out over the palm crowns and across to La Digue and the southern islands. Visits are guided.

The landscape

• The coco de mer - dense stands of the palm with the largest seed of any plant.
• The climbing trail - the route up the hillside through the forest.
• The viewpoint - the outlook over the palm canopy to La Digue and beyond.
• The endemic plants - the other Seychelles palms and species along the route.

When to go

Year round; mornings are cooler for the climb. Guided walks run at set times. Rain makes the trail slippery.

Practical notes

The trail is steep and hot and takes around two hours. Visits are guided only and run to fixed times. It is less known than the Vallée de Mai but no cheaper.

Nearby

Vallée de Mai is north, and Anse Georgette is northwest.