The Vallée de Mai, Praslin

The Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the heart of the island of Praslin, is a spellbinding remnant of the primeval palm forest that once covered the Seychelles, so otherworldly that a nineteenth-century general believed it the original Garden of Eden. Its ancient, towering palms shelter the famous coco de mer, a species found nowhere else, whose enormous, curiously shaped double nut is the largest and heaviest seed in the world, weighing up to 25 kilograms. The forest is also the last refuge of the rare Seychelles black parrot.

What you actually see

• The coco de mer - the giant palms and the world's largest seed.
• The primeval forest - the ancient, dense palm woodland.
• The black parrot - the rare endemic parrot of Praslin.
• The nature trails - the walking paths through the reserve.

When to go

April to May and October to November, the calmer months, for the most pleasant weather; the forest is atmospheric year-round, and going early in the morning offers cooler walking and the best chance of hearing the elusive black parrot. Allow a couple of hours to walk the shaded trails.

Honest expectations

It is a forest reserve of walking trails rather than dramatic scenery, so its appeal is the unique primeval atmosphere, the extraordinary coco de mer and the rare wildlife rather than sweeping vistas; the endemic black parrot is heard more often than seen. The famous nut cannot be casually bought, as its export is strictly controlled. As a magical, unique ancient forest, though, it is a Seychelles highlight and easily paired with Praslin's beaches.

Nearby

Praslin's beaches at Anse Lazio and the island of La Digue are close by.