Visit The Legendary Vallée De Mai Nature Reserve

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The Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is situated in the centre of the island of Praslin, and has preserved the remnants of a natural palm forest in almost its original form. Praslin seems a prime example for the exotic island. This tropical island, although limited in area has an astounding richness and variety of animal and plant life. The largest seed in the plant kingdom is the famous coco de mer and originates from a palm once believed to grow in the very depths of the sea.

Concealed in the heart of Praslin is the exquisitely stunning Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. Praslin, and the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve serves as the dwelling for 3 of the world’s rarest birds i.e. the black parrot, the Seychelles bulbul, and the fruit pigeon. Of the former, only 100 remain, many of which are found in the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. Praslin, and the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve are the only places in the world to grow the famous coco de mer palm. The nut of this palm, strangely shaped like that of a females’ pelvis, is a powerful aphrodisiac, and has been much publicised to be the fruit of the historic tree of knowledge.

The Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve itself is a stringently protected area within the Praslin National Park. Such conservationist tactics have been put in place for protecting rare flora and fauna like the coco de mer and black parrot respectively, which makes the opportunity of walking amongst these unique native marvels all the more exciting for all those lucky enough to visit this unique and timeless island.

Not surprisingly, the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is known to be the legendary Garden of Eden.