Mare Aux Cochons Trail in Seychelles: Endemic Flora & Fauna

Walk through Seychelles' protected wetland, spotting blue pigeons and endemic palms on the way to views of two bays

The Mare Aux Cochons trail is a guided hike through Morne Seychellois national park on Mahé, Seychelles, where you walk through high-altitude wetland to discover endemic plants, spices and bird species while taking in panoramic views of Beau Vallon and Belombre. Hotel pickup is included, and your guide speaks English or French. The trail takes 7 to 8 hours and requires moderate physical fitness.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Mare aux Cochons trail

• Pick up from hotel
• Transport to Le Niole road
• Start Mare aux Cochons trail
• Discover Seychelles flora and fauna
• Enjoy panoramic views of Beau Vallon and Belombre

The experience

You'll be picked up from your hotel and driven to Le Niole road, where the trail begins inside Morne Seychellois national park. The Mare Aux Cochons is a protected high-altitude wetland on Mahé island, and the path through it lets you move at a steady pace through the landscape while your guide points out what grows and lives there. Within 30 to 45 minutes of starting, you'll reach a vantage point with panoramic views across Beau Vallon and Belombre: two bays visible from the ridge.

The flora changes as you climb: cinnamon and nutmeg trees, coffee plants, and the endemic palms that only grow in Seychelles. The wetland itself is marked by huge Hornes pandanus, and the bird life includes the Seychelles Bulbul and the Blue Pigeon, both endemic to the islands. Your guide will explain what you're seeing and the history woven into these plants and species. Bottled water comes with you, and the air-conditioned vehicle waits to bring you back down when the hike is done.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• air-conditioned vehicle for transport to and from the trailhead.
• live guide in English or French.
• hotel pickup.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 75 years) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Under 14: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 41 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Island Exploration Seychelles

Is this one for you?The trail is a full-day commitment with 7 to 8 hours of walking at a steady pace through high-altitude terrain, which is what makes the panoramic views and the protected wetland itself reachable. Plan for a morning start and bring the stamina the distance asks for.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years). Children under 14 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of plants and animals will I see on the Mare Aux Cochons trail?

The trail passes through cinnamon and nutmeg trees, coffee plants, and endemic Seychelles palms, with a protected high-altitude wetland marked by huge Hornes pandanus. Bird species include the Seychelles Bulbul and Blue Pigeon, both endemic to the islands.

How long does the Mare Aux Cochons hike take?

The full trail takes 7 to 8 hours from pickup to return. You'll reach the panoramic viewpoint over Beau Vallon and Belombre within 30 to 45 minutes of starting.

Is hotel pickup included with this trail tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel is included, and you'll be transported to Le Niole road where the trail begins. The guide speaks English or French.

What should I know about the physical demands of this hike?

The trail requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. Children are welcome from age 14 and up. The hike covers high-altitude terrain with sustained walking over 7 to 8 hours, so you should be comfortable with that pace and distance.