50 safari lodges
    Mahé Island, Seychelles
    Moderate
    Malaria: Moderate

    Safari in Morne Seychellois National Park

    The largest national park in Seychelles, covering over 20% of Mahé Island, offering diverse hiking trails through lush mountain forests. It's a haven for endemic birds like the Seychelles scops owl and Seychelles bulbul, providing stunning panoramic views and a chance to explore the island's interior biodiversity.

    Best timeApril to May and October to November for diving and birdwatching. Year-round destination.
    Species
    20
    Big Five
    0/5
    Lodges
    50
    Area
    3,045 km²
    Recommended stay
    3-4 days

    Morne Seychellois National Park Map

    Park location and safari lodges

    Recent sightings at Morne Seychellois National Park

    Sign in to report

    20 species recorded in Morne Seychellois National Park5 threatened

    Book Safari Experiences in Morne Seychellois National Park

    Game drives, guided tours, and unique experiences in Morne Seychellois National Park

    When planning your Seychelles safari, we find the dry season from April to October offers the most predictable weather, with calm seas ideal for exploring Aldabra Atoll and its incredible marine...

    January

    Now
    low

    Short Rains

    Expect warm temperatures with occasional heavy showers, often clearing quickly. Humidity is high.

    This is a good month for birding, especially for resident species. Sea turtles may be nesting on quieter beaches.

    We love the dramatic skies and lush landscapes this time of year, perfect for exploring Vallée de Mai without the crowds.

    Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
    Anse Source d'Argent

    February

    low

    Short Rains

    Similar to January, with warm, humid conditions and intermittent rain. The sea can be a bit rough.

    Birdlife remains active. Keep an eye out for nesting seabirds on the smaller islands.

    We recommend visiting the less developed islands for a more secluded experience, enjoying the vibrant greenery after the rains.

    Curieuse Island National Park
    Aride Island Nature Reserve

    March

    low

    Short Rains

    Rainfall begins to decrease, though showers are still possible. It remains warm and humid.

    Marine life is abundant, with excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving as the waters start to calm.

    We find March offers a fantastic balance of good weather and low visitor numbers, ideal for exploring Aldabra's marine wonders.

    Aldabra Atoll
    La Digue Island

    April

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The weather transitions to the dry season with less rain and lower humidity. Winds are generally light.

    This is prime time for whale shark sightings, particularly around the outer islands. Giant tortoises are active.

    We absolutely recommend April for Aldabra, as the calmer seas make exploring the lagoon and its incredible wildlife so much easier.

    Aldabra Atoll
    Praslin Island

    May

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Calm seas and minimal rainfall characterize this month. It's warm and sunny with pleasant breezes.

    Whale shark season continues, and the underwater visibility is superb for diving and snorkeling. Birding is excellent.

    We love May for its perfect conditions for exploring the underwater world; the clarity is simply breathtaking.

    Aldabra Atoll
    Sainte Anne Marine National Park

    June

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The southeast trade winds pick up, bringing drier air and cooler temperatures. It's generally sunny and pleasant.

    This is a great month for observing giant tortoises on Praslin and Curieuse. The seas remain calm for marine activities.

    We find June offers a refreshing change with the trade winds, making hikes through the nature reserves particularly enjoyable.

    Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
    Curieuse Island National Park

    July

    high

    Dry Season

    The southeast trade winds are strongest, making the sea choppier on the eastern sides of islands. Inland areas are dry and sunny.

    Giant tortoises are very active and visible. Seabird colonies are thriving on islands like Aride.

    We recommend July for its reliably dry weather and the chance to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat, though book well in advance.

    Praslin Island
    Aride Island Nature Reserve
    La Digue Island

    August

    high

    Dry Season

    Similar to July, with strong trade winds and dry conditions. The eastern coasts can be rough, while western coasts are calmer.

    This is peak season for giant tortoise sightings. The marine parks are still excellent for snorkeling and diving.

    We love the energetic feel of August, with the winds providing a cooling effect, perfect for exploring the islands' diverse ecosystems.

    Curieuse Island National Park
    Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve

    September

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The trade winds begin to ease, and the weather remains dry and sunny. Humidity starts to increase slightly.

    The end of whale shark season, but marine life is still abundant. Birding is good as resident species are active.

    We find September offers a sweet spot with fewer crowds than July/August but still excellent dry weather for exploring.

    Aldabra Atoll
    Sainte Anne Marine National Park

    October

    moderate

    Short Rains

    The weather transitions back towards the rainy season, with increasing humidity and a higher chance of showers. Winds are light.

    This is a fantastic month for birdwatching, with many species in breeding plumage. Sea turtles may start nesting.

    We recommend October for its excellent birding opportunities and the chance to see turtles beginning their nesting cycles.

    Aride Island Nature Reserve
    Praslin Island

    November

    low

    Short Rains

    Expect warm, humid conditions with frequent, often short, rain showers. The sea is generally calm.

    The islands are at their greenest. It's a good time for spotting nesting seabirds and observing the rich flora.

    We love the lushness of the Seychelles in November; the rain brings everything to life, and the visitor numbers are low.

    Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
    La Digue Island

    December

    high

    Short Rains

    Warm and humid with a high chance of rain, though showers are often brief. The sea is typically calm.

    This is a good month for spotting nesting sea turtles on secluded beaches. The lush vegetation supports abundant birdlife.

    We recommend December for those seeking vibrant, tropical scenery and the chance to witness nesting turtles, but be prepared for rain.

    Anse Source d'Argent
    Curieuse Island National Park

    January

    Now
    low

    Short Rains

    Expect warm temperatures with occasional heavy showers, often clearing quickly. Humidity is high.

    This is a good month for birding, especially for resident species. Sea turtles may be nesting on quieter beaches.

    We love the dramatic skies and lush landscapes this time of year, perfect for exploring Vallée de Mai without the crowds.

    Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
    Anse Source d'Argent

    February

    low

    Short Rains

    Similar to January, with warm, humid conditions and intermittent rain. The sea can be a bit rough.

    Birdlife remains active. Keep an eye out for nesting seabirds on the smaller islands.

    We recommend visiting the less developed islands for a more secluded experience, enjoying the vibrant greenery after the rains.

    Curieuse Island National Park
    Aride Island Nature Reserve

    March

    low

    Short Rains

    Rainfall begins to decrease, though showers are still possible. It remains warm and humid.

    Marine life is abundant, with excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving as the waters start to calm.

    We find March offers a fantastic balance of good weather and low visitor numbers, ideal for exploring Aldabra's marine wonders.

    Aldabra Atoll
    La Digue Island

    April

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The weather transitions to the dry season with less rain and lower humidity. Winds are generally light.

    This is prime time for whale shark sightings, particularly around the outer islands. Giant tortoises are active.

    We absolutely recommend April for Aldabra, as the calmer seas make exploring the lagoon and its incredible wildlife so much easier.

    Aldabra Atoll
    Praslin Island

    May

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Calm seas and minimal rainfall characterize this month. It's warm and sunny with pleasant breezes.

    Whale shark season continues, and the underwater visibility is superb for diving and snorkeling. Birding is excellent.

    We love May for its perfect conditions for exploring the underwater world; the clarity is simply breathtaking.

    Aldabra Atoll
    Sainte Anne Marine National Park

    June

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The southeast trade winds pick up, bringing drier air and cooler temperatures. It's generally sunny and pleasant.

    This is a great month for observing giant tortoises on Praslin and Curieuse. The seas remain calm for marine activities.

    We find June offers a refreshing change with the trade winds, making hikes through the nature reserves particularly enjoyable.

    Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
    Curieuse Island National Park

    July

    high

    Dry Season

    The southeast trade winds are strongest, making the sea choppier on the eastern sides of islands. Inland areas are dry and sunny.

    Giant tortoises are very active and visible. Seabird colonies are thriving on islands like Aride.

    We recommend July for its reliably dry weather and the chance to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat, though book well in advance.

    Praslin Island
    Aride Island Nature Reserve
    La Digue Island

    August

    high

    Dry Season

    Similar to July, with strong trade winds and dry conditions. The eastern coasts can be rough, while western coasts are calmer.

    This is peak season for giant tortoise sightings. The marine parks are still excellent for snorkeling and diving.

    We love the energetic feel of August, with the winds providing a cooling effect, perfect for exploring the islands' diverse ecosystems.

    Curieuse Island National Park
    Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve

    September

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The trade winds begin to ease, and the weather remains dry and sunny. Humidity starts to increase slightly.

    The end of whale shark season, but marine life is still abundant. Birding is good as resident species are active.

    We find September offers a sweet spot with fewer crowds than July/August but still excellent dry weather for exploring.

    Aldabra Atoll
    Sainte Anne Marine National Park

    October

    moderate

    Short Rains

    The weather transitions back towards the rainy season, with increasing humidity and a higher chance of showers. Winds are light.

    This is a fantastic month for birdwatching, with many species in breeding plumage. Sea turtles may start nesting.

    We recommend October for its excellent birding opportunities and the chance to see turtles beginning their nesting cycles.

    Aride Island Nature Reserve
    Praslin Island

    November

    low

    Short Rains

    Expect warm, humid conditions with frequent, often short, rain showers. The sea is generally calm.

    The islands are at their greenest. It's a good time for spotting nesting seabirds and observing the rich flora.

    We love the lushness of the Seychelles in November; the rain brings everything to life, and the visitor numbers are low.

    Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
    La Digue Island

    December

    high

    Short Rains

    Warm and humid with a high chance of rain, though showers are often brief. The sea is typically calm.

    This is a good month for spotting nesting sea turtles on secluded beaches. The lush vegetation supports abundant birdlife.

    We recommend December for those seeking vibrant, tropical scenery and the chance to witness nesting turtles, but be prepared for rain.

    Anse Source d'Argent
    Curieuse Island National Park

    January

    Now
    low

    Short Rains

    Expect warm temperatures with occasional heavy showers, often clearing quickly. Humidity is high.

    This is a good month for birding, especially for resident species. Sea turtles may be nesting on quieter beaches.

    We love the dramatic skies and lush landscapes this time of year, perfect for exploring Vallée de Mai without the crowds.

    Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
    Anse Source d'Argent

    February

    low

    Short Rains

    Similar to January, with warm, humid conditions and intermittent rain. The sea can be a bit rough.

    Birdlife remains active. Keep an eye out for nesting seabirds on the smaller islands.

    We recommend visiting the less developed islands for a more secluded experience, enjoying the vibrant greenery after the rains.

    Curieuse Island National Park
    Aride Island Nature Reserve

    March

    low

    Short Rains

    Rainfall begins to decrease, though showers are still possible. It remains warm and humid.

    Marine life is abundant, with excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving as the waters start to calm.

    We find March offers a fantastic balance of good weather and low visitor numbers, ideal for exploring Aldabra's marine wonders.

    Aldabra Atoll
    La Digue Island

    April

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The weather transitions to the dry season with less rain and lower humidity. Winds are generally light.

    This is prime time for whale shark sightings, particularly around the outer islands. Giant tortoises are active.

    We absolutely recommend April for Aldabra, as the calmer seas make exploring the lagoon and its incredible wildlife so much easier.

    Aldabra Atoll
    Praslin Island

    May

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Calm seas and minimal rainfall characterize this month. It's warm and sunny with pleasant breezes.

    Whale shark season continues, and the underwater visibility is superb for diving and snorkeling. Birding is excellent.

    We love May for its perfect conditions for exploring the underwater world; the clarity is simply breathtaking.

    Aldabra Atoll
    Sainte Anne Marine National Park

    June

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The southeast trade winds pick up, bringing drier air and cooler temperatures. It's generally sunny and pleasant.

    This is a great month for observing giant tortoises on Praslin and Curieuse. The seas remain calm for marine activities.

    We find June offers a refreshing change with the trade winds, making hikes through the nature reserves particularly enjoyable.

    Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
    Curieuse Island National Park

    July

    high

    Dry Season

    The southeast trade winds are strongest, making the sea choppier on the eastern sides of islands. Inland areas are dry and sunny.

    Giant tortoises are very active and visible. Seabird colonies are thriving on islands like Aride.

    We recommend July for its reliably dry weather and the chance to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat, though book well in advance.

    Praslin Island
    Aride Island Nature Reserve
    La Digue Island

    August

    high

    Dry Season

    Similar to July, with strong trade winds and dry conditions. The eastern coasts can be rough, while western coasts are calmer.

    This is peak season for giant tortoise sightings. The marine parks are still excellent for snorkeling and diving.

    We love the energetic feel of August, with the winds providing a cooling effect, perfect for exploring the islands' diverse ecosystems.

    Curieuse Island National Park
    Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve

    September

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The trade winds begin to ease, and the weather remains dry and sunny. Humidity starts to increase slightly.

    The end of whale shark season, but marine life is still abundant. Birding is good as resident species are active.

    We find September offers a sweet spot with fewer crowds than July/August but still excellent dry weather for exploring.

    Aldabra Atoll
    Sainte Anne Marine National Park

    October

    moderate

    Short Rains

    The weather transitions back towards the rainy season, with increasing humidity and a higher chance of showers. Winds are light.

    This is a fantastic month for birdwatching, with many species in breeding plumage. Sea turtles may start nesting.

    We recommend October for its excellent birding opportunities and the chance to see turtles beginning their nesting cycles.

    Aride Island Nature Reserve
    Praslin Island

    November

    low

    Short Rains

    Expect warm, humid conditions with frequent, often short, rain showers. The sea is generally calm.

    The islands are at their greenest. It's a good time for spotting nesting seabirds and observing the rich flora.

    We love the lushness of the Seychelles in November; the rain brings everything to life, and the visitor numbers are low.

    Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
    La Digue Island

    December

    high

    Short Rains

    Warm and humid with a high chance of rain, though showers are often brief. The sea is typically calm.

    This is a good month for spotting nesting sea turtles on secluded beaches. The lush vegetation supports abundant birdlife.

    We recommend December for those seeking vibrant, tropical scenery and the chance to witness nesting turtles, but be prepared for rain.

    Anse Source d'Argent
    Curieuse Island National Park
    Planning & reference

    Morne Seychellois offers a refreshing counterpoint to Seychelles' famed beaches, inviting us to delve into its verdant, mountainous heart. We love the challenge of its trails and the reward of panoramic views, revealing a wilder, less-trodden side of Mahé that few visitors truly experience. It's an essential journey for those seeking adventure beyond the sand.

    Gate Times

    Morne Seychellois National Park is largely open access, but for safety and enjoyment, we recommend planning your hikes during daylight hours, typically from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. There are no formal gate times or entry fees for most trails, though some guided experiences may require advance booking. Always check local conditions, especially during the wetter months, as some trails can become slippery or temporarily inaccessible.

    Tipping

    While tipping isn't deeply ingrained in Seychellois culture, we believe it's a thoughtful gesture for exceptional service. If you hire a local guide for a challenging trail, we suggest around SCR 200-300 per person for a half-day hike, or SCR 400-500 for a full-day excursion, depending on the group size and the guide's expertise. Always offer discreetly and with genuine appreciation for their knowledge and effort.

    Dress Code

    Given the tropical humidity and potential for rain, we advise lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying clothing. Long sleeves and trousers are excellent for sun protection and deterring insects, especially on overgrown trails. Sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes with good grip are non-negotiable; flip-flops simply won't cut it here. Earthy tones are always best for blending into nature, though not strictly necessary in this environment. We always pack a light rain jacket, even on sunny mornings.

    Photography

    The dense forest canopy and often misty conditions present unique photographic challenges. We recommend a fast lens for low-light situations and a waterproof camera bag to protect against sudden downpours and humidity. Drones are generally restricted within national parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor privacy; we strongly advise against their use without explicit permission. Focus on capturing the intricate details of the flora and the sweeping vistas from higher elevations.

    Etiquette

    When exploring Morne Seychellois, we advocate for a 'leave no trace' philosophy. Stick to marked trails to protect the delicate ecosystem and prevent getting lost. Keep noise levels to a minimum to fully appreciate the sounds of the forest and avoid disturbing wildlife. While encounters with animals like the Seychelles kestrel or giant millipedes are exciting, always observe from a respectful distance and never feed them. We believe in preserving the pristine beauty for future visitors.

    What to Bring

    Hydration pack or water bottles (at least 2 litres per person)
    Insect repellent (with DEET or picaridin)
    High-factor sunscreen
    Wide-brimmed hat or cap
    Lightweight rain jacket
    Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support
    Quick-drying hiking socks
    Small first-aid kit (blister plasters, antiseptic wipes)
    Binoculars for birdwatching
    Camera with extra battery and waterproof protection
    Energy-rich snacks (nuts, dried fruit, energy bars)
    Small waterproof backpack

    Temperature

    26.55°C

    80°F · Range: 25.5–27.44°C

    Rainfall

    353.6 mm

    Heavy rains · 23.6 rainy days

    Humidity

    81.1%

    Sunshine

    9.4 hrs/day

    Wind Speed

    6.62 m/s

    23.8 km/h

    Based on 5 years of weather data · Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API

    Morne Seychellois National Park Reviews