Hiking the Anse Major Nature Trail on the Seychelles Islands

Fancy a walk with stunning views and a beach at the end? The Anse Major Nature Trail on Mahé Island in the Seychelles is just the thing. It’s a fairly easy hike through lush forest with amazing coastal scenery, and it leads you to a quiet, picture-perfect beach. In this post, I’ll tell you everything you need to know — how to get there, what to expect on the trail, and some handy tips to help you make the most of it. Let’s dive in!

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The Anse Major Nature Trail is a lovely coastal walk on Mahé — the biggest island in the Seychelles. It’s not too long and not too hard, but totally worth it for the views alone. The path takes you through lush tropical forest and along the coast, with loads of stunning scenery and proper clear blue water. On a clear day, you can even spot North Island and Silhouette Island in the distance.

The trail goes through a marine protected area, which is part of the Baie Ternay National Marine Park. The sea around here is full of colourful marine life and coral reefs, so if you fancy a swim or a bit of snorkelling after the walk, it’s a great place to do it.

There’s loads of cool wildlife along the trail too — keep your eyes peeled for things like the Seychelles blue pigeon, skinks, sunbirds and all sorts of lizards and butterflies. Loads of the plants and animals you’ll see are unique to the Seychelles, which makes the whole thing feel even more special.

The trail’s kept in great shape, and there’s a real focus on keeping it eco-friendly. Just make sure to respect the wildlife and stick to the path.

We were staying in Beau Vallon and decided to grab a taxi to the marked entrance of the Anse Major Nature Trail in Bel Ombre. Alternatively, you can drive yourself to the start of the trail and leave your car in the small parking area.

It’s a good idea to set off in the morning to avoid the midday heat, as it gets pretty hot quite quickly. Early mornings are cooler and a lot quieter too, so you’ll have a more peaceful walk. In the evening, you might catch a stunning sunset at Anse Major Beach, but it’s not a great idea to head back along the trail in the dark — the path can be tricky and hard to follow once the light goes, so it’s best to start heading back before sunset.

Yes, absolutely! You don’t need a guide for the Anse Major Nature Trail — it’s a fairly short and well-marked route (about 2 km one way) that takes you to the lovely Anse Major Beach. If you’re really into the local nature or history, a guide might add a bit more insight, but most people just do it on their own without any trouble. 

• Wear proper footwear — trainers or hiking shoes are best, as there are rocky bits and a few gentle climbs along the way. Flip-flops won’t cut it!
• Bring a lightweight rain jacket, even if the sky’s clear when you set off — the weather on Mahé can change in a flash, and you’ll be glad you packed it when it’s time to head back!
• The heat and humidity can be intense, especially later in the day — bring plenty of water, a hat, and some sunscreen.
• Mobile signal can be patchy, so it’s a good idea to download an offline map before you set off.
• If you’re heading out solo, let someone know your plans — just in case anything goes wrong.

The best time to do the Anse Major hike is during the dry season — from May to October — when the weather’s generally more reliable and the trail’s less slippery. The wet season (November to April) can make some parts quite muddy and a bit tricky to walk. That said, even in the dry season, surprises can happen! When we did the trail in May, the skies were clear at first, but a huge raincloud rolled in while we were relaxing on the beach. We waited it out for a bit, but still ended up hiking back in light rain — so yeah, always pack that rain jacket just in case!

The Anse Major Nature Trail is considered a moderate walk — it’s doable for most people, with some rocky patches and a few gentle climbs. It’s a popular choice if you want to see the natural beauty of the Seychelles without tackling a tough hike. The trail is about 2 km one way, which usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how often you stop to take in the views. The path isn’t too hard, but it does have some uneven and rocky sections, so make sure you’re comfortable walking on those. It’s not a serious mountain climb, so even if your fitness level is basic, you should manage fine. There’s a small entrance fee (May 2025) of 150 Seychellois Rupees (SCR), which is pretty reasonable for a chance to explore such a beautiful part of Mahé.

The trail finishes at Anse Major Beach, one of the quieter and less busy beaches on Mahé. It’s got soft white sand, super clear water, and a really peaceful vibe — perfect for a swim or a picnic after your walk. There’s even a little café where you can grab something to eat and relax. For me, Anse Major is the most beautiful beach we visited on Mahé — definitely worth the hike!

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