Dans Gallas Trail Hike on Mahé

The Dans Gallas trail: quiet hiking in the mountains of Mahé

When people think of the Seychelles, they think of beaches. But Mahé is also an island of mountains. Behind the coast, steep granite slopes covered in forest rise into the interior. A large part of this mountain world is protected as the Morne Seychellois National Park, named after Morne Seychellois, the highest peak of the Seychelles.

The park is crossed by several hiking trails. Some are well known and busy. The Dans Gallas trail is one of the quieter ones. It is a good choice if you want to experience the forest of Mahé in peace, with a local guide who knows the way.

What to expect on the Dans Gallas trail hike

Mountain forest and granite

The trail leads through the green forest of the national park. Tall trees, palms and ferns grow along the path, and between them the grey granite of our island appears again and again. The forests of Mahé are home to many plants that grow only in the Seychelles. Your guide will show you some of them, explain their Creole names and tell you how people on Mahé have used plants from the forest.

Listen for the birds. The Seychelles bulbul is often heard in the forest, and with some luck you may spot other endemic birds. Lizards sun themselves on the rocks, and in the evening fruit bats fly over the valleys.

Some climbs, plenty of breaks

Like most trails in the mountains of Mahé, the Dans Gallas trail has climbs and uneven ground with roots and rocks. You do not need special experience, but you should be sure footed and have a normal level of fitness. We walk at a relaxed pace and stop whenever you want to rest, drink or take photos. There is no rush.

Why hike with a local guide?

Many trails in the national park are not well signposted, and the paths can be confusing. The weather in the mountains can also change quickly. Your guide knows the trail, knows the island and knows what to do in case of an emergency. Our team has completed first aid courses, we are insured and we always carry a first aid kit for minor injuries.

There are no dangerous animals in the Seychelles, so you can walk completely relaxed. The tropical climate is the real challenge: heat and humidity make every climb feel harder than at home. That is why we plan enough time for breaks and bring you back before you get tired.

Your private tour with Island Tour Seychelles

Island Tour Seychelles is a family business on Mahé, run since 2020 by Sheena Jean, the only licensed female tour guide in the Seychelles. Every guide in our team is licensed and holds an official tour guide certificate. Together with our guides Chris, Kevin, Yannick and Keeto, we love to share the quiet corners of our island with you. Our guides speak English and French, and Sheena also speaks a bit of German.

Every tour is private: only you and your partner, family or group walk with us, at your own pace. We pick you up free of charge anywhere on Mahé, whether you stay at a hotel, a guesthouse, on Eden Island or with friends, or arrive at the airport, the cruise terminal or the jetty in Victoria. The tour is paid in advance online, and you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start.