Trois Frères Hike on Mahé

Les Trois Frères: the three brothers above Victoria

Victoria is one of the smallest capitals in the world, and it lies at the foot of steep, green mountains. Three granite peaks stand out on the skyline behind the town. The people of Mahé call them Les Trois Frères, the three brothers. They belong to the Morne Seychellois National Park, which protects a large part of the mountains in the interior of Mahé, including Morne Seychellois, the highest peak of the Seychelles.

For keen walkers, the climb to the Trois Frères is one of the classic hikes on our island. It is steeper and longer than our easy nature walks, and it gives you a real sense of how wild and mountainous Mahé is.

The Trois Frères hike: what to expect

Up through the mountain forest

The trail starts in the hills above Victoria, reached by the Sans Souci road. From the first steps it goes uphill. You walk through a green mountain forest with tall trees, palms and ferns. Many of the plants in the park grow only in the Seychelles, and your guide will point them out and tell you their Creole names.

The path is steep in places, with roots, stones and some rocky sections near the top. There are no ropes or technical passages, but you should be sure footed. We take regular breaks, drink plenty of water and never rush.

The view over Victoria and the islands

Near the top the trees step back and the view opens. Below you lies Victoria with its colourful roofs and the harbour. Beyond the harbour you see the islands of the Ste Anne Marine Park floating in turquoise water, and the east coast of Mahé stretching into the distance. It is the perfect place to understand how our island is built: mountains, coast and sea, all in one view.

We stay as long as you like, catch our breath and take photos. Then we walk back down the same trail, carefully and at a comfortable pace.

Is the Trois Frères hike right for you?

This is our most demanding half day hike. You should be in good shape and used to walking uphill. Children from 8 years can join if they are fit and experienced walkers. The tropical heat and humidity make every climb feel harder than at home, so we recommend an early start. The morning air is cooler and the view is often clearer before clouds build up.

Wear sturdy shoes with good grip and bring plenty of water, a small snack, sun protection and a light rain jacket. The weather in the mountains can change quickly. There are no dangerous animals in the Seychelles, and your guide knows what to do in case of an emergency.

Your private tour with Island Tour Seychelles

Island Tour Seychelles is a family business on Mahé, run by Sheena Jean since 2020. Like all our guides, she is licensed and holds an official tour guide certificate. Together with our guides Chris, Kevin, Yannick and Keeto, we love to show you the mountains behind our capital. 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.