Mare aux Cochons Trail

Mare aux Cochons is a high, cloud-brushed corner of Morne Seychellois National Park, and the guided trail that bears its name is one of the more adventurous ways to see the interior of Mahé. Most visitors know Mahé for its beaches, but more than half of the island is mountain and forest, and the landscape up here is cooler, damper and greener, with tree ferns, mossy trunks, endemic plants and views that open suddenly between the clouds. The trail is more demanding than the better-known Copolia walk, with longer stretches, uneven ground and a stronger sense of wilderness, and it is best suited to people who enjoy hiking for its own sake. With a local guide you learn to read the forest, spotting endemic species and hearing the stories behind the old tracks that once linked coastal settlements.

Expect a half-day or longer outing that begins with a hotel pickup and a drive up into the hills, followed by a walk of several hours at a steady pace. The path crosses roots, stream crossings and muddy sections, so proper hiking shoes with a good grip matter far more than they do on the island's beach walks. Bring plenty of water, insect repellent, a light waterproof jacket and a snack, because there are no cafés on the trail, and cloud and showers can arrive at any time of year.

A guide is strongly recommended in the park, both for navigation and for the natural history, and the route is usually arranged as a guided hike with transport rather than as a do-it-yourself walk.

The forest here is part of the Seychelles' most important upland habitat, home to endemic plants, tree frogs and sheltering birds, and many trails pass the remains of old paths and plantations. The pitcher plants for which the Seychelles' high ground is known grow in the wetter, more open areas of the park, and a good guide can help you find them.

Because the climate is wetter than the coast, the views are not guaranteed, but the shifting cloud is part of the atmosphere, and clear windows often arrive on mornings that start with mist. Plan the hike for the drier months between May and October if you want the best chance of firm ground and open vistas.

This trail suits fit, adventurous travellers and keen walkers, rather than small children or anyone with mobility concerns. If you want an easier introduction to Mahé's mountains, choose the Copolia Trail first, and consider Mare aux Cochons as a second, longer outing on a longer stay. Pair it with a lazy afternoon at Beau Vallon or a visit to the Tea Factory and Mission Lodge on the same side of the island, and you will have seen a very different Mahé from the one on the postcards.

Book ahead in the busier months, because guided hikes often run in small groups.

Fitness matters more than experience here. Walkers who regularly cover several hours on uneven ground will find the trail rewarding, while those who rarely walk may struggle in the humidity, even though the altitude brings some relief from the heat. Start slowly, drink regularly and tell your guide if you need a break, as the pace can usually be adjusted. Leave valuables at the hotel, wear quick-drying clothing and consider gaiters or long trousers for the muddy sections, since leeches are rare but biting insects and scratchy undergrowth are not.