How many hikes to do: I advise
four to six hikes in total. That is enough to see granite peaks, coastal forest and different island moods, yet it leaves rest days for beaches when rain sets in. Doing more adds cost and fatigue without much new scenery, because the islands share a similar jungle-and-granite profile.
Which kind to prioritize: Budget travelers get the most from
self-guided hikes, as many cost nothing and public buses on Mahé and Praslin run for about SCR 7 to 10 (US$0.50 to 0.75) a ride. Hiring a guide costs more, roughly SCR 700 to 1,500 (US$50 to 110), but pays off on poorly marked routes, where wrong turns waste hours. Park-managed areas charge entry, typically SCR 150 to 500 (US$10 to 35), and are worth the money for easy, well-kept paths and reliable signage. First-timers …
read more 👉 How many hikes to do: I advise
four to six hikes in total. That is enough to see granite peaks, coastal forest and different island moods, yet it leaves rest days for beaches when rain sets in. Doing more adds cost and fatigue without much new scenery, because the islands share a similar jungle-and-granite profile.
Which kind to prioritize: Budget travelers get the most from
self-guided hikes, as many cost nothing and public buses on Mahé and Praslin run for about SCR 7 to 10 (US$0.50 to 0.75) a ride. Hiring a guide costs more, roughly SCR 700 to 1,500 (US$50 to 110), but pays off on poorly marked routes, where wrong turns waste hours. Park-managed areas charge entry, typically SCR 150 to 500 (US$10 to 35), and are worth the money for easy, well-kept paths and reliable signage. First-timers should choose shorter, maintained trails, while experienced walkers can pick longer ridge routes if they carry a map or offline GPS. Comfort drops sharply on steep clay in rain, so a lighter pack and shoes with real grip matter more than trekking poles.
Budget: Expect
US$70 to 130 a day including guesthouse, food, buses and the occasional fee. A visit built around four to six hikes and mostly self-guided walks lands around
US$500 to 900 beyond flights, with ferries adding roughly US$60 to 100 round trip.
Safety and etiquette: Start at dawn, carry
2 to 3 liters of water, and turn back if heavy rain begins, since granite becomes slick fast. Tell your guesthouse your route and expected return. Sun is strong, so wear a hat and reef-safe sunscreen. Respect private land and marked reserve boundaries, and never take plants, shells or seeds, since collecting is restricted. Dress modestly in villages when passing through.