Glacis: History and Nature on Mahé

The mountain “When She Comes” is the starting point for a story of a name dating back to the Second World War. The trail of the same name leads through lush vegetation to a summit with sweeping coastal views. Glacis thus combines a specific historical connection with a nature experience on Mahé, made up of a walk and a clearly identified viewpoint.

Getting to know Glacis on Mahé

The district of Glacis is on the northwest side of Mahé, about 20 km from Victoria. Its location and approximate distance give you two reference points for factoring the area into your travel plans. If you are considering a hotel base, you can compare northwest Mahé with the places that matter for your stay. The distance is a rough guide to the location and helps you place Glacis geographically on Mahé.

The “When She Comes” trail: history and a walk

The “When She Comes” trail is a moderately challenging, shaded walk and takes about an hour and a half to reach the summit. The time refers to the walk to the summit and gives you an approximate timeframe for planning your day. The difficulty description also gives you an idea of the walk’s character. If you plan to take the trail, check that it is currently accessible before your visit. The mountain got its name from the song soldiers sang during the Second World War as they built a lookout post. The trail also offers a glimpse into the Seychelles’ involvement in the Second World War.

Views and vegetation

From the summit, the 360-degree view stretches from Beau Vallon Bay to the west coast of Pointe Larue. These two coastal points mark the extent of the sweeping view. Along the way, the trail passes through lush vegetation and by endemic species. At the summit, the expansive view takes centre stage; along the trail, plant life and shade shape the walk. The views at the destination and nature along the trail thus complement each other without being the same experience.

More perspectives on the Seychelles

Other places in the Seychelles offer further perspectives on the landscape and history. Moyenne Island, in Ste. Anne Marine National Park, is home to the remains of early settlers’ houses, pirate graves and a small thatched chapel. Curieuse offers a different connection between landscape and history: a mangrove swamp borders Baie Laraie, and a raised boardwalk runs through the swamp. It also provides access to the mangrove habitat at high tide. Curieuse was used as a quarantine site for people with leprosy for almost a hundred years.

On La Digue, the Veuve Special Reserve covers 21 hectares and is part of a 200-hectare plateau on the western side of the island. Reserve staff answer visitors’ questions and help them find the birds. Access also varies across the wider destination: the Seychelles’ marine parks can be reached by boat, while Port-Launay can also be reached on foot. These examples broaden the perspective on the destination with nature and cultural experiences at other places mentioned here.

Discover more destinations: Machabee, Beau Vallon, Port Glaud, Roche Caïman, Au Cap, Takamaka, La Digue And Inner Islands, Grand Anse Praslin.

Back to the main travel overview: Seychelles.