Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve in the Seychelles

Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve is located on Praslin Island. It was named after Ferdinand Jabo, a local resident who cared for this area for many years. The reserve covers 122 hectares, which is six times larger than the better-known Seychellois Vallée de Mai Reserve.

Fond Ferdinand opened to visitors in 2013 and quickly became popular among tourists thanks to its rich flora and fauna. In 2022, it welcomed more than 17,000 visitors. In 2023, Fond Ferdinand received the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice award, reflecting the high ratings and positive reviews from visitors.

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What to expect from a visit to the reserve

The reserve gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy untouched nature away from mass tourism, see rare species of plants and animals, and admire panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding islands from the viewpoints, including Curieuse, Félicité, La Digue, Frégate, Mahé and Silhouette.

Fond Ferdinand plays an important role in preserving the unique ecosystem of the Seychelles. More than 700 plant species grow here, many of which are endemic, meaning they are found only in the Seychelles. The coco de mer palm, famous for its enormous nuts, is of particular value. The reserve is also home to various species of rare animals and birds, including the Seychelles bulbul, black parrot and Seychelles chameleon.

Near the park entrance, beside the office, there is an enclosure for Seychelles tortoises, where you can feed and stroke these friendly giants or take a selfie with them.

Tours of Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve usually take place with a guide, allowing visitors to learn more about its ecosystem and history. The walking route is about 2 kilometres long, has a moderate level of difficulty and is suitable for most visitors.

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How to visit the reserve

Entrance tickets can be purchased in advance on the Seychelles Islands Foundation website (SIF), a non-profit charitable organisation established by the government of the Seychelles.

SIF manages Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve, as well as UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Aldabra Atoll and Vallée de Mai. On this website, you can therefore purchase separate tickets for all these sites, as well as a combined ticket for Vallée de Mai and Fond Ferdinand.

The price of a separate ticket to Fond Ferdinand is 270,000 Seychellois rupees. Admission is free for children under 12, although it is better to carry a supporting document. Please note that the ticket is valid for 10 days from the selected visit date.

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How to get there

Fond Ferdinand is located on Praslin Island, which can be reached by plane or ferry from Mahé Island. From the Praslin pier, the reserve can be reached by bus or taxi.

Local travel companies also offer visits to the reserve as part of a private trip or an organised half-day or full-day tour of Praslin.