Seychelles, 15 March 2006:
Besides the many sign posted trails there are many unmarked trails in the
Morne Seychellois National Park. One of these trails leads to the peak
of Congo Rouge - the second highest summit on the island of Mahe.
The trail is not maintained and walking without a guide is not recommended.
It is easy to get lost due to the many crossing trails. During the southeast
monsoon from May to August the possibility of rain is higher and the climate
in the forest is cooler than the rest of the year.
The misty forest of Congo Rouge is rich in history and offers an insight into
the coconut and cinnamon production era, which ended around 1977.
In those days hard working Seychellois ventured early morning deep into the
forest and returned late in the evening, carrying through
difficult terrain up to 50kg of cinnamon bark
or pealed coconuts. This area was patrolled by
policemen protecting the property on behalf of
landowners, such as the East India Trading Company.
Following a change of political administration and a
rise of tourism, this traditional industry has ceased to exist. The area is
now a wild tropical forest within the boundaries of Morne Seychellois
National Park.
Descriptions:
1) Banyan Tree.
2) Misty forest.
3) Bushes on mountain top.
4) Tiger Chameleon - Calumna tigris.
5) The endemic Black Snail.
6) Pitcher Plant - Nepenthes pervillei.
Photo 4 and 6 by Nature Seychelles. All other photos by Helicopter Seychelles.
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The 4-hour walk starts at the entrance of Casse Dent and continues
through the misty forest with its fairytale moss-covered rocks and trees.
Each tree branch is thickly padded with vivid green moss and every hollow
is occupied by some unique orchid or exotic plant. Nearly half of the endemic
plants, which can be found only on the Seychelles, are above 500m and so
a great variety of flora and fauna can be found in this mountain park.
Next to spice plants such as cloves, cinnamon, wild ginger, kadamon, vanilla
and cacao grow pineapples and ferns in the undergrowth,
sheltered by a roof of acacias, ironwood, bamboo and palms.
One endangered dragonblood tree can be found along the way.
Except for the noisy Bulbul bird the fauna is not easy to spot. Slow moving
leaf insects, small fingernail sized frogs,
chameleons, snales
and snakes introduce themself only to the attentive hiker.
The 750m peak of Congo Rouge is reached after about 2 hours
and is abundant with carnivorous plants.
It is a great place to picnic while enjoying a birdseye view
of the west coast of Mahe, including Grand Anse, Port Claud, Port
Launay and Therese Island.
Guided mountain walks with Basil Beaudouin
Basil Beaudouin is a licensed tour guide and hiker and has been for 15 years. As a
son of forest workers he spent most of his childhood in the forest.
With his extensive knowledge he has helped biologists and
ornothologists collect information for books about the Seychelles nature.
Basil can be reached in Seychelles on 241790 or 514972.
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