La Digue Island Attractions

La Digue is the fourth largest island in the Seychelles archipelago. It is 5 km long and 3 km wide. There are magnificent cinnamon and coconut plantations, and around them there are several picturesque bays, in which the huge elephant turtles live.

A large area of the island is occupied by Mount Nid d'Egle, which rises 300 meters above sea level. On the mountain there is an view pointo with a beautiful view of the ocean and the islands of the Seychelles archipelago.

You can get to the foot of the Nid d'Aigl by bicycle, and then you have to walk up for about half an hour. On the way you can stop at the lovely Belle Veu Snack Bar.

L'Union Estate Colonial Park

L'Union Estate Park is located on the north-west part of the island. It's a twenty-minute walk to the park from the fishport where your yacht is moored. Here is an ancient colonial building, where was filmed the famous movie "Emmanuelle". Now the house belongs to the president of Seychelles.

Near the high granite rock is a farm with giant turtles.

There are coconut and vanilla plantations in the park.

Today, L'Union Estate is acting as an unofficial 'theme park', with a demonstration of oil extraction from copra (dried coconut pulp).

The most recognizable beach, Anse Source D'Argent, with its amazingly shaped rocks and stones, is also located in the L'Union Estate park.

In the park, tourists are offered horseback riding (cost - $ 10).

Paradise Flycatcher Preserve

The island of La Digue has become a safe haven for rare tropical birds. The locals nicknamed them veuve, which translates as "widow". Initially there were about 15 birds nesting around the island, then the Ministry of Environment decided to create the Veuve Reserve.

The reserve is small, its size is 150 by 700 meters. Now it is home to 23 pairs of paradise flycatchers, flying foxes and turtles. Veuve Reserve was created to protect rare kinds of birds, reptiles and animals.

It has a branch of the Ministry of the Environment - the local inhabitants are under the protection of its specialists.

Flycatchers are fast and secretive, so not everyone is lucky enough to see them. There are trails and signs in the forest area. Along the hiking trails there are stands telling about the peculiarities of local flora and fauna.

Locals advise looking for birds of paradise near the Indian almond trees and closer to the marshes, where they catch insects. Old-timers say that you should walk around the reserve without hurrying, looking closely at each bush - then the chances of seeing rare birds increase.

But it is better to arrange an excursion with experts of the reserve, because they know where the nesting places of birds are. You can also explore the island's remote beaches with a guide.

The Paradise Flycatcher Reserve is located 450 meters from the village of La Réunion in the direction of the center of La Digue. This road leads to Mount Nid d'Egl. It can be reached on foot.

The reserve is open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. There is no entrance fee.