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Mont Dauban
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Mont Dauban is the highest peak on Silhouette Island and the second highest in the Seychelles, reaching an elevation of 740 meters. It is named after the Dauban family, who owned the island for over a century. The mountain is almost constantly shrouded in clouds, leading to the creation of a unique mist forest with an extremely high density of endemic species. Rare carnivorous pitcher plants and numerous orchid species that exist nowhere else on Earth can be found here. The steep slopes are covered in dense primary rainforest, which has remained largely untouched due to the island's isolation. The ascent is technically challenging and usually requires a local guide due to the thick vegetation and often slippery ground. Geologically, Mont Dauban is composed of syenite, a rock type that differs from the granite found on most other Inner Islands. The view from the summit provides wide-open panoramas across the entire island and the surrounding Indian Ocean.
- Location: Seychelles
- Top sights: jardin marron · Tortoise sanctuary · Anse La Passe
- Nearby: Baie Ternay (19 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 215 | 103 | 103 | 108 | 96 | 70 | 52 | 51 | 93 | 107 | 123 | 174 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
To access the highest mountain on the island, hikers usually start from the primary coastal settlement, following increasingly steep paths that wind through dense tropical vegetation.
Best season
It is generally advisable to hike during the drier months when paths are less muddy, though the towering peak is frequently shrouded in dense clouds regardless of the season.
Terrain & paths
The trails rise very steeply directly from the sea level, involving strenuous uphill climbs over muddy, root-tangled terrain and slippery rocks within a humid tropical rainforest environment.
What to bring
Robust hiking footwear with deep tread is essential for traction, along with lightweight, breathable clothing, insect repellent, plenty of drinking water, and reliable rain gear.
Parking
Since vehicle traffic on the island is heavily restricted or non-existent, visitors generally walk directly from their coastal accommodation or the main boat landing area to the trailhead.
Safety
Due to the dense jungle, lack of clear signposting, and treacherous slippery slopes, utilizing the services of an experienced local guide is highly recommended to avoid getting lost.
Time needed
Conquering the steep ascent to the cloudy summit and safely returning down the difficult paths usually demands a full day of physically exerting hiking, roughly taking six to eight hours.
Geography
Facts
- At 740 meters, it is the highest peak on Silhouette Island.
- Geologically, the mountain is made of syenite rather than granite.
- It is home to the rare carnivorous pitcher plant, Nepenthes pervillei.
- The summit is shrouded in mist approximately 300 days a year.
- The Dauban family owned the island from 1867 until 1960.
- The mountain is located within a strictly protected National Park.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Mont Dauban (8)
Anse Cipailles
Secluded beach with boulders and shade-giving trees.
Belle Vue
Viewpoint with panoramic view over the bay and sea.
Anse Lascars
Small beach with coarse sand, surrounded by tropical vegetation.
Pointe Varreur
Headland with a view of the coast and islands.
Pointe Ramasse Tout
Rocky peninsula, good for watching waves and birds.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How high is Mont Dauban?
At about 740 meters, it is the highest mountain on Silhouette island.
Is the mountain freely accessible?
No, hiking is only permitted with a local guide due to protected status.
Is the hike difficult?
Yes, it is considered demanding and is reserved for experienced hikers.
What makes the mountain special?
It provides rare flora and fauna in untouched tropical rainforest.
Do I need special equipment?
Sturdy footwear, sun protection, and plenty of water are essential.
Mont Dauban: where is it located?
Mont Dauban is located in Seychelles.
Mont Dauban: what is there to see?
Highlights include jardin marron, Tortoise sanctuary, Anse La Passe.
Mont Dauban: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Mont Dauban: why is it worth visiting?
Mont Dauban is the highest peak on Silhouette Island and the second highest in the Seychelles, reaching an elevation of 740 meters.
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