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Silhouette Cinnamon Forest

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Agriculture
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Silhouette Cinnamon Forest (Seychelles)

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The cinnamon forest on Silhouette Island stretches across the steep slopes of Mont Dauban and is a relic of the once-thriving spice industry. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) was introduced to the Seychelles in 1772 and spread rapidly throughout the archipelago. On Silhouette, the fast-growing tree displaced large parts of the original vegetation and now forms dense stands in the middle altitudes. Historically, the bark of the trees was peeled, dried, and shipped across the globe as a valuable spice. Today, cinnamon is hardly used commercially, yet it continues to shape the character of the forests and exudes its distinctive fragrance. Amidst the cinnamon forest, isolated specimens of rare endemic trees can still be found that have survived the competition. Hiking through this forest leads past old ruins of settlements that formerly depended on the cinnamon harvest. The island's management strives to balance preserving the historic landscape with restoring original biodiversity through selective culling.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272828292827262627272727
Rain mm2151031031089670525193107123174

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Silhouette Cinnamon Forest is an extensive area of wild cinnamon trees on Silhouette Island, a remnant of the island's historical cinnamon production era. It serves as an important ecological and cultural site, offering insight into the agricultural history of the Seychelles and the natural regeneration of forests.
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Visiting
The forest is part of the Silhouette Island protected area and can be visited on guided hikes, though access may be limited to certain trails to protect the environment. Visitors can see the cinnamon trees up close, but should respect the natural surroundings.
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Where to view it
The best views of the forest can be obtained from the mountain trails that traverse the island, offering panoramic perspectives over the dense vegetation. Public viewing points are limited; on guided tours, specific spots are highlighted.
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Local products
Local products include wild cinnamon bark and leaves, which are sometimes used in traditional Seychellois cuisine or sold as souvenirs. Travelers may also encounter other forest products like tropical fruits or medicinal plants, depending on the season.
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Active season
The forest is most lively during the rainy season when growth is lush, but cinnamon harvesting typically occurs in the drier months for easier bark collection. The ecological cycle is continuous, with flowering and fruiting at various times.
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Nearby
Combine a visit to the forest with exploring the rest of Silhouette Island, including its pristine beaches and the village of La Passe. Other attractions include snorkeling in the marine park or hiking to the island's highest peak.

Geography

Coordinates
-4.48500, 55.23000

Facts

  • Cinnamon was introduced to the Seychelles as a spice in 1772
  • Grows wild and invasively across the entire Silhouette Island today
  • Bark is dried and utilized as true Ceylon cinnamon spice
  • Forests extend up onto the steep slopes of Mont Dauban
  • Cinnamon leaves release an intense fragrance when crushed
  • Invasive spread poses a threat to several endemic tree species

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Fond AzoreFond Azore<1 km · WExplore →
Mont Pot-à-EauMont Pot-à-Eau1 km · NEExplore →
Grand BarbeGrand Barbe3 km · SExplore →
North IslandNorth Island6 km · EExplore →
Baie TernayBaie Ternay19 km · NWExplore →
Île aux Vaches Marines HabitatÎle aux Vaches Marines Habitat21 km · NWExplore →
Mont BernardiaMont Bernardia22 km · NWExplore →
Bel OmbreBel Ombre22 km · NWExplore →

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 Silhouette Cinnamon Forest (8)

jardin marron

Former kitchen garden on Silhouette, now overgrown with tropical vegetation.

Grand Barbe

Sandy beach on Silhouette's northeast coast, quiet and secluded.

Tortoise sanctuary

Giant tortoise sanctuary on Silhouette, enclosure with Aldabra tortoises.

Belle Vue

Viewpoint on Silhouette, overlooking the Cinnamon Forest and the sea.

Anse La Passe

Sandy beach on Silhouette's west coast, accessible from La Passe village.

Anse Cipailles

Secluded sandy cove in southern Silhouette, surrounded by rocks.

Pointe Etienne

Headland on Silhouette, offering views of the coast and open ocean.

Pointe Varreur

Headland in northwestern Silhouette, overlooking the bay.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about the cinnamon forest on Silhouette?
It is one of the last wild cinnamon forests that you can explore.
How do you get to the island?
By boat from Mahé (approx. 45-minute crossing).
Is a hiking guide necessary?
Due to the difficult terrain, a local guide is strongly advised.
Which shoes are suitable?
Waterproof hiking boots with good grip are mandatory.
What is the best season?
The dry season between May and September gives the best hiking weather.
Silhouette Cinnamon Forest: where is it located?
Silhouette Cinnamon Forest is located in Seychelles.
Silhouette Cinnamon Forest: what is there to see?
Highlights include jardin marron, Grand Barbe, Tortoise sanctuary.
Silhouette Cinnamon Forest: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Silhouette Cinnamon Forest: why is it worth visiting?
The cinnamon forest on Silhouette Island stretches across the steep slopes of Mont Dauban and is a relic of the once-thriving spice industry.
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History & landmarks

Denis Island Lighthouse — Silhouette Cinnamon Forest (Seychelles)
Denis Island Lighthouse
A historic lighthouse dating back to 1910, serving as a guide for ships at the northern edge of the Seychelles Bank.

More places

Silhouette Island — Silhouette Cinnamon Forest (Seychelles)
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Grand Barbe — Silhouette Cinnamon Forest (Seychelles)
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North Island — Silhouette Cinnamon Forest (Seychelles)
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Île aux Vaches Marines Habitat — Silhouette Cinnamon Forest (Seychelles)
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Beacon Island (Île Sèche) — Silhouette Cinnamon Forest (Seychelles)
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Mamelles Island Seabird Colony — Silhouette Cinnamon Forest (Seychelles)
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Bird Island — Silhouette Cinnamon Forest (Seychelles)
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