Mahé Island in Seychelles: a piece of land to be explored

Hello everyone! Here is the first “guest” article from Aurélie, to whom we gladly left the keyboard so she can tell us about her beautiful postcard trip to Seychelles, on the island of Mahé. When I was living on the island of Mayotte, I had to go on a trip to this small tropical paradise. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to do it. What do I have in mind when I think about Seychelles? White sandy beaches and coconut trees everywhere, a lagoon with crystalline and turquoise water, exceptional underwater life (coral reefs, turtles, colorful fishes) to discover by scuba diving or snorkeling, those famous granite rocks so often seen on postcards. In short, such a beautiful and breathtaking place. I hope I’ll discover it one day… Let’s go, I leave Aurélie tell us about this beautiful island!

Seychelles, just the name can leave anyone dreaming… Indeed, it is a real ecological paradise that its inhabitants have managed to preserve from mass tourism. If you are part of the lucky ones going to discover these tropical islands located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, just a piece of advice: do not miss Mahé, the largest island of the archipelago. This natural jewel is full of treasures and truly is worth a few days of your time. It is the ideal starting point for an idyllic stay in Seychelles! For my part, I stayed on the paradise island for a week. I will give you an overview of the beautiful discoveries I made during my stay… If you want to learn more about another wonder of the Seychelles, here is our full article on Praslin Island.

For those planning their itinerary, don’t miss our article on the best time to visit Seychelles, the essentials for planning your trip. We have also published our guide to everything you need to know about travelling to the Seychelles.

Unlike most people think, there are many places to visit and many activities to do in Mahé. Here are the 8 places that impressed me the most when I was there.

If you’d like to discover another small paradise for your vacation, don’t forget to read about our trip to Silhouette Island, northwest of Mahé Island!

Discovered in 1744, Mahé was first called the island of Abundance by the first French settlers. Later, the island became British and its capital was named Victoria, in reference to the Queen of Great Britain and Ireland. The largest city of Seychelles concentrates a third of the population (about 25 000 inhabitants). This city is a mixture of several cultures: European, African, and Asian. The architecture, the places of worship and the food are all ways to discover a part of this town’s history and its multi-ethnic roots. We recommend this private tour of Mahé to explore the island at your own pace.

Here’s some information about the city, but to take things a step further, we’ve just published a guide to all the things to see and do in Victoria.

Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke’s bazaar is a must-do in the capital and the largest market in the archipelago of the Seychelles. As soon as you arrive, you will get immersed in the mix of colors, smells and Creole language. Many stalls of exotic fruits and vegetables, spices and vanilla pods will delight your eyes. Fishermen come to sell their morning collection, you’ll get a taste of it! Upstairs, several souvenir stores sell pareos, folkloric dresses and other objects representing the famous coco de mer or coco-fesse (endemic species of the Vallée de Mai in Praslin and emblem of Seychelles).

This clock is one of the curiosities of Victoria (the capital city). You will find it at the main crossroads of the city, the only crossroads in the whole Seychelles archipelago to be equipped with traffic lights. The Clock Tower is in fact an exact reproduction of Big Ben in London, but in miniature. For those who have already seen the real one in the capital of England, do not be surprised: it is much smaller, but Seychellois are very proud of it!

In a street behind the bazaar (Quincy Street), symbol of the melting pot in this country, you can admire a magnificent Hindu place of worship decorated with colorful facades. The temple can be visited (you have to remove your shoes at the entrance) and when entering the place, you will discover a real haven of peace, full of cultural and religious wealth.

I loved this miniature capital: all the sites and stores are nearby, and the Creole market, which is the central point of the city, is very pleasant. This day is one of the most beautiful memories of my trip. I personally went there by bus, but you can use a car, the traffic not being dense – except during rush hours (in the morning and at the end of the afternoon) but nothing to do with the Parisian traffic! Once arrived there, you can walk to any place without any problem. Plan to stay there for a full day, it’s enough to see everything. Finally, I never felt unsafe in the capital, as all around Seychelles for that matter (I’m naturally quite shy…).

Didn’t you know that Seychelles produce rum? If you want to know everything about the production of this famous alcohol, go to the Takamaka distillery. Be careful, this one is not located in Anse Takamaka as you might think, but Plaine Saint André, at the exit of Anse aux Pins. If you go there by car, you will find it easily since it is located on the main road. If you use public transport, the driver will drop you off right in front of it. So, you have no excuse not to go and enjoy this excellent visit! In order to learn a little more about this farm, I recommend you take the guided tour. Unless you don’t understand English: indeed, the explanations are only given in the language of Shakespeare! The guided tours are offered twice a day: at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. The cost is 150 Seychelles rupees per person.

The tour begins with the sumptuous colonial house, immersed in the history of Mahé. The guide will then take you through the house’s gardens, which are full of medicinal and culinary plants. You will learn some anecdotes about these plants and how to cook them. You will then discover the different steps of the rum production by going through the production line.

Finally, you will have the pleasure to taste different rums. And there is something for everyone: white, old, flavored (coconut, pineapple)… You will surely find what you’re looking for. It is also possible to eat on site, at lunchtime. Whether in the colonial house or on its terrace, you will be comfortably installed to taste the sumptuous Creole dishes prepared by the chef. Let yourself be tempted, you ’on’t regret it!

On the paradise island of Mahé, you will spend as much time on land as in water.

If you want to dive into a real life-size aquarium, plan a day (or even more!) in the Sainte Anne Marine Park. From Victoria harbor, many boats bring tourists to the neighboring islands and the coral reef of Sainte Anne in only a few dozen minutes. Use this link or this one (semi-submarine visit) to make a reservation for this great outing.

Lovers of diving, you will be delighted by the numerous species of more-or-less-colored fish you can meet (more than 150 specimens). For children and people who are not keen on diving, it is also possible to enjoy the underwater world sight thanks to the glass-bottomed boats. Fully immersed in the water, you will see fishes evolving all around you, a real treat for the eyes!

Each time I travel, I try to go on a boat trip,’it’s kind of a tradition! Unfortunately, the sun was not there that day: rain in the morning and clouds in the afternoon. So, I cou’dn’t fully enjoy it, but for having discussed it with other travelers, I have been confirmed that this trip can be even more memorable.

Mahé is also called a forest island because of the tropical and lush vegetation. It is truly interesting to go to the Morne Seychellois National Park to observe the lush nature. You will be able to reach the highest peak of the island, culminating at 905m of altitude, by the Sans Souci Road. Hiking enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice between the different trails: Morne Seychellois, Trois frères, Copolia and many others. On your way back down to the west coast, stop by the Tea Factory. You will have the privilege to admire tea plantations (very popular drink in Seychelles) with a superb overlooking over the Indian Ocean. You can also visit the factory and buy some tea in the small shop next door.

With more than 70 beaches, Mahé has nothing to envy to its little sisters Praslin and La Digue. Beaches are all more beautiful than the others and each one has its own particularities. Do not hesitate to go around the island to discover them! There will always be a magnificent beach that will suit your desires. The one of Beauvallon is perfect for children. Its shallow and very calm water will allow the little ones to swim while being completely safe. For surfing enthusiasts, Anse Intendance is the place to go. The waves are ideal, but beware of the sometimes-strong currents. At Anse Forbans, put on fins, mask and snorkel and dive into the turquoise water. Only a few meters from the beach, you can snorkel for hours without getting tired. If you prefer to relax, so put your towel in the shade of a takamaka, on the golden sand of Pointe au Sel. You will not be disturbed as the white sandy beach is almost deserted…

If there is one activity not to be missed on the main island, it is taking the picturesque blue buses called “Tata”. It is an extremely economical way to travel (7 Seychelles rupees per person and per trip) that I recommend to travel around the island, alongside the locals. Moreover, the tourist sites and beaches are very well connected. Bus stops are sometimes marked with a shelter, but most of the time, you will have to scan the road for a white mark where you will have to wait for the driver.

On the island, schedules are rather random but buses pass approximately every 30 minutes. It is thus necessary to be patient, but it shouldn’t matter if you are on vacation… These buses, not air-conditioned and not of first youth, are often packed. If you don’t find a seat, hang on because it shakes. But what a memorable experience!

The magnificent beach of Beauvallon, more than 3 kilometers long, offers breathtaking sunsets… In this peaceful heaven that is Mahé, Beauvallon is one of the most animated sites, especially on Wednesday nights. At nightfall, don’t miss the Labrim Bazaar, on the esplanade of the waterfront. You can stroll through this night market to soak up the atmosphere of Seychelles. Here, dozens of street-food outlets run by locals can be found. Taste the excellent Creole cuisine while listening to sega music, and above all, chat with the extremely friendly locals. It is the ideal place to taste typical and really cheap local dishes.

When you’re in paradise, you should know how to indulge yourself and take advantage of what nature can offer. Many restaurants and some bars have breathtaking views of the ocean. Take a break for an hour or two at Anse Royale, at Kafé Kréol. Your taste buds will be delighted with excellent cocktails, and your eyes will not be outdone by the magical panorama that awaits you.

I’m done with the favorite things I’ve seen and done during my stay. The activities are so different and varied that it is difficult to recommend one over the other. Personally, I like to mix activities on land and in water, lazing around and visiting. What is sure is that the island is not big, so you will have time to do everything without rushing.

Since October 2019, it is possible to take a direct flight from Paris to Mahé with Air France, 3 times a week. No more stopovers of several hours in Abu Dhabi or Dubai: in 13 hours, you will find yourself in Seychelles! You can fly from Paris in the evening and land the next day very early at Victoria International Airport. No waste of time: from the first day, you will be able to enjoy your stay in paradise! Be on the lookout for good deals on the internet. Indeed, I personally paid less for this plane ticket than for the one to the Caribbean…

Air Seychelles also offers flights between the two capitals, but often at less attractive prices. I have not tested the comfort and services, so I cannot give my opinion about this airline.

Then obviously, everything will depend on where you live, this article having been first written in French. If you live in the USA, you can find the cheapest flights through this link. You can find flights as low as $700 from major US cities.

If you plan to only stay on Mahé: you can stay for a week or even 10 days without getting bored, contrary to what we can read here and there. If you do a combination of several islands (Mahé-Praslin-La Digue being the most common), I advise you to stay at least 2-3 days on the main island before visiting its little sisters. It would be a shame to directly take the boat without visiting Mahé!

There are several means of transportation, so you can choose the one that suits you best.

• The “Tata”, the local bus I described above, is the most economical way of travel.
• You can also choose to rent a car. But be careful, we drive on the left there! It will cost you about 40/50 euros per day, but you will be free to go where you want, when you want. Sylvain suggests looking often on this website which compares a great number of rental companies in the whole world, so don’t hesitate to go and have a look,
• Guides: for a hundred euros per day, a guide will accompany you to the places to visit and to the most beautiful beaches. This is an expensive solution, but it has the merit of taking you directly to the right places. You can look for example at this day trip in group!
• Cabs: this is an expensive means of transportation that I do not recommend, except for occasional trips (between the airport and your accommodation for example).
• Bicycle: I do not recommend this mode of transportation either, which in my opinion is dangerous. Indeed, the roads are narrow, and the vehicles drive fast.

I travelled a lot by Tata: on the one hand because I like being in contact with locals, and on the other hand because it is very cheap.

When I didn’t travel by bus, it was by car: it’s a way of travel that offers a lot of freedom. But driving on the left side of the road requires a lot of concentration and a few hours of practice, because habits are deeply rooted!

Accommodation is expensive in the archipelago and Mahé is no exception. However, there is a plethora of accommodation offers, ranging from accommodation only to the most beautiful luxury hotels, through the guesthouse. If you are staying on the island for a week, I recommend choosing a place to stay in the north and another one in the south. This will allow you to fully explore each region for a few days.

To be as close as possible to the local population, why not starting your stay with a guesthouse on the beach of Beauvallon? For my part, I stayed for 4 nights in a guesthouse called The Beach House. Comfort, proximity of Beauvallon shops, feet (almost) in the sand, copious breakfasts, everything was gathered for a dream vacations beginning.

For the second part of your stay, treat yourself! Try the Double Tree By Hilton at Anse Forbans, you won’t be disappointed. The wonder begins from the majestic lobby, which has direct access to the infinity pool overlooking the ocean. Scenery is just magnificent… And you will not be outdone with the room: spacious, very well equipped, XXL bed and bathroom, balcony with deckchairs and, icing on the cake, a breathtaking view!

Whatever the type of accommodation you choose, you should plan a substantial budget for your stay, guesthouses offering the best quality/price ratio. Do not hesitate to directly contact the owners and compare prices. It takes a lot of time, but savings can be significant.

For those who are interested in other very well reputed accommodations on the island, I suggest you look at the following accommodations.

We’ve gone one step further and wrote a full article to try to guide you on where to stay on the island of Mahé, from superb luxury hotels to small, more modest hotels and guesthouses.

There are many good restaurants on the island, as cuisine is an important part of Seychellois life. In Victoria, don’t miss the restaurant on the second floor of the bazaar. You will eat fresh products from the local market! For a medium price, I’m sure you’ll enjoy your food. If you are in Beauvallon, in addition to the unavoidable Wednesday night bazaar, the restaurant La Plage will delight your taste buds. This establishment is classified as a luxury restaurant, so if you don’t want to pay too much, do as I did and get some local tapas. This way, you’ll have the pleasure of eating by the water, while being careful with your wallet.

Finally, one last address I highly recommend (by far my favorite): Del Place Bar and Restaurant, in Port Glaud. Food is excellent, the French chef cooks divinely well Seychellois dishes: grilled fish, fish tartar, etc. All this on a heavenly beach… No false note for this restaurant which is worth the detour.

You are now ready to spend dream vacations! Now you know the things to do in Mahé Seychelles. Personally, after a first idyllic and paradise trip in 2013 on Praslin and La Digue, I was a little apprehensive to spend a full week on Mahé island. In fact, I was afraid to be “disappointed”. I can now express my feelings: the Mahé island has nothing to envy to the other paradise islands. There are as many beautiful beaches, the inhabitants are just as nice and respectful, and there are even more visits to do. I do not regret having chosen this destination and I advise anyone planning a trip in the archipelago to put their bags a few days on the main island. You will undoubtedly be delighted, and you will keep a wonderful memory of all these island beauties in the Seychelles…