After spending time on Praslin Island and La Digue, we traveled to Mahe, the largest island in Seychelles. Mahe is the archipelago’s largest and most populated island, measuring 61 square miles and home to 80,000 people.Â
Mahe is also home to the international airport, making it an ideal place to begin or end your Seychelles vacation. Great beaches, best beach resorts in Seychelles, hiking, and island hopping—Mahe has it all.
Beau Vallon Seychelles
We only stayed on Mahe for two nights, which was just enough to get a sense of the island. Story Seychelles Hotel served as a base of operations. Located near Beau Vallon Beach, one of Mahè’s most opulent neighborhoods, only 10 minutes from Victoria (the capital), 5 minutes from Morne Seychelles National Park, and 20 minutes from Seychelles International Airport.
Beau Vallon Beach, with its 3 kilometers of white sand beach and blue water, is Mahe’s sole year-round swimmable beach. Our Boutique Resort which is one of the sustainable resorts in Seychelles boasts a natural coral just 50 meters from the beach, making it one of the best Seychelles honeymoon destinations.
On our second day, we went to the Fishermans Cove Resort, which is also situated on Beau Vallon. Fishermans Cove Resort promises genuine tranquillity and endless pleasure. The guest rooms and suites are surrounded by lush tropical gardens and a tranquil atmosphere. The setting is set for explorers, loving couples, and families to visit an inherited paradise in this tropical getaway.
Fishermans Cove Resort is one of the best beach resort spas in Seychelles, offer a variety of experiences and exceptional service during your journey. Restaurants and bars allow you to taste delectable flavors and scents while drinking exotic cocktails and taking in stunning sunset views over the Indian Ocean. It has two restaurants and two bars, so guests have plenty of alternatives.
Victoria City Seychelles
Victoria is the capital of the Seychelles and the largest town on the island of Mahe. Mahe, Africa’s tiniest capital city, is small enough to be toured in half a day. If you can drag yourself away from the beaches, here are some things to do and see in Victoria:
The daily fish and vegetable market is called Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market. Early in the morning, head there for a kaleidoscope of colors, fragrances, and sounds. Look at the enormous fresh-caught fish, the massive avocados, and the residents doing their shopping.
Pick up some souvenirs while you’re there: on the ground floor, you’ll find spices, coconut oil, vanilla essence, and so on; on the first floor, you’ll find more touristy goods like t-shirts, sarongs, magnets, and so on.
The Victoria Clock Tower, built-in 1903, is a replica of a clock that was first installed outside Victoria’s station in London. It was commissioned by the governor of the Seychelles at the time as a memorial to Queen Victoria, who had died two years prior following a 63-year reign.
Visit the National Museum of History to learn more about the 300-year history of the Seychelles. The museum is modest, but it is well-documented, with brief descriptions of artifacts in English and French. The museum tour takes around an hour and is a great chance to learn about the country’s rich history.
The National Botanical Garden, which dates back over a century, has a diverse array of exotic and indigenous plants, spices, fruit trees, and Seychelles’ unique orchids. A large colony of bats can be seen if you look up to the tallest trees. The huge turtles, some of which are over 150 years old, are without a doubt the coolest attraction in the garden. Feed and pet them within their enclosure!
WALKING TO MAHE’S BEAUTIFUL VIEWPOINTS
If you enjoy hiking and walking through pure natural splendor, Mahe’s magnificent terrain is ideal. Mangroves, lush tropical jungles, and lofty mountains make up the Morne Seychellois Natural Park, which spans 20% of the island. Hikes for all fitness levels are available on more than 15km of trails.
The Dans Gallas trail is recommended for those with an intermediate level of fitness. This 3km trek takes roughly 1h15 min to hike to the top. The trail passes through spectacular granite formations and opens up to varied panoramic views along the way.
The last 500 meters of the hike are challenging, but persevere; you won’t regret it once you’ve been rewarded with a breathtaking view of Victoria, Beau Vallon, and North Mahe.
The Copallia route, which likewise ends with a wonderful panoramic vista, is a popular choice among travelers. The trail is a little easier, measuring only 1.6 kilometers and taking 45 minutes to complete (one way). Wear decent shoes and bring lots of water no matter which hike you go on.
VISIT MISSION LODGE AND THE TEA FACTORY IN THE AREA.
Mission Lodge, the historic site of a school for liberate slave children. Can find along the Sans Soucis Road. Nothing of the school is left now (except few ruins that are of no importance). But there is a spectacular vantage point with sea and mountain vistas.
If you like the British monarchy. You’ll please to learn that Queen Elizabeth II once paid a visit to Mission Lodge and sat for tea on the terrace overlooking the breathtaking scenery.
EXPLORE THE SPICE GARDEN AT JARDIN DU ROI
Le Jardin Du Roi is a lovely garden with a wide variety of plants, including spices, fruits, and other trees. At the entrance, you are giving a map and a list of plants to see. There are a couple of huge tortoises to see, as well as the famous Coco de Mer tree. The “Forest Trail” is essentially a hike (10 minutes) that is best doing in good closed shoes.
This concludes my Mahe travel guide! Hopefully, you’ve learned everything there is to know about the best locations to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Mahe. Check out our other articles if you are planning a vacation to Mahe or the Seychelles in general. So, what are you waiting for? Now is the best time to visit this tropical paradise and have the fun of your life.