Attractions of Mahe in the Seychelles : national parks, beaches and more

Mahe is the calling card of Seychelles . The largest island in the archipelago , a dynamic and continuously developing island, a cultural, economic and tourist capital. Its rich history involves Arab merchants, British and French colonialists, Chinese traders and African slaves. The mixed Creole culture is reflected like nowhere else on the main island. If you can drive the whole of Mahe without stopping in three hours, then it will take a couple of days to sort through the sights. Here is a list of the best places on Mahe .

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St. Anne's Marine Park ( St. Anne Marine National Park )

A group of small islands located just 5 kilometers from Victoria, and the water areas around them, are the Seychelles National Park . This is the first of its kind in the Indian Ocean. It consists of several islands, the largest of which are Sainte Anne, Moyenne , Cerf and Long. Since 1973, fishing, motor boating and water skiing have been prohibited in the marine park. This has contributed to the conservation and proliferation of many species, so the snorkeling here is simply amazing. There are eco-hotels and villages on the protected islands .

Tours to St. Anne's Marine Park can include several routes. Be sure not to miss visiting the turtle sanctuary on Moyen Island , snorkeling at Cerf Reef and sandbank walking on Ronde Island . The excursion takes the whole day.

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Morne National Park​ Seychellos National Park )

On Mahe, boat trips can be diluted with mountain routes, in particular in the Morne National Natural Park Seychelles , which occupies a fifth of the island. The most popular destination in the reserve is the trail to the top of Morne (905 meters above sea level). There are amazing hiking routes around Mahe .

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Morne Blanc Nature Trail

Through old tea plantations and an ascent of 667 meters. Morne Blanc Nature The trail is considered medium in difficulty and requires some preparation. The routes lead through dense thickets and winding paths covered with tree roots. The pristine tropical forests and views are simply amazing. You will really need special trekking shoes here. There is a lift up the mountain that leads to the main observation deck.

Duration of the hike : 1.5 hours.

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Copolia Trail

With the Morne trail Blanc is intersected in places by another, no less picturesque Copolia Trail . An equipped route with handrails and signs passes through a dense parkland to the top of Morne , from where the most amazing panorama of the surrounding islands and ocean opens in the Seychelles . Perhaps for this reason, Copolia became the first paid hiking trail on Mahé . Ticket price is 100 SCR , children under 12 years old are free.

Duration of the hike : 1.5 hours.

The park has several more hiking routes with impressive panoramas, centuries-old jungle, beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Hiking with local guides will be much more interesting and meaningful.

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The most beautiful beaches of Mahe

If we take into account the equipped and wild coasts of Mahe , then in total there will be more than 60 of them. Many beaches are among the best in the Seychelles . Let's highlight a few of the most popular.

Grand Anse ( Grand Anse )

A long and very picturesque beach on the west coast of Mahe . The length of Grand Anse is more than 1300 meters. This place is ideal for long walks and relaxing holidays. The beaches of Mahe have a fairly wide selection of water activities, but Grand Anse this is not typical. The sandy coast, characteristic of Seychelles , with lush greenery and stone boulders, is usually not crowded. Suitable for comfortable swimming, family holidays and surfing.

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Bo Vallon Beach​​

It will appear immediately if you search for “best beaches in Seychelles ”. The coastline of the eponymous resort area of Beau Vallon is the longest on Mahe , stretching 2 kilometers along a wide blue bay in the north-west of the island. A lively place with snow-white sand, shady thickets, a gentle sunset and an endless ocean. Along the coast there are many hotels, shops with clothes, fruits and souvenirs, fast food stalls , cafes , tour operators offering excursions, water sports shops and diving centers .

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Anse Major ( Anse Major )

An example of the wildlife of the Seychelles coasts is also on the main island. Anse Major Beach is a small oasis hidden in the dense tropical forests of the Morne National Park Seychelles , in the north of Mahe . It can only be reached along a picturesque hiking trail, covering about 3 kilometers of jungle. At the finish line you will have views of a beautiful wild beach with stone boulders and an encroaching forest.

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Walking around Victoria

The capital of Seychelles can be considered a separate attraction of the country. The small, cozy town is the cultural and economic center of the islands, where you can experience Creole history and authenticity. Victoria has hotels, cafes, restaurants and shops, as well as several interesting locations for tourists.

Botanical Garden Mont Fleuri

The garden is home to many endemic species that are found only in the Seychelles . The main attraction is coconut palms, with the world's largest coco de mer nuts (up to 25-35 kg). The giant tortoises of Aldabra Island , the second symbol of the Seychelles , can also be seen in the botanical garden. A great place for a walk among well-groomed nature, in the shade of tropical bushes. There is parking, restrooms and food courts . Entrance fee is about 250 SCR .

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National Museum of Seychelles History ( Natural History Museum )

Downtown on Independence Avenue you can visit the only historical museum of Seychelles . His collection is largely paleontological in nature. Samples of local painting are also presented. The museum will tell you about the flora, fauna and geology of the Seychelles.

Ticket price : about 100 SCR (with excursion).

Selwyn Clark Market

Victoria Market is a two-storey Asian-style building. It is always crowded here, and exotic aromas of local fruits alternate between the colorful stalls. The selection of seafood and fish is amazing. If you don’t plan to cook yourself, then it’s worth coming here for educational purposes. And, of course, for the sake of local color. Second floor Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke The Market is occupied by boutiques selling clothes and accessories.

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Vinayagar Temple

shikhara ) of the Arul Hindu temple is visible near the market Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar . This is the most prominent structure in central Victoria, although it is a smaller copy of the great Indian shrines. Colorful figures of deities are installed in the niches of the structure. It is the main temple of worshipers of the Hindu world in the Seychelles , where religious festivals are held.

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Eden Island

On the east coast of Mahe , near Victoria, is an artificial island built in the 2000s with the help of investors from Dubai . Eden is considered an elite area of Mahe , where the most luxurious hotels, gourmet restaurants, modern shopping complexes and a picturesque yacht marina are located. Be sure to check out Eden Plaza , where there is a large aquarium with curious marine life.

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Victoria Clock Tower

The colonial past has largely affected the culture and development of Seychelles . On the main street you can see the so-called miniature Big Ben, installed in the city center back in 1903, in honor of Queen Victoria. In fact, the Victoria Clock Tower is an exact replica of London's Little Ben , located at Vauxhall Bridge .

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Bel Air Cemetery

Among the unusual places in the capital, it is worth mentioning the ancient cemetery, where you can see burials from the time of the French colonization of the islands. Bel Air is located in the outskirts of the city. The burial places of some historical figures are quite well preserved.

What else to visit on Mahe

Kot Man Ya - Exotic Flower Garden

A small but very rich private garden in which owner Mark Marengo (former Seychelles Ambassador to the UN) conducts interesting tours. He lovingly tells tourists about the tropical plants and flowers that he has been growing for more than 20 years. Expect over 200 species of tropical species from around the world, a beautiful setting, warm welcome and even large turtles.

• Location : Anse Royale .
• Cost of visit : 175 SCR.

Village of Folk Crafts Craft Village 

Domain de Val de Près is a craft village on the east coast of Mahe , in the Haut-Cap arrondissement . This is the ideal place to experience the extraordinary Creole culture and traditions. Most often, tourists come here for outlandish souvenirs, although Craft Village eats a lot more. Visit the old colonial mansion Grand Case , built in 1870, where many of the original interiors have been preserved. The village has 12 artisan huts, a small Creole restaurant, as well as a Maison de Coco is a house made entirely of coconut fiber.