A little culture

Are you curious, traveling friend? We propose to give you a brief on the Seychelles, before going there. It’s the cultural minute! For your info, the Seychelles is a chain of 115 islands. The main islands are Mahé, La Digue and Praslin. We’ll talk about the 3, do not worry

It should be known that the Seychellois are not hyper numerous, barely 100,000 inhabitants, the majority on Mahé. By the way, did you know that the island is named after the governor of Isle de France (now Mauritius) of the time (18th century)? Bertrand-François Mahé from La Bourdonnais. It is now an independent state.

Here you see, with some information, it always does!

Getting There

We will talk about what we know and we tested: Air Seychelles! Hyper practical night flights, live, from Paris. Like, that, you arrive in the morning, almost fresh and ready to start your day. And we do not know about you, but long flights are better at night, right?

Good service on board, news movies on offer, friendly staff, in short, that’s good. We could even test the business after an upgrade, and there, too, nothing to complain about. Staff navigating the care, you can sleep fully lying down, alcohol at will, and good meals.

In short, it is a faultless. Ideal to start your stay in Seychelles on the island of Mahe. Rent a car in Seychelles with Car Hire Seychelles to enjoy your travelling in Seychelles.

What do we do on the spot?

You’re happy, you’ve arrived on Mahé, but you do not know what to do. No worries, we take care of you.

Visit of Victoria, the capital

We suggest you start at the beginning, namely, discover the small capital of Mahé, Victoria. So, of course, there is the reproduction of Big Ben in the middle of a crossroads or the botanical garden that you can go to … But we, what we propose to you, is rather to dive into the atmosphere of the city . And for that, only one solution, you queues at the local market! The best is Saturday morning, it is at this time that it is the most animated. Avoid going by car, there is not much parking!

Market that attracts a lot of people. Well, we hope that fish smells do not bother you because there are a lot of fishmongers who come to sell their fishing. Must say that tuna is a bit of Mahé’s specialty. Do not worry, you also have vendors of fruits and vegetables, souvenirs, etc.

Also know that right next to the market is a beautiful Hindu temple that you can visit by taking off your shoes before entering.

The King’s garden

So, here we are very excited about the concept. You freely visit a garden that includes dozens, see hundreds of species of trees, spices, plants, etc … Old spice garden dating from the 18th century, which is 100 hectares. Besides, you will probably be received by the owner of the place, who is no longer very young. All with a magnificent view of Anse Royale.

While we found the visit a bit rough (we must try to follow the numbers in order), but in the end, we learn a lot of things. How nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon grow, and so on. It’s up to you to recognize everything.

There are even some turtles and beautiful birds that come to feast in the flowering trees. In short, a great way to get to know the island of Mahé and its lush vegetation.

Takamaka Rumery

Before or after visiting the King’s Garden, not too far from there, you’ll come across the Takamaka Rum. Did you know that the Seychelles had their own rum? We, no.

So, it’s a good surprise! The free visit is free. Otherwise, you have paid guided tours at 11:30 and 13:30, and a tasting. You can also eat there, there is a restaurant.

Labrim Bazaar

So, it’s a bit like the Victoria market. You go on Wednesday evening on the beach of Beau Vallon to immerse yourself in the Seychellois atmosphere. On the program: souvenir stands, but above all, street-food stalls and drums concert atmosphere by the fire. There’s something for everyone … And above all, it’s really cheap!

Cooking class and street-food

Moreover, as we are always on the subject of food, we will go a little deeper. Your choice can be focused on a Creole cooking class. On the program: smoked fish salad, octopus curry, Creole fish and sweet potato stew (it’s the dessert).

It’s fun to do, and when you get home, you can make good rum cocktails followed by a typical Creole meal for your friends. You will be the star of the evening!

That’s for the side a little pro. The specialty of Seychelles, and that will allow you to save money, is street food and take-away. You will find booths everywhere, either in the form of vans, or at the beach, in the form of barbecues. Ideal for eating well, local dishes and fresh, cheap.

Basically, you eat well for 5 to 7 € per person. And for dessert, good fruits, with fresh coconut water. This what holidays are about.

Some Key Places to visit

Mission Lodge: it is a beautiful view of the island of Mahé, but also a historic place. An old school that took care of children freed from slavery to teach them.

Tea factory: there are some tea plantations on the island, and a packing plant.

Eden Island: artificial island which houses luxury villas and some shops.

Treasure of the pirate The Hawk: we will give you some information on the subject. On the other hand, if you find something, we take 50%. Thank you very much. It seems that the pirate Olivier Levasseur would have stashed his treasure around Treasure Cove.

The beaches

We kept you the best for the end: the discovery of the beaches of Mahé. That it is a bit of Seychelles’ specialty.

Anse Major Beach: you have to go to the end of the road that leads to the trail to access this beach. About 1h30 walk. But just before, accessible by car, there is a magnificent view of the granitic rocks.

Beau Vallon Beach: surely the most popular and lively beach on the island of Mahé. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, jet-skiing, parasailing, etc … Numerous street-food stalls, every day, along the beach. And above all, the sunsets to fall!

Anse Royale Beach: an immense beach, one of the most popular in Mahé. The water is calm, perfect for swimming because protected by the barrier reef offshore. From June to September, it is ideal for kite-surfing!

Baie Lazare Beach: This is the beach of the Kempiski Hotel. It is accessible free of charge. It is especially recommended to eat there for lunch, feet in the sand at the restaurant of the hotel.

Petite Anse Beach: This is the beach of the Four Seasons Hotel. However, it is accessible to the public, and you can even eat or just have a drink at the bar in the evening, at sunset.

Anse Louis beach: it is the beach of Maia Resort, accessible by road without problem. Be careful, deep sea and strong waves in windy conditions. Perfect for surfing so. If you want to take for Brice de Nice, now is the time. When the sea is calm, good spot of snorkeling.

Grand Anse Beach: very large white sand beach, along the road, with the mountains in the background. Watch out for swimming, no reef to protect the beach and a lot of depth.

Port Glaud beach: beach often deserted, a real postcard decor. Possibility to access the island at low tide.

Anse l’Islette beach: on the way to Port Launay, you will come across Anse l’Islette, recognizable by the island in the bay. The water is just beautiful in the area.

Port Launay beach: busy beach, offering many water activities. Calm and shallow water. Easily accessible by car. As a bonus, there is a swing, for older children.

We hope you have had a glimpse of what Mahe is all about! Have fun in the Seychelles!