Looking to spend some days in Seychelles? If so, don’t forget to visit Victoria Mahe! This place grabs the attention of visitors from all across the world. With the range of beautiful attractions nearby, like Eden Gallery, children’s play areas, private beaches, and numerous tennis courts, you will be assured that it will kill your boredom and make you feel special wherever you go.
Due to these inviting attractions, it is home to the capital, Victoria, and the biggest island in Seychelles. All in all, Mahe is famous for its lush mountains, pristine beaches, snorkeling sites, and hiking trails with different challenges and multi-colored corals.
No more talk; let’s delve into our guide to Victoria Mahe, Mahe: how to reach, best time & tips!
Mahe Overview
As the most developed and biggest island in Seychelles, Mahe is not only a perfect gateway to tropical heaven but is also an ideal home to the capital city of Seychelles, Victoria, with almost 90% of the total population of the country.
Named in honor of Mauritius, governor of the 18th century, it is more than a political and financial hub. Dominated by the granite peaks of the National Park of this city, this mountainous landscape drops down to the coastline, soon punctuated with stunning bays and amazing sandy coves.
Now, let’s talk about how you can get there conveniently!
How To Reach
The gorgeous Eden Island is only a few kilometers off the Mahe coast and is smoothly accessible from downtown Victoria by ferry ride, taxi, or hired cab. Seychelles International Airport serves as the perfect gateway to this country for offshore travelers and is the beginning point of your journey to Eden Island, through either the Indian Ocean or via the bridge connecting its mainland to this island. Getting from getting from Mahe to Praslin is also quite convenient.
Best Time To Visit Mahe
As far as the time is concerned, you can plan your visit from October to November and April to May. This season makes the temperature ideal for Victoria mahe mahe beach surfing and swimming. Besides the nice climate, the rate of traveling offered during this season also makes it ideal for exploring Seychelles’ Mahe Island. Overall, this island has all year-round attractions that tourists can discover at any time of the year.
What Not To Miss?
Here are a few places you must not miss out on when you go to the nearby areas of Eden Island:
National Botanical Garden
The National Botanical Garden perfectly houses a huge range of endemic and exotic plants, fruit trees, species, and native orchids. Just look up to the huge and tallest trees to spot a colony of bats. This is one of the coolest attractions and is definitely worth a visit. Also, this garden has giant turtles, and some of these are even 150 years old and more. Yes, you heard that right! The best part is that you can enter their enclosure in order to pet them and feed them for a wonderful experience.
Craft Village
Showcasing different aspects of cultural Creole, this amazing homestead incredibly highlights arts & crafts, gastronomy, and local architecture. Just explore the super cool collection of buildings that involve the plantation house of the 19th century, featuring examples of artifacts and colonial furniture, and Maison de Coco (a beautiful house entirely built from coconut palms).
Beau Vallon
Amongst the highly stunning and top-notch beaches lies the coast of Mahe, which serves as a famous base for snorkeling and diving to relish captivating coral reefs and clear water. Plenty of luxurious restaurants and hotels are also there on this marvelous bay.
Ile Moyenne
Last but not least, a little island is located in the Marine National Park. This place is quite famous for its diverse fauna and flora. The owner of this island was Mr Brendon Grimshaw, who lived here his entire life. And then, it was converted into a park that can be widely visited through the tours.
Victoria Mahe Mahe Things To Do
Catching up the Fishes
This island is undoubtedly home to a large digit of fish, extending to around 300 species and offering a livelihood to huge localities. Certainly, fishing is one of the most entertaining activities you can try out at Mahe Island.
The Historical tour
The museums, historical sites, and art galleries offer a wonderful opportunity to discover the art, culture, and history of this island. The tour then takes you on a beautiful journey of exploring popular attractions, such as Marine National Parks, National Heritage Sites, and the Natural History Museum.
Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market
And how can we forget the Sir Selwyn Market? This is actually a vegetable and fish market. You can head to this place in the early morning for beautiful scents, sounds, and colors. Check out the giant avocados and freshly captured fishes, and watch the local people do their daily life shopping. When you're there, you must pick up the souvenirs. On its ground floor, you may find some coconut oil, spices, and vanilla essence.
Horseback riding
It is another adventurous thing to do during your tour of Victoria Mahe’s nearby places. It is best known for its riding center. Plus, you will get proper sessions for guidance from native English-speaking professionals before heading out for the thrilling horseback riding tour.
The ecological tour at Mahe Island
This island, with its unique endemic flora species, is a perfect site to discover the Seychelles’ ecology. The palm vegetation, the flora of Mahe, and the tropical plants — all make up a well-versed botanical garden, a nice place to visit on a day-out tour in Mahe.
Conclusion
What makes Mahe an ideal destination for a holiday is its aura that is calm and thrilling. All from discovering the vibrant culture and history, Mahe invites tourists to try their hands over some clear water adventures, like snorkeling, fishing, and surfing. All in all, it is a treat for you to discover a top-notch site for a memorable vacation.
