Mahe Island
Mahé is a delight for tourists for its tropical and exotic atmosphere that invites relaxation and change of scenery, and its magnificent beaches
The jungle-clad mountains of Mahe rise from the Indian Ocean over 1,000 miles from Africa’s east coast. There’s plenty to see and do on the island, with over 60 stunning beaches and coves ranging from broad bays of white sand to secret places you can call your own, a heavily forested interior, and little villages with unique Creole culture.
Although Mahe is the largest and most populated island in Seychelles, holding about 90% of the country’s 89,000 residents, the bulk of people lives in and around Victoria, the capital, in the northeast, making it easy to leave and have your own Robinson Crusoe adventure.
The island is densely forested and rugged in parts, with granite peaks rising to 905 meters above sea level. Greenery covers the majority of the island’s surface and falls to the coast, where it meets lovely sandy beaches and magnificent coves.
Table of Contents:
– Mahè Island
– Victoria
– Airport (SEZ)
– Getting Around
– Attractions
– Beaches
– Facts
– Conclusion
– Videos
You can go for a walk along the endless beaches in quest of seclusion during your luxury Seychelles holiday; solitude is easy to come by on the island. Short distances can be covered by bike, and you can climb to the most spectacular overlooks or admire the cascade. With a car, you’ll be able to explore the entire island and visit some of the world’s most gorgeous beaches.
A two- to two-and-a-half-hour vehicle tour of the island is recommended. Paved roads and an island map with all the sights will assist you in getting to know Mahé and admiring its many splendors.
Of course, Mahe has the most luxury hotels and is the most populous of the islands. Despite this, many hotels are located in remote locations, and there are few outsiders on the beaches.
Your voyage through the Seychelles archipelago will begin on Mahe Island. You may travel to Praslin, La Digue, and other islands from here. Between the islands, small Air Seychelles planes, Cat Cocos ferries, and helicopters are employed.
Mahe International Airport (SEZ)
There are three terminals at the airport on Mahe Island: international, domestic, and cargo. The passenger terminals are all housed in the same structure. The airport’s international terminal is where all foreign flights arrive. To fly to other islands, collect your belongings and proceed to the nearest domestic terminal.
There are various duty-free shops (alcohol, fragrance, souvenirs) in the transit area of the airport’s international terminal, as well as a restaurant, a bar, a cafe, a Burger King, and a business lounge.
The domestic terminal of the Mahe Island airport has a snack bar and a gift shop for travelers’ convenience.
Mahè Attractions
Discover attractions on Mahè Island
Victoria – the Capital of Seychelles
The capital of Seychelles and the major city on the island of Mahe is Victoria. The community was formed by French colonists in the second half of the 18th century, the British colonial authority was established here in the early 19th century, and the city was named after the Queen of England. Victoria and its environs currently span an area of around 20 square meters. kilometers. The population is estimated to be around 26 thousand people.
The Sir Selwyn Clarke Market will also be passed. There are souvenir shops and eateries on one of the streets. The Cat Cocos ferry terminal is also in Victoria, from which you may travel to the islands of Praslin and La Digue.
Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market
Victoria’s Central Market. The market first opened its doors in 1840, and it was rebuilt in 1999. This is a fantastic spot on Mahe Island to get a sense of Seychelles’ way of life, as well as the greatest place to buy fresh fruits, fish, veggies, and spices.
Sri Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple
Victoria’s small but striking Hindu temple stands out among a row of unremarkable buildings thanks to its brightly painted decor. It is used by the city’s small Indian community and is open to the public if you take off your hat and shoes.
Seychelles National Botanical Gardens
The National Botanic Garden is located on the outskirts of Victoria, in Mont Fleury. With a history spanning over 100 years, the garden is one of Seychelles’ oldest national monuments. The garden is about 2 hectares in size.
The Natural History Museum
Seychelles’ Victoria Museum of Natural History This is a focus on Seychelles’ flora and fauna, which is offered to those that are interested in learning about nature.
Cathedral Of The Immaculate Conception
It was dedicated to the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception and was one of the earliest churches in the Seychelles. It was built in March 1851 and is the Mother Church of the Catholic Diocese..
Morne Seychellois National Park
Seychelles’ Victoria Museum of Natural History This is a focus on Seychelles’ flora and fauna, which is offered to those that are interested in learning about nature.
Bel Air Cemetery
The cemetery first opened its doors in the early 1780s. It houses the graves and vaults of the earliest French settlers and the founding families of some of today’s generations, as it was the first burial ground to open after the foundation of L’Establissement du Roi.
Mission Lodge
The view from Mission Lodge Lookout, a well-known vantage point offering a panorama of lush rainforests and coastline, includes the sea and mountains. Queen Elizabeth II, who came here for a tea break in 1972 and inaugurated the lodge four years before the declaration of independence.
Le Jardin du Roi – The Spice Garden
Le Jardin Du Roi is a well-known spice garden on Seychelles’ island of Mahe. The hotel is situated on the hills above Anse Royale Beach. “The King’s Garden” is a French phrase that means “the King’s Garden.”
Victoria’s Clock Tower
The Victoria Clock Tower, or “Lorloz” in Creole, is the oldest historical and popular monument in Victoria, as well as one of the most notable elements of the island nation of Seychelles’ capital city Victoria.
Tea Factory
The Seychelles’ own Tea Factory, perched on a picturesque mountaintop along the road to Morne Seychellois National Park, offers brief excursions that take guests through all stages of the tea-making process.
A Trip around Mahe by Car
The best way to see the 28-kilometer-long island is by renting a car from Victoria. The drive to Beau Vallon Bay runs along the north coast and is breathtaking. Since the 1970s, tourism in Seychelles has grown from here. The bay is one of the liveliest spots in the archipelago, surrounded by rugged scenery, making it a wonderful place to start before moving on to the quieter sections later.
During your road trip, you must not miss the Sans Soucis Road, which is regarded as one of the most beautiful roads in the world. It passes through the Morne Seychellois National Park, where, at Venn’s Town Mission Lodge, stunning vegetation and spectacular views meet. If you have some free time, get out of the car and explore the national park’s many hiking trails. On foot, the panoramic routes are great for diving into the wild realm. In addition, the national park’s name is derived from the tallest peak in the Seychelles, which stands at 905 meters.
A beach road runs along the south side of the island. The lovely craft town of Domaine de Val des Près is located there, and it offers a glimpse into Creole art, culture, and gastronomy. The Takamaka Rum Distillery is nearby, as is the Jardin du Roi spice garden, which is a bit further inland. Both offers guided excursions that are highly recommended. In the interim, a quick stop at the beach Anse Royale, just off the coast road, is a must. Those who travel all the way to the island’s southernmost point will be rewarded with a wild beach environment at Police Bay.
Mahe Island Beaches
The stunning beaches of the Seychelles archipelago are well-known. The granite islands’ coves, which are lined with coconut trees and takamakas, are unique. They are encircled by big boulders.
Mahe Facts
Mahe Island is 28 km long and 8 km wide. It is the largest island in the state and is also a cultural and economic center. Mahe is the international gateway to Seychelles. It is home to the international airport and the capital of Victoria. Almost 90% of the country’s total population lives on Mahe. The island is the seat of government and the main center of trade.
- POPULATION – The population of the island is approximately 77 thousand people.
- SQUARE – Mahe Island is 157 sq. kilometers
- LENGTH – Maximum length 26 kilometers
- WIDTH – Maximum width 17 kilometers
- COASTLINE – The coastline of the island is 111 kilometers
Conclusion
Our expert opinion of Mahè Island
The island of Mahé is a green rocky mountain nestled in the center of a crystal clear blue sea, offering guests a natural paradise and a total change of environment. The opportunities for activities on the island are unlimited, whether on the beach, in the open sea, or on the hike to the island’s highest peak.
While walks along the sandy beaches and treks allow you to get a closer look at Mahé, a relaxing sailing trip allows you to experience the island from a different perspective, with the dunes and the sea creating a stunning contrast. A visit to Mahé also provides an opportunity to learn about Seychelles culture. Victoria, the capital, is a beautiful combination of British and Creole influences. It’s also a great place to spend a relaxing evening listening to Sega music.
Videos Mahe Island
The best videos about Mahè Island
