Most people know Mahe as a large island hosting most of the people of the Seychelles. What they don’t know is that this vast populated island also offers more than 60 spectacular beaches, a rich Creole culture and cuisine, mind-blowing forests, waterfalls and mountain hikes, exquisite view sites and some wonderful water sports too across clear turquoise ocean waters.
Journey some 1000 miles from Africa’s east coast to reach this great tropical island destination called Mahe just waiting to be explored: book a hotel and spend days walking, swimming, climbing and chilling. So much variety that you need a long holiday – what about 3 weeks neatly packaged into a hotel-transport-meals deal and all the outdoor activity you can pack in? A good idea is to hire a car and drive to all the long white beaches and rocky coves, villages and hidden treasures around every corner.
Most Seychelles citizens live on the east coast closer to the airport and their capital city, Victoria. And plenty of the island has been proclaimed into conservation land in the form of the delightful Morne Seychellois National Park. Visit this breath-taking mountain range where peaks reach up to 905m from their thick tropical forests. What a stark contrast to the ongoing development including housing projects, marinas and estates both for locals and tourists.
Drive from Victoria towards the west and see incredible beaches and accommodation venues including Beau Vallon resort, Silhouette Island, Anse Major, Anse Louis, Anse Royal and Anse Soleil. Find intimate cottages to chill in and tiny stores where you can buy your groceries to keep you going until you find exciting Creole restaurants along the way. From wide bays and serene islands to great surfing spots and protected marine reserves, Mahe offers you everything you need for an exciting yet relaxing island holiday.
Keep going past Grand Anse to the beautiful viewpoint before you reach the town of Port Glaud where you can explore their waterfront and chat to the locals. Go snorkelling a bit further along at Constance Ephelia and Port Launay Marine Reserve – check out diverse marine animals as you get a feel for the underwater wonderland the Seychelles is famous for. Incredible views, sweeping bays and fantastic places to swim – what more could you wish for?