The main attraction on the awe-inspiring Indian Ocean Island of the Seychelles, Mahe Island, is its dazzling white beaches and five-star holiday resorts, its wide choice of accommodation in tropical hotels and its access to the best diving deals south of the equator.
Most people know Mahe as the largest Seychelles island hosting most of the local people but what they don’t know is that this popular ocean hideaway also features 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 in clear turquoise ocean waters.
Mahé covers an area of 157.3 square km in the northeast side of the Seychellois nation in the Somali Sea part of the Indian Ocean. Journey some 1000 miles from Africa’s east coast to reach this great tropical island destination and book a hotel to spend many days walking, swimming, climbing and chilling. What about a 3-week island special package vacation on Mahe all-inclusive of hotel accommodation, transfers, meals and all the outdoor activity you can pack in?
Most flights to the archipelago start and end here, in Mahe, so make this larger island part of your Indian Ocean Islands holiday. The capital city of Victoria accommodates 86% of the country’s total population and the island was named after Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais, a French governor of Isle de France, which is now Mauritius.
Mahé’s tallest peak is Morne Seychellois at 905 m in the Morne Seychellois National Park. Most people live in the northern and eastern parts of the island while the southern and western parts comprise Baie Ternay Marine National Park, Port Launay Marine National Park, and the University of Seychelles. The Sainte Anne Marine National Park lies offshore, as do several smaller islands.
Mahé’s forests are home to rare endemic plants found only in Seychelles, such as the critically endangered jellyfish tree, the carnivorous Seychelles pitcher plant and many unique orchid species.
Go snorkelling at Constance Ephelia and Port Launay Marine Reserve to view incredible and diverse marine animals as you get a feel for the underwater wonderland Seychelles is famous for. Pick a diving school to do more PADI dive courses in these coral-filled waters.
Last but not least, we recommend a tour to Takamaka Bay to find out more about the rum distillery and how it got here – learn how to make rum and enjoy a taste of fresh island rum then buy a few bottles to take home. There is also a forest walk and a fine restaurant to stop at before you head back to your accommodation. Mahe is a must-do destination in Seychelles even if you just pass through here en route to the smaller islands. Check out our package deals for the best accommodation and holiday prices for couples’ retreats and family breaks.
Mahe is lined with a fantastic choice of seafront hotel and resort accommodations, many of them modern and luxurious, designed to fit right in with the balmy tropical climate and scenery. We recommend that you self-drive your way around Mahe in a hired car on reasonable roads but be careful of the hairpin bends at night. Drive over the ‘Sans Souci’ pass and through the tea plantations and go and take photographs of the beautiful bays on the west coast, heading north to be dazzled by the unique environmental splendour there.
Spend time on foot wandering around the capital of Seychelles on Mahe, Victoria, and explore the market for fresh produce and fish, spices and crafts. Pop into the trendy ‘Pirates Arms’ for a local beer, a Seybrew, and browse the compelling wonders in the Botanical Gardens to see indigenous Coco De Mer trees and giant tortoises.
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. We recommend an eye-opening glass bottom boat trip in the Sainte Anne Marine National Park to see the wonders of marine life or venture off to the tiny Moyenne Island, also in St. Anne Marine Park.
Take your family on an island retreat to the gorgeous island of Mahe the Seychelles largest island and a coastal haven of serenity and diverse accommodation. Take the kids to see azure bays, long white beaches and vibrant community markets. A few days in Mahe are soulful, energising and so much fun – quite a thrill for families and friends who want to be out in mountains, lagoons, ocean bays and infinity swimming pools with sea views!
We show you top-of-the-range seaside hotels and resorts in this region where children will feel in awe and want to run free. There are ocean activities galore, hikes, scuba dives and snorkelling adventures. Buy fresh fish from the vendors and enjoy a diverse holiday in paradise where hotels and guest houses offer spacious family accommodation.
Plan a Seychelles tour and safari with Voyage2Africa, the African travel experts, and enjoy signature experiences to premier island destinations south of the equator. We bring you thrilling adventures in the infinite spaces of tropical Mahe, then resting time to photograph the captivating landscape. Choose a rustic chic beach-style villa resort with luxury facilities and get ready to explore more of Seychelles soon. We offer you some of the best accommodations and special packages in Mahe to expand your holiday in true African style.
