The Seychelles’ star island is the perfect blend of relaxation and abundant natural beauty.
Of the 115 islands in the Seychelles, Mahé stands out as the largest and most developed, captivating international visitors with its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse attractions. Hosting the capital, Victoria, and approximately 90 percent of the country’s population, Mahé serves as the gateway to the archipelago off the coast of mainland East Africa. This slice of paradise is a compelling destination in its own right before you embark on journeys to more remote beach destinations.
With 48 hours to spare, here is how to indulge in the island’s unhurried offerings.
Day One
Morning: Beach
Rise early and hike the Anse Major Nature Trail that leads to an eponymous, secluded jungle beach. The coastal path presents sweeping views of Silhouette Island and North Island in the distance. Meander through granite slopes, dense woodlands, open expanses, river valleys, and rugged rocky ridges, punctuated by quaint bridges. Finally, the remote Anse Major beach reveals itself with dazzling turquoise waters, shimmering sugary sands, and sheltering palm trees. It’s the perfect haven for snorkelling, swimming, or unwinding post-hike.
Afternoon: Victoria’s Secrets
What Victoria may lack in a tropical paradisical standards, it makes up for it with its provincial charm. Wander the lively streets and marvel at colourful, traditional wood and stone structures—dating back to the early 20th century. Stop by the National Museum of History for a lesson in 300 years of Seychellois history and Creole culture. For a peek at local life, Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, colloquially called Victoria Market, is the place to be. If you manage to get there early, you might catch fishmongers showcasing a remarkable array of seafood. Also check out the Clock Tower, a downsized replica of the clock tower on London’s Vauxhall Bridge; the eye-catching Sri Navasakthi Vinyagar Temple; and local artist Geoge Camille’s studio for a glimpse of his work that embodies the spirit of island life and nature.
Once you have worked up an appetite, lunch at the iconic Marie Antoinette and feast on Creole offerings such as breadfruit croquettes, coconut curries, eggplant fritters among others.
Evening: Sunset by the Sea
Beau Vallon Beach, a picturesque semi-circle embraced by palms and takamaka trees, stands as Mahé’s premier destination. Just a 10-minute drive from Victoria, it offers an idyllic retreat for relaxation, swimming, and breathtaking sundowners.
Drink in the sights of pristine white sands and gin-clear waters or embark on thrilling water sports for an evening filled with fun and laughter. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local scene with music, fresh fruit vendors, and nearby hotels dotting the shoreline.
If you haven’t had your fill of Creole fare, check out the buffet at Boat House Restaurant featuring over 20 regional dishes. But if it is Indian flavours that you are after, Mahek comes highly recommended for its traditional flavours that include plenty of vegetarian options too.
Day Two
Morning: Make a Splash
Gorge on a hearty breakfast buffet at your hotel before heading to Port Glaud on the west coast for a refreshing stop at Sauzier Waterfall. Navigate along Port Launay Road, passing by the Church of St. Peter and Paul, to reach your destination. Then embark on a short, well-marked jungle trail lasting about five minutes until you reach the base of the falls.
Feast your eyes to the serene beauty of the waterfall as it descends from the Morne Seychelles National Park. You can take a dip in the refreshing swimming pool at the base of the falls, though it’s not suitable for cliff jumping or leaping from the nearby boulders on the left side.
Afternoon
Near the highest accessible point on Mahé via road, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Mission Lodge offers a remarkable vantage point showcasing breathtaking views of central Mahé and the western coast. Amidst the stunning panorama, you’ll also encounter intriguing low-slung stone ruins, reminiscent of a bygone era.
Next up, head to the Takamaka Rum Distillery for an essential Seychelles experience. Explore their diverse rum selection. Join a complimentary tour between 11 am and 3 pm to learn about their locally sourced sugar cane and the rum-making process. Afterward, enjoy a tasting session for sampling five distinct rums. Feeling peckish? Try meals from the on-site food truck. Located on Mahé’s east coast south of Victoria, the distillery, sits within the iconic La Plaine St. André. Here, you’ll find verdant landscapes, a distillation room, rum tasting areas, a spice garden, historic remnants, and beloved giant Aldabra tortoises, Taka and Maka.
Evening: Beauty and the Beach
It’s hard to find a beach in the Seychelles that you wouldn’t like, but dusk casts a different spell and is likely to guarantee stellar views. Hit the silken sands and azure waters of Anse Royale—a long, stretching bay that consists of a number of smaller beach sections nestled on the southeast coast. Its shallow waters make it a perfect choice for a swim or snorkelling or simply working a tan.
Catch the sunset and retreat to the beachside Kafe Kreol, where butter garlic crab, grilled lobster, and seafood pizza can be savoured alongside a chilled bottle of the local SeyBrew beer.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The ideal time to visit Seychelles is during April to May or October to November, avoiding the periods when the island experiences the impact of the two annual trade winds.
HOW TO GET THERE
Direct flights are provided by two airlines: Air Seychelles and Air India. The direct flights are exclusive to Mumbai; other Indian cities will require at least one stopover, either domestically or internationally, depending on the connecting airline.
GETTING AROUND
Renting a car is the most practical way to explore Mahé, while the public bus is the most affordable, but not the most viable option. Even though taxis are easily available, they are exorbitant.
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Pooja Naik is a Mumbai-based journalist with a penchant for food, art, and adventure. Her affinity for travel has often led her to many cultural crossroads, whereby she savoured butter tea with the resident monks at Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh and guzzled an indigenous produce of green ant gin at a local’s behest in Australia. Her work has appeared in National Geographic Traveller Ind
