For many centuries, the only inhabitants of this place were birds, crocodiles and sea turtles. Now in the Seychelles, Mahe is a popular resort that attracts tourists from all over the world. It pleases the eye with bright landscapes and offers good conditions for a beach holiday.
General information
Mahe is the largest island in the Seychelles and a popular resort. Its area is 155 km2, and the population in 2022 reached 90 thousand people (this is almost 90% of the total population of the archipelago). Most of them live in the eastern and northern parts.
Mahe is the main land area in the Seychelles. It is distinguished from other islands by its well-developed infrastructure and the availability of roads. In addition, it is here that the capital (the city of Victoria), the airport, the commercial port and even the university are located.
The culture of this place is a combination of European, Asian and African traditions. The island’s Creole inhabitants communicate in French, English, or Seychelles Creole. The majority of the population professes Catholicism, but there are other religions. There are no conflicts on this ground. Moreover, the Catholic cathedrals on this island perfectly get along with a bright Hindu temple and a Muslim mosque.
The main feature of Mahe Island in the Seychelles is its nature. If you look at the area from a bird’s-eye view, it seems that it is a solid mountain, riddled with numerous rivers. The terrain here is really mountainous, but the entire area is covered with dense tropical vegetation. Walking in the forest, you can see many endemic plants and endangered birds, insects and animals. The water world is no less diverse – there are only 20 species of sea urchins, and ancient turtles crawl right on the beaches.
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What to see and do?
Viewing photos of Mahe Island (Seychelles) you will see a lot of interesting objects. Local attractions start from the capital – there is a natural history Museum, a Clock Tower, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Clark’s Market, etc.
On further trips, you will find parks and gardens, an artisan village and tea factory, a rum factory and the Michael Adams Gallery, a botanical garden, waterfalls and an ascent of Mount Morne Blanc. To create a detailed route, read this article. There is also a detailed description with photos of the main attractions of the island.
How to get around the island?
Mahe Island in the Seychelles is served by several modes of transport. Let’s look at each of them.
The buses
Currently, Mahe operates more than 40 bus routes. You can recognize them by a number or a number with a letter attached to the glass. Buses leave from Victoria Bus Station, run around the island and stop at the most famous beaches.
The local fleet is represented by old Indian and new air-conditioned vehicles. The fare is only half a dollar and does not depend on the route. Payment is made directly to the driver. You can view the timetable at the bus station. In most cases, transport runs from half past five in the morning to seven in the evening. Frequency – 15 minutes. As a rule, there are significantly more flights on weekends.
Bus stops are marked with the word “BUS STOP” written directly on the asphalt. To get off at the right place, you need to keep an eye on the road and press the button in time (the bus stops on demand). Traditional bus station – a number of marked platforms with information signs, waiting room, information desk, ticket office, snack bar, toilet.
Ferries and boats
Ferries and boats operated by Cat Cocos are responsible for water communication between Mahe and the neighboring Seychelles Islands. Transport runs regularly and is cheaper than air travel. The ticket price depends on the class of trip and starts from $56 one-way (children’s is slightly cheaper).
Domestic air transportation
The only air carrier in the Seychelles is Air Seychelles. The company’s aircraft carry passengers from Mahe to Praslin, Alphonse, Bird, Desroches and Dennis Islands. Flights are operated according to the schedule and cost at least $70. You can also book a private flight from Helicopter-Seychelles.
Rent a car
Mahe has a lot of rental shops, but during the tourist season, cars are dismantled quickly. The list of rental companies can be found at the local airport terminal. These are Hertz, AVIS, Tropicar, Eden, Omega, etc. Car rental costs at least $45 per day. Insurance is paid separately – another $11 per day.
How much does a taxi cost in the Seychelles, Mahe? Prices for these services are frankly too high, although every car must have a counter by law, but in fact this is not always the case. Getting in the car is about $3.5, the first kilometer costs $1.5, for each next one you will have to pay an additional 50 cents. Approximately the same amount is charged for luggage. Approximately a 20-minute trip will cost $23-26. Taxis are available only on Mahe. Their parking lot is located in Victoria on Albert Street just behind the post office building. Cars are parked there around the clock, there is no rush on them.
Those who do not speak French or English may have difficulty communicating with taxi drivers. Many people take their change or carry passengers in loops to increase their mileage.
Beaches
Mahe Island’s beaches are open all year round. The weather in the Seychelles does not have sharp changes and is not subject to cyclones. The only drawback is monsoon downpours. The climate is tropical-warm and humid. The air temperature fluctuates around +24…+32°C, the water warms up to +28…+30°C .
The driest time is from late spring to October. Then the rainy season begins. These are mostly heavy but short-term downpours. The increased humidity level is especially noticeable in December and January. The hottest month is April.
The main feature of the beaches is that they are free of charge. This means that you can easily go to any recreation area. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity, because the beaches on Mahe are completely different and do not resemble each other. They differ in the color of the sand, the temperature of the water, the topography of the ocean floor, and even the shape of shells. Almost all of them offer diving equipment rental, boat rides, various water sports and good fishing opportunities. A few meters from the shore there are special platforms for diving.
In total, Mahe has about 70 beaches. Of course, you are unlikely to be able to get around all of them, so start with the best ones.
Anse Intendance
One of the most famous beaches of Mahe in the Seychelles is located in the south-western part of the island, 15 km from the airport. The Banyan Tree’s luxury pitchforks line the entire coastline, which is just under 1 km long.
Despite its huge popularity, Ans Intendance does not have a well-developed infrastructure. There aren’t even any shops, just a miniature bar with chairs carved out of wooden trunks.
The main difference between this beach is strong waves and a rocky bottom. Due to the lack of a reef, they are much steeper here than in any other places (especially during the trade wind season, that is, from June to September). For this reason, Anse Intendance is more suitable for surfing than for a traditional beach holiday.
The safety of tourists is provided by professional rescuers. In addition, topless sunbathers often gather here.
Anse Royale or Royal Beach
One of the largest bays in the south-east of Mahe will delight you with crystal clear waters and a beautiful panorama. This is a good spot for scuba diving – the rich coral reef is home to myriads of brightly colored fish.
The best time to visit Royal Beach is during the northwest trade winds season – the water is warm and calm at this time. But even then, don’t forget about the undercurrents. They come suddenly, so don’t swim too far from the shore.
Anse Royale’s infrastructure includes a local market, grocery stores, souvenir shops and takeaway restaurants. There is a parking lot and gas station nearby, but there are no hotels nearby (as well as water activities). But there are boats of local fishermen moored here. You can arrange a joint morning fishing trip with them.
Anse Takamaka
Anse Takamaka beach resembles a desert island from the movie about Robinson. It is located on the southwest coast of Mahe Island. It was named after the tree of the same name with thick green leaves that give a large shadow.
The coast is very steep, but the ocean is clean and warm. At one end of the sandy strip, you can find a Creole restaurant and several luxury villas. In the other, there are retail outlets, private apartments, and granite boulders that offer an excellent view of the surrounding area.
Near the beach there is a Parking lot, beautiful palm alleys are planted throughout the territory, music is always playing during the day. The only drawback is that at certain times of the year there is a very strong current, because of which you can not swim.
Beau Vallon
The most popular Mahe beach in the Seychelles is located on the northwest coast. Its main advantages are the long beach (about 2 km), soft powdery sand and luxury hotels. Bo Valon also has a well-developed infrastructure. There are inexpensive restaurants, casinos, bars, diving centers, souvenir shops, sports equipment rental points and various accommodation facilities on its territory.
The bay where the beach is located is very quiet and peaceful. This is a great place for couples with children. There are no strong currents, sharp rocks and corals, and the rescue service is always monitoring the situation.
There is a parking lot nearby. Bo Valon also offers water excursions to neighboring islands and Bazar Labrin, which allows you to get acquainted with Creole culture.
Petit Anse, or Anse la Liberte
Located in the south-west of the island near Anse Soleil, more difficult to reach, but no less beautiful. The beach is covered with snow-white sand and large boulders. The entrance to the water is gentle, and the ocean shimmers with all shades of blue. Four Seasons Resort Seychelles “manages” this beach. On the beach there are swings, umbrellas and sun beds. Nearby you can find several cheap but cozy hotels.
Baie Lazare
The name of this place is associated with the name of its discoverer – the Frenchman Lazar Picaulta. It was he who in 1742 managed to open Mahe to the French people. As at that time, Bae Lazar is a palm-lined bay located on the southwestern coast of the island.
The beach is narrow but very long. With a lot of entertainment, there are not many vacationers – mostly guests of The Kempinski Seychelles Resort 5* and Lazare Picault hotel. In addition to traditional swimming, you can go snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and buy excursions to neighboring islands.
On the beach there are restaurants with local, Eastern and European cuisine, umbrellas and sun beds. There is a highway nearby, you can drive up by car.
The only drawback is a strong current from October to June. It is forbidden to enter the water at this time.
Sunset Beach
Located on the northwest coast of Mahe, 18 km from the airport and about a 20-minute drive from Victoria (landmark-Sunset Beach Hotel). This is a suitable place for swimming and snorkeling. For snorkeling, we recommend going to the rocks surrounding the hotel. In addition to the diverse underwater flora and fauna, you can see sea turtles there.
Both the name and rave reviews of this Mahe beach in the Seychelles indicate that it has the best sunsets. The sky turns bright red at sunset and beautifully highlights the outlines of the neighboring islands.
Natural shade on the beach is provided by dense tropical vegetation, and snow-white sand at a comfortable temperature allows you to do without special shoes. But you should be more careful with children on Sunset Beach. Do not leave them unattended – even near the shore there are sharp changes in depth.
This and some other beaches of the island are included in the list of the most beautiful places on the Seychelles coast.
Ance Marie Laure
The beach, surrounded on both sides by small cliffs, is located in the Belle Ombre area. Its length is at least 300 meters, but there are almost no tourists. Despite its pristine beauty, Anse Marie Louise is an oasis of peace and quiet. First, because of the very strong current, it is forbidden to swim on it. Secondly, snorkeling is not very good here. The entire ocean floor is covered with a dead coral reef, which died when temperatures rose in 2004.
There is also no infrastructure. On the coastline you can see only 1 hotel (“Fisherman’s Cove”) and a couple of establishments. In front of the hotel, there is a tour desk, whose specialists will provide you with all the necessary information. But Ance Marie Laure often hosts off-site wedding ceremonies.
The easiest way to get to Ance Marie Laure is by following the trail that starts at Chalet D’Anse Forbans and goes directly to the bay.
Accommodation
Conventionally, Mahe Island in the Seychelles is divided into 4 parts.
North Coast
Noisy, crowded, with an active nightlife. You will have a place to go in the evening – cafes, bars, discos are open until late at night. In addition, this is where Beau Vallon is located, the most popular place for a beach holiday.
Minuses:
- People go to bed late in this part of the island – if you are on vacation with a child and really appreciate sleep, the area is unlikely to suit you;
- The north is quite rainy and the rains here are prolonged – this feature is associated with the proximity of the highest mountains of the island.
South Coast
It’s quieter and quieter here. The pace of life is more measured, and housing prices are cheaper. It rains if it does, but at least not all day. The most popular beaches are Takamaka and Anse Intendance.
Minus: everything closes early (including stores).
West Coast
Here are the best 5* hotels with separate areas for beach holidays. Despite its length, the coast is wilder and more secluded than the famous Bo Valon. The place will be appreciated by lovers of peace and relaxation.
East Coast
Despite the fact that there are quite good hotels in this part of Mahe, it is not popular with tourists.
In any case, there will be no shortage of objects to place. There are more than 30 hotels of different star ratings, as well as numerous lodges, villas and guest houses. Most of them are located right on the coastline, just a stone’s throw from the ocean.
The level of service and prices-for every taste and budget. So, the cost of a standard 5 * double room starts from $370. Accommodation in a lodge or 4* hotel will be a hundred cheaper. Guest houses and apartments are considered the most affordable option – you will need to pay from $90 for accommodation in them.
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Food on Mahe
Restaurants, cafes, bars and takeaway items can be found in almost any part of Mahe in the Seychelles. Among them there are both romantic establishments on the ocean, and family spots with European, Asian or Creole cuisine. The latter offers fish of various varieties, delicious seafood, exotic fruits, dishes with coconut oil and vanilla essence.
The main local delicacies are tektek soup (small shells), breadfruit, coconut nougat and, of course, shrimp. They are prepared in a variety of ways, but the most popular ones are fried in garlic oil or seasoned with curry and drizzled with sweet sauce. Another traditional dish, rice with chicken curry, is also in high demand.
When ordering in a cafe, do not forget that Creoles like everything very spicy. To avoid spoiling your dinner, ask for fewer spices. For drinks, try white Orchid vanilla tea, Sey Brew, and Takamaka rum.
And a few words about prices on Mahe Island (Seychelles). Lunch in an inexpensive cafe for one person will cost $13.5. To sit together in a middle-class restaurant, you will need at least $80 (the price for a 3-course set). A meal at a fast-food restaurant costs about $5 for oatmeal porridge or its equivalent. The cost of a bottle of beer and a cup of cappuccino ranges from $3.5-4.5, and for a small bottle of Cola or mineral water, you will have to pay a little less than $2.
Prices in the island markets are also quite reasonable. The most expensive is cheese (almost $15). Chicken fillet and beef will cost $ 3-5, vegetables, fruits, rice and bread-about $2.
Useful tips
When going to Mahe, take note of a list of useful tips:
- It’s easy to burn out in the tropics – use a high-quality sunscreen even in cloudy weather (especially if you need to watch out for children).
- While vacationing on this island, you are unlikely to need jeans and long-sleeve clothes – take light clothes made of blown fabrics.
- It is more profitable to pay on Mahe in local currency, although any seller takes dollars and euros.
- Traffic in the Seychelles is on the left-hand side – take this fact into account when deciding to rent a car.
- Once you arrive at the resort during national holidays, take care of drinks and food in advance – no one works here on such days. The lowest prices are offered by the supermarket.
And finally, here is an interesting fact. Seychelles, Mahe belongs to the list of places where people still resort to black magic. Everything related to these things is called “gris-gris” here. Creoles turn to sorcerers not only in case of illness, but also before an important interview or for help in business matters.
