Mahe Seychelles: The Travel Guide You Need
Mahe is the largest and most populated island in the Seychelles (90% of the population lives here), and it is the first stop for all international visitors. I spent 2 days in Mahe during my week in the Seychelles
Funny enough, I found a few articles encouraging me to skip Mahe altogether but I’m glad I didn’t. Based on my experience, Mahe is the perfect introduction to the Seychelles and the best island to learn about the people, and see every day life.
Here’s the ultimate Mahe travel guide to having the best time on Mahe.
Fun facts about Mahe
- Mahe is the home of Victoria, the smallest capital in the world
- Right in the centre of Victoria is a replica of Big Ben (call it, Little Ben)
- The highest mountain in Seychelles is Morne Seychellois and it is in Mahe
- Home of Eden Island – entertainment meets leisure at this new luxury island off the Victoria coastline where there are little boutiques, restaurants and a shopping mall
Where to Stay in Mahe
One great thing about Mahe is that it has the most varied and affordable accommodation options of the Seychelles islands. From budget (even hostels), to mid-range, and luxury, there’s something for everyone. Most visitors stay either in Victoria (in town) or Beau Vallon (by the beach). Wherever you choose, you can always get to the other side since the island is only 4 miles (6 km) wide and 16 miles (26 km) long. Since I had such a short time in Mahe and was going to spend more time at the beach on the other islands, I stayed in Victoria.
Self-catering apartments or guesthouses are a popular accommodation choice as prices are better than hotels. This is a popular option for longer stays.
Hostels: Forest Lodge Guest House, Papaya Guest House are a few I’m aware of.
Mid-Range Hotels in Victoria: Hilltop Boutique Hotel, Blue Hills Hotel (This is where I stayed and I LOVED it. I paid $266 USD for two nights)
Mid-Range Options in Beau Vallon: Villa Roscia, Beau Vallon Villa Chalets (found on booking.com)
High-end/Luxury Hotel Options: The H Resort Beau Vallon; Constance Ephelia, Banyan Tree Seychelles, Four Seasons Mahe, Hilton Seychelles North Holme
Airbnbs: There are more Airbnb options on Mahe than on other islands in the Seychelles. Looking to book for the first time, feel use to use my code here to get 15% off your first book.
An abbreviated review of blue hills hotel, victoria
I was going to be solo in Mahe for only a short period of time. I tend to favour Boutique hotels in general but especially when I go solo. Why? They have fewer rooms and the service is more personalized. From a safety perspective, if I went missing, they’d notice sooner than a larger hotel would. Beyond size, I try to find boutique hotels that are locally owned to support the local economy. My budget was mid-range, but I wanted something that offered free breakfast, had great views and great outdoor space. With that, I knew I needed to be atop a hill.
I narrowed my options down to Hilltop and Blue Hills. Hilltop has great reviews and fit the bill and I was so close to booking it until I saw Blue Hills. If being right in the center of town was a priority, Hilltop would’ve been the choice as it is steps from the market and is right next to the most popular restaurant in Victoria, Marie Antoinette. While I did not stay at Hilltop, I got the impression it would also make a great choice.
As soon as my airport taxi drove me up the winding hills of San Souci and the gates opened up to let us drive to the main building, I knew I got it right. Blue Hills was perfect. The hotel only opened in December 2018 and is owned by a Seychellois mother-daughter duo. They purchased a former minister or governor’s home and refurbished it into this great space. With beautiful grounds and great outdoor space, the views were to LIVE for! As of the time of my visit, they did not have a pool yet but they have the best spot for an infinity pool and I hear they expect to have one before the end of the year.
How to get around Mahe, Seychelles
There are three ways to get around Mahe: by bus, taxi, or by getting a rental car.
- Bus – Mahe has a bus system, which is the cheapest way to get around. I’ve heard taking the bus here can be an adventure on the hilly, windy roads. The Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (STPC) operates a network of 41 routes with 1100 trips daily running according to well-defined schedules that carry the public throughout Mahé and Praslin at a flat rate of SCR7 per trip. An air-conditioned bus service offers commuters a greater standard of comfort at a slightly higher fare of SCR15. See the SPTC website here for up to date bus schedules. Many buses only run until 6:30pm and bus routes may be less frequent on weekends.
- Rental Car – If you plan to see a lot of Mahe over the course of a few days, then this is by far the best way to get around. You get to go at your own pace and honestly, taxi rides get expensive. Rental cards can be picked up right at the airport, otherwise many hotels can arrange for the cars to be brought to the hotel. When I went, they went for about 50 Euros a day.
- Taxi – You can get taxis’ at the airport or in central locations. Otherwise, your hotel can always call you a taxi. This is the most expensive option.
ten things to do in mahe seychelles
- Hike a Trail – depending on how much time you have on Mahe
- Copolia Trail off Sans Souci road, great views, and 45 minutes each way,
- Morne Blanc -medium difficulty, great views, take water, trail starts near the tea factory. There’s a viewing platform at the end
- Visit The Tea Factory and Takamaka Rum Distillery
- Try Creole Cuisine
- Walk Around the smallest capital in the world (Victoria) and see little Ben
- Visit the Hindu Temple
- Visit the Victoria Market (on a Saturday if possible)
- Check out stunning views at Missions Lodge
- Visit Eden Island
- Visit the craft village and check out an old colonial style home
- Of course, visit some of Mahe’s many beaches!
Top Tip: places close early, even on weekends. A couple of sites like the Rum distillery were closed by 3pm on a Saturday and most places are closed on Sundays. plan accordingly
Mahe’s Beaches
I visited 8 beaches in one full day and I did not see all Mahe’s beaches. Each of these beaches are different, some are great for swimming and other are visually stunning. Either way, you’ll find a few beaches you’ll enjoy. The word Anse means beach. Here are a few to consider:
- Anse Soleil
- Anse Royale
- Petite Anse (Near Four Seasons)
- Grand Anse
- Anse Takamaka (with Chez Baptista Kreol restaurant right there)
- Anse Intendance (Near Banyan Tree)
- Anse Parnel
- Port Launay Beach
- Beau Vallon
Where to Eat on Mahe Island
- Beau Vallon beach street vendors – right next to the beach, best prices!
- Boat House – also on Beau Vallon beach
- Marie Antoinette for Creole Cuisine
- Chez Baptista – Creole restaurant on Takamaka beach
- Gecko bar is said to be the best bar in Beau Vallon for a fancy night out
how to see mahe in one day
As I mentioned in my highlights post, as a solo traveller, I elected to book a private day tour of Mahe instead of doing a group tour or a solo road trip (both of which I’ve done on several occasions). There are a number of tour operators in Mahe and the most popular are Masons and Creole Travel Services that offer full or half day tours of Mahe.
In keeping with my theme of supporting small businesses, I found Cocotier tours while scouring through good ole’ Trip Advisor and after reading the positive reviews, I decided to reach out to Nils (a dad of 3 raised on Mahe, solo operator and owner of Cocotier Tours). I’ve included a link to his site above but the best way to stay connected is via whatsapp. He picked me up on time, and showed me his island and even the house where he grew up, and shared insights about being Seychellois.
I had the best day in Mahe and loved that he allowed me to flexibility to provide input into the standard itinerary he recommends. Aside from hiking a trail and visiting Eden Island, I did everything on the Mahe list above in 9 hours.
Also, as you can tell, I handed him my camera more than a few times and he was kind enough to oblige. Needless to say, I’d 100% recommend booking with Nils. Tell him Dee sent you! See the facebook page here
If you’re renting a car and would like to do your own road-trip in one day, then here’s this blog post I read that you might find helpful.
Staying on Mahe vs. Visiting Other Islands:
Based on my experience, I would recommend at least trying to see one other island, but all three main islands get my vote as they’re all so different. If you’re reallyyyyy short on time, go on a day trip from Mahe to Praslin at the very minimum.
Have a great trip!!! If you’re planning a trip to the Seychelles, start by reading my Seychelles travel guide with tips on getting there, the three islands, an a one week itinerary. Check out 8 highlights from my time in the Seychelles.
If your trip is further out in the future, don’t forget to pin all three posts to save them for later. Got questions on Mahe? Feel free to ask in the comments section below. If you’ve enjoyed this Mahe travel guide, please share!
It looks really pretty! Especially the sunset spot!
It’s beautiful , thanks for checking it out !
Beeeeautiful photos! Were you there during the shoulder season? The beaches all look so empty? I would have expected them to be crammed full of people!!
Btw, I love the way you chose boutique hotels and use local businesses for tours. We try to do the same (as long as we can afford it!)
Thank you! Yes I was there in May so while it was a great time to visit , there were certainly fewer crowds . I always prefer boutique hotels, better personalised service, a chance to learn about the family behind the business and yes supporting local businesses when possible is something I’m intentional about . It isn’t always an option though .