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Mahé Travel Guide

Mahé

Mahe Island © Angelo Cavalli / STMA
Despite the fact that it is heavily populated and well-developed, the island of Mahé, the largest of the Seychelles archipelago, contains plenty of hidden treasures, not least of which is a legendary pirate's cache purportedly buried at Bel Ombre. The southern end of the island still sports deserted beaches, and even the busy northern urban enclave, which includes the international airport and capital city, Victoria, exudes laid-back charm.

Forming the backbone of the island is a spectacular mountain range that includes Morne Seychellois, the island's highest peak. Around the peak is one of the island's beautiful national parks, offering good hiking and stunning scenery. More than 60 idyllic beaches fringed with swaying palm trees can be found along the shoreline, offering a host of activities from excellent dive centres to various watersports operators. There are several interesting sights to see, particularly in friendly Victoria. Although not renowned for its nightlife, Mahé is the liveliest island after dark and resorts like the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Beach Resort and Casino, several nightclubs and restaurants that serve up traditional Creole delights provide the evening entertainment.




Attractions

Beau Vallon Bay

The mile long beach encircling beautiful Beau Vallon Bay on the northern coast of Mahé Island is the most popular beach resort area in the Seychelles, boasting several hotels and a selection of dive and watersport centres. Beau Vallon also has a number of...  see full details



George Camille Gallery

Praslin artist, George Camille, is famed not only locally, but his works have been exhibited extensively in London and Paris. He works in a variety of mediums in an effort to capture the colour and excitement of Creole life. His works may be...  see full details




National Botanical Gardens

An oasis of green shade, ideal for a stroll, the century-old Botanical Gardens at the south end of Victoria extend for six hectares (15 acres), planted with a wide variety of indigenous and exotic trees, including the Seychelles islands' unique 'coco de mer' palms....  see full details




National Museum of History

Step back into the days of the buccaneers at the Seychelles National Museum of History, which features excellent displays of historic artefacts relating to the cultural and natural history of the islands. Exhibits include a range of interesting objects from shipwreck salvage, coral, voodoo...  see full details




Seychelles Natural History Museum

Located in the centre of Victoria, the Seychelles Natural History Museum features some fascinating exhibits like the bones of an extinct type of crocodile, a shipwreck, various stuffed animals and other curiosities of the natural world.

...  see full details




Victoria

Having the dubious honour of being the smallest capital city in the world, Victoria can also be considered one of the quaintest and most charming, easily explored on foot. The best place to soak up the friendly atmosphere is at the busy daily...  see full details





Excursions

Ste Anne Marine National Park

A treat for nature lovers, guided tours are offered from Victoria harbour to the St Anne National Marine Park, which covers six islands off the coast of Mahé near the city. The Park encompasses one of the most important nesting sites for Hawksbill turtles,... see full details



Events


Festival performers © flickr: Wendy Tanner

Creole Festival

During the last week of October each year the Seychelles capital, Victoria, becomes a gaily decorated party town for the celebration of the annual Creole festival. Music, dancing and dramatic productions are staged and local art and crafts displayed and sold.

Date: October 2009 TBA
Website: www.seychelles.net/festivalkreol

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