MUST DOS

Insider local knowledge tips and recommendations.

Rent a car if you want flexibility. Don't rely on public transport. Buses exist but they're infrequent and stop running early. A lot of the best places on Mahé are fairly remote. We work with the Hertz car hire run by our friend Jean-Paul and Raker Cars just down the road run by Ralph. We would be happy to organise your car rental.

Always remember to drive on the LEFT-HAND SIDE and very carefully. Be ready for big buses in the opposite direction.

 You can walk or drive just down the road from the villa to two lovely beaches. There is the Carana beach with amazing granite boulders, good swimming but potentially large waves at times and the Carana Beach hotel is situated here too. At the hotel you can have breakfast (subject to reservation) or any other meal, just grab a drink on the beach or organise to have a massage at their spa. The other beach is the North East Point beach which is not great for swimming but is wonderful at low tide for exploring the exposed reef.

 Visit the Cap Lazare nature reserve. It is owned by my childhood friend and I can organise just a visit or you can spend the day roaming the property and enjoying their private beach. You can also stay for the best Creole buffet lunch on Mahé and see the the most giant tortoises in one place in their natural habitat in Seychelles. There also is a Copra factory (dried coconut for old preseed oil making) a fruits and vegetables farm and essential oils distillery. Monday to Friday 10 – 16 hrs. only and subject to reservation.

 Visit the Takamaka Rum Distillery for a taste of local rums and a tour.

 Go snorkeling at Ste. Anne Marine National Park The water is warm, clear, and full of fish. You can do a half-day boat trip from Mahé including a beach BBQ lunch. Bring an underwater camera if you have one.

 Hike to Anse Major on Mahé It's about 45 minutes each way along the coast. The trail alone is gorgeous with some breath-taking views along the way and the beach at the end is worth it. There now also is a simple cabana La Sirene where you can have lovely lunch and shower before hiking back or you can use their water taxi.

 Eat Creole food at local takeaways. Find a small takeaway place. Get grilled fish with rice, lentils, and satini or whatever tickles your fancy. It's cheap, fresh, and what locals actually eat.

 Hike to Copolia – it is the only place you will find the endemic carnivorous Pitcher pants and the view on a clear day is amazing.

 Drive down to Police Bay. The drive itself is beautiful and it is probably the remotest part of Mahé.
 Visit one of the waterfalls. The Sauzier waterfall is easiest to find and access but you may have to share with many other. The Grand Anse and Cascade waterfalls are remote and thus also usually deserted but finding these may be tough geographically and physically.


MUST-NOT DOS

 Things that will either waste your time, money, or potentially ruin your trip. Learn from other people's mistakes.

Don't leave valuables unattended in your car. Outside and at the villa. At the villa please always use safe provided for your valuables. Theft isn't rampant but it happens, especially at popular beaches where tourists leave bags while swimming or visible potentially valuable items left in the car.

Don't expect nightlife. This isn't that kind of place. A few bars exist(Beach Shak, Boat House, The Boardwalk, Trader Vic`s) but things are generally quiet after dark. Come for nature and beaches, not parties.

Avoid the popular beaches on Sundays as these are usualy crowded (by Seychelles standards) and noisy as the locals meet up, party and BBQ often with very loud music and lots of alcohol involved.

Do not expect to be abe to buy any Alcoholic beverages before 11 AM.

Everything will probably cost more than you think it should. Budget accordingly or you'll be stressed the whole time.

Don't skip sun protection You're close to the equator. The sun is intense even when it's cloudy. People get badly burned here because the breeze makes it feel cooler than it is.

Don't assume all beaches are swimmable year-round. From May to September, the southeast trade winds can make some beaches rough with strong currents. Ask locals which beaches are safe that time of year. Watch for the warning flags and obey them.

Don't touch or take anything from nature reserves The coco de mer nuts are protected and taking one is illegal. Same goes for shells. Fines are serious.

 Be mindful of where you park in Victoria as you may get a fine if not parked at a designated parking area.