Mahé Things to Do

 
by ranger49
 
  •   Things to Do
    by ranger49
  •   Things to Do
    by ranger49
  •   Things to Do
    by ranger49
  • The Market entrance
      The Market entrance
    by ranger49
  • My wife among the rocks
      My wife among the rocks
    by cjg1
 

Most Recent Things to Do in Mahé

Sort by: Most recent | Most helpful

Write a Review
The Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market
ranger49 profile photo

2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

ranger49 807 reviews
The Market entrance
2 more images

This famous market is named after a distinguished English man. He qualified as a doctor, served in WW1 and was awarded the Military Cross. Later he became a Medical Officer in Hong Kong where, in WW2 he was interned during the Japanese occupation in solitary confinement for three years. After his repatriation at the end of the war he was appointed Governor of the Seychelles.
It would be hard to find a less "British" market . This is a bustling, hugely colourful place with lots of fish stalls, and every kind of exotic tropical fruit and vegetable you can imagine.
You could also buy souvenirs to take home from one of the stores selling locally made handicraft work - shells made into jewelry, and crafted coco shells. I bought some hand made soaps containing natural oils and fragrances, beautifuly wrapped and tied with raffia.
Upstairs there is a cafe/restaurant from where you can look down on the colourful scene below as you enjoy some refreshment.
Look out for a most unusual customer at this market- known locally as "Madme Paton" it is a Cattle Egret with a distinctive yellow/orange bill.
Madame Paton ( after an elegant, rather tall French lady of long ago) seems a name more befitting this graceful bird than its other name - which comes from its habit of following the path of cattle as they churn up the soil with their hooves so they can use their long bills to dig up the best worms! I think Madame Paton may have looked rather like the beautiful lady in blue in Picture No 2.

Updated Sep 15, 2011

Was this review helpful?

Visit Mahé's Capital - Victoria
ranger49 profile photo
ranger49 807 reviews
2 more images

Said to be the smallest Capital in the world and Capital of the largest island in the Seychelles Group, it is named after Queen Victoria.
There are echoes of colonial architecture to be seen here - on a small scale.
You will hear English, French and Seychellois spoken reflecting both the original French colonisers of the Islands and the British who seized possession during the Napoleonic wars. An independent colony since 1903, an independent Republic since 1976 Victoria is the seat of givernment and administration.
A short walk of less than 10 minutes or so took us from our ship to the centre of the Capital where the clock tower can be seen. Often described as a mini-Big Ben the tower was in fact a replica of the clock erected in London in 1897 at the junction of Victoria Street and Vauxhall Bridge Road.
Though I must say, it looked remarkably like a miniature Big Ben!

We had not realised that we were visiting on World Aids Day so were suprised to see the Clock Tower, when we passed by the second time, decorated with the universal symbolic red ribbons of the Aids campaign. A theme that was repeated through the shopping centre.

It is an attractively laid out little city and had an air of relaxed bustle. Nobody seemed in too much of a hurry but were getting on with the shopping, stopping to chat or just watch the traffic and people passing by.
There seemed to be a good selection of shops and cafes -but we were heading for the Market!

Updated Sep 15, 2011

Was this review helpful?

Duniye Spa
cjg1 profile photo

3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

cjg1 4348 reviews
3 more images

The Duniye Spa at the Hilton Northolme Resort is a must do. The spa is locate right above the crashing water in it's own hut like building. The massage room is large with big doors that open out to a terrace above the water. Massages here are insanely good (definitely book the couples massage); especially with the relaxing sound of the waves outside. After the massage was incredible. They seat you in these wonderful chaise lounges and give you Citronelle tea to drink as you relax....absolute heaven.

As a Diamond with Hilton we were given two certificates for free twenty minutes massages upon arrival. I can't think of a better way to unwind after many long flights to get here.

Updated Jun 23, 2011

Was this review helpful?

Swim in the Indian Ocean
cjg1 profile photo

3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

cjg1 4348 reviews
My wife enjoying the ocean
4 more images

Swimming was one of our favorite activities at this resort especially in the ocean. The water here is crystal clear and many shades of blue and green that changes throughout the day. Water temperatures are a little colder than the water in the Caribbean but much warmer than the beaches back home. Depending on the tide and the wind; surf can be very calm with tiny swells or quite rough with huge crashing waves.

We chose to swim during calm ocean currents when the waves were minimal. This was one of my favorite times swimming with my wife, riding a wave in and just holding her in my arms. It's amazing how the water has such a calming and tranquil effect on the body....the stresses of life just melt away.

**Be careful in the water. There are many sharp rocks and hidden reefs that can cut your feet and legs. Water shoes are an excellent choice if you plan on walking beachside or swimming.**

Updated Jun 23, 2011

Was this review helpful?

Aldabra Giant Tortoises
cjg1 profile photo

3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

cjg1 4348 reviews
Hmmm what's he doing?
4 more images

The Aldabra Giant Tortoise can be found on many of the islands of the Seychelles. While visiting the Botanical Gardens we were able to view some of these large creatures. My wife and I were fortunate enough to see these giants during our tour of the Botanical Gardens. Over a dozen of these Tortoises are in their own habitat right behind the Coco de Mer trees.

The tortoises were oblivious to our intrusion into their domain and continued to sleep, eat and well let nature take it's course.... It's not a place to linger long since the smell is quite overpowering in the heat.

Updated Jun 23, 2011

Was this review helpful?

Explore Victoria
cjg1 profile photo

3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

cjg1 4348 reviews
4 more images

Victoria is the capital city of the Seychelles and is the smallest African capital. Victoria was first established when the island was a British colony. Some of this colonial influence can be seen with the Little Ben monument and Queen Victoria statue in the center of Victoria.

Although this is the capital city it feels like a town with its small downtown area and only one traffic light. The city is quite walkable and had many attractions such as the Botanical Gardens and the Markets.

Updated Jun 23, 2011

Was this review helpful?

Beau Vallon Beach
cjg1 profile photo

3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

cjg1 4348 reviews
My wife enjoying the beauty of it all...
7 more images

Beau Vallon Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island. The pristine sand, clear water and coral reefs make it an excellent spot for sunbathing, snorkeling, swimming and fishing. The beach was just a short walk from our hotel on the North West side of the island. During our time at the beach we saw first hand its popularity. The Coral Strand Hotel and several popular restaurants are located along the beach which makes for a nice beachside meal or cocktail.

Updated Jun 23, 2011

Was this review helpful?

Beau Vallon Market
cjg1 profile photo

3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

cjg1 4348 reviews
4 more images

Beau Vallon Market is right along the beach. Vendors selling prepared food and local crafts line the road. Liz and I decided to check out the night market and see what there was to offer before heading over to the Coral Strand for drinks. The market had some interesting prepared foods; Indian, fresh fish kebobs, lamb stews, fried fish, fruit juices and fruit slices. The market was full of people and this seemed to be a big neighborhood meet up for locals.

Updated Jun 23, 2011

Was this review helpful?

Victoria Market
cjg1 profile photo

3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

cjg1 4348 reviews
4 more images

Victoria Market is the local food market. Local vendors sell fruit, vegetables, fish, spices and local foods. The market is a bustling place and there is so much to see. We were lucky to visit the market on a "non-busy" day; not Saturday (which we were told is a mad house). My wife and I had a local guide Frank who explained some of the interesting produce to us. It amazed me how unique some of the items were especially the dragon fruit and endless varieties of mangos, bananas and pumpkins. This is a definite must see and taste. We sampled some delicious varieties of mango and banana.

Arrive early before noon when they tend to have fewer products available.

Updated Jun 23, 2011

Was this review helpful?

The Mission
cjg1 profile photo

3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

cjg1 4348 reviews
All that remains of the school
4 more images

The Mission is now just a crumbling ruin. This site was once a school for liberated slaves on the island. The Anglican Church established this school in 1875 and taught children up to 1892. The school grounds included the school and housing facilities for the students.

All that remains now is a partial foundation and wall from one of the buildings. The large Sandragon trees hanging along the pathways add to the legend that this area is haunted. At the end of the path is a lodge that overlooks the ocean and provides an incredible view.

Updated Jun 23, 2011

Was this review helpful?

Top 3 Hotels in Mahé

Constance Ephelia Resort

 1 Review and 371 Opinions  We stayed here for a week for friends wedding. This hotel is large and our first opinion was, that... 

 Hotels in Mahé

Banyan Tree Seychelles

 3 Reviews and 204 Opinions  Facilities at the Banyan Tree includes, Double sun lounger on private deck,Outdoor private infinity... 

 Hotels in Mahé

Sainte Anne Resort & Spa

 1 Review and 162 Opinions  Beautiful resort on a private island...a dream ! We haven?t stayed there, but visited our friends,... 

 Hotels in Mahé

The Place

Reviews and photos of Mahé attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Mahé sightseeing.

Experience Mahé
  Share your Travels  
 

The People

2 Members Live Here
 
Our Members Say
 profile photo

 The Mission is now just a crumbling ruin. This site was once a school for liberated slaves on the island. The Anglican Church established this school in 1875... 

2 members live in Mahé

 

Questions and Answers

ashvin82 profile photo

Q:  Hi, I am going to Mahé soon and am looking to hire a car during my one-week stay here. I have been recommended Echo cars... 

skippinrocks profile photo

A: We rented a car from the Berjaya hotel on Mahe. If you go to their website, you should be able to set something up through them. Also, some of the other hotels have... 

Read 2 Replies

postQuestion_button

Top Mahé Writers

1

Mah? : a jewel in the ocean

Muya profile photo

 Among all the little green spots lost in the blue of the maps, Mahé is the largest. Maybe this is the reason why many tourists tend to skip it, considering the capital-island only as a transit lounge,... 

2

Exit to Eden

cjg1 profile photo

 The Seychelles had always been on my places to visit list and finally I made it to this beautiful place. My wife and I decided to visit for my Birthday week in February 2011. We picked the Hilton... 

3

The main island of the Seychelles

globetrott profile photo

 I've got some interesting experiences in Mahé. I'd love to share with you the 37 tips I've written, the 171 photos uploaded, and 0 travelogues I've created. 

4

Island of surprises

kyoub profile photo

 Climb the mountains for panoramic views out over the Indian Ocean, sip tea at the tea factory, go bird watching, or just relax on one of the most beautiful islands,certainly the most remote, in the...... 

5

Mahe - Jewel of the Seychelles

MikeAtSea profile photo

 The main island of the Seychelles is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and impressive in the world. Each of its 70 beaches has a different character; the rock formations behind them are a dramatic... 

View all rated pages

View newest pages

Build your own Mahé page