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Places to Visit in Victoria, Seychelles, East Africa, Africa

Victoria is the capital city of the African island country, Seychelles, in the Indian Ocean. It is located on Mahe, the largest and most populous island of Seychelles. The city of Victoria was founded during the British colonial rule as the seat of the government and since then, Victoria has been serving as the economical, administrative and cultural capital of Seychelles. Victoria is one of the prominent tourist destinations in Seychelles, holding a wide range manmade and natural tourist attractions, including the Victoria Botanical Gardens, Vauxhall Clock Tower and the Victoria National Museum of History. The geographical coordinates of Victoria are 4°37′00″ S 55°27′00″ E.

 

Connectivity to Victoria:

Victoria is catered by the Seychelles International Airport with scheduled flights from Dubai, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Mauritius, Paris, Frankfurt, Abu Dhabi, Nairobi, Colombo and many other world destinations. The distance of 11 km between the airport and city centre can easily be crossed by taxi or rental car.

Buses are the primary options to get around Victoria and other convenient options to move within the city are taxis and rented bicycles, the latter one can be hired at local shops.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Victoria:

Like the rest of Seychelles, Seychellois Creole is a widely spoken language in Victoria and some people also communicates in French and English.

Victoria Central Market is a place where everything can be bagged including traditional handicrafts to jewelry. Victoria is famous for seafood, especially for curries and grilled fish.

 

What to do in Victoria?

• Hiking
• Visiting museums and botanical gardens
• Exploring market
• Shopping

 

What to see in Victoria?

 

Victoria Botanical Gardens:

Founded in 1901 by Mr. Paul Evenor Rivalz Dupont, the Victoria Botanical Gardens originated with the objective of conserving national environmental features. It is not only home to plant species but also houses several Giant tortoises that are very friendly. Coco de Mer tree with the largest seed in the world should not be missed here.

 

Seychelles Natural History Museum:

The Seychelles Natural History Museum is the place where visitors can get complete history of the natural wildlife of the Seychelles. It is small but interesting, charging SCR50 as an entrance fee. It is situated at Independence Avenue near Albert Street in Victoria.

 

Victoria Clock Tower:

The Victoria Clock Tower is nearly same in shape that of Vauxhall Clock Tower in London. It is situated in the heart of the city at Independence Avenue, well surrounded by restaurants, cafes and modernized shops.

 

Victoria Market:

The Victoria Market is the centre of Seychelles’s shopping, highlighted by vibrant fish and fruit markets. There is also a restaurant within the market building, where visitors can have a nice coffee and some local crunchy and crispy snacks as well.

 

Kenwyn House and Gallery:

The Kenwyn House and Gallery is a perfect place in the city to bag typical Seychellois handicraft and jewelry. One can also spot many exotic pictures on the walls. The gallery is located on Francis Rachel Street in Victoria.

 

Other places of interest in Victoria include:

• National Library and Art Gallery
• French Cultural Center
• Cassedent
• Trois Freres Trail
• Copolia Trail
• Mission Lodge Lookout
• Morne Blanc hiking trail
• Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple
• Kot Man-Ya Exotic Flower Garden

 

When to visit Victoria?

Victoria is a year round destination, can be visited in any month of the year. The most preferred time to visit Victoria is from May to October.

 

Where to stay in Victoria?

Victoria is a city for all types of travelers but budget travelers have to just turn their head towards the outskirts of the city to find suitable accommodation for them both in budget and facilities. Some well known and recommended hotels in Victoria are as follows:

• Le Relax Hotel and Restaurant
• Le Meridien Barbarons
• Le Jardin des Palmes
• Hotel Bel Air
• Le Sans Souci Guesthouse
• Calypha Guesthouse
• Fond du Sac
• Le Surmer
• Bay View Villa
• Bayview Studio
• Castaway Fishing Lodge
• Le Niol Health Resort
• Eden Luxury Apartments
• Bois Calou Chalets
• Airport Transit Apartments

 

Tourist Places to Visit in Mahe, Seychelles, East Africa, Africa

Mahe is the largest as well as most populous island of the island country Seychelles. It is home to the capital of the country, Victoria and houses nearly 90% of the total population of the nation. It is located in the northeastern part of the country at 4°40′ S 55°28′ E, covering an area of 155 sq. km. Mahe is a paradise for tourists with many enthralling pristine beaches with different water sport activities and national parks with rare endemic plants and birds.

 

History of Mahe:

According to the historical records, the British were the first to visit Mahe. Mahe was first occupied by the French in 1742, remained under the French control untill 1812 when it was occupied by the British. Ultimately Mahe got emancipation from the British reign in 1876. The name of Mahe came from then French governor of Mauritius, Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais.

 

How to reach Mahe?

Mahe is the site of the prime airport of the country, the Seychelles International Airport, located around 11 km southeast of Victoria, the capital of Seychelles. Air Seychelles is the national airline of Seychelles and the airport is also served by many prominent airlines with flights from Frankfurt, Abu Dhabi, Nairobi, Colombo, Dubai, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Mauritius and Paris.

Bus transportation within Mahe is served by the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation with both luxury and general buses. Taxis, bikes and bicycles are the other options to get around Mahe.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Mahe:

To showcase the local culture and tradition to visitors, Mahe holds plenty of art galleries and museums, of which most are located in the capital city, Victoria.

Sir Selwyn Selwin Clarke Market and Tea Factory are two well known shopping options in Mahe. Mahe houses around 40 restaurants and some well noted restaurants are:

• Boat House
• Marie Antoinette Restaurant
• Islander Restaurant

 

What to do in Mahe?

• Discovery Agri Tours
• Seychelles Taxi Tours
• SMAC Adventures
• Snorkeling
• Diving

 

What to see in Mahe?

 

Cousin Island Special Reserve:

Like its name, the Cousin Island Special Reserve is very special as it is one of the very first island reserves in the globe. It is a distinct eco-tourism site, mainly famous for the endangered bird Seychelles Warblers and Hawksbill turtles. Entrance fee is SCR500.

 

Beaches of Mahe:

Being an island, Mahe possesses many spectacular internationally recognized beaches, dominated by Anse Intendance and Petite Anse. Beaches are superb in condition both in facilities and maintenance. Exploring Mahe’s beaches means jaunting in paradise.

 

Eden Art Gallery:

The Eden Art Gallery is situated at Eden Plaza on Eden Island, holding the title of the country’s largest international contemporary art gallery. Eye–catching artworks made from acrylic, water color and oil are highlights here.

 

Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple:

Being the only Hindu temple in Seychelles, the Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple is one of the identities of Mahe. Constructed in 1992, the temple is located at PO Box 1193, Victoria in Mahe.

 

Kot Man-Ya Exotic Flower Garden:

An amazing and unique eco tourism site, the Kot Man-Ya Exotic Flower Garden is located in the capital city, Victoria on Mahe. Other than 200 different tropical and orchids, visitors can also spot guinea pigs, rabbits, green geckos and giant tortoises freely roaming in the garden. Admission fee is SCR150.

 

What else to see on Mahe?

• George Camille Art Gallery
• Jude Barallon Art Studio
• Kenwyn House
• Kreole Institute
• La Casa Del Puro
• La Comet Art Works

 

When to visit Mahe?

Mahe has many reasons to receive tourists, thus the best time to visit Mahe depends on visitors’ interest, although the most preferred time is from May to October.

 

Where to stay in Mahe?

Apart from five star hotels, the island of Mahe is home to a wide range of affordable, new and refurbished hotels with the blend of traditional and modern amenities in order to provide utmost comfort to visitors. Some selected tourist favor hotels on Mahe Island include:

• Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa
• Four Seasons Resort Seychelles
• Banyan Tree Seychelles
• Maia Luxury Resort & Spa
• Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove
• Valmer Resort
• Kempinski Seychelles Resort
• Petit Amour Villa
• Ocean View Guest House
• Romance Bungalows
• The Station Seychelles
• Anse Soleil Beachcomber
• Sunset Beach Hotel
• Augerine Guest House
• Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino

La Digue Tourist Places to Visit in La Digue, Seychelles, East Africa, Africa

La Digue is the 3^rd largest island of Seychelles, an African country, located in the Indian Ocean. The island measures a highest elevation of 300 meters, covering an area of 10 sq. km while its geographical coordinates are 4°22′ S 55°50′ E. La Digue houses around 2000 people, of whom most live in the village of La Passe. La Digue holds thriving tourism industry, highlighted by its enthralling beaches, followed by winsome Veuve Nature Reserve and a museum showcasing the local culture.

 

History of La Digue:

It is believed that, La Digue got its name from a ship belonged to the French explorer Marc-Joseph Marion du Fresne, during the French colonial rule in Seychelles and the history also says, the French navigator Lazare Picault was the first person to sight La Digue in 1742.

 

Getting La Digue:

Since La Digue has no airport, international tourists are needed to take flights to Victoria or Seychelles International Airport first and then take ferry to Praslin Island and afterwards change ferry once again to La Digue. Including Paris, Frankfurt, Abu Dhabi and Colombo, the Seychelles International Airport covers many world destinations. Due to its relatively small size, La Digue can easily be explored by foot or bicycle.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in La Digue:

The feast day of La Digue is celebrated on August 15. La Digue is famous for the shopping of fresh vanilla beans, which can be purchased at all the major shops on the island. Seafood is the vital part of La Digue’s cuisine and varieties include grilled fish, steamed fish, cooked fish, fish curry and fish fillets.

Some well known restaurants on La Digue are listed below:

• Gala Takeaway
• Bor Lanmer Takeaway
• Le Relax Beach House Restaurant
• Patatran Restaurant

 

What to do in La Digue?

• Snorkeling
• Boat excursion
• Hiking

 

What to see in La Digue?

 

Veuve Nature Reserve:

The Veuve Nature Reserve is one of the popular tourist attractions of La Digue, especially noted for the population of the endangered bird Black Paradise Flycatcher.

 

Beaches of La Digue:

Beaches are the focal point of La Digue’s tourism that are not only featuring amazing eye-catching beauty but also offer unforgettable snorkeling and swimming experiences. The two most famous beaches on the island are Anse Source d’Argent and Grand Anse.

 

Belle Vue:

Located in the heart of La Digue, the Belle Vue or Eagle’s Nest Mountain is a mountain and the highest point on the island, reaching height up to 300 meters. The mountain is frequented by hikers.

 

Coco Island:

Coco Island is a wonderful island in the vicinity of La Digue, can be reached by boat from La Digue. It is great destination for boat trip and snorkeling activities. It is worth a trip.

 

Other places of interest in and around La Digue include:

• Anse Coco Beach
• Anse Source d’Argent
• Anse Severe
• Anse Gaulettes Beach
• Plantation House National Monument
• Anse Bonnet Carre Beach
• Anse La Reunion
• Union Beach
• Anse Patates Beach
• Spiagge di Anse Marron
• Petite Anse
• Grand Anse
• Anse Pierrot Beach

 

When to visit La Digue?

As like the rest of Seychelles, from May to September is the best and most popular time to visit La Digue.

 

Where to stay in La Digue?

La Digue is a site for all types of travelers, with all sorts of accommodation centres like hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, BB and inns with superior amenities. Advance booking is preferred. Other than enjoying upgraded facilities and services, visitors can also have mouthwatering seafood at La Digue’s hotels. Here are some tourist favor hotels in La Digue:

• Le Domaine de l’Orangeraie
• Le Repaire Boutique Hotel
• Chateau St Cloud
• Casa De Leela
• Patatran Hotel
• Oceane Self Catering
• Cocotier du Rocher
• Belle des IIes Hotel
• La Diguoise Guesthouse
• Moon Light Beach Villa
• Buisson Guesthouse La Digue
• Bois d’Amour Guesthouse
• Guesthouse Le Filao
• Benjamine Guest House
• Pension Hibiscus

Places to Visit in Ile De Praslin (Praslin), Seychelles, East Africa, Africa

Praslin is the 2^nd largest island of the island country, Seychelles, after Mahe Island, from which Praslin is located around 44 km away. Administratively, Praslin is divided into two districts Baie Sainte Anne and Grand’ Anse. Anse Volbert, Grand’ Anse and Baie Ste Anne are the major settlements on Praslin Island. Praslin is widely noted for its pristine beaches, including Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette that bring visitors to another world by offering wonderful snorkeling and swimming experiences. Formerly called Isle de Palmes, Praslin gained its current name from the French diplomat César Gabriel de Choiseul, duc de Praslin. Praslin covers an area of 38 sq. km and its geographical coordinates are 4°19′ S 55°44′ E.

 

Connectivity to Praslin:

Praslin hosts an airport, served by Air Seychelles with regular flights to Seychelles International Airport on Mahé Island. Other than Mahe, the airport also offers charter flights to many other islands in Seychelles. International tourists are needed to board flights to Seychelles International Airport first and afterwards they can reach Praslin by flight or boat.

The local transportation of Praslin is catered by Seychelles Public Transport Corporation with regular buses from dawn to dusk.

 

Food and Shopping in Praslin:

Shops are abundant on Praslin, ranging from branded items outlets to traditional handicraft stores. Some nice tourist favor restaurants in Praslin are listed below:

• Cafe Le Monde
• Pirogue Restaurant & Bar
• Le Duc de Praslin
• Village du Pecheur

 

Things to do in Praslin:

• Snorkeling
• Swimming
• Diving
• Day tours

 

What to see in Praslin?

 

Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve:

UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is a nature park, highlighted by the endemic Coco de Mer palm trees and its seed is considered as the largest seed in the world. The nature reserve is also famous for the bird population, mainly for Seychelles Black Parrot. Snails, reptiles and mammals are also large number in the reserve.

 

Anse Lazio Beach:

Anse Lazio is an iconic beach, considered as one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. The beach features eye-catching pure waters and also offers a memorable snorkeling and swimming experiences. It is worth a visit.

 

Anse Georgette:

Anse Georgette is one of two renowned beaches of Praslin Island, drawing a large number of overseas tourists for its crystal clear water and swimming activity. It will be an unforgettable experience for visitors.

 

Curieuse Island:

Curieuse Island is one of the small islands forming larger Praslin Island. This island is dominated by Giant tortoises that are tourist friendly and freely roam all around the island.

 

List of other places of interest in and around Praslin includes:

• Petite Anse Kerlan
• Anse Volbert
• Anse Boudin
• Anse Marie-Louise Beach
• Matthew Apostle Church
• Rita’s Art Sudio & Gallery
• Praslin Museum
• Anse Kerlan Beach
• Ziblo Boat Charter Ltd
• Seychelles Natural History Museum
• Clock Tower in Victoria
• Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden
• Baie Ternay Marine National Park
• Seychelles National Botanical Gardens

 

Best time to visit Praslin:

Praslin is a year round destination, although, to enjoy ultimate experiences of Praslin’s beaches, visitors can consider any month between May and October.

 

Where to stay in Praslin?

Being a paradise of tourists, Praslin is home to plenty of world class hotels providing utmost comfort to visitors with a wide range of top class facilities like spa, sauna and authentic breakfast. The prominent hotels in Praslin are as follows:

• Le Duc de Praslin
• Constance Lemuria
• Chateau de Feuilles
• La Reserve Hotel
• Dhevatara Beach Hotel
• Chalets Cote Mer
• New Emerald Cove
• Le Grand Bleu
• Iles des Palmes
• Cote d’Or Club Village
• Villas de Mer
• Castello Beach Hotel
• Chauve Souris Relais
• Indian Ocean Lodge
• Les Villas d’Or