> Seychelles > Mahe
Overview
Despite its high population density and development level, the island of Mahe, 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.
The spine 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 great 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 including diving and various other watersports. There are several interesting sights on the island, particularly in friendly Victoria.
Although not renowned for its nightlife, Mahe is the liveliest island after dark and resorts such as the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Beach Resort and Casino, and several nightclubs and restaurants serve up traditional Creole delights and provide some evening entertainment.
Climate
Mahe lies close to the equator, and the annual temperatures remain fairly constant, with average daytime temperatures at about 80F (27C). At higher altitudes, temperatures are lower, especially at nighttime. Mahe's dry season technically runs from May to October but travellers should note that during this period the southeast monsoon winds can bring brief showers every few days; these rain showers provide some relief from the heat and generally don't dampen the holiday spirit in any way. From December to March, the monsoon arrives bringing heavy rainfall and high humidity, especially in the coastal regions.
Mahe can be enjoyed at any time of year, but visitors do tend to avoid the monsoon rains between December and March. The best time to visit depends on desired activities.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rain (cm) | 379 | 262 | 167 | 177 | 124 | 63 | 80 | 97 | 121 | 206 | 215 | 281 |
| Rain (inches) | 14.9 | 10. | 6.5 | 6.9 | 4.8 | 2.4 | 3.1 | 3.8 | 4.7 | 8.1 | 8.4 | 11 |
| Average Temperature (°C) | 26.3 | 27 | 27.2 | 27.5 | 27.2 | 26.7 | 25.5 | 25.6 | 26 | 26.1 | 26.4 | 26.1 |
| Min Temperature (°C) | 24.4 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 23.9 | 23.9 | 24.3 | 23.9 | 23.9 | 23.9 |
| Max Temperature (°C) | 28.3 | 29 | 29.4 | 30 | 29.4 | 28.4 | 27.2 | 27.3 | 27.8 | 28.3 | 28.9 | 28.3 |
| Average Temperature (°F) | 79.3 | 80.8 | 81 | 81.5 | 81 | 80.1 | 77.9 | 78.1 | 78.8 | 79 | 79.5 | 79 |
| Min Temperature (°F) | 75.9 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 75 | 75 | 75.7 | 75 | 75 | 75 |
| Max Temperature (°F) | 82.9 | 84.2 | 84.9 | 86 | 84.9 | 83.1 | 81 | 81.1 | 82 | 82.9 | 84 | 82.9 |
Sightseeing
Sightseeing
Mahe is the largest and most developed island in the Seychelles, and home to the capital city, Victoria, and about 90 percent of the country's population. There is still plenty of unspoilt island paradise to go around though, and Mahe provides a good balance between luxury amenities and natural beauty. The interior is mountainous and densely jungled, much of it protected within the boundaries of the Morne Seychellois National Park. The gorgeous coastline is ringed by many pristine dive sites, with the celebrated St Anne Marine National Park within easy reach. Beau Vallon, on the northwest coast, is a tourist magnet, and the beaches of Anse Intendance and Baie Lazare are some of Mahe's most lovely.
Victoria is the only seaport in the Seychelles, and this tropical city retains some colonial flavour and boasts a few tourist attractions, including the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens, some historical buildings around Freedom Square, the Seychelles National Museum of History, and St Paul's Cathedral. The Sir Selwyn Clarke Market is a good stop for local produce and crafty souvenirs, and the George Camille Gallery is a treasure trove for admirers of the local artist.