Go to Mahé (Seychelles)

Experience the Many Facets of the Seychelles

Tropical climate, sparkling turquoise water, and beautiful palm trees – this is what comes to mind when you think of the Seychelles. But leave the classic white sand beaches behind you and you’ll experience nature in a way that couldn’t be more diverse and rich in species. We introduce you to the most beautiful and untouched corners of the Seychelles.

The Magical Scent of Nutmeg

Just 20 minutes from the largest island in the Seychelles, there’s a place in the hills around Les Canelles for those with discerning noses. Take a deep breath and enjoy the scent of vanilla bean, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper as they mingle in the spice garden “Le Jardin Du Roi”. If you’d like to do both taste and smell, you can discover local spices in the “Spice Shop”, or try a curry crêpe while surrounded by breadfruit trees, pineapple plants, and red ginger lilies.

Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden

Welcome to Bird Paradise

Admittedly, there is an unmistakable parallel between Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” and “Bird Island”: There are a lot of birds. But don’t worry, unlike Hitchcock’s classic thriller, “Bird Island” is a special kind of animal paradise. For one thing, Esmeralda, probably the oldest, largest, and heaviest sea turtle in the world lives here. For another, this island provides a safe habitat for rare and endangered seabirds. Wherever you look, the air is in constant motion with countless birds warbling and fluttering from stick to stone and bush to tree. And best of all is the relaxed atmosphere between humans and animals!

Bird Island

Rain Forest to the Left, Waves to the Right

It's a bit like being stranded on a deserted island: Ahead of you lies the pounding surf in glistening sunlight, driftwood tickles your feet, and in the shallows a few sea turtles graze on a lush meadow of seaweed. You can see a group of dolphins leap out of the water on the horizon. Behind you are rough, grey cliffs where lizards sunbathe, and then the rainforest begins, with loud rustling, chirping, and twittering. Civilization? Very far away! Here in the “ Sainte Anne Marine National Park”, the oldest nature reserve in the Seychelles near Mahé, nature is clearly in charge!

From Bay to Bay in a Boat

The area around the “Baie Ternay Marine Park” – about 30 minutes from Mahé – is ideal for exploring with a boat or kayak. Pack some snacks and head for “Anse Du Riz Bay” for a picnic. At first glance, this little spot looks like any other beach (but with a barbecue area!), but at second glance, you’ll discover a natural phenomenon: Between the mangroves and rocky cliffs is an unexpected lagoon-like estuary. Our tip: Take a unique stroll after lunch to the backcountry of the bay!

Baie Ternay Marine Park

First a Misty Rain Forest, Then a Panoramic View

Although hardly bigger than a sparrow, you can spot them from a distance in the middle of the rainforest. This is because the Madagascar Red Fody boasts bright neon-red plumage. The Red Fody isn’t the only exotic animal you’ll discover along the “Morne Blanc Trail”. From the shaggy opossum to the slightly slippery “black snail”, the “Morne Seychelles National Park” features all sorts of striking creatures. The path through the deeply-rooted rainforest is worthwhile for more than just its special inhabitants – there’s also an amazing view of the ocean at the end, which even the Madagascar Red Fody occasionally leaves the jungle to see.