Victoria’s wide streets and mountainous rainforest backdrop give the capital of the Seychelles a relaxed, tropical vibe—nothing moves too fast, and you wouldn’t want it to. Things to do include exploring the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market with its colorful heaps of locally grown spices, strolling through the National Botanical Garden to spot giant tortoises and trees planted by famous visitors (including the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh), and visiting the National Museum of History, housed in a charming historic building.
Victoria’s weather is largely determined by the seasonal patterns of the Indian Ocean, with monsoons hitting the port city from December to February. Skip those months, especially if you’re planning to dive or snorkel, and try to visit between April and May or from October to November; during these times of the year, the days are dry and warm, and the trade winds have died down.
Victoria is compact and walkable—within the city itself, you’ll be able to travel pretty much everywhere on foot. If you want to explore farther afield, the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation runs buses around the rest of Mahé. Taxis are available (but can get expensive), or you can check with your accommodation to see if they offer any complimentary transport options for guests.
Get a feel for the color of Mahé with a visit to the George Camille Gallery; housed in a restored, traditional home, the gallery showcases the work of local artist George Camille. He’s known for his textured works that depict the pattern and rhythms of life in the Seychelles, but he works with sculpting, printmaking, and etching as well. There ’s also a small café attached to the gallery where you can cool down with fresh fruit juices.
