Over 1,000 miles from the east coast of Africa the island of Mahe's jungle clad mountains rise from the Indian Ocean.

With over 60 beautiful beaches and coves fringing Mahe island, ranging from sweeping bays of white sand to hidden corners you can make your own, a densely forested interior and small towns with a unique Creole culture, there is much to explore.

Mahe may be the biggest and most populated island in the Seychelles, housing roughly 90% of the nation's 89,000 citizens, but with the majority of people living in and around the capital of Victoria in the north east of Mahe island it is easy to escape and find your own Robinson Crusoe experience.

The joy of Mahe is the variety the island offers: yes, more beach hopping than you could possibly squeeze into a two week holiday, but also waterfalls, jungle, mountain walks and stunning viewpoints, with a whole host of activities from rock climbing to sea kayaking and scuba diving.

Mahe beaches are wonderful and many are on a par with those found on Praslin and La Digue, but if you like to mix your beach break with exploration and adventure Mahe is a delight to drive around and find your own corner.

Mahe island is divided into east and west by the Morne Seychellois National Park, a mountain range with peaks as high as 905 meters clad in thick tropical forest. The majority of people live on the east coast, particularly between the airport and the capital city of Victoria.

Along this coast the government has embarked on a program of land reclamation, with a number of projects including Eden Island, a luxury housing development and marina, and Ile Perseverence where social housing projects and the new courts of law have been built.

The city of Victoria makes for a great day trip, with a botanical garden, market and various sights, but the majority of visitors will avoid this area, opting for a more remote beachfront location.

From Victoria a road raises over the hills to the west, taking travelers to the beach resort of Beau Vallon, a huge sweeping bay with calm shallow waters ideal for families, and a range of resorts and self catering accommodation at reasonable prices.

From Beau Vallon the road heading north to Glacis (a small village near the north point of the island) passes a number of small but beautiful beaches with great views to Silhouette island that are often deserted. To the west of Beau Vallon it is possible to hike to the gorgeous Anse Major.

Immediately south of the airport the waters are shallow, and there are few beaches worth stopping off at until you reach Anse Royal - and this is where it starts to get really good.

From Anse Royal in the south east around to Anse Louis in the south west is an area of outstanding natural beauty, with great coastal roads, hidden coves and delightful beaches to discover.

While Anse Royal is a midsized town with a school, shops, market and the odd restaurant, the rest of the south coast is made up of small settlements interspersed with forest and twisting coastal roads.

Shere are some of the most spectacular beaches on the island - Anse Soleil, Intendance and Takamaka - allowing you to have castaway fantasies while still being able to find an occasional corner shop to stock up on supplies.

As you head north from Anse Louis the next two bays are less interesting - Anse Bouileau is a wide, expansive bay with a number of places to eat but without the wow factor, while Grande Anse is far too rough to swim - though a pretty good surfing spot.

North of Grand Anse there is a beautiful viewpoint before you reach the town of Port Glaud, a sleepy village with a nice waterfront that feels like the end of the road.

Finally to the north of here lies the Constance Ephelia and Port Launay Marine Reserve, a protected area with abundant sea life offering some of the best snorkeling and diving on the island.

Attractions in Mahe Island

Boat charters in Seychelles:

Why not hire a boat via one of the Seychelles Boat Charters on Mahe to experience a full day dive or snorkelling trip around Mahé, Praslin and La Digue or why not try a number of dive courses and dive excursions, including live aboard trips.

This is a great way to explore some of the outer island around Mahe that make up the 115 Islands of the Seychelles. Day Trips to the islands like Praslin and La Digue are also possible.

Casino:

If you fancy a nice thrill of winning some money while on holiday in the Seychelles then try one of the local casinos.

The closest casino to Chalets d’ Anse Forbans would be the Amusement Centre which has some 200 slot machines as well as a fully licensed bar. You can relax and enjoy the gaming or watch many others enjoying themselves while having an exotic cocktail.

Disco:

If the night life is something you would like to try out when in the Seychelles then you would need to make a visit to Katiolo.

Katiolo, is an unique open-air nightclub on Mahé it offers its varied clientele evenings of enjoyment with a distinctly Creole touch and a lively ambiance. Katiolo is about 10 minutes drive from the Seychelles International airport.

Seychelles Fishing:

Why not go out and catch your own fish and come back to your beach villa to have a great BBQ. Whether you fancy big game fishing or deep sea fishing the choice is yours with local Seychelles operators happy to assist you.

Mahe also has some wonderful spots for fly fishing or why not just take a fishing rod on the beach sit back relax, sip your Seybrew and watch the sunset.

Glass Bottom boats trips around the Seychelles Marine National Park: -This must be one of our highly recommended excursions- a glass bottom boat trip in the St Anne National Marine Park. You get to snorkel with the fish and feed them as well. Do not forget to bring along some bread.

Seychelles Golf:

If you are an avid golf fanatic then the Seychelles Golf Club which is a nine-hole course built on a old coconut plantation, would be part of your agenda for your holidays in the Seychelles.

The course is situated at Anse aux Pins just off the road leading to the Reef Estate. This is approximately 15 minutes from the Seychelles Airport. Praslin also has its own Golf Course.

Horse riding on Mahé Island:

Why not try a Horse Riding while on your holiday in Seychelles. Enjoy Mahé’s west coast - Barbarons and Grand Anse area on an Arabian horse. The stables are close to Le Meriden Barbarons hotel.

Seychelles Walks, hikes and trails and tours:

A diversity of walks with different degrees of endurance are available and do enquire with Chalets d’ Anse Forbans for further information.

You can also obtain individual trail brochures produced by the Seychelles Ministry of Environment which can be purchased at the Antigone book store in Victoria and at the Seychelles Botanical Garden situated about 10 minute walk from Victoria.