Bursting with color and beauty: 5 gardens to see in Seychelles

Victoria, Seychelles | November 10, 2016, Thursday @ 10:24 in Entertainment » SEYCHELLES BUZZ | By: Salifa Magnan and Betymie Bonnelame | Views: 7703

(Gerard Larose, Seychelles Tourism Board)

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(Seychelles News Agency) - The prettiest pictures of Seychelles shown in travel magazines the world over typically focus on the island nation's beautiful blue seas and white sandy beaches. But more than half of Seychelles' land is protected, a fact that helps boost ecotourism in the 115-island archipelago in the western Indian Ocean.

Love nature? Interested in knowing the endemic plants of Seychelles? Or simply love to admire and be surrounded by beautiful, colorful flowers? Then this week's SeyBuzz is for you: a list of gardens to visit on our main island, Mahe.

1. Seychelles National Botanical Gardens

One of the oldest national monuments in the country, the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens is over a century old and is located not far from the centre of the capital, Victoria. The more than 10 hectares of land are home to a collection of plants from countries in the Indian Ocean – from South East Asia to Eastern Africa. Palms, flowers, spices and fruit trees can be seen here. It is also home to colonies of bats and a group of giant tortoises.

With areas of manicured lawn, events can be held in the different gardens. Contact the administration of the botanical garden for quotations and viewing.

(Joe Laurence, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

Location: Mont Fleuri, Mahe

Opening hours: Monday – Sunday: 8a.m. – 5p.m.

Entrance Fee: Locals: Free

Foreigners: $7

Private Functions: Yes

2. Seychelles National Biodiversity Centre

Located at Barbarons in the south of Mahe, clients can get an interactive guided tour when visiting the garden full of endemic and important indigenous plants of Seychelles.

The center that covers over 17 hectares of land complements the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens and has different thematic gardens.

Preparation to build the center, aimed at conserving the rare and endangered plants of Seychelles, started in 1998.

The Barbarons centre also boasts a nursery producing plants and flowers for sale to the public.

(Louis Toussaint, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

Location: Barbarons, Mahe

Opening hours: Monday – Sunday: 8a.m. – 5p.m.

Entrance Fee: Free for research

Private Functions: No

3. Le Jardin du Roi

Located in the hills of Anse Royale in the south of Mahe, Jardin du Roi is home to various spices such as nutmeg, black pepper and cinnamon. According to the owner, vanilla is very popular among visitors when it blossoms.

The 21-year-old garden was inspired by the 18^th century French-owned garden that was grown to promote spice trade in the colonies.

An original Jardin du Roi located in the same Anse Royale district -- though not in the same location -- was set on fire back in 1780 by the French settlers upon seeing an approaching British flagged ship only to find out later that it was a French vessel.

Exotic and tropical fruit tree such as the lychee and macadamia nut tree also grow on the over 5 acres of land that forms the garden.

Nothing goes to waste in the garden. When ripe the fruits are turned into compotes (dessert with fruits cooked in sugar), jams or fresh juice, which visitors can buy. Visitors can also have lunch in the restaurant in the garden premises.

(Joe Laurence, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

Location: Enfoncement, Anse Royale, Mahe

Opening hours: Monday – Sunday: 10a.m. – 5p.m.

Entrance Fee: Locals - $4

Foreigners: $9

Children – Free

Private Functions: No

4. Kot Man-Ya Exotic Flower Garden

The exotic, tropical flowers growing in this lush garden originate from around the globe – the South Central American rain forest, South East Asia and the South Pacific Islands.

The colourful array of over 200 varieties of flowers is part of the Anse Royale Ecotourism pilot initiative. The garden opened in 2008.

Bouquets are arranged by the owner of the garden, Marc Marengo, and there is a fee for visiting which includes a guided tour, a fresh drink, and some flowers to take home.

Home to giant tortoises, frogs, guinea pigs and rabbits, the garden has a cozy, homely feel to it.

Location: Les Canelles, Anse Royale, Mahe

Opening hours: Monday - Sunday: 9a.m – 5p.m.

Entrance Fee: Adult: $11

Children: $5.50

Private Functions: No

Website:

http://seytess.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=36&Itemid=687

5. La Misere Exotics Garden Centre

You will not miss this garden when travelling along the main La Misere road. The big colorful sign will surely catch your attention.

The garden -- located high up in the mountain -- is home to a large variety of tropical plants and flowers, some indigenous to the Seychelles.

Winding trails and pathways will lead you through the lush garden that covers under 4acres of land. You can upload photographs instantly using the free Wi-Fi on location while enjoying a cool beer or wine at the café.

The establishment caters to private functions starting at $298.