I Love Seychelles

Posts Tagged ‘rental car’

Coco de Mer palm tree

Coco de Mer palm forest

Vallée de Mai is a nature reserve on Praslin island in the Seychelles and has a unique and natural palm forest preserved in its original state. The reserve is home of the famous Coco de Mer palm tree, endemic to the Seychelles, with its giant double coconuts. Vallée de Mai was added to the UNESCO world heritage list in 1983.

It’s only a short drive from the coast at Baie Sainte Anne to the reserve which is located about 5 miles land inwards. Several well maintained paths lead you through the palm forest.

We took the north route and were amazed by the giant palm leaves, almost five times my own size. After about 45 minutes we reached a shelter up a small hill offering a beautiful over the tropical forest.

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Map of Praslin island, Seychelles

Exploring Praslin island, Seychelles

Just like we did on Mahé, we decided to do a round trip on Praslin island. Saturday September 27th we rented a car from a guy called Manuel of Prestige Car Hire, who was always hanging out near the Acajou hotel. He was also recommended by our Mason’s Travel contact. The rental price per day was €50 or €70 including insurance, which was a lot pricier than our rental car on Mahé.

Again the fuel tank was almost empty, so I had to fill it up first. About a 3rd of the tank this time, because Praslin island is even smaller than Mahé island. The car we got was a small, bright orange Kia with airco. All Seychelles rental cars come with airco. I think it’s standard on the cars, and everything else, even the most basic things like electric windows in the front doors, is optional.
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Mahe map

Exploring Mahé island

Wednesday September 24th we decided to explore the island. We rented a small car with a car rental agency called Camec for €35 for a full day. We were told this was one of the cheapest options on the island. Renting a car can be expensive in the Seychelles.

The idea was to drive to around the island clockwise, starting at Victoria, making our way down along the east coast and then cross the island at Quatre Bornes in the south to the west coast. I had heard Anse Takamaka should be beautiful, so after a stop there the route would go along Baie Lazare, Anse Soleil (the lunch cafe there was recommended by Stephane from Clef des Iles) all the way up to Port Launay. Check out the map of Mahé for a more detailed view.

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