Exploring Seychelles by car opens access to spectacular beaches, mountain lookouts, and local villages that tour buses skip. Mahé and Praslin offer completely different driving experiences. Mahé brings dramatic mountain passes and coastal curves. Praslin delivers relaxed beach-hopping on easier roads. This guide maps out the top routes worth your time.
Mahé: Coastal Loop Route (4-5 hours)
Start from Victoria heading north on the coastal road. First stop is Beau Vallon Beach after 20 minutes. Continue to Bel Ombre, then wind up to Danzil viewpoint for panoramic ocean views. The road curves through North East Point, past Anse Etoile.
Drive south along the east coast through Anse Royale and Takamaka. Stop at Anse Intendance for pristine white sand. Complete the loop back to Victoria via Baie Lazare. Total distance: 75 km.
Route Highlights:
- Beau Vallon Beach: swimming and water sports
- Danzil Viewpoint: photo opportunity
- Anse Intendance: wild beach with strong waves
- Craft Village: local art and souvenirs
Mahé: Mountain Explorer Route (3-4 hours)
Take Sans Souci Road from Victoria heading inland. This steep climb leads to Mission Lodge ruins with views over western Mahé. Continue to Tea Factory for tours and tastings. Drive through Morne Seychellois National Park on winding mountain roads.
Descend toward Port Glaud on the west coast. Return via coastal road through Grand Anse and Beau Vallon. Distance: 45 km but allow time for stops.
Mountain Route Tips:
- Start early morning for clear views
- Road gets foggy after 2 PM
- Bring light jacket for cooler temperatures
- Fill fuel tank before climbing
Mahé Routes Comparison
| Route | Distance | Duration | Difficulty | Best For |
| Coastal Loop | 75 km | 4-5 hours | Easy | Beach lovers, families |
| Mountain Explorer | 45 km | 3-4 hours | Moderate | Photography, nature fans |
| South Circuit | 35 km | 2-3 hours | Easy | Quick beach tour |
Praslin: Complete Island Circuit (2-3 hours)
Praslin is smaller and roads are gentler. Start at Anse Volbert (Cote d’Or) on the northeast coast. Drive south to Anse Consolation, then continue to Grand Anse on the southeast. This is Praslin’s longest beach perfect for sunset.
Head west past the airport to Baie Sainte Anne. Visit Vallée de Mai UNESCO site near the center. Return north through Anse Lazio access road. Total circuit: 40 km.
Praslin Must-See Stops:
- Anse Lazio: often called world’s best beach
- Vallée de Mai: home to Coco de Mer palms
- Grand Anse: quieter beach with restaurants
- Anse Georgette: requires brief walk from Lemuria Resort
Praslin: Beach Hopper Route (half day)
Focus on top beaches without full island loop. Start at Anse Lazio in the northwest. Spend 2 hours swimming and snorkeling. Drive to Anse Volbert for lunch at beachfront restaurants.
Finish at Anse Possession or Anse Takamaka on the east side. This condensed route covers 25 km and hits three premium beaches in 4 hours.
Driving Conditions Across Islands
Mahé roads require more attention. Steep grades, sharp turns, and narrow sections demand careful driving. Speed limits are 45-65 km/h but actual speeds drop lower on mountain passes. Praslin roads are wider and flatter. Traffic is lighter everywhere except Victoria during rush hours (7:30-9 AM, 4:30-6 PM).
Both islands drive on the left. Roundabouts operate clockwise. Parking is free almost everywhere except central Victoria.
Rental Car Options for Island Tours
Economy cars handle Praslin routes easily. Mahé mountain drives benefit from cars with more power. SUVs provide confidence on steep climbs but aren’t necessary for paved routes. Getting a rental vehicle in Seychelles without deposit requirements lets you book through services like RosCar that accept debit cards and skip credit card holds.
Book cars with unlimited mileage since you’ll cover 100+ km exploring both islands properly.
Best Times to Drive These Routes
Start coastal routes early (7-8 AM) to avoid midday heat and crowds at popular beaches. Mountain routes work best 9-11 AM when visibility is clear. Afternoon fog often obscures views after 2 PM.
Sunset drives along Grand Anse Mahé or Praslin offer spectacular colors. Leave by 6 PM as roads lack lighting and night driving is challenging.
Route Planning Essentials
- Download offline maps before leaving WiFi
- Carry extra water (shops are sparse between villages)
- Pack swimwear, towels, and snorkel gear
- Bring Seychelles rupees for small purchases
- Check fuel levels before mountain routes
Single-Day Itinerary Suggestion
Combine shorter routes for full-day adventure. Morning: Mahé coastal drive south to Anse Intendance (2 hours). Afternoon: Mountain route to Tea Factory and Mission Lodge (2 hours). Evening: Return via western coast through Port Glaud (1 hour). This covers 60 km and showcases Mahé’s diversity.
For Praslin, complete the full circuit with 3-4 beach stops in one day. Less driving means more swimming and relaxation time.
Safety and Navigation Tips
Phone signal works throughout Mahé but gets weak in Praslin interior. GPS accuracy drops in mountain areas. Ask locals for directions when uncertain. They’re friendly and helpful.
Watch for pedestrians and cyclists everywhere. School zones require extra caution between 8-9 AM and 2-3 PM. Wild chickens cross roads frequently, so stay alert.
Driving these routes yourself gives total freedom to stop at hidden viewpoints and quiet beaches. You’ll discover places that organized tours never visit and create a personalized Seychelles experience that matches your interests and pace.
