
Seychelles National Botanical Gardens
Discover the unique flora and fauna of Seychelles, including the iconic Coco de Mer and giant tortoises.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures & fewer crowds

Seychelles National Botanical Gardens
Best Time
Cooler temperatures & fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the unique flora and fauna of Seychelles, including the iconic Coco de Mer and giant tortoises.
"A beautiful botanical garden with a great diversity of plants and wildlife."

Card Payments Only
Be aware that the ticket office mainly accepts card payments. :credit_card:
Cafe Hours Vary
The cafe's opening hours can be unpredictable. Bring your own refreshments. :water_wave:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Coco de Mer Palms
Throughout the gardens
Marvel at the iconic Coco de Mer, the world's largest seed, and its unique palm trees.

Giant Tortoise Enclosure
Designated enclosure
Get up close with gentle giant tortoises; some visitors even get to feed them by hand.

Endemic Plant Collection
Various sections
Discover a rich array of endemic plants, beautifully labeled for an educational stroll.

Birdwatching Opportunities
Throughout the gardens
Spot diverse bird species, including the Madagascar Red Fody, blue pigeon, and tropic birds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit: Timing is Key
Payment & Refreshments
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Card Payments Only
Be aware that the ticket office mainly accepts card payments. :credit_card:
Cafe Hours Vary
The cafe's opening hours can be unpredictable. Bring your own refreshments. :water_wave:
Spot Local Wildlife
Keep an eye out for diverse bird species and flying foxes. :bird:
Labelled Flora
Most trees are well-labeled with descriptions, making it an educational walk. :leaf:
Tips
from all over the internet
Card Payments Only
Be aware that the ticket office mainly accepts card payments. :credit_card:
Cafe Hours Vary
The cafe's opening hours can be unpredictable. Bring your own refreshments. :water_wave:
Spot Local Wildlife
Keep an eye out for diverse bird species and flying foxes. :bird:
Labelled Flora
Most trees are well-labeled with descriptions, making it an educational walk. :leaf:
Tortoise Feeding
You might have the chance to feed the giant tortoises by hand. :turtle:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the gardens for their impressive diversity of endemic plants and the engaging experience with giant tortoises. The opportunity to spot various bird species and the educational labeling of trees are also highlights. However, some find the tortoise enclosures a bit zoo-like, and the cafe's inconsistent opening hours and card-only payment at the ticket office can be inconvenient.
"I found this experience/attraction completely underwhelming. It's a small ground. The cafe was closed and had no signs indicating this. So there was numerous tourists walking to the cafe to find it closed with no other alternatives available for even refreshments on a hot day. The tortoises was by far the best thing in the botanical garden."
Abdul A
"Its a beautiful botanical garden with a great diversity of plants. Especially the amount of endemic plants they have is impressive!
Though the place is not only interesting for plants but also for the birds that there are. We found multiple different species like the blue pigeon, tropic bird, bulbul, fodys, myna, kestrel and some more. Also there are lots of flying foxes that can be photographed very well if you are lucky!
Also there is a café at the end which serves great good and smoothies. Highly recommend it!!
The only thing that I find unnecessary is the tortoise enclosures. This kills the vibe for me a little bit and gives it a zoo atmosphere...
Overall go there to enjoy the plants, wildlife and good food at the café. Its a very nice place!"
Henk Reinicke
"Lovely gardens, interesting range of plants. Best bit definitely the tortoise enclosure (although I feel they should have more space and enrichment). Only negative is the ticket office only accept card payments, no cash."
Katherine L
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The gardens are located on Mahé island, easily accessible by taxi or local bus services from Victoria. Many visitors find it a convenient stop when exploring the capital city.
Yes, there is parking available for visitors who choose to drive to the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens.
From Beau Vallon, you can take a local bus or a taxi to reach the gardens. The journey is relatively short and straightforward.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The gardens are typically open daily, but it's always a good idea to check their official website or contact them for the most up-to-date opening hours before your visit.
Admission fees apply. The ticket office primarily accepts card payments, so ensure you have a card ready.
Tickets are usually purchased on-site at the ticket office upon arrival.
Information on discounts for specific age groups is best confirmed directly with the gardens.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the iconic Coco de Mer palms, the giant tortoise enclosure where you can sometimes feed them, and the impressive collection of endemic plants. Keep an eye out for the diverse birdlife too!
Absolutely! The gardens are designed for pleasant strolls, with well-maintained paths winding through diverse plant collections.
While not always advertised, inquire at the entrance if guided tours are offered or if information leaflets are available to enhance your understanding of the flora.
Besides the giant tortoises, you can spot various bird species like the Madagascar Red Fody, blue pigeons, and tropic birds, as well as flying foxes.
Some visitors have noted stinging bugs near certain trees, like the cannonball tree. It's wise to be aware and perhaps use insect repellent if you're particularly sensitive.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located within the gardens that serves food and smoothies. However, its opening hours can be inconsistent, so it's best to check in advance or bring your own refreshments.
The cafe is known for serving great food and smoothies, offering a pleasant break during your visit.
While there's a cafe, it's advisable to bring your own water and snacks, especially on hot days, given the cafe's variable hours.
📸 📸 Photography
The vibrant flora, unique Coco de Mer palms, and the giant tortoises offer fantastic photo opportunities. The late afternoon light can also be beautiful for capturing the lush greenery.
Yes, the gardens are a great place to photograph local wildlife. With patience and luck, you can capture images of various bird species and flying foxes.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography, especially of wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, as the cafe's hours can be unreliable. The relatively compact size of the gardens makes it manageable for little legs, and the shaded paths offer respite from the sun. Consider visiting in the morning to avoid the midday heat.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
Photographers will find ample subjects, from the intricate details of the flora to the majestic tortoises and elusive birds. The late afternoon light can create stunning shots of the lush greenery. Be prepared for the possibility of stinging bugs near certain plants and ensure your camera is ready for spontaneous wildlife encounters.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Marvel of the Coco de Mer
The gardens provide a protected environment for these iconic trees, allowing them to thrive. Information boards near the trees often detail their fascinating biology and conservation status, making it an educational experience for all ages.
Encountering Giant Tortoises
While the enclosure is a popular feature, some visitors express a desire for the tortoises to have more space and enrichment, suggesting a balance between visitor experience and animal welfare. Nevertheless, seeing these ancient creatures is a profound part of visiting the gardens.
A Haven for Birdwatchers
The diverse plant life provides ample food and shelter for these avian residents, creating a vibrant ecosystem within the gardens. Bringing binoculars can enhance the birdwatching experience, allowing for closer observation of these beautiful creatures in their natural environment.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit