Seychelles National Botanical Gardens
Seychelles National Botanical Gardens
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- Tony VJackson, California4 contributionsTortoise trove visitWe bought the tickets on line weeks before arrival by ship. The hike from the pier was OK but hot and humid. The park is beautiful. These 5 acres are almost right in town. We went to visit the Aldabra tortoises. They were amazing, genial giants. Now I have seen both of the giant species. The greenery at the park is fantastic too. There was a nice little patio cafe for a cold drink. The bathroom was clean and nice. Go early to beat the heat. Don't miss it.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 24 November 2023
- holiday-view23-7-11Basingstoke, United Kingdom1,804 contributionsGiant attractionSmall in comparison to other Botanical gardens but the have great palms and amazing giant tortoise compound. Our guide was really knowledgeable and as it was Sunday we could hear the singing form a near by church. A truly amazing visit. Suitable for all ages some steps and up hill walking.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 May 2024
- Paula H5 contributionsA well kept and amazing garden.An oasis near Victoria which is a photographers paradise for photographing plants and wildlife. There is such a variety of flowers with amazing colours. You are allowed to feed the giant tortoises which is good fun. The fruit bats are roosting in the trees higher up in the garden, way behind the cafe. The wildflower cafe is lovely, hidden away and with a variety on the menu.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 June 2024
- Eileen108Mount Shasta, California5,618 contributionsBeautiful Area, well kept!We came with limited time in a group tour from the cruise ship in Feb 2024, would have been nice to spend more time here. It is a lovely area with numerous different varieties of plants. Also the tortoise area is open to all and we could interact freely, that was nice!Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 6 July 2024
- PeterA338Bournemouth, United Kingdom76 contributionsTwo hours in the Botanical Gardens.The Botanical Gardens are a short bus ride away from the centre of Victoria. They are nicely presented with a chance to walk in peace and serenity among the tropical trees and plants. Probably the highlight is the chance to see and feed the giant Tortoises , there are about 30 there.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 July 2024
- Pernille DAMalmö, Sweden88 contributionsBeautiful topical garden and best place to get close to the turtles – visit with guide recommendedWe visited this beautiful topical botanical garden together with a guide - a choice that I can recommend – as there are very few descriptive plaques/signs with information in the garden (which have been useful if you were here by yourself). There is a great variety of flowers with amazing colours and smells – and it was interesting to see and hear about the male and female Coco de Mer palms. The highlight was the giant land turtles, which you are allowed to feed fresh leaves (which are already ready to take and give them). Tip: This was the best place to get close to turtles compared to all the other places we were on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 July 2024
- Andy W7 contributionsA great day out!Great way to spend half a day. Lots to exotic plants to see and learn about and feeding the torti by hand was amazing! Also saw large numbers of giant fruit bats flying between the treesVisited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
1,326 reviews
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travelmadIver
Iver, Buckinghamshire52 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We visited on 13/3/2023 . We had checked the website for opening times and it clearly stated it closed at 5pm. It indicated you need around 1.5 to 2 hours to enjoy the gardens.
We bought our tickets at 3.15pm paying 250 Seychelles Rupees each ( about £35 for two of us which is quite expensive we think) so thought we had enough time to enjoy walking around. Unfortunately I had fallen over 2 days before resulting in a broken wrist which was in a sling in a semi cast. We were waiting to get flights back to the UK to get treatment. This meant we were not rushing about anywhere after this. We didn’t think the sign posting /map was great but happily wandered along the paths, enjoying the beautiful plants , trees , amazing tortoises, & taking photos . Unintentionally we ended up at the Cafe & as our 3 week holiday was being suddenly cut short by my fall ( happened on our 3rd day!) we decided to enjoy cake & ice creams there before continuing around the gardens which really aren’t very big anyway. It was very quiet in the gardens with probably only around 25 visitors there. Around 4.25pm we realised we had somehow missed some of the gardens at the top so walked back up the main avenue only to be met by a man who told us we couldn’t continue as the gardens were closing and told us some story about there being no security staff or something. We were very cross and disappointed and as the lady who took our entrance money had made no mention of an early closing to us we decided to ask her if we could have our tickets extended so we could visit again the next day, which didn’t seem unreasonable. We were met with a stony face but she did make a phone call which resulted in the miserable ‘superior’ man we had encountered returning & daring to tell us our entrance time & then that we had wasted time at their cafe (very overpriced ) instead of going round the gardens!! We pointed out that closing time was 5pm & not 4.30pm so we felt cheated but he wouldn’t do anything for us. It was obvious that as the gardens were quiet the staff were choosing to sneak off work early and it was nothing to do with security staff anyway.
What a way to treat visitors who are the ones who pay your wages.
So just be warned & make sure you check when you enter what time they intend to close that day as otherwise like us you will feel robbed & disappointed. It was such a shame as it was an unhappy finish to our unplanned short trip as we ended up getting flights home the next evening for medical attention.
We bought our tickets at 3.15pm paying 250 Seychelles Rupees each ( about £35 for two of us which is quite expensive we think) so thought we had enough time to enjoy walking around. Unfortunately I had fallen over 2 days before resulting in a broken wrist which was in a sling in a semi cast. We were waiting to get flights back to the UK to get treatment. This meant we were not rushing about anywhere after this. We didn’t think the sign posting /map was great but happily wandered along the paths, enjoying the beautiful plants , trees , amazing tortoises, & taking photos . Unintentionally we ended up at the Cafe & as our 3 week holiday was being suddenly cut short by my fall ( happened on our 3rd day!) we decided to enjoy cake & ice creams there before continuing around the gardens which really aren’t very big anyway. It was very quiet in the gardens with probably only around 25 visitors there. Around 4.25pm we realised we had somehow missed some of the gardens at the top so walked back up the main avenue only to be met by a man who told us we couldn’t continue as the gardens were closing and told us some story about there being no security staff or something. We were very cross and disappointed and as the lady who took our entrance money had made no mention of an early closing to us we decided to ask her if we could have our tickets extended so we could visit again the next day, which didn’t seem unreasonable. We were met with a stony face but she did make a phone call which resulted in the miserable ‘superior’ man we had encountered returning & daring to tell us our entrance time & then that we had wasted time at their cafe (very overpriced ) instead of going round the gardens!! We pointed out that closing time was 5pm & not 4.30pm so we felt cheated but he wouldn’t do anything for us. It was obvious that as the gardens were quiet the staff were choosing to sneak off work early and it was nothing to do with security staff anyway.
What a way to treat visitors who are the ones who pay your wages.
So just be warned & make sure you check when you enter what time they intend to close that day as otherwise like us you will feel robbed & disappointed. It was such a shame as it was an unhappy finish to our unplanned short trip as we ended up getting flights home the next evening for medical attention.
Written 20 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Perry
26 contributions
Jun 2021
Nice place--not the biggest or best labeled but lovely (bring bug spray for the mosquitoes). The giant tortoise enclosure was the highlight for us. They give you leaves to feed the tortoises so you get to see them up close and personal. They're almost aggressive in a slow motion kind of way. 150 rupees per person for non-residents (children under 12 are free). The cafe was closed when we were there.
Written 12 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sonja V
Helsinki, Finland24 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
The botanical garden in Victoria is quite small with some nice trees and plants inside. The entrance area looks pretty but the rest is rather average. The tortoises were nice but it was a shame they had no water area to cool down on a hot day :( In general it was a nice walk but not for the price of 250 scr per person. You should rather visit Jardin du Roi - it's much bigger, nicer and cheaper.
Written 6 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John S
Melbourne, Australia2,010 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
The gardens are laid out on a hillside so there is plenty of walking up and down paths, however the biggest problem is the lack of signage.
There is no map handed to you at the entrance, SCR150 each is not cheap, but there is a large map at the start of the trail.
After then there's nothing to guide you to the various sights worth seeing, with multiple paths leading everywhere.
There is no map handed to you at the entrance, SCR150 each is not cheap, but there is a large map at the start of the trail.
After then there's nothing to guide you to the various sights worth seeing, with multiple paths leading everywhere.
Written 30 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meleri
4 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Very disappointed after traveling the length of Mahe to visit that they were closed. Seems that a medium amount of rain and wind is enough to close for the day despite the large group of disappointed tourists at the gate. It looked beautiful from what we could make out, so just a warning to others that this is not the place to go for entertainment on a 'poor weather' day.
Written 8 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
magsy222018
Worthing, UK32 contributions
May 2022
These gardens are beautiful . With so many different plants and flowers to see. They even have a giant tortoise enclosure to visit which is lovely. We visited when it was raining on and off which was absolutely fine .the only thing I would recommend is to wear suitable footwear I went in sandals and was a little slippery in places as it was wet so trainers are a good idea.
Written 21 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mchugh14
County Kerry, Ireland42 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
In need of a lot of maintenance and upkeep. No staff present whatsoever except the ladies at the front desk to charge the overpriced 250 rupees each.
The tortoises were a highlight but I don’t think the gardens have been modified or maintained in a long time. The on site cafe is also closed until the end of August.
I wouldn’t advise tourists to visit as you don’t get much for your money and it’s over in 15 minutes!
The tortoises were a highlight but I don’t think the gardens have been modified or maintained in a long time. The on site cafe is also closed until the end of August.
I wouldn’t advise tourists to visit as you don’t get much for your money and it’s over in 15 minutes!
Written 12 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
miticapanda
Bremen, Germany482 contributions
Mar 2020
If you stay only on Mahe Island you get to see the cìCoco de mer and the giant turtles, otherwise you'll see them on Praslin in the Vallee de Mai and on la Digue Island.
I didn't like that they charge extra to feed the turtles-on la Digue you do it yourself for free..
For the rest, needs a bit of refreshment and improvement.
I didn't like that they charge extra to feed the turtles-on la Digue you do it yourself for free..
For the rest, needs a bit of refreshment and improvement.
Written 28 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karla G
Santiago, Chile768 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
We visited this place in order to see the giant tortoise, as my husband really like them. They were so cute! We did not finish walking around all the garden, due to the fact that it is huge and it was hot. I also got some insect bites, so after visiting the tortoises, we were done.
We returned a second time in order to spend more time with the tortoises. There is a chance to pay extra and get to feed them again. I highly recommend this place, especially if you like tortoises
We returned a second time in order to spend more time with the tortoises. There is a chance to pay extra and get to feed them again. I highly recommend this place, especially if you like tortoises
Written 28 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David40
Mont-de-Marsan, France8 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Poorly maintained garden. There are very few explanations and the paths are poorly marked. Are many spaces closed or under construction?
You can feed turtles like everywhere on the island.
Maybe you have to be a botanist to appreciate it!
At the entrance, payment of 250 rs per person only by card and the credit card terminal did not work. We were asked to pay on the site which requires having an international telephone subscription for those who use 3D secure.
You can feed turtles like everywhere on the island.
Maybe you have to be a botanist to appreciate it!
At the entrance, payment of 250 rs per person only by card and the credit card terminal did not work. We were asked to pay on the site which requires having an international telephone subscription for those who use 3D secure.
Written 19 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there any entrance ticket to the botanical gardens or the giant turtle enclosure? If yes, how much does it cost for an adult and for children?
Written 19 June 2022
Do you have to wear a mask inside the park?
Thank you for answering!
Written 20 April 2021
I would like to know if you can get the bus from Victoria and if so, was it a straight trip or did you have to change buses? Also can you advise if Euro's are accepted or should we get RP? Thank you
Written 4 January 2020
There will be buses and Euro will be accepted.
Written 14 May 2020
Ich persönlich finde den Eintritt nicht überteuert. 6,50 Euro ist absolut ok. Die Seychellen sind kein billig Ziel, das wollen sie auch gar nicht sein. Der Botanische Garten ist schön für jemanden, der Pflanzen mag und wissen will, wie sie heißen. Auch die Flughunde sind den Besuch wert, wenn man sie beobachten möchte
Written 10 February 2019
Did you visit Le Jardin Du Roi too? If yes, which of these two would you recommend?
Also, we are planning to visit Vallee de Mai in Praslin for sure. Would you then recommend we skip these two?
I'm interested in coco de mer, spread of species (exotic and endemic), turtles etc
Written 15 January 2018
Hi, we only visited the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens and
thoroughly enjoyed it. Make sure you allow time to explore or you
will miss the hidden away aspects of the gardens.Very good value for money.
After speaking with other travellers and doing our own research,
we decided to give Vallee de Mai a miss as we thought it far too
expensive and had little to offer that is not available generally by getting out
into the Praslin countryside.
If you do go, would you be kind enough to let me know your thoughts?
Hope you have a great time !
Written 16 January 2018
Hi can u tell me how to get there from hotel berjaya beau hotel? Public transportation - is there one to the botanical gardens or how to get there
Written 27 October 2017
Hello, you can use public transportation (its close to the center of Victoria) or rent a car, it is quite easy to find it (it is not far from Marie Antoinette (typical seychellois - Seselwa - restaurant)
Written 2 November 2017
Could someone tell me if you need cash for the entrance fees or are credit cards accepted for the SCR 100 fee?
Written 9 September 2017
You need cash for entrance fees
Written 10 September 2017
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