About Le Sans Souci
Reached via a mountain road which winds through the tropical vegetation, Le Sans Souci Guest House stands ...
... high on the mountain slopes overlooking Victoria Port and the neighbouring islands of St Anne Marine National Park. Set amongst tropical mountain gardens, this gem of a guest house is not on a beach; however it has stupendous views and an ideal location for exploring Mahé's interior.
We find Le Sans Souci to be very welcoming: Janine makes a great hostess. Although not on the beach, the setting is wonderful and Sans Souci is ideal as a base for walking in Mahé's forested mountains. Meanwhile, it's only 15 minutes' drive to Beau Vallon Beach and, on the other side, it's 20 minutes' drive to the beaches in the Port Launey area.
Our view
We find Le Sans Souci to be very welcoming: Janine makes a great hostess. Although not on the beach, the setting is wonderful and Sans Souci is ideal as a base for walking in Mahé's forested mountains. Meanwhile, it's only 15 minutes' drive to Beau Vallon Beach and, on the other side, it's 20 minutes' drive to the beaches in the Port Launey area.
Seychelles expert
Accommodation
3 Rooms
Children
Ok for all ages.
Open
All year
Activities
Birdwatching
Self-guided walking
Traveller reviews of Le Sans Souci
12 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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View galleryHolidays visiting Le Sans Souci
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you
Boxfish Island Holiday
8 days • 2 locations • 1 country
MAHÉ AIRPORT TO MAHÉ AIRPORT
Discover Mahé and Praslin islands on this slightly offbeat and excellent-value Seychelles trip combining green mountains, local culture and time on the beach.
Visiting Mahe Island, Praslin Island
US$3,080 - US$3,780 per person
Le Sans Souci: Our full report
Reached via a mountain road which winds through the tropical vegetation, Le Sans Souci Guest House stands ...
... high on the mountain slopes overlooking Victoria Port and the neighbouring islands of St Anne Marine National Park. Set amongst tropical mountain gardens, this gem of a guest house is not on a beach; however it has stupendous views and an ideal location for exploring Mahé's interior.
Owner-run by the very welcoming Janine & Hugues, Le Sans Souci only has three rooms for visitors: two doubles and one family room, which has a double and twin beds. A very extensive fourth room, with two bedrooms, some catering facilities and a massive panoramic window, is planned to open in 2016.
All of the rooms are decorated in the same fresh style - white-washed and exposed granite walls, white tiled floors, simple wooden furniture and white cotton curtains and soft furnishings. Each double room has a good-sized fitted wardrobe, full length mirror, cushioned deck-chairs, double bed, and bedside lamps and tables. There is also air-conditioning, a ceiling fan, telephone, mini-bar, tea and coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi throughout Sand Souci.
The rooms are all light and spacious and are accessed by sliding doors. Towards the back of the double rooms a few steps lead up to the bathroom which is in the same style and has a good sized shower, single wash-basin set in a wooden work top and toilet. There is a wall mounted hair-dryer and washing basket, and soap is provided.
The family room is almost identical to the doubles except that it is double-storey and there is a dressing room. The twin beds are on the ground floor along with the bathroom and dressing room, and upstairs you will find the double room; its own balcony has lovely views over Victoria and the harbour.
Sans Souci has a very open terrace with a lovely swimming pool adjacent to an open-sided bar and dining area where breakfast and dinner (on request) are served. Both take full advantage of the beautiful views and there are sun-beds and tables and chairs laid out around the pool. Janine's social personality makes this a very welcoming, friendly area where guests often linger to relax and chat. It's clear that this is a pleasure for Janine, not merely a job, and her approach is a big factor in making Sans Souci a real pleasure to visit.
Sans Souci Guest House is about 15 minutes' drive from the centre of the capital, Victoria, and so car hire is more-or-less essential if you are staying here – so we'll usually include it in your trip. Free transfers to and from the airport are offered, and the owners will also help you to organise any excursions or activities that you are interested in.
Le Sans Souci has not only a spectacular location in the mountains, but it is also probably the best base in the Seychelles for walking and hiking trips in the mountains and forests which cloak this part of Mahe's interior. The owners know the local walking routes well, and can provide leaflets and simple maps on the walking trails.
Geographics
- Location
- Mahe Island, Seychelles
- Ideal length of stay
- 3 nights or more – especially if you're keen to do a lot of walking.
- Directions
- About 10 minutes up the mountain road coming from Victoria the turning to Sans Souci is on your left, 50m past the tortoise and goat pen, just before a viewing point. It is easy to get lost on your first time here, so we'll normally arrange for the owners to pick you up from the airport. We still remember the owners venturing out to find us when we got lost on our first visit here – and doing so with smiles and plenty of understanding!
- Accessible by
- Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Not really room service, but a 3-course evening meal, can be arranged on request.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included.
Special interests
- Birdwatching
- Birdwatchers in the Seychelles will enjoy Sans Souci for seeking out some of the Seychelles' endemic birds. These include the blue pigeon, Seychelles kestrel and Seychelles scops owl. A pair of barn owls also visit regularly in the evening.
- See ideas for Birdwatching in Seychelles
- Walking
- Le Sans Souci Guest House is a great base for walks in the Seychelles with access to the mountains of Mahe Island; routes leading directly from the guesthouse; and the trails in Seychellois National Park are only a short drive away.
- See ideas for Walking in Seychelles
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Le Sans Souci Guesthouse is certainly family friendly.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions.
- Special activities & services
- Baby-sitting can be arranged on request, though they won't be formally trained child-minders.
- Equipment
- Cots, high chairs and car seats for babies can be provided on request.
- Generally recommended for children
- This is a relaxed guesthouse, which would be suitable for families. Though refer to the notes about the unfenced pool and steep drops, as supervision of children is required at all times.
- Notes
- Children must be supervised at all times as there is an unfenced pool, and there are steep drops around the sides of the property due to its mountainside location.
Communications
- Communications
- There is cellphone reception at the guesthouse and in-room telephones are provided. Fax and internet services are available on request. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
- TV & radio
- Weather-permitting, a big screen can be set up outside for major events, but there are no TVs in the rooms.
- Water supply
- Mains
- Water supply notes
- The rooms have a flushing toilet and shower.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- The nearest hospital is in Victoria about 10-15 minutes away. There is a private doctor 10 minutes away who will come to Sans Souci if needed.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers outside the rooms.
Activities
Birdwatching
Self-guided walking
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge
- Money
- There are key-operated safe deposit boxes in the rooms.
- Accepted payment on location
- Le Sans Souci will accept Mastercard, Visa and Amex credit cards, as well as cash payments in Seychellois Rupees, US dollars, Euro and Pounds Sterling.
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Le Sans Souci's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Le Sans Souci.
Other lodges in Mahe Island
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Ephelia Resort
The luxurious Constance Ephelia Resort is set on the quiet western coast of Mahé, overlooking Port Launay Marine National Park.
When to go to Mahe Island
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Le Sans Souci in Mahe Island
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Seychelles in January
January is the wettest month of the year in the Seychelles: temperatures are warm, humidity levels high, and short, tropical downpours are common. Cyclone activity elsewhere in the Indian Ocean often results in heavy cloud cover too.
Although generally calm, the warm, north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed – perfectly harmless, but can make swimming less pleasant.
Picture-perfect beaches are abound on opposites sides of the island. Waves and currents are also strong on Mahé’s north-west coast at this time.
For wildlife spectacles, January has definite highlights and Bird Island is particularly special at this time of year. The Hawksbill turtle hatchlings start emerging from mid December to mid March, and their journey to the ocean is wonderful to witness. Throughout the year the bird-watching is excellent, but from end-August to end-May, migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appear.
- The wettest time of year to travel, with high humidity levels.
- Rain comes in short tropical downpours, after which the sun comes out.
- Prices over the Christmas and New Year period rise significantly.
- Hawksbill turtles can be seen hatching.
- Migratory birds on shore from Alaska and Siberia.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Seychelles in February
Like January, February is one of the archipelago’s wettest months. Afternoon downpours are to be expected, humidity levels can be extremely high and cloudy skies the norm.
Although generally calm, the warm, north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed – perfectly harmless, but can make swimming less pleasant. Picture-perfect beaches are abound on opposites sides of the island. Waves and currents are also strong on Mahé’s north-west coast at this time.
For wildlife spectacles, February does have highlights and Bird Island is particularly special at this time of year. The Hawksbill turtle hatchlings start emerging from mid December to mid March, and their journey to the ocean is wonderful to witness. Throughout the year the bird-watching is excellent, but from end-August to end-May, migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appear.
- Warm weather all year round.
- One of the wettest months, expect clear mornings and wet afternoons.
- Good time of year for birding, with migratory birds in residence.
- Hawksbill turtles can be seen hatching.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in February
Seychelles in March
The heavy rains of the first few months start to die down by March, and the temperature begins to rise. Most days will be clear, with clouds sometimes gathering to a short thunderstorm in the late afternoon.
The calm, warm, north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed – perfectly harmless, but can make swimming less pleasant. Picture-perfect beaches are abound on opposites sides of the island.
It is possible to dive throughout the year in the Seychelles, however waters are calmest from March to November, making this a great time of year for underwater adventures.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Hawksbill turtle hatchlings start emerging from mid December to mid March, and their journey to the ocean is wonderful to witness. Throughout the year the bird-watching is excellent, but from end-August to end-May, migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia arrive, displaying their often spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore, while from March-November, a staggeringly large colony of Sooty Terns chatter and roost across the island.
- Warm weather all year round.
- Rains ease off and temperatures begin to rise
- Great for diving, with warm water, good visibility, and calm seas.
- The Hawksbill turtles generally hatch around now.
- Great time of year for birding, migratory species are still around.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Seychelles in April
April is the calmest, warmest month of the year, making it one of the best months to visit the Seychelles. The wind drops, the temperature is delightfully warm and the seas are calm, offering great diving and brilliant visibility.
The birding is great, particularly on Bird Island, when migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia are resident and displaying their often spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore. An enormous, chattering colony of Sooty Terns roost on the island from March-November.
In late April, the capital city, Victoria, comes alive for the colourful parades of the Carnaval International de Victoria, with street performances, costume parades and parties.
- One of the warmest and most pleasant months of the year.
- Great diving with calm, warm water and clear visibility.
- Windless periods make for lovely swimming and gentle boat excursions.
- Good value rates, outside the Easter school holidays.
- Good time of year for birding.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in April
Seychelles in May
May is the start of a relatively dry period and one of the best months to visit. There is little rain with plenty of warm beach days under clear blue skies.
The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though idyllic beaches await elsewhere.
Birding is good, particularly on Bird Island, with migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appearing up until the end of the month, displaying their often spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore. A vast colony of Sooty Terns chatter and roost from March-November.
- Warm, dry weather.
- Great diving with calm, warm water and clear visibility.
- Calm and windless periods, make for lovely swimming & boat excursions.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in May
Seychelles in June
June marks the change of seasons but there’s little rain at this time and lovely long, hot, clear days. Coming before the start of the European Summer holiday season, June is often a quieter time to visit, and in some cases reduced rates can also be found.
The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though pristine beaches await elsewhere.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Green Turtles, an endangered and protected species, are more commonly seen at this time (June and September), often whilst laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island. Birding is also particularly good here, with breeding birds and a vast colony of Sooty Terns chattering and roosting from March-November.
- Hot, clear days & little rain. Water temperatures drop to around 25C.
- Whale sharks can be seen, attracted by the nutrient rich plankton.
- Nesting Green turtles are common sightings on Bird Island.
- Stronger winds make access to remote dive sites more difficult.
- Accommodation prices slightly lower than high season.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in June
Seychelles in July
July is a time to bask in lovely warm days, with little chance of rain.
The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though idyllic, powder-sand beaches await elsewhere.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Green Turtles, an endangered and protected species, are more commonly seen at this time (June and September), often whilst laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island. Birding is also particularly good here, with breeding birds and a vast colony of Sooty Terns chattering and roosting from March-November.
- Warm, clear days & little rain. Sea temperatures drop to around 25C.
- Nesting Green turtles are common sightings on Bird Island.
- Whale sharks can be seen, attracted by the nutrient rich plankton.
- European school holidays push prices up in July and August.
- Stronger winds make access to remote dive sites more difficult.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Seychelles in August
Similar to June and July, August is both dry and lovely, with hot, clear days, comfortable temperatures and little chance of rain.
The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though idyllic beaches abound elsewhere.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Green Turtles, an endangered and protected species, are more commonly seen at this time (June and September), often whilst laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island. Birding is also particularly good here, with migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appearing from end-August to end-May, displaying their spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore. A vast colony of Sooty Terns also chatter and roost from March-November.
- Hot, clear days & little rain. Water temperatures drop to around 25C.
- Nesting Green turtles are common sightings on Bird Island.
- Whale sharks can be seen, attracted by the nutrient rich plankton.
- European school holidays push prices up in July and August.
- Stronger winds make access to remote dive sites more difficult.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Seychelles in September
September is generally a time of warm and clear days, with a little rain possible towards the end of the month, and rising humidity.
The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though idyllic beaches abound elsewhere.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Green Turtles, an endangered and protected species, are more commonly seen at this time (June and September), often whilst laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island. Birding is also particularly good here, with migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appearing from end-August to end-May, displaying their spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore. A vast colony of Sooty Terns also chatter and roost from March-November.
- Warm, clear days with a chance of rain towards to the end of the month
- A good time of for diving with calm, warm water and clear visibility.
- Whale sharks can be seen, attracted by the nutrient rich plankton.
- It’s generally quieter and prices are slightly lower than high season.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in September
Seychelles in October
October is warm with calm conditions and rain increasing towards the end of the month.
During this calm season (October and November), whales migrate past the islands and you may spot Southern Right, Humpback and Short-finned Pilot whales. The Hawksbill Turtle nesting season also begins in October, with Bird Island being a great place to witness the event. It is unusual for a guest who stays 3-4 nights not to see a Hawksbill turtle laying their eggs. Migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia are also present here, alongside a vast, noisy colony of Sooty Terns.
The warm, north-west trade winds bring good underwater visibility for diving but do also tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed, and can make for waves and strong currents on Mahé’s north-west coast. Picture-postcard beaches abound in other areas.
For some island culture, the Festival Kreol takes places on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue in late October, with colourful celebrations of Creole heritage.
- Warm weather with rain towards the end of the month.
- A good time of year for diving with calm, warm, clear waters.
- Calm, windless periods are great for swimming and boat excursions.
- Hawsbill turtles are nesting and migratory whales are often spotted.
- A quiet and peaceful time with fewer visitors.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Seychelles in November
By November, the winds start to change, bringing light, warm breezes and the start of the main rainy season. Temperatures remain warm and pleasant.
The calm north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s eastern coast (Côte d’Or beaches) with seaweed, and waves and currents are strong on Mahé’s north-west coast (Beau Vallon). But elsewhere picture-perfect beaches abound and overall, the gentle winds make this a good time for water-based activities: diving, boat trips and swimming. The Seychelles Ocean Festival, celebrating marine diversity and highlighting reef protection, is held annually at this time.
Whales migrate past the islands throughout November and you may spot Southern Right, Humpback and Short-finned Pilot whales. The Hawksbill Turtle nesting season also begins in October, with Bird Island being a great place to witness the event. It is unusual for a guest who stays 3-4 nights not to see a Hawksbill turtle laying their eggs. Migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia are also present here, alongside a vast, noisy colony of Sooty Terns.
- Warm days & little wind but the start of the main rainy season.
- A good time of year for diving with calm, warm, clear waters.
- Ccalm, windless periods, great for swimming and boat excursions.
- Fewer visitors and lower accommodation costs.
- Good opportunities to see nesting turtles and migratory whales.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Seychelles in December
December is one of the hottest and wettest months. During this Northwest Monsoon season, short tropical downpours are the norm after which the sun does generally come out again. The rain turning the islands staggeringly lush and green.
The Hawksbill Turtle nesting season is in full swing, and by mid-December some hatchlings begin to emerge. Migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia are also present, alongside a vast, noisy colony of Sooty Terns.
The calm, warm, north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed, and waves and currents are strong on Mahé’s north-west coast, but there are plenty of other beautiful beaches.
Christmas is a huge celebration on the islands, for locals and hotels, and also within the southern hemisphere ‘Summer holidays’ making this an extremely busy and expensive time to visit, however, festivities are often fabulous.
- December is hot and wet, with regular tropical downpours.
- Vegetation is beautifully lush and green.
- Migratory birds arrive from Europe.
- Christmas and New Year are extremely busy times to visit.
- Hawksbill turtles are nesting and hatching.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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