Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden
Discover a fragrant world of spices and encounter ancient tortoises at this lush hilltop garden on Mahé.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a fragrant world of spices and encounter ancient tortoises at this lush hilltop garden on Mahé.
"A sensory delight and a peaceful escape, perfect for a curious morning."
🚶♀️ Self-Guided Exploration
Use the provided map and numbered list to identify plants. It's easy and fun! :world_map:
💰 Bring Cash for Entry
Card machines can be unreliable; cash is often preferred. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spice Trail Adventure
Throughout the garden
Wander through lush greenery, identifying fragrant spices with a numbered map. A sensory delight!
Giant Tortoise Encounter
Enclosure within the garden
Meet and observe the majestic giant tortoises, a truly iconic Seychelles experience.
Creole Restaurant Dining
Onsite restaurant
Savor delicious Creole cuisine in a beautiful, open-air setting after your garden exploration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Morning Visits Beat the Heat
Cash is King for Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Self-Guided Exploration
Use the provided map and numbered list to identify plants. It's easy and fun! :world_map:
💰 Bring Cash for Entry
Card machines can be unreliable; cash is often preferred. :moneybag:
🐢 Tortoise Treat
Don't miss the chance to see the giant tortoises! They're a highlight for many. :turtle:
🍦 Cinnamon Ice Cream
Try the highly recommended cinnamon ice cream for a unique treat. :ice_cream:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Self-Guided Exploration
Use the provided map and numbered list to identify plants. It's easy and fun! :world_map:
💰 Bring Cash for Entry
Card machines can be unreliable; cash is often preferred. :moneybag:
🐢 Tortoise Treat
Don't miss the chance to see the giant tortoises! They're a highlight for many. :turtle:
🍦 Cinnamon Ice Cream
Try the highly recommended cinnamon ice cream for a unique treat. :ice_cream:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Some trails can be steep or go through the forest. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden for its educational self-guided tours, the charming encounter with giant tortoises, and the delightful on-site Creole restaurant. Many appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the sensory experience of exploring the spice trails. Some find the plant labeling could be more prominent, and the steep drive requires caution.
"Spice Garden Walk – A Self-Guided Stroll Through Nature’s Flavor Factory
This wasn’t just a walk — it was a choose-your-own-adventure through the world of spices! No guide needed here — the lovely lady at the entrance handed us a beautifully detailed map and a numbered list of plants that made exploring both easy and fun (and yes, we felt like intrepid botanical detectives).
Each plant had a sign, a number, and sometimes a scent that made us go, “Oooh, so that’s what cardamom looks like!” The garden is peaceful, lush, and smells like a five-star kitchen got lost in the jungle — in the best possible way.
And just when we thought it couldn’t get better, we turned a corner and found… tortoises! Plus rabbits and guinea pigs. It was like a mini petting zoo surprise in the middle of a spice adventure.
Pro tip: Go in the morning! The garden is much more enjoyable before the sun turns up the heat — trust us, your forehead will thank you.
Perfect for a chilled-out, curiosity-filled morning — educational, refreshing, and with just the right amount of quirk. You’ll leave with a nose full of scents and a smile on your face."
Natalia Beddard
"Lovely little botanical garden on Les Canelles. The drive up is quite steep, keep it on the low gears and you’ll be fine. Ample parking up top.
Entry fee is 150 something rupees, I had to use cash because the machine was having internet problems.
I have to admit, as someone who comes from a tropical country with plenty of exposure to our own homegrown flora, it’s a little underwhelming. I’m pretty familiar with the stuff on display. That said, I haven’t been a resident there for a while so it’s always nice to have a taste of home these days.
They give you a numbers table, for extra info on the plants you match the number on the pole in front of the plants to the one on the table. Simple, though I feel that having a full description on a board would make things a lot easier. There’s a lot of variety in a small space. I did spend plenty of time looking up each plant as I walked by. The animals are also nice, plenty of giant tortoises there walking around in their enclosure.
One last note, the green loop in the map pictured is actually a proper 20-minute trail through the forest. I just did the Copolia trail earlier in the day so this certainly took my depleted body by surprise.
Recommended."
Khidhir Azali
"We both enjoyed the time at the spice garden a lot. Lovely plants and lovely turtles. I also can highly recommend the cinnamon ice cream. We had good 2 hours there and would come back again. Only the plants could be marked a bit better than just via a map."
Daniel Buchta
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The garden is located on Les Canelles on Mahé island. The drive up is quite steep, so use low gears. Ample parking is available at the top.
Yes, it's generally well-signposted. The drive itself is scenic, offering glimpses of the island's beauty.
Taxis are readily available on Mahé and can take you directly to the garden. Confirm the fare beforehand.
The road leading up to the garden is steep. Drivers are advised to use lower gears for a safer ascent and descent.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the top of the garden, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee is approximately 150-175 SCR for adults, with half price for children under 11. It's recommended to have cash as card machines can have internet issues. +1
Advance booking is generally not required for Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden. You can purchase tickets upon arrival.
The garden is typically open during daylight hours, but it's best to check for the most current opening times before your visit.
While not mandatory, a self-guided tour using the provided map and numbered plant list is highly recommended and very informative.
Credit card machines are available, but they can sometimes experience internet problems. It's advisable to carry cash as a backup.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You can explore a variety of spice plants, learn about their uses, see giant tortoises, and enjoy the lush natural surroundings. There's also a small museum house and a restaurant. +1
Most visitors spend about 1-2 hours exploring the garden, including time for the trails and observing the tortoises.
Yes, the garden is home to several giant tortoises, which are a major attraction for visitors. There are also rabbits and guinea pigs. +1
Yes, children often enjoy the interactive map, the animals, and the opportunity to discover new scents and plants.
The green loop is a 20-minute trail through the forest, offering a more immersive nature experience. Be prepared if you've already done other hikes.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a Creole restaurant on-site with open seating, offering a lovely dining experience after your garden tour. +1
The restaurant serves delicious Creole cuisine, featuring local flavors and ingredients.
While specific menus aren't detailed, Creole cuisine often incorporates fresh vegetables and fruits, so vegetarian options are likely available.
It's a popular and highly recommended treat available at the garden, offering a unique flavor experience.
Outside food is generally not permitted in the garden or restaurant area. It's best to enjoy the local offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The lush greenery, vibrant spices, and the majestic tortoises provide numerous picturesque moments.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for capturing the beauty of the garden without harsh shadows.
Yes, photography of the plants and the garden is encouraged. Capture the unique flora and fauna.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography within the garden.
A camera with good macro capabilities can be great for capturing the details of the spices, but any camera or smartphone will work well for general shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the garden can get warm, so visit in the morning to avoid the peak heat. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the trails. The on-site restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere for a family meal, and the unique cinnamon ice cream is a guaranteed hit.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Garden Lovers
The lush tropical environment and the opportunity to explore the 'green loop' forest trail offer a more immersive nature experience. Birdsong and the gentle rustling of leaves create a serene atmosphere. Don't miss the chance to see the iconic giant tortoises, a living link to the island's unique ecosystem.
📸 Photographers
Experiment with macro shots to capture the intricate details of the spice plants, or wide-angle shots to encompass the sprawling beauty of the garden. The tortoises themselves make for compelling subjects, especially when interacting with their environment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Spice Trails
Beyond the spices, the garden is a haven of biodiversity. You'll encounter lush vegetation, including some endemic species, and the trails wind through a tranquil natural setting. The 'green loop' trail offers a slightly more challenging, yet rewarding, 20-minute trek through the surrounding forest, providing a deeper connection with the island's natural beauty.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as some paths can be uneven or steep. The self-guided nature means you can set your own pace, lingering at plants that particularly pique your interest or taking breaks to simply soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
The Majestic Giant Tortoises
The garden also features a nursery for baby tortoises, showcasing their commitment to conservation and the future of these magnificent animals. Learning about the life cycle and importance of these tortoises adds an educational layer to the encounter.
Visitors are advised to observe the tortoises respectfully from a safe distance, allowing them to live undisturbed. The sheer size and presence of these tortoises are awe-inspiring and a testament to the unique wildlife of Seychelles.
Culinary Delights at the Creole Restaurant
The menu features authentic Creole cuisine, known for its rich flavors and use of fresh, local ingredients. Visitors have praised the delicious food and the pleasant dining experience. A particular standout mentioned by many is the unique and highly recommended cinnamon ice cream, offering a sweet and aromatic conclusion to the meal.
Dining at the restaurant is an integral part of the Le Jardin du Roi experience, offering a taste of Seychellois culture alongside the natural beauty of the gardens. It’s an ideal place to reflect on the day's discoveries while savoring the local culinary heritage.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit