English River

English River (La Riviere Anglaise) is a small district on the north-east coast of Mahe, encompassing the commercial and administrative heart of Victoria. It is named after the stream that once flowed through the area and is now a built-up zone. The district includes the central market, the bus terminal, the harbour, and many government offices.

Despite being the smallest district by area, it is the economic hub of the Seychelles.

May to September is the most comfortable time. Victoria is busy year-round but quieter on Sundays.

English River is the transport hub of Mahe. The central bus terminal serves routes to every district on the island. Taxis are plentiful. The harbour jetty connects to Praslin and La Digue by ferry.

• Victoria — The capital city, with the clocktower, Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, and the Seychelles National Museum.

Victoria has the widest range of dining options on Mahe: Creole restaurants, Indian curry houses, Chinese takeaways, and a few international-standard restaurants. The market has fresh produce and snack stalls.

The district hosts the national Festival Kreol parade (October) and the FetAfrik celebrations in May. The Victoria Carnival in February draws international participants.

• Visit the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market for the full sensory experience of Seychelles' produce.
• Explore the colonial-era buildings along Revolution Avenue.
• Take a guided harbour tour.