Places to Visit in Bel Ombre
Morne Seychellois National Park is located on the island of Mahé, the largest island in Seychelles archipelago. This breathtaking park forms the area around Morne Seychellois, the highest peak in the country, at an awe-inspiring 900 metres above sea level. Covering an expansive area of 3045 hectares, the park comprises more than 20% of the entire island.
This gorgeous beach is located on one end of the Morne Seychellois National Park, and is stunning, to say the least. One way to reach this beach is through a trek in the park, which is a great adventure in itself. Anse Major was previously used to help the production of copra, citrus fruit, cinnamon and vanilla - the exotic fragrances still permeate the area! The granite boulders and reefs in the vicinity make the location picturesque and relaxing. You can pass by the Point de vuesur Anse Major, which is a walkway and observation deck - take all the pictures you need here. Lounge by the beach or indulge in watersports - Anse Major is your oyster!
4 Things to Do in Bel Ombre
- Fishing at Bel Ombre
As the district also boasts of a harbour, local fisherman and tourists flock to fish and get game. From small boats to yachts, there are many options you can look into. Many private agencies offer private charters that you can rent and fish for an extended duration. These packages can be inshore, nearshore, reef, wreck and offshore fishing.
The types of fishes underwater include sailfish, yellowfin tuna, dolphin, blue Marlin, bonito, barracuda, red snapper and wahoo. The best times to fish are in the early morning or the late afternoon. Check out the Bel Ombre Marina to find the best agencies and boats. Bonus: the colourful boats and the vermillion sunsets make for some best snaps.
- Trekking
Trekking is a favoured activity at Bel Ombre because it houses the stunning Morne Seychellois National Park, which covers more than 20% of the entire island! The park has 12 hiking trails, which are a delight to embark on. If you're not so sure of the tougher trails, there are beginners' paths you can look into too. The walks to the top of the many hills and granite rocks that dot the region are rewarding, to say the very least - the panoramic views are amazing.
- Snorkelling at Bel Ombre
Snorkelling is very popular at Anse Major because of the open cove, the well-formed and preserved corals, and the stunning biodiversity. You can spot the semicircle angelfish, the emperor angelfish and the three spot angelfish that are as curious as they are colourful.
You can also find schools of green birdsmouth wrasse, white-spotted boxfish, blue-spotted grouper, moray eels, yellowfin tuna and other fish in the region. The visibility is great as well. Do not forget to carry your snorkelling gear to the beach if you plan on hiking there. You can also rent the equipment from the city since there aren't any watersport agencies here.
- Bird Watching
Since the National Park runs through Bel Ombre, bird watchers and nature lovers are sure to fall in love with the region - ardent ornithologists can get their binoculars and spot the Seychelles sunbird, the Seychelles bulbul, blue pigeon and the Seychelles Kestrel. Tour guides and park authorities regularly undertake birdwatching and nature walks.
Best Time To Visit Bel Ombre
A tropical country, Seychelles has the rare luxury of having desirable weather throughout the year, so you can visit anytime and still be guaranteed a good time. That being said, there are a few months in the year which are ideal for certain activities. The beaches are best visited from October to March because less seaweed washes up to the shore. If you plan on visiting Anse Major in Bel Ombre, this period is your best bet.For other activities including swimming, trekking, and hiking, April, May, October, and November are favoured because these months mark the interim dry period between the two distinct monsoon seasons in this tropical paradise. This doesn't mean that these months are arid - you can still expect isolated showers, but the humidity is relatively low in Bel Ombre during this period. The temperature ranges from 26 to 31 degrees Celcius, and the ocean is a warm 27 degrees Celcius, which makes it perfect for taking a dip.
Tips
- Regardless of the time of your visit, carry an umbrella, a hat, sunglasses and waterproof sunscreen to keep your skin protected and free from sun damage, as the tropical sun can be a little harsh sometimes.
- Keep local currency at hand, especially while using public transport.
- While at the beach or going snorkelling, keep your valuables in a safe box - invest in a waterproof box that you can carry with you, for your wallet and phone.
- Do not litter, and dispose of waste responsibly.
- While hiking, follow the trail judiciously and beware of losing your way. Always carry loose change while travelling.
- Buy a local map to find out tiny shops and restaurants to experiment!
How To Reach Bel Ombre
Bel Ombre district is located about 4 kilometres or two miles to the west of Victoria, the capital of Seychelles. Daily buses are available at regular intervals to commute between the two locations, but night buses are dubious. While the bus schedules are not updated online, you are bound to find a bus departing at regular intervals during the day. Do not expect the buses to be luxurious - they are usually old and quite worn out, but safe regardless.If you're carrying a lot of luggage, local buses are not a good option. You can hire a taxi to take you to Bel Ombre, or you can contact the resort you're planning on staying in, to pick you up from Victoria. Buses, by far, are the cheapest option.