What to expect
The Le Jardin du Roi spice garden (Spicegarden) in the south of Mahé carries on the French spice-trading tradition of the 18th century. The garden lies in the hills of Les Canelles between valleys, with rows of vanilla vines, citronella, cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper and other spices. You will also find medicinal plants and native species that give you a sense of the island's natural world.
In the Spice Shop you can buy spices, handmade candles and medicinal plants that are rare anywhere in the world. It draws visitors from every country.
Other buildings, such as the old homestead, still stand as a reminder of times gone by. The small museum holds interesting artefacts and documents on farming and local history.
The paths run up and down across the grounds. Important trees and plants are labelled, and a map at the entrance helps you find your way. For children, the main attraction is the giant tortoises, but rabbits and guinea pigs also live in the garden. From the higher spots the view reaches down to the coast.
The garden has a restaurant serving Creole cuisine, made with spices, herbs and vegetables grown on site. The ice cream is also made here and flavoured with spices. The kitchen is mainly open at lunchtime, and it is best to ask on the spot for the exact hours.
Getting there
By car
Directions: From Victoria, drive south towards Anse Royale. Follow the main road to its end, and at the edge of the village turn right towards Les Canelles. After about 1 km, turn left into a small hamlet called Sweet Escot. After about 300 m you will see a signpost pointing right, up the hill to the Spice Garden.
The last stretch is steep and narrow, so oncoming traffic needs attention. Drive slowly and go uphill in first or second gear. At the top there is parking at the garden.
By bus
Anse Royale is served by routes 5 and 6 from Victoria and from the airport, and the journey from the airport takes around 20 minutes. SPTC buses do not accept cash, so you need a card. Tourists can use a Visitor Travel Card, available at the airport (Travel Plus), at Victoria bus station and at other sales points. You will find the current timetable on the SPTC website.
From the centre of Anse Royale it is about 2 km uphill to the garden, and on foot you should allow 20 to 30 minutes. The route follows the one described above via Les Canelles and Sweet Escot. If you would rather not walk, take a taxi.
Opening times and admission
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Monday to Sunday: 10:00 to 17:30 |
| Admission for adults and children over 12 years | SCR 150 (as of November 2026) |
| Admission for children under 12 years | SCR 60 (as of November 2026) |
| Payment | Cash (euro, rupees (SCR), US dollars, Swiss francs), MasterCard, Visa |
| Guided mountain hike | Registration one day in advance |
Duration, best time and tips
The visit combines well with a beach day, for example at nearby Anse Royale or at Baie Lazare beach. The Kot Man-Ya Exotic Flower Garden is also in the area.
The garden also works well as a stop on a tour around the island. You can find guided island tours with a certified tour guide, who knows the spice garden well and can explain a lot about it, here.
Visitors are free to wander around. For the adventurous, guided mountain walks are offered, but you should book a day in advance.
