What to expect
Just below the summit of Sans Souci, the Mission Lodge offers one of the most remarkable views over the west coast of Mahé. From here you look across green mountain slopes to the azure ocean, with tropical birds gliding overhead. Peace and natural beauty come together here and are hard to resist.
The site is part of Morne Seychellois National Park. From the entrance, a short path leads through forest to the viewing pavilion. The ruins lie at the start of this track, and information boards explain the history of the place.
History: Venn's Town
The Mission Lodge was once a farm and boarding school for the children of freed slaves. The school opened in March 1876 and was known as 'Venn's Town', later renamed 'Capucin'. The name goes back to Henry Venn, secretary of the Church Missionary Society, which ran the project.
In 1889 there were 79 pupils, shortly before the project failed. Today you can still see the ruins of 'Venn's Town'. The children of the freed Africans later played a large part in shaping Creole society in the Seychelles.
The viewing pavilion is more recent: Queen Elizabeth II opened it on 20 March 1972 during her visit to the Seychelles. Photographs of the occasion hang at the viewpoint.
Getting there
By car
From Victoria, follow Revolution Avenue towards Beau Vallon (north-west). Shortly after the police station and the Barrel Disco, turn left into Bel Air Road, pass the Bel Air Cemetery and keep going uphill, where the road becomes Sans Souci Road. The drive takes just under 20 minutes and covers 8.4 km. On the right-hand side you will see the Mission Lodge sign next to a newly built wooden hut.
You can park opposite the hut on the other side of the road or, if it is quiet, just past the entrance. The mountain road is narrow and winding, so expect oncoming traffic and buses. In map apps, look for "Venn's Town, Mission Lodge".
By bus
The service is 14 Port Launay via Sans Souci, departing from the bus terminal in Victoria. There is a stop at the entrance. The timetable of the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) is adjusted regularly, so check it at sptc.sc. Sort out your return journey on the way up: buses are often one to two hours apart, and there is no taxi rank at the top.
Opening hours and admission
| Information (as of November 2026) | |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | Daily 9:00–17:00 (some websites give 9:30 as the start time) |
| Admission | SCR 100 for visitors aged 12 and over (as of November 2026) |
| Free | Children under 12 and locals |
| Payment | At the entrance, bring cash in rupees |
Duration, best time and tips
Allow one to two hours, depending on how closely you look at the ruins and the information boards. The mountains around Sans Souci often cloud over by midday. If you arrive early in the morning, you usually get the clearest view over the west coast. The lodge closes at 5.00 pm, so you cannot stay for sunset.
