What to expect
Roche Caiman Sanctuary is a man-made wetland (2.9 hectares) that came into being during land reclamation work on the east coast of Mahé. It lies between the Roche Caiman Housing Estate and the National Sports Complex (Stad Linite) and is the only urban wetland reserve in the Seychelles. The centre of Victoria is only about three kilometres away.
The wetland is almost entirely freshwater. It has areas of permanently deep water as well as temporary shallows. Many species of plants, birds, insects, amphibians, reptiles and other animals depend on the different habitats found within the sanctuary. It has attracted plenty of waders, such as common greenshanks, Terek sandpipers, whimbrels, yellow bitterns, black-crowned night herons and green-backed herons, which have become a fixture of the reserve. Grey herons can be seen here too, most often in the early morning.
History
The site was created in 1986 through land reclamation. As early as 1987 there were plans to turn the area into a bird sanctuary, and in 1992 its management was handed over to a non-governmental organisation (NGO), the Nature Protection Trust of Seychelles (NPTS). In 2002 the government passed management of the sanctuary to Nature Seychelles, another local NGO with experience in habitat protection, environmental work and conservation, together with the Wildlife Clubs of Seychelles. Since then Nature Seychelles has created open water areas, channels and shallow pools for waders. In 2012 the site became the first park in Africa to join the international Healthy Parks Healthy People network.
Getting there
The sanctuary lies on the main road between Victoria and the southeast of Mahé. From Victoria you can reach it in a few minutes by hire car or taxi. If you are coming from the south, you will pass it on the way to Victoria anyway.
By bus
The state bus company SPTC serves Roche Caiman from the bus terminal in Victoria on route 30. Services towards Providence and the southeast also stop at Roche Caiman. For which bus stops closest to the entrance and when it runs, check the current SPTC timetable. Plan your return journey too, as buses run less often outside peak hours.
Opening hours and admission
Roche Caiman Sanctuary is a focal point for national conservation education and a research site, giving the public the chance to explore and better understand the dynamics of a freshwater ecosystem. The sanctuary also has an information kiosk and a shelter, which serve the dual purpose of providing information and offering a good view of the wetland's wildlife and plants.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 4:00 pm |
| Saturday | By appointment only |
| Sunday and public holidays | Closed |
| Adults (as of November 2026) | SCR 25 per person |
| Children and students (as of November 2026) | SCR 10 per person |
Duration, best time and tips
The site is small. A walk round with the shelter and observation hut usually takes 45 to 60 minutes, longer if you have binoculars and patience. The best time to come is shortly after opening in the morning, when it is still cool and the birds are active. Migratory birds are usually to be expected between October and March, resident birds such as the herons all year round.
The grounds also include a Heritage Garden, an organically run demonstration farm with crops, fruit trees and medicinal plants, as well as an outdoor fitness area and a kiosk for open-air yoga.
Nearby
Combine your visit with a half day in Victoria: the Victoria Clocktower, Sir Selwyn-Clarke Market, the National Museum of History and the Botanical Gardens are all only a few minutes away by car. You will find more wetlands with birdlife at North East Point. For an overview of the island, see the page on Mahé.
One more tip: if you are after some peace and quiet, come at a time when no school classes are booked in. The sanctuary is regularly used by school groups for lessons.
