KOT MAN-YA EXOTIC FLOWER GARDEN
A private tropical garden above Anse Royale, planted over decades by one dedicated collector. Heliconia, orchids, palms and lily ponds crowd a green hillside, and the colour is extraordinary.
One gardener’s life work
Kot Man-Ya, which means Man-Ya’s place in Creole, is exactly that, a private garden built up over many years by a passionate plantsman on a hillside above Anse Royale in the south-east of Mahe. It is not a grand botanical institution but something more personal, a living collection assembled by someone who clearly loves plants, and that affection shows in every corner.
The garden gathers exotic and tropical species from across the world alongside the flora of Seychelles. Heliconia and ginger blaze in reds and oranges, orchids cling to trunks, palms of every shape rise overhead, and water lilies float on quiet ponds. For anyone who gardens at home, or who simply likes colour, it is a rewarding and unhurried hour.
A calm hour off the coast road
Paths wind through the planting past ponds and shaded seating, and the whole place is small enough to enjoy at a gentle pace without a long walk. Birds and the occasional tortoise add to the sense of a quiet, living garden rather than a manicured park. It works beautifully as a cool, green contrast to a morning on the beach.
The garden sits close to Le Jardin du Roi spice garden and the beaches of the south-east, so it slots naturally into a day exploring this warm and lovely corner of the island.
Know before you go
| Where | On the hillside above Anse Royale, south-east coast of Mahe |
| Type | Private tropical and exotic flower garden |
| Time to allow | Around an hour at an easy pace |
| Entry | A small garden fee per visitor |
| Good for | Plant and flower lovers, photographers, a calm break from the beach |
| Bring | Insect repellent and a hat, the planting is lush and warm |
| Nearby | Le Jardin du Roi and the Anse Royale beaches are close by |
What visitors say
★ 4.6 · 226 Google reviews★★★★★Very amazing garden I have ever visited in my lifetime, Mr.Marc was very kind hearted person✨, who calmly explained about each and every single plants there,i strongly recommend all to visit his garden. I’m sure when you…
priya V · via Google
★★★★★Uncle Marc is a legend! Astounding knowledge on the plants and giant tortoises. He personally guided us through his garden which exceeds many botanical gardens. An absolute must visit!!
ockert brits · via Google
★★★★★An incredibly beautiful garden full of exotic plants. The owners of the garden (an old gentleman, a former Seychelles diplomat and his wife) are very friendly and nice people. They not only showed us around the garden, w…
Aleš Vašíček · via Google
★★★★★Amazing and beautiful garden. The owner is so friendly and has amazing stories to share. It’s a must to visit
nikita lord · via Google
The garden pairs naturally with the spice garden and the beaches of the south-east on a guided day around the island. Stay near Anse Royale to have this warm, green corner on your doorstep.
Traveller favouriteWild South full-day guided tourfrom €128 per groupBook this tourTours via Viator, stays via Booking.com. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Le Jardin du Roi · Anse Royale · La Plaine St Andre
Combine it with Le Jardin du Roi just up the coast. Two gardens, one spice and one flower, make a lovely cool morning in the south-east before you drop down to a beach for the afternoon.
