塞舌尔女王台(Mission Lodge)坐落在马埃岛(Mahe)中部海拔约450米的桑苏西(Sans Soucis)山脊上,外籍游客入场费目前为100塞舌尔卢比。这处遗址原本被称为范恩镇(Venn's Town),最早由教会传教士协会在1876年建立,用来收容并教育被解放的奴隶儿童。虽然现在这里只剩下一些断壁残垣,但它在2013年就被列入了联合国教科文组织世界遗产的预备名单,是了解岛屿殖民历史与俯瞰印度洋海景的绝佳观察点。
从维多利亚(Victoria)市中心驱车出发,沿着蜿蜒的桑苏西路向上开,大约需要20分钟车程。这条山路坡度较陡且弯道极多,路面宽度仅够两辆车勉强擦身而过,驾驶时必须时刻注意对面可能冲出来的公交车。建议租车动力选在1.2L以上,否则满载爬坡会有些吃力。路边有醒目的咖啡色文化遗产指示牌,顺着指引拐进一条碎石小路即达停车场。
如果打算体验当地生活,可以从维多利亚车站乘坐35路或14路公交车。要在山腰上的站点下车后步行一段上坡路,对体力和耐热度有一定的要求。下车后沿着盘山公路走大约15分钟,虽然有些费腿,但沿途能看到巨大的肉桂树和偶尔掠过的塞舌尔蓝鸽,空气中透着一股淡淡的香料味。
走进景区大门,首先映入眼帘的是几段被热带植被覆盖的珊瑚石墙基。1875年到1889年间,这里曾是两百多名获救奴隶孩子的避难所。当时的传教士在这里种植香草和可可,并教授孩子们读写。说实话,站在这里很难想象百年前简陋的木屋里挤满孩子的场景,现存的这些遗迹大多是当时宿舍、洗衣房和教师住宅的基座。
沿着平缓的林荫小道走到尽头,会看到一座带有顶盖的木质凉亭。这里便是著名的女王观景台。1972年英国女王伊丽莎白二世访问塞舌尔时,曾坐在这个位置喝茶远眺。为了纪念这次到访,当地人将这片区域通称为女王台。亭子里至今保留着当年的那份宁静,很多欧美游客会专门坐在这里发呆很久。
从观景台向下望去,视野几乎覆盖了马埃岛西南海岸的半壁江山。格拉西(Glacis)和格朗安斯(Grand Anse)的海岸线在眼前铺开,蓝绿交织的海水衬托着深绿色的原始森林。这里的视线没有任何遮挡,是拍摄全景照片的理想位点。建议带上广角镜头,才能把那种群山坠入深海的空间感拍出来。
马埃岛的山区气候多变,下午两点以后经常会起雾甚至降下阵雨。如果赶上阴天,观景台周围会被白茫茫的雾气笼罩,别说看海了,连十米外的遗迹都模糊不清。最佳访问时间是上午九点到十一点之间,此时阳光斜射在海面上,色彩层次最丰富。如果出游时气温超过30度,山顶阵阵袭来的凉风会让你觉得这100卢比的门票花得很值。
目前非塞舌尔籍游客的成人票价是100塞舌尔卢比。入口处的售票亭支持刷卡支付,但网络信号偶尔不稳定,建议随身带一点现金备用,通常12岁以下儿童可以免费进入。
如果不打算在凉亭长坐,走完历史遗迹区并拍照打卡大约需要45分钟。由于这里距离茶厂(Tea Factory)非常近,开车只需5分钟,建议把这两个点安排在同一个上午,这样行程衔接会更顺畅。
景区内部不设餐厅或自动售货机,只有一个简易厕所。建议出发前在维多利亚或山下的超市买好饮用水。离这里最近的用餐点是下山方向的几家高档度假村餐厅,或者回市区解决,山上完全没有商业补给。
Jude Legaie A very serene place rich in historical and natural heritage values, although it is a small area.We always make it a must visit every time we come back home. The view of the coast is simply breathtaking and must be experienced to understand.
Buddika Prasanna Venn's Town (Mission Ruins) is a serene and picturesque spot offering stunning views of the ocean and surrounding hills. It's perfect for nature lovers and those interested in history. The peaceful atmosphere makes it ideal for a relaxing visit. However, be prepared for limited facilities. Overall, it's a beautiful and worthwhile destination.
Melanie N-P I've read about Venn's Town but came across it by coincidence on our travels. Stunning lookout points & l appreciated the peacefulness. I liked that the trees were labeled so you could learn in the process. We were in flip-flops & managed fine to do the walkabout which isn't too long. However we did not go to the cemetery part, we walked for a bit but the terrain is a little different & good shoes are needed. It would be great to have an indication of the distance on this areas so you know if it's something you want to do, we eventually turned back. I would also suggest a clean up on the walk way to the cemetery, broken glass is a hazard & the car parts is just eerie.
Suresh S (SugeesUs) This is a historical place with a UN World heritage tag ( Entrance fee SCR100), where kids of the slaves were housed for food and education. This viewing deck which overlooks the distant mountains and beach’s was inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth in March 1972. Worth a visit.
Itzik levy (Izikl) One of the most beautiful sightings on the island The entrance to the park with local vegetation is typical of the island. Over a distance of about 100 meters, there is a view with benches for sitting in front of the amazing view of the island.