Seychelles is a tropical paradise awaiting discovery. It is made up of 115 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean and is 900 miles off the East African coast. Seychelles offers something for everyone, from island exploring and sampling the Creole cuisine to active adventurers who love nothing more than hiking.
Seychelles’ granite and coral islands are scattered across a secluded corner of the Indian Ocean and serve as havens for some of the world’s rarest flora and fauna. So rare, that the Vallée de Mai, which grows the legendary coco-de-mer, was formerly believed to be the biblical Garden of Eden’s original location!
Seychelles is a virtually untouched archipelago that boasts perfect white-sand beaches, turquoise seas and lush forests. The islands are commonly associated with exquisite natural beauty, wonderful harmony, and a near-perfect climate with temperatures ranging from 26 to 33 degrees Celsius, earning the archipelago the nickname “land of perpetual summer”.
Seychelles brims with activities for both the adventurous and the laid-back. It is, indeed, the ideal location for doing everything – or nothing at all! If you enjoy diving, sailing or fishing, there are opportunities aplenty. Hikers, too, will find both challenging and casual, well-marked trails leading through lush greenery and along granitic coastlines. There’s everything from island-hopping on your yacht to a luxury spa at a high-end, beachfront resort – there’s no better place if you want to recharge your batteries.
Boasting over 491 kilometres of coastline, the most identifiable feature of Seychelles is its beaches. Visit the popular Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue, which is frequently coined “the most beautiful beach in the world” and was the backdrop of major Hollywood films such as Castaway. Or if you would prefer to live the private island fantasy, visit the hidden gem, Anse Major found on the northwest coast of the most populated island, Mahé. With no roads leading to this haven, you can either hike up or treat yourself to a water taxi to be greeted by dramatic, yet tranquil scenes.
Although the image that Seychelles conjures up is one of beaches and relaxation, the reality is that it’s an active and adrenaline junkie’s paradise! With so much ocean to explore, there’s just about every water sport you can think of, from snorkelling and scuba diving, to paddle boarding and whitewater rafting.
However, it’s not just water activities that Seychelles offers. As fifty percent of Seychelles is a national park or reserve, there’s ample opportunity for hiking and wildlife spotting. Hike up Mount Copolia in Mahé Island, or for more experienced hikers, the Morne Blanc trail is an uphill climb through mist forests with a stunning viewpoint overlooking the coast.
Wildlife lovers might encounter any of the 12 endemic species of birds, some of which were saved from extinction. The island is home to over 7,000 species of animal, plant and fungi, with research and conservation efforts taking place across the islands to restore and maintain the wildlife of Seychelles.
If birdwatching is a favourite past-time, then Seychelles is full of opportunities. Whether it’s the elusive Seychelles black parrot -the country’s national bird- or the bare-legged Scops owl, which is so rare that it was thought to have been extinct until it was spotted back in 1959, you can experience once-in-a-lifetime sightings. Otherwise, Seychelles is home to over 1,000 recorded species of fish, which is why snorkelling and diving are particularly popular activities.
As Seychelles is just 900 miles off the eastern coast of Africa, many visitors use this opportunity to combine their island paradise getaway with an equally once-in-a-lifetime safari experience. Combining a Seychelles visit with a migration safari or a ‘Big 5’ safari offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. As Seychelles International Airport is served by numerous direct flights to safari bases such as Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa, the logistics of combining your Seychelles visit with a safari is incredibly simple.
The best time to visit Seychelles is between April-May and October-November, as these months are much less windy than other months. However, as Seychelles is just below the equator, all the islands benefit from warm, optimum beach weather all year round. Temperatures rarely drop below 20°C and the Indian Ocean boasts an average temperature of 26°C, guaranteeing a pleasantly warm day on the beach.
