The beautiful Seychelles are often credited as one of the most romantic destinations in the world. The Seychelles casts a siren-like spell over travellers, with crystalline turquoise waters, pristine coral reefs, and powdery beaches that encircle vast granite pinnacles and verdant rainforest.
Seychelles Travel Guide
The islands are stretched across nearly one million square kilometres of the Indian Ocean east of Kenya, and even have their own suggestively shaped fruit, the famous ‘coco de mer’ double coconut, to emphasize the country’s seductive charms. Only a few of the 115 islands are inhabited, with most of the local population (known as Seychellois) gathered on the main island, Mahé, around the capital city of Victoria.
The Seychellois population comprises an eclectic mix of the descendants of freed African slaves, Arab, Indian and Chinese traders, and British and French settlers and seafarers who go about their business speaking a Creole patois. The multi-party democratic republic was once a thriving pirate’s haven, but today it serves as a refuge for sun-seekers, honeymooners and nature lovers who congregate in the top quality hotels and resorts on the shores of the main islands.
Whether travellers come to soak up the equatorial sun on silver sands, dive among more than 800 species of fish in the island waters, marvel at flocks of colourful birds flitting between rare jungle trees, or to cement your marriage vows, you will find the Seychelles archipelago to be paradise on Earth. Although primarily enjoyed as a luxury destination, there is an increasing drive to develop the budget tourism options on the islands, opening the doors of paradise to travellers who may previously only have dreamed of a holiday on these exotic shores.
Best Time To Visit
The best times to visit Seychelles are April, May, October and November. These months represent the transition times between the hot and humid northwest trade winds (from November through March) and the cooler southeast trade winds that define April through October.
What To Pack
Closed toe hiking sadals or sturdy water shoes. Shorts and dry fabric is great. Light material of shirts, fleece jackets and long pants.
What To Buy
Souvenirs to buy from Seychelles, along with exotic art pieces and artifacts. Essential oils and black pearls.
Eat
Foods include fish, seafood and shellfish dishes, often accompanied with rice. Fish dishes are cooked in several ways, such as steamed, grilled, wrapped in banana leaves, baked, salted and smoked. Curry dishes with rice are also a significant aspect of the country’s cuisine
A Final Word
The world’s only granite islands in mid-ocean, the world’s oldest ocean islands, the world’s largest raised coral atoll and a whole host of attractions make up what is surely the world’s ultimate tropical paradise.
DISTANCE FROM AIRPORT TO CITY CENTRE: 10 Kilometres
TIME ZONE: GMT +4 hours
CURRENCY: Seychelles Rupee (SCR). Only take small amounts, as it will be difficult to exchange outside the country
LANGUAGE: The official languages are Creole, English and French
