Seychelles

The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands scattered across the western Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar. Known for powder-white beaches, giant granite boulders, and some of the most protected marine environments on Earth, it attracts honeymooners, divers, and eco-travellers willing to pay a premium for one of Africa's most photogenic destinations. The main inhabited islands — Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue — offer the bulk of resorts and infrastructure, while the coral outer islands are largely uninhabited wilderness.

The country has the highest Human Development Index in Africa and a strong commitment to conservation: nearly half its land area and surrounding waters are protected, including two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the Vallée de Mai on Praslin and the Aldabra Atoll. Tourism and fishing drive the economy, and the Seychellois rupee (SCR) is the local currency.

The archipelago divides into two groups: the Inner Islands (granite) — Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, and their satellites — and the Outer Islands (coral) — the Aldabra Group, Amirantes, Alphonse, Farquhar, and Southern Coral Group. The granitic inner islands rise to 905 m at Morne Seychellois on Mahé, while the outer islands are flat, low-lying atolls. The climate is tropical maritime, hot and humid year-round (average 29°C / 84°F). The southeast monsoon (May–September) brings cooler, drier conditions; the northwest monsoon (November–March) is warmer and rainier. April and October are transitional months with variable winds.

The best weather is during the southeast monsoon (May–September): sunny mornings, cooling trade winds, and less humidity. This is peak season for European travellers. October–November and March–April (the shoulder months) offer calm seas and good diving visibility but occasional showers. The northwest monsoon (December–February) is the warmest and wettest period, though rain typically falls in short tropical bursts. The Seychelles annual SUBIOS underwater festival (November) and the Festival Kreol (October) are cultural highlights worth planning around.

All foreign travellers must obtain an Electronic Border Travel permit before arrival. No visa is required for any nationality for stays up to 30 days, but a passport valid for at least six months and proof of accommodation bookings are mandatory. The permit can be extended up to 12 months (three months at a time). Check the official Seychelles Electronic Border System website before travel for current fees and procedures.

The currency is the Seychelles Rupee (SCR). Typical daily budgets: budget traveller SCR 2,500–4,000 (~USD 180–290), mid-range SCR 5,000–10,000 (~USD 360–720), luxury resort SCR 15,000+ (~USD 1,100+). ATMs are widely available on Mahé and Praslin but scarce on the outer islands; credit cards are accepted at most hotels and larger restaurants. Tipping is discretionary — 10% at restaurants if no service charge is added.

Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé, near Victoria, is the sole international gateway. Air Seychelles, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and several other carriers serve it from hubs in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Private yachts may enter at any port of entry, but strict environmental and customs controls apply — skippers must clear customs and immigration in Victoria.

Air Seychelles operates frequent flights between Mahé and Praslin (15 minutes), plus less frequent services to Bird, Denis, Fregate, Desroches, and Alphonse islands. Cat Cocos and Inter Island Ferry run catamaran ferries connecting Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. Car rental is available on Mahé and Praslin; driving is on the left. Taxis are plentiful on Mahé and Praslin but should be negotiated in advance for longer trips.

Seychellois society is a Creole blend of African, French, Indian, and Chinese influences. Greetings are warm and informal — a handshake or a nod suffices. Casual dress is fine on beaches, but covering up is expected in villages and shops. Tipping is appreciated but not expected. Photography of government buildings or military installations is discouraged. Sundays are quiet, with many shops closed.

The Seychelles is one of the safest countries in Africa for travellers. Violent crime against tourists is rare, though petty theft can occur on beaches and in markets — keep valuables in your hotel safe. Natural hazards include strong rip currents on some beaches; swim only where signs indicate safe zones. No vaccinations are required unless arriving from a yellow-fever-endemic country. Tap water on Mahé and Praslin is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available.

• Mahé — The largest island, home to the capital Victoria, the international airport, and the lion's share of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife.
• Praslin — The second-largest island, famed for the Vallée de Mai UNESCO site and world-class beaches like Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette.
• La Digue — A car-free island of towering granite boulders, ox-carts, and the iconic Anse Source d'Argent beach.
• Silhouette Island — A rugged, forested island with a luxury resort and excellent hiking through pristine rainforest.
• Inner Corallines (Denis & Bird Islands) — Flat coral islands with exclusive resorts and outstanding birdwatching and fly-fishing.
• Aldabra Group — Remote UNESCO-listed atoll, home to the world's largest population of giant tortoises; access is strictly controlled.
• Amirante Islands — A chain of coral islands popular with private yachts and the site of Desroches resort.
• Alphonse Group — Two islands (Alphonse and Bijoutier) with a fly-fishing lodge and pristine flats fishing.

• Victoria — The tiny capital on Mahé, with its clocktower, colourful market, and the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market.
• Beau Vallon — Mahé's most popular beach strip, with calm swimming, watersports, and a lively Sunday-evening bazaar.
• Anse Lazio (Praslin) — Often ranked among the world's most beautiful beaches, with soft sand and excellent snorkelling.
• Anse Source d'Argent (La Digue) — The most photographed beach in Seychelles, framed by giant granite boulders and shallow turquoise water.
• Vallée de Mai (Praslin) — A primeval palm forest and UNESCO site, home to the endemic coco de mer palm and rare black parrots.
• Morne Seychellois National Park (Mahé) — The largest protected area on Mahé, with hiking trails through montane cloud forest.
• Sainte Anne Marine National Park (Mahé) — A six-island marine reserve off Victoria's coast, popular for snorkelling and glass-bottom boat trips.
• Aldabra Atoll — A remote UNESCO site and the world's largest raised coral atoll, hosting 150,000 giant tortoises.
• Curieuse Marine National Park — A granite island near Praslin with a tortoise sanctuary and striking red-earth terrain.
• Bird Island — A flat northern coral cay renowned for sooty tern colonies and giant tortoises.