The Seychelles is actually not one body of land at all, but instead an area made up of 115 different tropical islands. Many of these islands are uninhabited, and the main island, on which the capital Victoria is located, is called Mahe. In the Seychelles you will find gorgeous beaches and some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world, and if you are looking for an island adventure, then this is an ideal place to come.
Anse Major is an unspoiled beach that you can get to at the end of a two hour hike. The beach is mainly deserted and the hike will take you past some of the most beautiful scenery in the Seychelles.
Travel time:
2 hours by road (walking)
18 minutes by road (taxi)
Clothing: Clothes and shoes suitable for hiking are a must.
Distance from Victoria: 20 km
If you enjoy horseback riding then you can visit this secluded beach which is located out on Silhouette Island. There is also a large area off inland forest that is also good for trekking here.
Travel time:
45 minutes by ferry (613 SCR)
Clothing: Long loose clothing is preferable as it can get hot on the ferry.
Distance from Victoria: 48.8 km
Valle de Mai is a national park that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a great place to come if you want to check out some of the flora and fauna of the Seychelles. This includes the coco de mer, the largest seed in the world which is found in the park, and you can also go hiking on the numerous trails here.
Travel time:
1 hour by ferry (613 SCR)
38 minutes by plane (5,110 SCR)
Clothing: Clothes and shoes suitable for hiking are a must.
Arulmigu Navasakti Vinayagar Temple:
Hinduism is prevalent in the Seychelles and you can see this firsthand at one of the most beautiful temples in the area. This temple is covered in colorful scenes and ornate carvings and you can even watch ceremonies taking place here.
Best mode of transport: Walk
Duration of travel: 3 minutes
Photography is allowed if discreet and you should dress modestly when you visit the temple
Cap Ternay:
Cap Ternay is a ruined village that sits at the end of a lane on the main island of Mahe. You can enjoy the crumbling ruins here and learn more about the history of the Seychelles.
Best mode of transport: Taxi
Duration of travel: 43 minutes
It is best to wear good walking shoes to visit Cap Ternay
Seychelles Natural History Museum:
The Natural History Museum is a great place if you want to learn all about the flora and fauna of the Seychelles. The museum is small but has compact galleries that will fill you in on the geology of the islands in this part of the world.
Best mode of transport: Walk
Duration of travel: 7 minutes
Photography is allowed in the museum
Anse Lazio:
Anse Lazio sits in the Bay Chevalier and is famous because of the powdery sand that is found here, so it’s the perfect spot if you want to spend some time sunbathing. The beach is covered in palm trees and has a secluded feel.
Anse Royale:
Anse Royale has the claim to fame of being the longest beach in all of Mahe, but is also known for its secluded feel and relaxing atmosphere. The sea is not too rough here which makes it a good spot for swimming.
Beau Vallon:
Beau Vallon lies in the north of the island of Mahe and is the place to come if you want to look out over to the north island. You can do a range of water sports here such as snorkeling and diving, or take a tour in a glass bottomed boat.
Anse aux Pins:
Anse aux Pins located on the island of Mahe is the place to come to pick up some locally made handicrafts. The craftsmen work out of traditional bungalows and you can see that in action in front of your eyes. Items to buy here include things like soaps as well as paintings and silks.
Antik Colony, Pirate Arms Arcade, Victoria:
Antik Colony is known for its souvenirs, so if you want to pick up a few pieces then this is the place to come. All the items here are made in the Seychelles, many of which are fashioned from coconuts.
Campion Hall:
If you are looking for art work then you need to head to Campion Hall on Mahe that has a huge range of art pieces for a range of budgets. These include paintings as well as carvings from coconut shells.
Boat House, Beau Vallon:
If you want to try a traditional Creole style buffet, then you need to come here, although you will have to be quick. The restaurant opens at 7.30 am and closes when the food is finished. You can expect salads, grilled fish, and chicken curries.
Ladob can be either sweet or savory and is made from plantain and sweet potato and then mixed with coconut milk. The sweet version contains sugar and nutmeg and the savory version is seasoned with salted fish.
Shark Chutney is made with shark that has been boiled and skinned and then shredded and cooked with bilimbi and lime juice. It usually mashed with onions and fried in spices.
Bat Curry, where the meat of a bat is cooked with an array of local spices is also considered a delicacy in the Seychelles.
Marie Antoinette Restaurant, Mahe/St. Louis:
If you want to try some traditional food from the Seychelles then this is the place to come. The food is based on Creole classics like chicken curry and fried parrot fish, and they have been in business since 1972. The restaurant opens at 6.30pm every day.
Travel time:
1 hour by car (130837.54 Tanzanian shillings)
Katiolo Club:
Katiolo Club has a strict dress code so you will need to dress up. The design of the club has a tropical theme and attracts a younger crowd. You can also expect the latest pop music and the club does not accept credit cards.
Tequila Boom:
Tequila Boom is fairly new and has themed nights such as foam nights and tribal nights. As such it is one of the more popular places in town and is usually busy.
List of nationalities who have permission for Visa free entries:
The Seychelles is a visa free country and all nationals can travel here without the need for a visa.
List of nationalities who can have Visa on arrival: N/A
Any nationalities who are not eligible to travel to that country or can travel under certain conditions: N/A
There is a rising crime rate in the Seychelles and you need to be vigilant regarding your belongings and personal safety.
The threat of terrorism is low.
Homosexuality is legal in the Seychelles.
There are no specific vaccinations recommended for the Seychelles.
The Seychelles used to be a colony of both the French and the British before it obtained independence in the 1970s, and the influence of both is still felt here. To that end, the official languages are French, English, and Creole, and you should be able to get around without too much trouble using either French or English. The culture here is one of relaxed island living, and you can expect an unhurried pace of life and a largely serene atmosphere.
