Seychelles

Country in East Africa

The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, off East Africa. It's home to numerous beaches, coral reefs and nature reserves, as well as rare animals such as giant Aldabra tortoises. Mahé, a hub for visiting the other islands, is home to capital Victoria. It also has the mountain rainforests of Morne Seychellois National Park and beaches, including Beau Vallon and Anse Takamaka.

The granite Inner Islands include Praslin, with the renowned Anse Georgette beach, studded with sculpted rock formations. Seychelles Black Parrots are found in the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. On laid-back La Digue, bicycles are the main mode of transport, and rare birds inhabit the Veuve Nature Reserve. The remote and largely uninhabited Outer Islands are coral atolls and sand cays, such as Alphonse and Desroches, accessed by light plane or boat. The Seychelles have numerous resorts, spa hotels and self-catering options. The local Creole cuisine blends African, European, Indian and Chinese influences.

Things to do

Based on traveller visits and local insights

La Digue

Anse Source d'Argent

Curieuse Island

Vallée de Mai

When to visit

The Seychelles Islands have a humid tropical climate with warm weather year-round. May–Oct is the dry season, while Dec–Feb is rainy. Peak travel coincides with key vacation periods over Easter (Mar–Apr), the European summer (Jul–Aug) and Christmas/New Year (Dec). Semaine de la Francophonie (Mahé Island, Mar) focuses on French culture. Victoria's Carnival (Apr) has colourful street parades and a party atmosphere. Festival Kreol (Oct) brings creole food, music and dancing to the capital Victoria and beyond.