Seychelles Holidays | African Travel Specialists | Bonamy Travel

The Seychelles is a stunning archipelago nation made up of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean.

Located 1,000 miles off the east coast of Africa, the Seychelles is a tropical paradise with palm-lined beaches, crystal-clear oceans and imposing granite rock formations that form picture perfect settings.

Famed for its beaches and phenomenal private islands, the Seychelles has more to offer adventurous travellers than just a romantic respite. More than half of the Seychelles archipelago is made up of designated national parks and marine reserves (a world record), so you’ll never be far away from stunning natural landscapes and exotic animals. The Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Praslin, was once thought of as the original Garden of Eden. The country is undoubtedly the world leader in sustainable tourism.

Mahé’s mountainous landscape makes it a great destination for travellers who enjoy hiking and for nature lovers that will appreciate the island’s verdant tropical jungle. The same applies beneath the waves, where divers and snorkelers can still encounter hundreds of species of vibrant tropical fish and can enjoy remarkable sightings of marine life.

Mahé and Praslin are the two largest and main islands within the archipelago. There rest of the islands can broadly be split into 'inner islands' that are close to the main cluster, and 'outer islands' which stretch almost as far as Madagascar far to the South West. Many of the smaller islands, and even some reasonably large ones, are home to a single luxurious hotel or resort.

Even though all beaches in the Seychelles are public, they remain relatively uncrowded and are, for the most part, easily accessible. The small population of just over 92,000 people display a multiracial blend of African, Asian and European descent to create an exciting and modern Creole culture.

What to see

Inner Islands (Seychelles)

This group of 43 islands are scattered amongst the larger islands of Mahé and Praslin and are home to some of the most exclusive resorts in the world. With tropical rainforest interiors, large granite outcrops, and boulder formations that line their stunning beaches, many of these Islands are protected areas due to their role in the ecological balance.

Mahé Island

Seychelles' main island of Mahé is a perfect destination for those seeking a combination of exploration and relaxation. Wander around the tiny capital of Victoria, dive into the botanical gardens or while away an afternoon on the beach. With the country’s only international airport, this is likely to be your first port of call. Resorts here are the easiest to access, almost all a simple taxi ride away.

Praslin Island

Just a 15-minute flight north from Mahé, Praslin is the second largest island in the Seychelles. With jungle-covered mountain ridges breaching from the ocean and the occasional scattering of low-rise houses and tiny jetties, this beautiful island is home to some of the best resorts in the country.

Outer Islands (Seychelles)

The Outer Islands refers to the islands that are situated beyond the Seychelles plateau. Comprised of 72 low-lying sandy spits and atolls lying anywhere between 230km and 1150km from Mahé. The small islands are typically home to individual resorts which encapsulate the essence of desert island living!

Time your visit with the Seychelles' seasons

The Seychelles have a fabulous climate which is predominantly rules by two trade winds which hit the island each year. The northwest trade wind blows from November to March and the southeast wind from May to September. The best time to visit the islands is between April and May, or October and November - during the calmer period between the two trade winds.

Being close to the equator, the temperature in the Seychelles is roughly 30°C (86°F) year-round, with a mixture tropical showers, sun-filled days and sea breezes which help to alleviate the humidity. As the islands are so far away from any other land mass, it's very hard to predict the weather or rely on online forecasts.

The months of the year with best visibility for snorkelling and diving are April and October, with whale sharks most frequently seen between September to November, and turtle hatchling season from January to March.

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