Seychelles is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The country is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, off East Africa.
It is home to numerous beaches, coral reefs, and nature reserves, as well as rare animals such as giant Aldabra tortoises.
Apart from the beauty of nature the country gives, Seychellois culture and society is an eclectic mix of French, British, and African influences, with more recent infusions of Chinese and Indian elements.
This is why people from different parts of the world find it easy to settle here.
If you are visiting this heaven on earth, here are places you should visit
The world’s best beaches
Made up of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is a beach lover’s paradise.
Every beach reveals yet another stretch of sugar-white sand, backed by lush tropical jungle and lapped by crystal-clear waters.
The most famous is Anse Source d’Argent, with its distinct granite boulders and Hollywood looks.
Named the most beautiful beach in the world, and the ‘star’ in movies like Castaway and Crusoe, the Anse Source is located on the island of La Digue.
Not surprisingly, it can get busy. Early morning or late afternoon after the day-trippers have left, is your best bet.
Wildlife
Another reason tourists go to Seychelles is because of its wildlife lovers. The islands are home to the world’s smallest frog and some of its biggest tortoises, as well as 12 endemic species of birds.
You can spot the Gardiner’s tree frog on the Morne Seychellois hiking trail on Mahé.
Its green-to-brown skin shows a distinctive dark band extending from its mouth, but your eyesight will need to be good: it is only 11mm long.
Thankfully, the giant Aldabra tortoises are easier to spot. Every hotel, restaurant, and distillery on the islands seem to keep them as pets, but you can find them living in the wild on North Island, Cousin Island, and Curieuse Island, and, of course, Aldabra atoll, where they originate from.
Birdwatchers will want to seek out the rare Seychelles black parrot, the islands’ national bird, as well as the Seychelles magpie robin and Seychelles warbler – both of which have been saved from extinction.
The warbler is most easily spotted on Cousin Island, a former coconut plantation that was turned into a nature reserve when the last of the warblers were discovered there.
Hardcore twitchers should head to Bird Island, a private reserve teeming with birdlife. The island can only be reached by a once-a-day plane, necessitating an overnight stay at the island’s highly regarded resort.
The spectacular hikes
Seychelles is not only spectacular for its beaches and island, the country is also blessed with beautiful mountains and verdant jungle, all relatively untouched and ready to be explored.
There are walks and hikes to suit every level of fitness and ability. The Anse Major trail on Mahé is an easy stroll through incredible granite boulders. The Anse Georgette trail on Praslin is a moderate trek between two beautiful beaches on the island’s north point.
The hike to Morne Seychellois, the highest point on Mahé, is a challenging five-hour hike – but you will be rewarded with breathtaking views across the islands.
Tasty food
The influence of traders from Africa, China, Europe, and India has its legacy in the delicious local Creole dishes.
It also helps to have such easy access to the bounty of the sea. You’ll find tuna, bonito, sea bass, red snapper, barracuda, king mackerel, gilt-head bream and lobster, cooked in every imaginable way.
A popular delicacy is zourit (octopus), made into a creamy curry. Another must-try is tec tec, small mussels collected on the beach and then cooked with pumpkin into a delicious soup. Quick and easy Indian snacks like samosas are also found on most street corners.
