Travel Tips for Seychelles

There’s nothing quite like fresh, insightful travel guidance straight from the specialists – grab Adventure in the wild safaris’ must-have Seychelles travel tips before your journey begins.

Finance & Expenditure

The currency used in the Seychelles is the Rupee, but you will also find that Euros and US Dollars are commonly accepted. Hotels and resorts typically accept credit cards, while costs for car rentals, diving, park fees, and other extras are often listed in Euros (or occasionally in US Dollars). In reality, the only moment you will truly require Seychelles Rupees is for buying goods at local markets or dining at restaurants.

In contrast to the all-inclusive resorts in Mauritius, numerous hotels in the Seychelles do not provide lunch or dinner as part of their daily rate. While you might consider a full board supplement, keep in mind that the prices for food and drink can be on the higher side. So, get ready to indulge a little to fully savor the delightful international and Creole dishes available.

Gratuity

While tipping is not a requirement in the Seychelles, any additional change is warmly welcomed. Deciding whether to tip at your hotel is completely up to you. You have the option to show your gratitude to specific staff members by leaving a thoughtful envelope filled with cash for their exceptional service. If you prefer, you can simply leave a general tip at reception, and it will be distributed equally among the staff.

For comprehensive tipping advice, reach out to one of our Africa Safari Experts – they would love to share their insights with you.

Climate Average year-round temperatures range from 22°C to 30°C

October to February brings the rainy season.

Check out “best time to visit the Seychelles” for climate charts and tips on the ideal seasons for scuba diving.

Essential Items for Your Seychelles Journey

When preparing for your Seychelles getaway, be sure to pack an abundance of light clothing suited for the warm, tropical climate of the islands. Since you will be spending a lot of time by the shore, it is a good idea to bring along hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as well as a variety of relaxed beach attire – swimsuits, sandals, sarongs, shorts, t-shirts, and summer dresses. And if you are gearing up to discover the trails and walks that await you around the islands, don’t forget to pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes in your suitcase.

Many hotels in Seychelles will anticipate that you bring along smart-casual evening attire for dinners, paired with suitable footwear. It’s a beach holiday, so keep it relaxed – long trousers for men and dresses for women are just right.

Before you embark on your journey, make sure to gather plenty of film and battery supplies or extra chargers for your camera, as these essentials may be hard to find in the Seychelles.

Travel & Transportation

Have you heard that you can arrange your flights with Adventure in the wild safaris? For additional details and common inquiries, please check out our Flights section.

Seychelles International Airport: accessible through numerous direct flights, including connections from Johannesburg and Nairobi, this airport is conveniently situated near the vibrant capital city of Victoria on Mahé Island.

Island hopping is a breeze if you are not based on Mahé itself: Air Seychelles operates regular flights to Praslin; speedy catamarans and relaxed schooners navigate the waters between the islands of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue; while charter flights and helicopters transport visitors to the more secluded private islands.

Many of the Seychelles islands are compact and perfect for exploration on foot or by bike, but if you find yourself on the larger Mahé or Praslin islands, we recommend renting a car. The roads are typically narrow yet well-maintained, with light traffic and short distances to explore.

Travel Documentation Essentials

No matter where you are from, you can step into the Seychelles without the need for a visa. All visitors are required to have a valid passport for the entire duration of their stay, along with a return or onward flight ticket and proof of accommodation. Once you present these documents, you will receive a Visitor’s Permit at no cost, valid for three months from the date it is issued.

Exploring the Seychelles: A Journey Through Its History and Economy

Among the planet’s most ancient islands, the Seychelles Archipelago remained untouched except for the rare visit from pirates until the 18th century, when French settlers from Mauritius and their enslaved workers arrived to cultivate crops and spices. After establishing their dominance in the Indian Ocean, the British seized control of the Seychelles in 1814. Despite their opposition to slavery, they managed the islands in line with French customs. As a result, the islands have kept their French essence, even though it was Britain from which the Seychelles gained their independence in 1976.

The Seychelles economy was once centered on its plantations, with cinnamon, vanilla, and copra as the primary exports. However, the establishment of the archipelago’s international airport in 1971 transformed the nation forever. Driven by a vibrant tourism sector that employs 30% of the workforce, the economic growth has been swift, and the Seychelles proudly boasts the highest Human Development Index in Africa.

Individuals & Society

The inhabitants of the Seychelles boast a rich tapestry of ethnic backgrounds from Africa, Europe, India, and China, yet their culture is uniquely Seychellois, blending a variety of African and Asian traditions, superstitions, and culinary elements into the vibrant local lifestyle. The overwhelming majority of the 86,000 residents call Mahé Island home, the largest in the archipelago, resulting in many islands being nearly or completely deserted.

Defined by a deeply rooted spiritual culture, the Seychellois embrace a strong sense of community, with Roman Catholicism at the heart of their traditions. Music and dance thrive here, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the Moutia – a vibrant dance pulsating with rich African and Malagasy rhythms. Throughout the archipelago, both French and English are spoken, but it is the vibrant Seychelles Creole, rooted in French, that fills the air with the rhythm of daily conversation.

Scenery & Creatures

Characterized by iconic ‘desert island’ landscapes – vibrant tropical flora, palm-lined shores, and a stunning azure sea – the Seychelles Archipelago consists of 115 islands, divided into two clusters. The densely populated granitic inner islands are renowned for their boulder-strewn beaches and lush, mountainous landscapes; in contrast, the outer islands’ coralline atolls are flatter, characterized by palm trees and largely uninhabited.

The archipelago’s long-standing geographical isolation has resulted in a remarkable diversity of unique plants and animals, highlighted by the presence of a dozen bird species found nowhere else on Earth. Among these, the Seychelles white eye and magpie-robin stand out as two of the rarest birds in the world. Other Seychelles wildlife highlights on land include Aldabra Island’s giant tortoises – the world’s largest – bird watching on Bird, Cousine, and Aride Islands, and nesting hawksbill turtles between October and February, but it’s the marine environment that truly captivates.

The reefs of the Seychelles, shaped by a rich legacy of marine conservation, are truly remarkable, hosting over 1,000 species of fish. Diving and snorkelling in the Seychelles offer breathtaking experiences, where you can often stroll right off the beach and glide into crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs. The inner islands present a captivating realm of hidden boulders, towering cliffs, and majestic peaks, while the outer islands feature secluded reefs perfect for those seeking a more challenging dive experience.