Stunning, emerald islands lapped by turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and a storied history to be proud of, the archipelago of Seychelles, comprising 115 islands is paradise personified. Presenting a wide spectrum of holiday activities and experiences to be had, penned down is a 1-week guide on how to truly discover the very best that this beautiful island nation has to offer the discerning traveller of today.
Days 1-2
Once you arrive at Seychelles International Airport, which is located on the main island of Mahe and have check into your mode of lodging, consider getting some shut eye prior to heading out. Avoid exerting too much energy on day 1 and instead look at acclimatising to your new surroundings and specifically, the heat & humidity. Should you be based around the northern parts of Mahe, then it would make sense to drop by Beau Vallon, which is an excellent destination for swimming and catching a gorgeous sunset. On the other hand, if residing along Mahe’s southern shoreline, then toy with the thought of gathering your swimwear and beelining for Anse Intendance where time can be whiled away, either swimming or snorkelling to your heart’s content. Begin day 2 of your travels in Mahe with a trip to the nation’s capital of Victoria. Once here, call by the bustling Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market to get your hands on a comb of plantains, pungent local spices and if here during the wee hours of the morning, the catch of the day in the form of fresh barracuda or parrotfish. During the course of traversing through Mahe’s streets, be sure to pose against the famous clock tower before stepping inside the National Museum of History where you will be able to examine a vast range of exhibits, including the world’s smallest statue of Queen Victoria and the oldest map drawn of the Seychelles (1517). To the hiking enthusiast, adventuring within Morne Seychellois National Park will be a plus. This is because you will be well-placed to journey up gigantic granite boulders as part of the Capolia trail that will in turn, ensure you embrace awe-inspiring panoramas of Mahe’s eastern shoreline together with St. Anne Marine National Park. In fact, the latter lays claim to one of the finest Seychelles luxury resorts, which is known as JA Enchanted Island Resort Seychelles from where you can explore the remainder of the country’s main islands.
Days 3-4
Reserve days 3 and 4 for the island of Praslin. Begin at the inter-island ferry port in Victoria from where you may board the early morning ferry for Praslin. In the event diving is your thing, Praslin’s incredible dive sites will surely persuade you to have on your fins for a few hours at least. Have a local guide you to regions infested with eagle rays, reef sharks, and picture-perfect stretches of coral. Furthermore, as part of an island-hopping excursion, explore nearby islands in the likes of St. Pierre Islet where you can spend time snorkelling before visiting Curieuse Island. On Curieuse Island, enthused visitors such as yourselves can meander through mangrove forests, stumble upon the ruins of a former leper colony and marvel at its most cherished occupant – the Aldabra giant tortoise. Allocate a better part of your 2nd day in Praslin for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vallee de Mai. Highlights include spotting a lengthy list of birds, such as the endangered black parrot, the Seychelles warbler and blue pigeon. Also, herein lies a rare opportunity to view the coco de mer palm species, which has left an indelible mark for being the world’s biggest nut.
Days 5-6
Easily, the most easy-going of all of Seychelles’ main islands – La Digue is a wonderful landscape that is best explored on foot or bicycle. Renting a bike is convenient, given the number of facilitators spread across the island. Your 1st stop will be L’ Union Estate, which is one of the best places to see a giant tortoise or two and enjoy the scenic allure enveloping Anse Source d’Argent, dubbed one of the world’s most photographed beaches. Conclude your 1st day on La Digue by making your way to the charming village of La Passe. Here, you can shop for nifty souvenirs, grab your daily caffeine dose, and settle down to dinner by the waterfront. Your penultimate day in Seychelles can be spent along the pristine and secluded white sands of Anse Cocos, which is perfect for some sunbathing, frolicking and seafood feasts.
Day 7
Depending on when your flight leaves Mahe, you will have to plan your final day in this corner of the world carefully. Upon catching the local ferry or taking a domestic flight to Mahe, you can choose a mangrove kayaking tour or sign off with a shopping spree in lovely Victoria.
