The Best Places To Travel in Africa
It isn't possible to do all 115 islands of the Seychelles in one visit. Not that it's a bad thing, consider it an excuse to come back year after year.
Just make sure you've got your passport and return ticket with you--otherwise you're not getting in. No worries about getting a visa, you don't need it. What you do need is proof that you've got sufficient funds for your stay.
Located 1500km off the eastern coast of Africa, this island paradise is a birdwatchers nirvana. You'll find so many tropical species throughout its mere 455 square miles--making it almost look easy to spot all of them; especially in April and May, the best time of year to do it.
To see some other stunning wildlife head to Aldabra, the world's largest atoll. This UNESCO site of 13 islands shows off giant land tortoises.
Deep sea fishing is big in the Seychelles, where many a fisherman comes to tackle the Marlins every year from October to December.
That's not the only fish you'll find around here, many make their way onto your plate. A seafood lovers paradise, the Seychelles' African, Chinese, English, French, Creole, and Indian influences make the lobsters and octopus dishes taste scrumptious. Wash it down with a Seybrew, a local beer that's kind of like a lager from Germany.
Don't worry a bit about eating or drinking in this area of Africa; water's safe, dairy's safe, and so is just about everything else.
Nothing to stand in your way of waterskiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, sailing, or SCUBA diving. Throughout the islands of the Seychelles, divers are delighted by all sorts of caves, tunnels, and sea cliffs.
Over at La Digue you've got land lubber sites, like the Botanical Gardens and old mansions, as well as plantations and the National Museum.
La Digue Seychelles
Image by Christian Cacciamani
The only thing you really need to pay attention to (other than the landscape) is the weather. While technically out of the "cyclone belt", monsoon rains hit between November and April. From May to October the Trade Winds bring on some cooler weather.
All the better to hit up the markets to buy some pottery, textiles, and jewellery. Better buy some alcohol when you can, as its OK to drink the stuff anytime of day--it isn't legal to sell it anytime of day. Just don't let the authorities see you drinking the stuff in public; and never while you're driving.
But with the Seychelles' kilometer after kilometer of beaches, there's really no need to drive anywhere. Except maybe to catch a charter boat to another one of its 115 islands.