Seychelles is made up of 115 islands and is a popular tourist destination for South Africans. Seychelles is found to the east of Africa, northeast of Madagascar and about 1,000 km (620 mi.) east of Kenya.
As part of this guide we will look at some practical aspects like whether you need a visa to visit the Seychelles, how long it takes to fly to Seychelles from South Africa, as well as some fun details about what you can do on these beautiful islands in your spare time.
Do you need a visa?
You can get a visa on arrival at the airport, or you can get one online. If you want to go for the latter option, make sure to apply for it at least 2 weeks before your trip. You also have to pay around R650 for it in South African currency (ZAR) and have your passport ready with at least 6 months of validity left.
If you are traveling from another country besides South Africa, there is no need to worry about getting a visa beforehand. They will issue them when you arrive at their international airports.
How long is the flight from South Africa to Seychelles?
The flight from Johannesburg to Mahe takes about 3 hours, while the direct flight from Cape Town takes just under 2.5 hours. Flights from Durban take around 4.5 hours and are less common, but you can still find them if you are looking for a shorter route.
All flights have one stopover in either Abu Dhabi or Dubai International Airport (DXB), so it is important to check your departure and arrival times before booking your tickets.
When is the best time to visit?
Seychelles has two seasons: the rainy season, which lasts from May to November and is characterized by moderate weather and some rainfall; and the dry season, which lasts from December to April and is characterized by sunny days with little rain.
The peak season for tourism in Seychelles runs from December to April, when both locals and foreign tourists flock there for their holidays. The off-peak period runs from May to November, with most hotels offering lower rates during this time because it is not yet a tourist high season on the islands.
If you do visit during peak season in Seychelles (December to April), be prepared for extra crowds at restaurants and bars as well as long queues at popular attractions like snorkeling sites or beaches. On the other hand, if you prefer having your own space without dealing with crowds then try visiting during the off-season (May to November) when there are fewer people around but still plenty of sunshine!
Also Read, Everything You Need to Know About the Seychelles in December
Where can you stay in Seychelles?
Seychelles is an awesome place to visit. There is a lot to see and do, so you will want to make sure that you have got a good place to stay. Fortunately, there are plenty of accommodation options for everyone. You can choose from:
- Resorts
- Private Villas
The resorts are usually located on the beach with pools and plenty of activities. They offer all-inclusive packages which include food and drinks at the hotel. They also have restaurants where you can dine.
The private villas are located away from the beach but they offer amazing views of the ocean and mountains. They are also available for rent by the day or week if you want more privacy than what you get at a resort.
If you are looking for a place to get away from it all, look no further than Story Seychelles. This 5-star hotel is one of the best luxury resorts in Seychelles and offers everything you need for an unforgettable stay. You will not be disappointed during your stay at Story Seychelles.
Where are some great beaches found in Seychelles?
Seychelles is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world. These beaches can be found on Mahé, Praslin, La Digue and Silhouette islands.
- Anse Lazio
- Anse Georgette
- Anse Takamaka
- Anse Source d’Argent
- Grand Anse (Praslin)
Grand Anse is one of Seychelles’ most popular beaches and it is not hard to see why! It is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, boating or simply sunbathing on its white sandy shoreline. If you want peace and quiet, stick around after sundown when this beach becomes completely deserted.
What type of water sports are available in Seychelles?
If you are an adventurous water sports enthusiast, then you have come to the right place. The Seychelles islands offer an array of activities for everyone. Snorkeling and diving are the main attractions on most islands. If you want to go big, scuba diving is also available. Windsurfing and kite surfing are some other options that you can try out if your goal is a more relaxing experience in the water.
If you don’t care about getting wet at all, then why not try swimming or sailing? Wakeboarding is also possible in some places on Mauritius Island if that is your thing!
What is there to do besides water sports?
If you are looking for something more than just water sports, we have got you covered! Take a look at some of these things to do.
- Explore the island (and get lost in it). The islands are huge and there are so many places to explore that even if you stay a week, you may not find them all. Go hiking on nature reserves like La Digue or Praslin, see some of the smaller islands or just hang out on your own private beach.
- Visit the market/shop around for souvenirs because there will be plenty of options for shopping on your trip. The markets have everything from souvenir keychains to handmade jewelry made from shells and stones found in Seychelles (the shells make great necklaces!). You can also check out their food markets where local vendors sell homemade jams, dried meats, spices and fruits are grown locally.
