Things You Need to Know Before Your Vacation in Seychelles

Just like it is with other East African countries, everybody wants to have a Vacation in Seychelles. There are just so many things to do when land is combined with water and rainforests. That being said, the problem now is the fact that we know nothing about Seychelles. Where are we going to stay, which cities are good for vacation, what do we do in these places, and are there security threats? Planning your vacation in Seychelles is incomplete without knowing these.

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Vacation in Seychelles – A Summary Before You Hit the Beach

East Africa is blessed with some of the coolest countries on of the continent. Unlike other countries in Africa, the countries in this region rarely make the news for the wrong reasons.

The Republic of Seychelles as it is rightly called is an archipelagic island country found along the Indian Ocean. A combination of 115 islands at the eastern edge of the Somali Sea forms the country. The capital, Victoria is the largest city in all of Seychelles. This then becomes an irony as it is the smallest capital city in the whole of Africa.

Tourism has been a top contributor to the economy of Seychelles right from 1971 when they opened their international Airport. Just like any other place in Africa – arts, food and music form a pivotal part of the culture in Seychelles. You have to be able to communicate in either of their three languages (English, French, and Seychelles Creole) to enjoy your vacation in Seychelles. 76.2% of the population here are Roman Catholics and some percentage of the others still worship as Christians from other denominations. The second-largest religion here is Hinduism and this is followed by the Indo-Seychellois community and then Islam.

More about Seychelles can be seen, just click here

Amazing Cities to Enjoy When You Go for a Vacation in Seychelles

Wanting a Seychelles vacation is one thing but knowing where to have it when you arrive is what makes it better. Whether it is a luxury vacation in Seychelles or a family one, it is important to know where to stay. There are a lot of things we should be considering when we are looking to have a wonderful vacation in Seychelles.

For Seychelles, there are five top cities when you are looking for where to have your vacation in Seychelles. They include;

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Victoria

Victoria, Seychelles is the largest city in all of Seychelles. It is situated North-East of the country’s main Island, the Mahe Island. It might be true that Victoria is amongst the smallest cities in the world, but do not let the size fool you. You are going to enjoy your vacation in Seychelles to the fullest here. Seychelles is not all beaches and Victoria is proof of that. A combination of city life with everything good on the beaches makes Victoria one of the best options for you.

Landmarks/Tourist Attractions in the Victoria

vacation in sychelles — Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple – Built in 1992, this temple remains one of the most sacred places in all of Seychelles. It is the only Hindu temple in all of Seychelles. For a country whose second-largest religious practice is Hinduism, you can tell how important this place is. The temple was named after Lord Vinayagar, the Hindu god of safety and prosperity For those who want some adventure during their vacation in Seychelles, we advise a trip here.

Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market – Shopping is a pivotal part of any vacation experience and in Seychelles, the capital gives you a treat. The Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market is the place to be when you come for a vacation here. Whether it is a family vacation in Seychelles you are planning or a personal one. Be sure to add a trip to this market if you will be staying in or visiting Victoria during your stay. Local cuisines, art, clothes, etc can be found here.

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Places to Stay During Your Vacation in Victoria

1. Victoria Clock Tower

The Bel Air Hotel stands tall as one of the best hotels to stay in Seychelles. A ‘home away from home is what the locals call this hotel. The hotel is fully equipped with facilities from inside the room to the environment. They offer tour packages too if you book early online for s stay and there is a complimentary airport pick-up to help reduce your stress.

2. The Ridge Residence

Hands down, this is the best place for a honeymoon vacation in Seychelles. With the fully equipped rooms, serene environment, and nearness to the beach, there are just a lot of things here to look at. They have an outdoor restaurant and one inside. A pool, gym, and spa are other facilities that make this hotel stand out

You can click here, to see some of the best hotels in Seychelles as curated by the Telegraph.

Things to do during your Vacation in Seychelles (Victoria)

Learn about the people and their culture at the National Museum of History
Enjoy the nightlife in Victoria by visiting a club/casino – one notable one is Gran Kaz Victoria
Visit landmarks and historical monuments all across town. Some of these include the Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple, Unity Monument, Victoria Clock Tower, etc.
Enjoy wildlife at the Victoria Botanical Gardens

Beau Vallon

When you are looking for more beaches during your vacation in Seychelles, this becomes an option. Beau Vallon is located just 3km from Victoria. Over the years, this has grown to become one of the top vacation spots in Seychelles. There are so many unique things to do in Seychelles but you would never know until you come here. The unending waters, white sand and forests set the stage for a perfect family vacation in Seychelles.

Landmarks/Tourist Attractions in the Beau Vallon

Diamond Jubilee Fountain – This fountain was unveiled in 1900 by Lady Sweet-Escott. She was the wife of the administrator Ernest Bickham Sweet-Escott and the unveiling happened at an event held during the reign of Queen Victoria. Inside the fountain is the smallest image of Queen Victoria. The water in this fountain is drinkable

Mount Simpson – It is impossible to have a vacation in Seychelles without thinking of hiking. Riverside Mount Simpson is located 550 yards from Beau Vallon and 0.7 miles from Bel Ombre Beach. There are so many hiking spots in Seychelles but not many are as popular as this one.

Beau Vallon Beach – when you visit any country that is an archipelago, beaches are usually in high supply. For Seychelles, you virtually cannot have a vacation without talking about the clean waters and white sand.

Places to Stay During Your Vacation in Beau Vallon

1. Sun Resort

The Sun Resort is not the most expensive in the city and that is not a bad thing. Price does not fully determine which is the best but quality does. From their customer service, discount packages, environment and equipped facilities – there is no better place to find this quality. Booking early is our recommendation as you are going to enjoy airport pick up amongst other amazing things.

2. Villa Des Roses APT

If you are looking for nearness to your activities while staying in comfort – this is the option for you. Especially when it is a family vacation in Seychelles you are going for. They have apartments spacious enough for the whole family. Because of the location and facilities here, their apartments are usually always fully book, so check in early to make researvations.

3. Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino

The Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino might be the most expensive out of the three but it surely is worth it when you look at things. This resort comes with all the facilities you would need to have an amazing vacation in Seychelles. According to some tourists, there was no need to go out when they got here. However, the resort also offers tours to their guest especially when you book early and online.

Things to do during your Vacation during your Vacation in Seychelles (Beau Vallon)

go spend some time at the beach – there are so many available to you here but the Beau Vallon beach is our recommendation
learn about the people and their culture in their museums
hiking and climbing are favourites for most tourists who come here
boat rides, and snorkelling, among so many other water activities, can be done in Beau Vallon

Takamaka

Another place that would level you with a memorable vacation in Seychelles is Takamaka. This collection of stunning views and beautiful beaches is located at the Northern end of Mahe. Art lover or human fish – it does not matter who you are, the Takamaka bay is the place for you. Everything you are looking for when you imagine the perfect vacation can be found here.

Landmarks/Tourist Attractions in the Takamaka

Because Takamata is a small village so close to the waters, landmarks are not so easy to find here. Everything we would be looking at are beaches but this is not a bad thing. What you want to do is enjoy some vacation time and there is no better way to have this than on the beach side. Nothing beats the clear waters, palm trees, vegetation and white side

Places to Stay During Your Vacation in Takamaka

1. DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles – Allamanda Resort and Spaz

Your vacation in Seychelles will be one to never forget once you decide to stay in the Double Tree. This beach resort comes with everything you want to make memories. If swimming in the beach is too scary for you, you can use the pool of the resort. A club, bar, spa, gym, pool, restaurant – all combining to make sure there is something for everyone here

2. Chez Batista Villas

Just like almost all the top hotels and resorts in Takamaka, this one is located on the beachfront. What this brings as an advantage is the nearness to all the activities you would want to have during your vacation in Seychelles. If you book online before arriving, you are going to enjoy airport transport. Nearness to the airport is also added to the advantages here.

3. Moulin Kann Villas

When the vacation includes a group of people, this automatically becomes the best bet for you. You are going to enjoy a spacious environment packed from head to toe with all the amazing facilities you need. Another amazing feature here is the privacy you get with this villa. It is not so far from the beaches but you will find that this option is closer to the forests and parks than the beaches

Things to do during your Vacation in Seychelles (Takamaka)

Swimming, snorkelling, boat rides, surfing – any water activity you can think of
Relaxing at any of their beaches and enjoy the amazing views
Takamaka is known to have one of the bestt spas in Seychelles, you can also visit one
One of the advantages of the waters are the mini-forests it brings, so you can take a guided tour through them

Grand Anse

On the other side of the Mahe Island is where you find this amazing city. Just like many others in Seychelles, your vacation will be mostly spent on the water when you come here. However, there is nothing better than seeing the beautiful combination of clear waters, white sand and palm trees. One of the most amazing features of this city is its location. It is found on the shore of the Indian Ocean and sits on the foot of a mountain. This city is also carrying streams, ponds, creeks, and mini-forests. An array of everything which best defines what Seychelles is all about.

Landmarks/Tourist Attractions in the Grand Anse

Pearl Farm – This beautiful place has attracted a lot of tourists over the years. Here, you will learn first-hand how beads are cultivated and made from start to finish. You can also buy beads here

Grand Anse Beach – The beaches in Grand Anse are usually going to be packed whenever you go to them. This is because every tourist wants to chill and enjoy their day there. The Grand Anse beach offers you everything a good beach does. Clear water for every single water activity you can think of. Also, you have palm trees/vegetation and clear sand.

Praslin National Park – When water covers land, one of the results will be amazing vegetation/mini-forests. Grand Anse has taken this to another level by converting one into a park. The Praslin National Park is one of the few in Seychelles, so if you ever find yourself here during your vacation in Seychelles, make sure to visit.

Places to Stay During Your Vacation in Grand Anse

1. Chateau Sans Souci Hotel Praslin Seychelles

Just 200 meters from the longest beach in all of Seychelles, the Chateau Sans Souci Hotel Praslin Seychelles comes with some of the most amazing features. This luxury hotel has 14 fully equipped suites for you to enjoy your stay when you come on vacation. All amenities to provide you with excellent services are available here. However, we advise you to book early as 14 turns into zero in no time.

2. Résidence Praslinoise

Residence Praslinoise is a few meters away from the Grand Anse beach. It was newly renovated and now has 14 well-furnished apartments in a garden surrounding. You are going to enjoy the best of Seychelles here as this property is located in a residential neighbourhood and still boasts of its nearness to all the tourist attractions.

3. La Modestie Villa

Just 2km from the Airport and a 5-minute walk to the Grand Anse Beach, this guest house comes with all you would need for a nice vacation in Seychelles. Surrounded by a lush garden, they offer you a wide range of services from double rooms to self-catering apartments. All their rooms/apartments are fully equipped to ensure you have the best time during your vacation in Seychelles.

Things to do during your Vacation in Seychelles (Grand Anse)

spending time at one of the beaches is a must and we recommend some time at the Grand Anse Beach
Sightseeing is a favourite amongst the favourite things to do while on vacation in Seychelles and the Pearl Farm is number one
Most of the hotels and resorts have clubs for those who enjoy the nightlife
hiking and tours into the forests are also activities most tourists go for

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What To Know When Planning A Vacation In Seychelles

Your health is the most important thing to us and that should be your top priority too. Make sure you check in with your doctor if you have any underlying health challenges. He should consider the weather conditions in Seychelles and give the green light before you make the trip. He can also refer you to doctors in the area just in case an emergency occurs. Mosquitoes will be one of the most common problems you would face as a tourist in Seychelles. Contrary to popular belief in Africa, the country is relatively safe. However, you must plan your trip with an agency or your hotel/resort before arrival.

Since it is a country on the bank of the Indian Ocean, there will be a lot of water activities to choose from. The good thing is that it is not the only thing you can do. Most beach resorts are equipped to give the best land experience as well as water. All these combine to make sure, your vacation in Seychelles is the most memorable. The Seychelles Vacations cost will be subjective as transport will differ depending on your country. You can click here to see the packages available right now.

Seychelles is not the only exciting country in East Africa.