Seychelles Islands ” An Ideal Beach Holiday Destination in Africa
The Seychelles Islands are among the leading Africa travel destinations. Situated in the Indian Ocean, the islands consist of 115 coralline and granitic islands. Visitors looking for luxury beach holidays in a serene environment or a perfect honeymoon vacation in Africa find the Seychelles archipelago the ideal destination.
The Islands are placed between 480 and 1600km off the East African coast, about 4 degrees south of the equator. The beaches of Seychelles are some of the most scenic and uncrowded in the world. The most renowned of these include the famous Anse Source d’Argent in La Digue Island, which is surrounded by beautiful granite rocks. Anse Cocos and Anse La Reunion beaches also in La Digue are equally famous, with Anse Cocos being accessible only by foot. Others are Anse a La Mouche in southwest Mahe, Anse Patates in the northern tip of La Digue, Anse Forbans, and Anse Union.
La Digue, Praslin, and Mahe Islands form the cultural heart of Seychelles. The many other remaining islands extend in a gleaming arc towards the East African coast, and are often referred to as the outer islands. Among these outer Islands, only Alphonse and Desroches have accommodation facilities for tourists. Over the years, travelers undertaking holiday tours in Seychelles mostly visit either Mahe, La Digue, or Praslin Islands.
Mahe, the principal Island in Seychelles, measures about 8km wide and 28km long. The Island hosts the Mahe International Airport. The second most popular island is Praslin, which is famous for among other things the Coco-de-mer nut produced from giant ancient palms in the Vallee de Mai Forest. Located 44km northeast of Mahe, Praslin island is also home to several exquisite beaches including Anse Lazio, Anse Georgette, Anse Boudin, Anse La Farine, Anse Matelot, Anse Volbert, Grand Anse, Anse Possession, and Anse Kerlan. La Digue Island, Seychelles’ third popular Island, has the Anse Source d’Argent, a dream beach destination.
The main point of entry for international travel into Seychelles is the Mahe International Airport, the hub of Seychelles Republic’s national airline ” Air Seychelles. The airline conducts weekly scheduled flights between four European capitals and Seychelles, and also connects Seychelles with three other Indian Ocean cities. Air Seychelles also operates internal inter-island flights in Seychelles. Several Seychelles hotels can also arrange special flights upon visitor’s request, though a helicopter flight service is available between Mahe, Silhouette, Fregate, and North Islands.
There are more attractions to see in Seychelles than just its beautiful beaches. Some fascinating sites for Seychelles visitors include Ile Coco Marine National Park, the famous Vallee de Mai, the legendary Aldabra, Aride Island, and Curieuse Island. Two of these have in fact been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These are the Aldabra (world’s largest raised atoll), and the Vallee de Mai (regarded as the original Garden of Eden by a number of people). Aride Island is among the most important nature reserves in the world, being the breeding ground and home to ten species of endemic seabirds including Fodies, Magpie Robins, and Brush Warblers.
Seychelles enjoys tropical climate all year around. During the North West Trade Winds between the months of October and March, the sea is generally calm and the weather is warm and humid. The map of Seychelles island is self explanatory and visitors can get around the archipelago with much ease.