Seven tips for your trip to the Seychelles
Are you still sitting in your office chair, but are already dreaming of relaxation on white dream beaches, snorkeling in the crystal clear water and excursions through untouched nature reserves? Then you should start planning your trip to one of the 115 islands of the Republic of Seychelles now! With these seven tips, your Seychelles trip under palm trees will be a real dream trip:
1. The best time to travel to Seychelles
The months of May to October are highly recommended for a trip to the Seychelles. During this time, the daytime temperature is around 30 degrees Celsius and it rarely rains, which leads to a relatively low level of humidity. The rainy season lasts from December to March, with January being the month with the most rain. April is usually very hot and humid.
2. So the entry works without any problems
To enter the Republic of Seychelles, you need a passport that is valid at least until the planned departure date. Anyone entering the country must also provide the contact details of their accommodation. A valid onward or return flight ticket is mandatory. Authorities may also ask for proof that you have sufficient funds (around $ 150 per day) for your vacation. An entry visa is not required. Upon entry, you will first receive a residence permit for the duration of your journey, which can be extended to up to one year. The airline Condor offers direct flights from Frankfurt to the island of Mahé. The flight takes approximately 9.5 hours.
3. Language, Price Level & Cash Seychelles
The most widely spoken language in the Seychelles is Seychelles Creole. English and French are also official languages. Cash Seychelles: In the Seychelles, the Seychelles rupee (SCR for short) is used to pay. Most hotels and restaurants accept both cash and credit cards. Often US dollars are also accepted as a means of payment. The Seychelles are certainly not a low-budget travel destination. A visit to a restaurant, an overnight stay in a hotel or a taxi ride cost about the same as in Europe. Alcohol and cigarettes, on the other hand, tend to be more expensive. A day trip (e.g. snorkeling) is offered for around 100 euros. You can get a liter of water in a bottle in the kiosk for around one euro.
4. Vacation Seychelles: Transport on and between the islands
Different modes of transport can be used to get around within the island state. The bus network is well developed on the larger islands of Mahé and Praslin. A trip costs 7 Seychelles rupees, which is about 0.45 euros. A bus ride is always a great way to meet locals. The buses can get quite full, however. For those who prefer to be flexible, a rental car is worthwhile on Mahé. The buses there usually only run along the coastal roads, but not inland. With the Cat Cocos ferry you can move between the main islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. To visit smaller islands, you need a private driver or a water taxi. Inquire in advance which islands are under nature protection and may not be allowed to be approached.
5. Nature conservation - an important issue
The protection of the environment plays a major role in the Seychelles. Nature conservation was even included in the constitution here. Over 50% of the entire country is now under nature protection. Visitors to the Seychelles therefore encounter large areas of untouched nature and very rare animal species
. For example, the world's largest colony of giant Aldabra tortoises lives here. The last endangered specimens of the bird Cuvierralle also live in the Seychelles. The Coco de Mer, a coconut weighing up to 20 kilograms, is the symbol of the islands and actually only grows here. In order to protect this paradise, for example, the use of plastic bags and dishes was banned. Every visitor to the Seychelles should attach great importance to sustainable travel!
6. The most beautiful excursion possibilities
To plunge into the crystal clear waters of the Seychelles and enjoy the sun and the rustling of the palm trees on one of the powdered sugar beaches is actually an attraction in itself. The most beautiful beaches include, for example, Baie Lazare, Anse Takamaka, Anse Intendance, Anse Royale or Police Bay. The waters of the Seychelles are also suitable for breathtaking snorkeling trips and diving. A unique underwater world awaits you here! Apart from that, the Seychelles are also a wonderful destination for passionate hikers. There are numerous well-signposted hiking trails, especially on Mahé. If you are in the mood for some culture, you should pay a visit to the capital, Victoria. Here you can, for example, visit the Clock Tower or the Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market.
7. This is how it tastes at the Seychellois
In the Seychelles you can get to know and love the Creole cuisine. Fish dishes are very popular here. Papaya or mango salad is often served as a side dish. One of the most important ingredients in Seychelles cuisine: the coconut! It often gives Creole dishes that certain something, also when it comes to drinks. So you can actually sip coconut water from coconuts freshly picked from the palm anytime and anywhere in the Seychelles.
By the way: mobile internet is still a rather difficult topic on the islands. If you need a reliable internet connection, you should go to an internet café instead of using the mobile internet.
And now the motto is: on your suitcase, get set, start your dream trip to the Seychelles!