Seychelles Archipelago is one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa. Seychelles, comprising 115 granitic and coralline islands in the Indian Ocean, is especially popular among visitors seeking for serene luxury vacation or honeymoon destinations in Africa. Seychelles is placed 4 degrees south of the Equator, between 480 km and 1600 km off the coast of East Africa.

Seychelles is home to some of the most uncrowded and picturesque beaches in the world. These beaches include Anse Source d’Argent the famous beach on La Digue that is framed by impressive granitie rocks, Anse Cocos on the eastern coast of La Digue - accessible only by foot and Anse La Reunion placed along its shore on The La Digue Island (the fourth largest island in Seychelles).

Other beaches are Anse Patates lying on the northern most tip of the La Digue, Anse a la Mouche situated on the south western coast of Mahe, Anse Union, and Anse Forbans among many others.

Mahé, Praslin and La Digua islands form the cultural heart of the archipelago while the more numerous islands often referred to as outer islands extend in a gleaming arc towards the coast of East Africa. The outer islands are located between 230km and 1150 km from the Mahé, and only two islands among them: Alphonse and Desroches offer accommodation. Seychelles tours and holidays in Mahe, Praslin and La Digua islands have over the years drawn numerous visitors from around the world.

Mahé, measuring 28 km long and 8 km wide, is the principal island of Seychelles and the home to the Mahé International Airport. Praslin is the second popular island in Seychelles, renowned for the legendary Coco-de-mer nut that grow on ancient giant palms in the wondrous Vallee de Mai Forest and L’Union Estate that hosts one of the most pristine beaches in Seychelles.

Praslin is located 44 km to the north east of Mahe and it features exquisite beaches such as Anse Boudin, Anse Georgette, Anse Lazio, Anse La Farine, Anse Possession, Anse Matelot, Grand Anse, Anse Volbert, Anse Kerlan. On the other hand, time seems to stand still on La Digue where on-carts hold sway on the paths to the dream beach of Anse La Sourced Argent.

International arrivals are received at the Mahé International Airport - the hub of Air Seychelles. Air Seychelles is the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles. The airline connects Mahé with 4 European Capitals and 3 major cities around the Indian Ocean on a weekly basis. Air Seychelles also operates numerous inter island flights every day. Although there is a helicopter service between Mahé, the main island, Silhouette, Fregate and North Island, flights can also be arranged by Seychelles hotels on request.

In addition to the world famous beaches of Seychelles, there are numerous attractions that fascinate visitors to the Seychelles islands.These include the legendry Vallee de Mai, Aldabra, Aride Island, Ile Coco Marine National Park,and Curieuse Island among others. The Vallee de Mai, once thought to be the Garden of Eden, and legendary Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atol, are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

On its part, Aride Island is said to be one of the world’s most important Nature Reserve. The island is home to breeding seabirds of ten species endemic birds such as Magpie Robins, Fodies, 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.

Photograph by William Curtsinger

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