The Seychelles is a beautiful island country in the Indian Ocean, known for its stunning white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, wildlife, nature and vibrant blend of cultures
October and November are the ideal months to jet off to the stunning island nation of Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, with the weather still balmy but the strong winds taking a breather.
The archipelago is frequently listed among the top holiday hotspots, thanks to its plethora of pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, abundant wildlife, lush nature and vibrant mix of cultures.
Seychelles holds the title for being the smallest country in Africa, covering an area of just 176 square miles. Its capital and largest city, Victoria on Mahe, is nestled 800 nautical miles east of the mainland. As of 2022, it boasts a cosy population of around 100,600.
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As we entered the 21st century, Seychelles claimed the highest nominal per capita GDP of any African nation. Since gaining independence from the UK in 1976, it has evolved from a predominantly agricultural society to a diverse economy, with tourism playing a key role among other industries, reports the Express.
Out of its 155 named islands (as per its Constitution), the majority remain uninhabited, with many designated as nature reserves. These islands can be divided into two groups: 41 inner granitic islands that form the heart of the country’s tourism appeal, offering a wide range of services and amenities, most of which can be explored through a variety of day trips and excursions.
Then there are the more secluded coral islands where at least an overnight stay is a must. The climate remains extremely muggy, earning classification as a tropical rainforest.
Temperatures barely fluctuate year-round, with average lows during the chilliest months – July and August – staying at a comfortable 24C. During November, Seychelles experienced quite sticky conditions but delightfully warm temperatures spanning 24 to 30C.
On particular days towards month’s end, temperatures can soar to 38C. Seychelles ranks amongst the globe’s premier nations for safeguarding habitats for endangered species, dedicating 42 percent of its land for preservation.
Like numerous delicate island environments, biodiversity declined when humans initially colonised the region, including the vanishing of most giant tortoises and the elimination of creatures such as the Seychelles parakeet and the saltwater crocodile.
Seychelles boasts some of the planet’s most picture-perfect coastlines, bordered by palm trees with powdery white sand and azure waters.
Praslin stands out as one of the essential islands to explore, with Anse Lazio proving particularly spectacular. The water remains so transparent that visitors can spot schools of fish without requiring snorkelling equipment.
This half-mile-long curve on the northern edge claims the “best sunset viewpoint”. Anse Source D’Argent ranks as one of the globe’s most snapped beaches, also thanks to its dramatic granite rock formations.
Reaching it requires walking or cycling through L’Union Estate plantation grounds, which charges an entrance fee exceeding £8. In 1971, the Seychelles International Airport opened its doors and tourism quickly became the island nation’s main industry.
Direct flights from the UK to the Seychelles are few and far between, taking approximately 10 hours, while stopovers usually last at least 12. According to Booking.com, flights to SEZ in November start from around £642, departing from several London airports including Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted.
The islands offer a range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to family-friendly establishments and more budget-friendly choices. For instance, Constance Ephelia in Mahe provides one-to-three bedroom villas, some boasting private pools nestled in tropical gardens or close to the beach.
King rooms can be booked for £374 per night, while a double room will set you back £250 per night. There are also Airbnbs available across various islands, with some going for as little as £70 a night.
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