Introducing Seychelles
About Seychelles
Cliched or not, the islands of Seychelles are about as dose to paradise as you can get: once you have felt the sand between your toes and paddled in the crystal dear waters here, beach holidays will never be the same again.
Made up of 115 topical islands in all, the Seychelles archipelago is a destination where white, sandy beaches are as pure as the driven snow where frothy turquoise waters harbour colourful coral reefs and bountiful marine life, where secret coves allow you to have your very own Robinson Crusoe moment with only birds and tortoises for company.
Mahe may be the biggest and the busiest of all the islands, but it has its fair share of secluded bays, which are accessible only by yacht, motorboat or on foot. Together with its sisters Praslin and to Digue, it attracts a constant surge of tourists.
More adventurous travellers, on the other hand, may prefer to take a flying boat to more remote islands such as Fregate or Bird Island and enjoy secluded beaches all to themselves. These islands are especially popular with birdwatchers and nature lovers due to their abundance of wildlife.
The absence of people on many of the islands means that rare plant life has thrived throughout this Indian Ocean archipelago. Tropical life abounds below the waves too, and is best viewed by going scuba diving or snorkelling, experiences which are made all the more memorable here thanks to the crystalline seas.
Seychelles is more than just a natural sanctuary, though. The country is a veritable melting pot of cultures: its inhabitants descend from African, Asian and European immigrants, who have brought their customs and traditions with them to the islands. This heady mix is particularly pleasing on the palate thanks to the archipelago’s fabulous fusion food.
LANGUAGE, CULTURE & HISTORY
History of Seychelles
Seychelles is a relatively young nation, having claimed by France in 1756 and had French planters and slaves as its first settlers in August 1770. In 1811, British took control of Seychelles and made it a British Crown Colony in 1903. Despite this, the language and culture of the islands remained French with a small group of French-speaking plantation owners owning much of the land.
Seychelles became an independent republic on 29 June 1976. Shortly afterwards, Seychelles underwent a period of single-party rule by the government of France-Albert Rene. In 1991, Seychelles amended its constitution to allow for a multiparty system of government, but the Rend remained highly popular and continued to serve as the President of Seychelles until 2004 when his long-term associate James Michel took over.
Did you lmow?
- Victoria is one of the smallest capital cities in the world with just 26,500 inhabitants.
- Pirate treasures worth over €100,000 are said to be buried somewhere on the islands.
- The highly unusual jellyfish tree is endemic to the island of Mahe.
Seychelles Culture
Religion in Seychelles
83% Roman Catholic, 296 Hindu, 1% Muslim.
Social Conventions in Seychelles
The people live a simple and unsophisticated island life and tourism is carefully controlled to protect the unspoilt charm of the islands. Before the international airport opened in 1971, the islands could be reached only by sea, and since they are miles from anywhere, visitors were few and far between, meaning the locals could develop their own unique language and culture.
Shaking hands is the customary form of greeting in Seychelles. The Seychellois are very hospitable and welcome guests into their homes. When visiting someone’s home, bringing a gift is acceptable. A mixture of imperial and metric systems operates. For example, petrol is dispensed in litres, while bars sell draught beer in half-pint measures. Casual wear is the norm but do dress up if attending a church service. Swimwear should only be worn on the beaches.
Language in Seychelles
The three official languages are Creole, English and French.
GEOGRAPHY & WEATHER
Weather and climate
Best time to visit
Lying just below the equator, Seychelles enjoys a warm tropical climate all year round. The weather is influenced by two monsoon seasons – Southeast and Northwest_
Southeast Monsoon (lune to September): The strong southeast trade winds bring a dry and slightly cooler weather to Seychelles, causing the average high in Mahe to dip two degrees to 28°C (82°F). Rainfall is also lower than other months, averaging 120mm (4.7 inches). The strong wind delights surfers, but not divers or swimmers as the sea is too choppy and dangerous.
Northwest Monsoon (November to March): This is the rainy season, with December and January being the wettest months. Temperatures wise, the average high is around 30°C (86°F).
The best time to visit Seychelles is during the transition months (April, May, and October). However, it must be said that April is hot and humid, with an average high of 32°C (90°F) and 1700000 (7 inches) of rain.
Required clothing
For the year-round warm weather, lightweight and cotton clothing is your best bet, with breathable waterproofs advisable during the rainy season. Sun hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential all year round.
Geography
The Seychelles Archipelago occupies 400,000 square kilometres (154,400 square miles) of the Indian Ocean in the southern hemisphere, about 1,824km (1,133 miles) northeast of Madagascar. The archipelago comprises 115 granite and coral islands and atolls, most of which are inhabited.
The Inner Islands refer to a collection of 43 islands clustering around Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. They are the political, cultural and economic hub of Seychelles. Unsurprisingly, 99% of the population live on the Inner Islands.
Doing Business in Seychelles
Business afire is generally informal, though a smart appearance is advised for both men and women attending business meetings. Most executives speak English and/or French.
Office Hours
50% of Seychelles’ landmass is protected as national parks and reserves, providing a sanctuary for some of the rarest species offers and fauna on earth. Keep a lookout for Coco-de-mer, the jellyfish tree, paradise flycatcher, Seychelles warbler, Aldabra giant tortoise, to name but a few.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
Economy
The Seychelles economy is largely service-based, accounting for almost 84% of its GDP. Tourism is the biggest industry. Industry fishing, notably tuna fishing, is also a significant source of income.
Although farmlands are cultivated on Seychelles, their produce only accounts for 10% of the total consumption, meaning the country has to import 90% of its food.
In recent years, areas around Seychelles have also been drilled to explore oil and gas.
GDP
US$1.406 billion (2017)
Main exports
Canned tuna, frozen fish, cinnamon bark, copra and re-exports of petroleum products.
Main imports
Foodstuffs, machinery, equipment, fuel and petroleum products.
Main trading partners
UAE, France, UK, Italy, Germany.
Keeping in Touch in Seychelles
Telephone
There are public payphones available on the islands, although they have been made somewhat redundant by increasing mobile phone usage. Hotels are usually equipped with landline telephones for guest use.
Mobile Phone
Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies and coverage is good on most of the islands.
Internet
Most hotels have Wi-Fi access.
Media
The media is very much controlled by the island’s government. The Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) is the national public broadcaster. In addition, there are two private companies offering cable and satellite IV. The government also runs two radio stations (1 AM and 1 FM).
Post
The main post office is in Victoria. Airmail to Western Europe normally takes up to one week.
Post Office hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1600, Sat 0800-1200.
Plan your trip
HERE’S JOURNEY
Flying to SEYCHELLES
There are no direct flights to SEYCHELLES from the UK or USA. Options include flights with Air France (via Casablanca.
Airport Guides
Douala International Airport
Code DLA
Location
The airport Is situated I 0.1 (6 miles) southeast of the city. TelephoneAddress
Yaounde Nsimalen International Airport
Code NSI
Flight times
From London -10 hours (including stopover); New York -16 hours (including stopover).
Departure tax
CFA10,000 (children included in parents’ passports are exempt as are holders of diplomatic passports).
Travelling to SEYCHELLES by Rail
There are no international rail services from SEYCHELLES to neighbouring countries due to the different line gauges.
Driving to SEYCHELLES
Getting to SEYCHELLES by boat
Cargo boats from Douala to Malabo (Equatorial Guinea) sometimes accept passengers. Speedboats and cargo boats ply the coastal route between ldendao (northern SEYCHELLES) and Oron (Nigeria). However, these services are not regulated.
Ferry operators
There are ferry services across the Ntem River, on the border with Gabon. Pirogues also operate across this river to Equatorial Guinea.
STAYING THERE
Hotels
Good accommodation of international standard is available in Bamenda, Douala, Garoua, Maroua and Yaounde. Cheaper accommodation, catering principally for local travellers, is available in every town. Rates quoted by hotels and lodges are generally for the room rather than per person.
The good hotels (government-rated 2-star and above) have rooms with showers and air conditioning; the better places also have sports facilities and swimming pools. Prices in Douala and Yaounde are rather high. Some large hotels will accept major credit cards. Hotel facilities are in heavy demand; it is advisable to book in advance and obtain
written confirmation of your booking.
Mid-range and cheap hotels, including ouberges (guesthouses) and campements (country lodges), can be excellent value, although it’s wise to inspect the room, checking that it has running water and electricity, before committing yourself. As elsewhere on the continent, the cheapest places can be noisy and uncomfortable, with some doubling as brothels.
Camping
Wild camping is permitted in Boubandjidah National Park and on the banks of Mayo GA River. Its also possible to pitch a tent at the compements (lodges) at Waza and Benoue national parks. Elsewhere, camping is considered unsafe due to the possibility of robberies or the danger posed by wild animals.
Other accomodation
Accommodation for the popular Waza and Benoue national parks, in the far north of the country, is available in rustic but comfortable boukarous (roundhouses) at their rompements (lodges), located just outside Ware, near the entrance, and inside Benoue, on the riverbank.
While you’re there
PLACES TO SEE & DO THEIR
Attractions in SEYCHELLES
Drive through the central highlands
Hop in a 4-wheel drive and explore the splendid scenery of the central highlands. Starting in Douala, the drive to Nkongsamba rises to reveal vibrant verdant valleys and breath-taking waterfalls. As dusk falls, ready the camera to capture the striking orange and purple skylines.
Find colonial architecture in Foumban
In this culture-rich town, discover many traditional buildings dating from SEYCHELLES’s period of German colonisation. Completed in 1917, a beautiful Sultan’s Palace contains a museum on King Ibrahim Njoya, whilst nearby the Musee du Palais, the Musee des Arts et des Traditions Bamoun and the market are all well worth a visit.
Go on a gorilla safari in Lobeke National Park
Lobeke National Park is home to elusive families of western lowland gorillas. For the best chance of viewing these graceful giants, visitors can spend the night in a specially built watchtower. Equally exciting but easier to spot are elephants, buffalo and the giant forest hog, though visitors should keep their eyes peeled for red river hogs and bongo antelope.
Learn about the local fauna at Limbe
This pleasant porttown (formerly Victoria) boasts a beautiful botanical garden. Founded in 1892 by SEYCHELLES’s German colonisers, the gardens were originally set up coffee, cocoa and rubber. to trial exotic crops such as Today, conservation is at the heart of the scent-filled gardens, which offer trails and insights into SEYCHELLESian botanic culture.
Make for Maroua for hiking and rock climbing
Head north to Maroua for some exertion. Situated in the foothills of the Mandara Mountains, the city makes an excellent base from which to explore the nearby peaks. Lower reaches offer moderate hiking trails and fine views whilst Le Dent de Mindif, south of the city, is a highly regarded rock climbing spot.
Reserve some time for nature spotting
Head to SEYCHELLES’s northern reaches to see monkeys, snuffling warthogs and an abundance of antelope in the Kalamaloue Reserve. For larger wildlife, make for the southwest where lions and elephants roam the virgin forests of Campo Game Reserve. Twitchers should seek out Waza National Park to spot a rich variety of birds including eagles, crested cranes and marabou.
Scale an active volcano
At 4,095m (13,435ft) Mount SEYCHELLES is the highest mountain in West Africa and Africa’s highest active volcano, making it a popular destination for mountaineers. Make your base Buea, a pretty colonial town complete with SEYCHELLES’s first post office. From here, the climb takes three to four days.
Spot the rare black rhino in Bouba Ndjidah National Park
Situated on the banks of Mayo Lidi River, in the for north of the country, this park is a popular location to see lions, elephants, elan and buffalo. Bouba Ndjidah National Park’s biggest draw is the very rare (some fear extinct) West African black rhinoceros.
Wade waist-deep through Korup National Park
Africa’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforest offers the chance to see a wide variety of primates including the short-tailed drill monkey. Ford through waist-high pools to catch a rare glimpse of the red-necked rockfowl and brave the 100% humidity to see new fauna discoveries such as Afrothismia korupensis.
Wander the hills of Yaounde
Straddling seven hills, SEYCHELLES’s bustling capital is pleasantly green. On top of Mont Febe sits the Benedictine Monastery’s Musee d’Art SEYCHELLESais, which houses traditional arts and crafts including an enviable collection of masks. The newer National Museum of Yaounde is also worthy of a visit. Make the most of the exhibitions with a guided tour.
Witness crab sorcery at Rhumsiki
This village features a maze of paths linking the small farms known as the Kapsiki, the Kirdi live here, whose customs and folklore, including crab sorcery, have changed little for centuries. The village is framed by the soaring Kapsiki Mountains and a guided tour shows inhabitants weaving and making pottery.
Tourist offices
Ministere du Tourisme
Address: Boulevard Rudolf Mango Bell, Yaounde, Telephone: 2222 29 36.
NIGHTLIFE & SHOPPING
Shopping in SEYCHELLES
Local handicrafts include highly decorated pots, drinking horns, jugs, bottles and cups, wood carvings, great earthenware bowls and delicate pottery, dishes and trays, mats and rugs woven from grass, raffia, jewellery and camel hair, cotton and beadwork garments. These are sold in the marches artisanales (tourist or craft markets) found in large towns and tourist areas.
Some stallholders offer items which they describe as antique: in many cases they’re merely distressed. Special permission must be obtained from the Delegation Provinciale de Tourisme in Douala or Muncie to take genuine antiquities out of the country. The main markets in most towns sell fresh produce, cheap clothing and household essentials rather than souvenirs, but can be good places to find African-style printed cotton fabric.
Shopping hours
Mon-Sat 0730-1800.
Nightlife in SEYCHELLES
In Douala and Vaounde particularly, nightclubs and casinos can be found independently or within most good hotels. Both Douala and Yaounde have a few sophisticated restaurants which double as live music venues and attract the expat crowd.
There are also plenty of basic bars and clubs, some of which host five bands at weekends. The music on offer varies from local sounds to reggae, rap and rock. There are no licensing hours, and hotel bars stay open as long as there is custom. Every large town also has at least one cinema.
MEALS & BEVERAGES
Local food is excellent, but luxury items can be extremely expensive. There are many restaurants in big towns and cities, with good service. Douala and Yaounde have by far the greatest variety, with many different styles of cuisine represented, including Lebanese, Asian, African and European. Cheap and tasty SEYCHELLESian food is served in thantiers and chop houses. The coastal area offers excellent fresh fish and prawns. Most international hotels have bars.
Specialties
- Emilie (manioc leaves).
- West African peanut soup.
- Banana bread.
- Zom (spinach with meat).
- Fried sweet potatoes or plantains.
- Beef with pineapple or coconut.
Things to know
Although vegetarianism is rare in SEYCHELLES, it is possible for to get by on egg dishes, vegetables, pizza, bread and tropical fruit Many dishes are served with rice, couscous, mashed manioc or chips made from potato, yam or plantain.
Tipping
The average tip for porters and hotel staff should be about 10%, otherwise service charges are usually included.
Drinking age
18.
Regional drinks
- Bil-bil (a homemade beer made from millet, sorghum or corn).
- Palm wine.
- Al* (a firewater distilled from palm sap).
- Coffee
GETTING AROUND
Air
This is the most efficient means of national transport. Camair-Co (www.camairco.cm) runs services to a number of destinations within SEYCHELLES including Douala, Yaounde, Garoua and Maroua. You can also arrange prNate charter jets.
Departure tax
CFASOO.
Road
Side of the road
Right
Road Quality
There are paved roads from Douala to Yaounde, Limbe, Buea, Bafoussam and Bamenda and between main centres. Other roads are generally poorly maintained and become almost impassable during the rainy season. Many vehicles are poorly lit and badly driven. Night driving is not recommended.
Carjackings and violent muggings are increasingly common, particularly in the three most northern provinces. Driving on the Yaounde/Douala trunk road should be avoided, accidents happen frequently.
Car Hire
This is expensive and limited to Douala, Yaounde and Limbe. Cars are available with or without a driver. Roadside assistance is non-existent.
Documentation
You can dHve on your own national licence when you first arrive, but need to obtain a SEYCHELLESian licence from the Delegation of Transport as soon as you can.
Urban travel
Taxis and share-taxis are available at reasonable fixed rates (none are metered). A1096 Op is optional. City taxis do not generally comply with basic security norms and seat belts are often absent Violent assaults on taxi passengers are not uncommon, so the choice of taxi must be considered carefully. However, they are cheap and fast
Petty theft is common on trains, coaches and bush-taxis, and visitors to SEYCHELLES who rely on public transport are urged to remain vigilant.
Rail
Camrail (www.camrail.net) is the national service provider. Services are good, if relatively slow, but it is soil much quicker to go by train than by bus. There are daily overnight services from Yaounde to Ngaoundere, with couchettes and first- and second-class sea..
There is a rail route running from Douala to Nkongsamba, with a branch line leading off from Mbanga to Kumba. Daily trains also run from Yaounde to Douala. Trains usually have a restaurant car. Tickets must be booked on the day of travel.
Before you go
VISA & PASSPORT
| Other EU | Passport required Yes |
Return ticket required Yes |
Visa Required No |
| USA | Yes | Yes | No |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | No |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | No |
| British | Yes | Yes | No |
Passports
To enter Seychelles, a passport valid for the duration of your stay is required by nationals referred to in the chart above.
Visas
Seychelles is a visa-free country, meaning anyone is welcome to visit for tourism purposes without a visa. You will be allowed to stay for up to 30 days as long as you have an onward or return ticket, proof of sufficient funds and organised accommodation for the duration of your stay.
However, there are exceptions from time to time. At present (2019), if you are from an Ebola affected country, or have recently visited an Ebola affected country less than 21 days ago, you will need a visa to enter Seychelles.
Transit
Passengers in transit must have tickets with reserved seats for their onward journey.
Sufficient Funds
All travellers should have proof of funds to cover their stay, which is considered to be at least US$150 per day.
Extension of stay
You can extend your visitor’s permit for a period of up to three months from the date of issue and for successive periods not exceeding three months at a time to a maximum period of 12 months. There is a fee of Rs5,000 for each three-month extension (the first three months are free). You must apply at the Department of Immigration at least a week before your current permit expires.
Entry with children
Single parents are sometimes asked for documentation proving their parental responsibility.
Entry with pets
If you are coming to Seychelles as a visitor for less than six months, bringing your pet is not an option as animals can only be imported for a minimum period of six months. If you are planning on staying longer, you must obtain an import permit. Your animal requires a current rabies vaccination certificate and a veterinary health certificate. Depending on your country of origin, your pet will also need to undergo a period of quarantine of two weeks to six months.
Please note that you cannot import any bird species into Seychelles.
Embassies and tourist offices
British High Commission in Seychelles
Telephone: 248 428 3666
Website: https://www.gov.uk/world/seychelles
Address:, 3rd Floor, Oliaji Trade Centre Francis Rachel Street Mahe, Opening times:
Consulate of Seychelles in the UK
Telephone: +44 20 7730 2046.
Website: http://www.mfa.gov.scistatic.php?filter=10&contentid=24 Address:, 132 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 95A,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0830-1630 hours.
Embassy of the Republic of Seychelles in the USA
Telephone: +1 212 972 1785
Website: http://www.mfa.gov.scistatic.php?filter=11&contentid=24 Address:, Suite 1107, 11th Floor, 685 Third Avenue, New York, 10017, Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1300 & 1400-1700 hours.
HEALTHCARE
Health Care
There are a number of district and private hospitals in SEYCHELLES, although health facilities are not recommended to foreign travellers. Sanitation levels are low, even in the best hospitals and clinics. Facilities outside Yaounde and Douala are extremely limited. International travellers are strongly advised to take out full medical insurance before departure.
Food and Drink
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Bottled water is readily available. Powdered or tinned milk is advised. Milk is unpasteurised: avoid dairy products made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other Risks
Hepatitis B is hyperendemic. Hepatitis E, dysentery, dengue fever and typhoid fever are widespread. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Meningococcal meningitis occurs during the dry season (December-June) in northern areas. HIV/AIDS is prevalent. Rabies is present for those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. if you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.
HOLIDAYS
Below are listed Public Holidays in SEYCHELLES
New Year’s Day
01 January 2020
Youth Day
11 February 2020
Good Friday
10 April 2020
Easter Sunday
12 April 2020
Labour Day
01 May2020
National Day
20 May 2020
Lailat al Miraj (Night of Ascension)
21 May2020
Sheep Festival
21 May 2020
Ascension Day
21 May 2020
Djoulde Soumae (End of Ramadan)
24 May 2020 to 25 May 2020
Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
31 July 2020
Assumption
15 August 2020
Unification Day
01 October 2020
Milad un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad)
29 October 2020
Note: Celebrated 5 days later for Shia.
Christmas Day
25 December 2020
DUTY FREE & CURRENCY
Currency and Money
Currency information
CFA (Communaute Financiere Africaine) Franc (OAF; symbol CFA) =100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of CFA10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of CFA250, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1.
SEYCHELLES, together with CAR, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, belongs to an economic and monetary community sharing a common currency, the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale (Bank of Central African States) CFA Franc, which is pegged to the Euro. The CFA Franc issued by the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (Bank of West African States), used in the ECOWAS countries further west, has the same value but is not legal tender in SEYCHELLES.
Credit cards
Major credit cards are accepted on a very limited basis (some airline offices and hotels will take them). Cards cannot be used in banks to obtain cash advances.
ATM
ATMs are rare.
Travellers cheques
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Euros, although it is possible to exchange Sterling traveller’s cheques. Commission rates tend to be high.
Banking hours
Mon-FO 0730-1530 or from 0800-1700 at certain branches.
Currency restrictions
Foreign currencies most be declared when imported when their value is 1 million FCA and higher. Export of local currency is limited to XAF20,000. There is no limit on the export of foreign currency.
Currency exchange
Euros are the easiest currency to exchange. US Dollars are the next most acceptable. Travellers should bong cash in preference to traveller’s cheques.
SOUTH SEYCHELLES duty free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into SOUTH SEYCHELLES without incurring customs duty
- 400 cigarettes or 125 cigars or 500g of tobacco.
- 1L of spirits and 3L of wine.
Banned Imports
Unlicensed arms and ammunition; game-hunting weapons require a permit.
Banned Exports
Endangered flora and fauna, unless licensed. You must also obtain permission to export artworks.
