About the Seychelles

Miles Willis
May 5
3 min read

A South African’s Perfect Island Getaway

The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar and about 1,600 km off the east coast of Kenya. It’s famous for its pristine beaches, unique granite rock formations, lush rainforests, rare wildlife, and an exclusive, luxurious vibe.

Here’s why it’s such an ideal destination for South African holidaymakers:

🌴 1. Accessibility & Convenience for South Africans

✅ Direct flights: There are direct flights from Johannesburg (approx. 5 hours), and sometimes Cape Town (seasonal). Quick connections via Nairobi, Addis Ababa, or Dubai also exist.✅ No visa required for South Africans! You just need a valid passport and proof of accommodation.✅ Same time zone (GMT+4): No jet lag to contend with—huge bonus for shorter trips.

🏝️ 2. Beaches Like Nowhere Else

The Seychelles has some of the most photographed beaches in the world, with powdery white sand, giant granite boulders, and turquoise water.Famous beaches include:

Anse Lazio (Praslin) – consistently ranked among the world’s best beaches.
Anse Source d’Argent (La Digue) – iconic granite rock formations.
Beau Vallon (Mahé) – lively and great for swimming/snorkeling.

🐢 3. Unique Nature & Wildlife

Nature lovers adore Seychelles:✅ Aldabra giant tortoises roam freely on islands like Curieuse and Aldabra.✅ Endemic birds like the Seychelles black parrot and Seychelles magpie robin.✅ UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Vallée de Mai on Praslin (home of the rare coco de mer palm).✅ Incredible marine life for snorkeling and diving – vibrant reefs, manta rays, turtles, and whale sharks.

💎 4. Safe, Unspoiled, Exclusive

Seychelles is known for being clean, safe, and uncrowded. Unlike some other islands, mass tourism hasn’t taken over—perfect for couples, honeymooners, and families who want peace without sacrificing quality.

🏨 5. Something for Every Budget

While Seychelles has a reputation for luxury resorts (like North Island, Six Senses Zil Pasyon, or Maia), there are plenty of affordable guesthouses, self-catering chalets, and mid-range hotels, especially on Mahé and Praslin.You can combine luxury and local charm with island hopping—stay at a fancy resort for part of the trip and explore La Digue or small islands with budget-friendly options.

🍽️ 6. Amazing Food & Creole Culture

The Creole culture is a rich mix of African, French, Indian, and Asian influences. You’ll find:✅ Delicious seafood curries, grilled fish, octopus salad.✅ Lively music, festivals, and dance.✅ Friendly, laid-back locals who make visitors feel at home.

🎣 7. Activities for Everyone

✅ Snorkeling & diving – some of the world’s clearest waters.✅ Hiking – epic trails like Morne Blanc (Mahé) with jaw-dropping views.✅ Boat trips to nearby islands like Curieuse, Cousin, St Pierre.✅ Fishing, sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, island-hopping.

💰 8. Value for Money for South Africans

While Seychelles is priced in euros, South Africans find it more affordable than Europe or the Caribbean, thanks to:✅ Shorter flights (no overnight travel).✅ Self-catering options to save on meals.✅ Free activities like hiking and beach-hopping.✅ No expensive visas or complex entry rules.

✈️ Sample 7-Night Trip Costs (per person from JHB):

🟢 DATE RANGE FROM PPS BOOK BY

29 Apr 25 - 31 Jul 25 R20 110 31 Jul 25

01 Aug 25 - 25 Aug 25 R22 475 25 Aug 25

26 Aug 25 - 31 Oct 25 R20 110 31 Oct 25

👉 Tip: Book well in advance for school holidays (especially April, July, December).

❤️ Why South Africans Love Seychelles

✅ Short direct flights, no jet lag, no visa.✅ Warm tropical climate year-round.✅ Exotic yet familiar – French/English spoken widely, similar driving rules.✅ A safe destination with world-class natural beauty.✅ Romantic for honeymoons, but also family-friendly with great activities.

📅 Best Time to Visit

Seychelles is a year-round destination, but the most pleasant months are:

April – May
October – November✅ Avoid strong southeast trade winds (June–Sept) if you want calm seas.

In short, Seychelles offers South Africans a hassle-free, world-class island escape with no language barrier, no visa, no jet lag, and stunning natural beauty—without flying halfway around the world.