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Last Updated on 1st July 2022
Are you looking to book a holiday for some out-of-season sunshine? Autumn is the perfect month to visit the Seychelles, with temperatures often staying above 30°C. Yet there’s a lot more to explore than just sun, sea and sand, with the season offering the world’s best in biodiversity, culture and adventure. From flora, fauna and scuba diving to local food and dancing, here are some reasons why booking a trip to the Seychelles is a must.
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For explorers: Seek some island adventure
With over 15 hiking trails on the three main islands, and two UNESCO World Heritage sites (Valle de Mai & Aldabra), there is plenty of opportunities for you to spot some of the 1000-plus species of endemic flora and fauna. Whilst nearly 50% of the total land mass is protected by nature reserves, the adventure doesn’t stop at the coastline, with the ocean being the perfect condition for diving, fishing, sailing, snorkelling and more!
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For foodies: October is Creole Month
There is a huge focus on the local gastronomy throughout the whole month of October, as it’s National Creole Month. Just like the Creole people, Seychelles’ cuisine is rich and diverse, a fusion of the nations which made up the Islands, from British, French, Indian and African origins.
The islanders love their curries, no doubt there, acquired from the Indians who not only influenced Seychelles’ dishes but also brought in a variety of spices such as the ‘masala’, the curry leaves, and the ‘murunga’ which is consumed as a broth. A multitude of culinary techniques has taken root in Seychelles to mirror the varied ethnicity of its population, producing the grand symphony of flavours, tastes, and textures which we know today as Creole cuisine.
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For culture seekers: September hosts World Tourism Day
September is ram-packed full of cultural activities, including heritage workshops, and local food and dancing across all 115 islands. The Seychelles champion a culture formed of a melting pot of peoples from Africa, Europe, and Asia.
The island’s music gets its rhythm from Africa as well as from Europe, shown particularly through the regional dances of the ‘sega’ (distinct for its pronounced hip movements), ‘moutya’ (danced to songs that recount the hardship of everyday life) and ‘kontredans’ a mixture of Afro-Malagasy music, African frame drums, and 18th Century French line dance. In fact, a dance locally called ‘kotis’ is even said to descend from the Scottish.
Where are the Seychelles?
There are 115 islands that make up the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean but Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue are the three main tourists ones. They lie off the coast of Africa, north of Madagascar and Mauritius. The makes the journey from the UK approximately a 10 hour flight.
The Seychellois rupee is the national currency, but Euro’s are widely accepted. Locals speak French and English, although the local language is Seychellois.
What to do in the Seychelles?
If you want more than sunbath on the white sandy beaches in a tropical paradise, then the crystal clear waters offer kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling above coral teeming with colourful fish. The jungles are vast and uninhabited, and offer zip-lining and the atolls have giant tortoises. You won’t be bored, with fishing, sailing, surfing and horse riding all on offer.
