Seychelles

One thousand miles off the east coast of Africa and a touch south of the equator, the Seychelles archipelago comprises 115 islands of which 41 are granitic, verdant and steep, and 74 low-lying coral atolls and reef islands. Mahé, the principal island, international airport and home to the capital, Victoria, along with the neighbouring ‘Inner Islands’ of Praslin and La Digue and their respective satellites, together form the cultural and economic hub of the nation and its 81,000 inhabitants. The ‘Outer Islands’ form a magnificent chain to the south west that stops just short of the African continent. A melting pot of peoples from the four corners of the globe, this tranquil and yet vibrant society that speaks English, French and Creole and which is predominantly Roman Catholic, today boasts a common culture enriched by diverse ethnic components and a multi-party political system with an executive president as head of state and government. The Seychelles really are as beautiful and peaceful as photographs suggest. They are a superb destination for a get a way from it all, a family holidays or occasions such as anniversaries, honeymoons and weddings. A visit to them also combines very well with a safari in Africa, Mauriius and the UAE. MAP OF SEYCHELLES There are many islands to choose from and dependent on the length of your stay you can island hop using the inter-island flights. The islands of Praslin, Bird, North, Denis and Desroches are perhaps the quietest, yet have plenty of interest with deep sea fishing, scuba diving, or just relaxing in comfortable and idyllic surroundings. Please have a look at our hotel directory (listed in the red box above right) or call us to discuss yoiur exact requirements. 01798867750 For those who like sailing there are some very comfortable crewed yacht charters available. GMT +4 hrs Flying Time 11 hours. Air Seychelles from London Heathrow, Emirates from 6 regional UK airports (via Dubai), Qatar Airways from 3 regional UK airports (via Doha) and Air France via Paris. Seasons Best March to October. Tropical rains from December to March. The islands enjoy a pleasant tropical climate with year round sunshine. Although air and sea temeparatures are consistent, rainfall often varies with the wetest months being December to February, as the south west monsoons bring more rain, higher humidity and warmer weather. Expect less rainfall from May to September when the trade windsblow from the south east and the climate is generally cooler and drier with a pleasant light breeze. CLIMATE Avg Monthly Temperature (max F) Avg Monthly Rainfall (inches) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 85 15 84 10 85 09 86 07 85 07 83 04 81 3 81 3 82 5 83 6 84 9 83 13