Made up of 115 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean and 900 miles off the East African coast, the Seychelles is a virtually untouched archipelago that boasts perfect white-sand beaches, turquoise seas and lush forests.
Although famed for its tranquil beaches, Seychelles offers something for every type of couple, from foodies looking to sample the Creole cuisine, to active couples who love nothing more than hiking. In fact, Google searches for Seychelles honeymoon have seen an incredible 7,900% uplift of interest in the last month.
What is it exactly that makes Seychelles such a popular destination for honeymooners? Go2Africa reveals the main appeals of the country from the untouched beaches to the abundance of wildlife and its proximity to mainland Africa.
Pristine beaches
Boasting over 491 kilometres of coastline, the most identifiable feature of the Seychelles is its beaches. Visit the popular Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue, which is frequently coined “the most beautiful beach in the world” and was the backdrop of major Hollywood films such as Castaway, or if you would prefer to live the private island fantasy, visit the hidden gem Anse Major, found on the northwest coast of the most populated island, Mahé. With no roads leading to this haven, you can either hike up and be greeted by dramatic yet tranquil scenes or treat yourself to a water taxi.
Activities galore
Although the image that Seychelles conjures up is one of beaches and relaxation, the reality is that it’s an active couple and adrenaline-junkies paradise! With so much water to explore, there’s just about every water sport you can think of, from snorkelling and scuba diving, to paddle boarding and white water rafting, those who feel most at peace in the ocean will be spoilt for choice.
However, it’s not just water activities that Seychelles offer, which is one of the biggest differences between Seychelles and the Maldives, as the Maldives is so small and uninhabited most activities available are focused on exploring the ocean. As 50% of Seychelles is a national park or reserve,there’s ample opportunity for hiking and wildlife spotting. Hike up Mount Copolia in Mahé Island or more experienced hikers should try hiking up the Morne Blanc trail which is an uphill climb through mist forests and a stunning viewpoint overlooking the coast.
Natural wildlife
Wildlife lovers were destined to visit Seychelles. With 12 endemic species of birds, some of which were saved from extinction, and home to over 7,000 species of animal, plant and fungi, couples with a love for all things wildlife will be spoilt for choice. As research and conservation efforts take place across the islands to restore and maintain the wildlife of Seychelles, you can relax knowing your visit is not negatively impacting the wildlife.
If birdwatching is your favourite couple’s past-time, then Seychelles is full of opportunities. Whether it’s the elusive Seychelles black parrot, the country’s national bird, or the bare-legged Scops owl which is so rare that it was thought to have been extinct until it was spotted back in 1959, tick off once-in-a-lifetime sightings. Otherwise, Seychelles is home to over 1,000 species of fish that have been recorded, which is why snorkelling and diving are particularly popular activities.
Combine with a once-in-a-lifetime safari
As Seychelles is just 900 miles off the eastern coast of Africa, many honeymooners use this opportunity to combine their island paradise getaway with an equally once-in-a-lifetime safari experience. In fact, Google searches for “Seychelles and safari” have seen a 4,200% uplift in the last month alone. Combining a Seychelles honeymoon with a migration safari or a Big 5 safari offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure – what better way to start married life!
As Seychelles International Airport is served by numerous direct flights to safari bases such as Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa, the logistics of combining your Seychelles honeymoon with a safari is incredibly simple.
Can be visited any time of year
The best time to visit the Seychelles is between April-May and October-November, as these months are much less windy than other months. However, as Seychelles is just below the equator all the islands benefit from warm, optimum beach weather all year round. Temperatures rarely drop under 20°C and the Indian Ocean boasts an average temperature of 26°C, meaning a guarantee of a pleasantly warm day on the beach.
As a tropical destination, there’s always going to be a chance of rain, so it’s wise to bring a raincoat just in case, regardless of the time of year you visit. Even then, rain showers are short and sharp, so are unlikely to last too long anyway.
