Seychelles is famous for its scenic beauty, pristine coastlines and island culture.
The weather is great year-round, the islands are safe and friendly and all beaches are open to the public. The destination can be perceived as unaffordable for groups and families but there are plenty of options to keep prices down.
Eating at local restaurants, endless opportunities for wonderful free outdoor activities, and options for self-catering accommodation, all combine to bring down trip costs for groups, families and clients on a tighter budget. And, South African passport holders don’t require a visa, saving time and money.
Tourism Seychelles (TS) had these ideas for an itinerary under R18 000pps. (US$1 113).
Christine Vel, TS Director Africa, said self-catering could suit anyone. “It is mostly suited for families or groups, as it works out to be more affordable when you have more people.”
TS mentioned a recent promotion by Eden Island Apartment on Mahé that packaged flights and accommodation for about R16 000pps, based on eight people sharing (see seyvillas.com). Meals and activities would cost extra. However, Vel said there were several restaurants close by, and lots to keep guests entertained.
Recommended restaurants on Mahé include La Plage Restaurant, the Boat House, and Rock Pool Restaurant. The Beach Shack (which Vel said was more of a bar) is popular, and Marie Antoinette restaurant near Victoria serves local and British pub-style food. Maison Marengo is another option and is close to the island’s rum factory.
Children often stayed free in self-catering accommodation, Vel added. For example, Tropical Hideaway in Beau Vallon in the north of Mahé, has two-bedroom apartments that sleep up to six pax. Children under five stay free.
Free excursions popular with families holidaying on Mahé include a visit to Victoria Market. There are two-hour guided tours for the first 20 people who arrive at the Vallée de Mai Unesco World Heritage Site on Praslin. Tours are from 09h00 and 14h00, and a SCR350 (R399) entrance fee applies. But this isn’t just a walk through any forest – it is the last breeding refuge of one of the most endangered bird species in the world, the Black Parrot. Here too, is the last intact and original forest of Coco de Mer palms on earth.
Vel suggested that visitors plan a hike along the Anse Major nature trail in northwest Mahé. The walk should take about an hour out and an hour to get back. Alternatively, hikers can book a water taxi ride for the return leg (try TAXI Boat Happiness company, which has rave reviews here on TripAdvisor).
Shops are easy to access in Seychelles and they stay open fairly late. Vel said: “Shops are accessible on all three main islands – Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. Most, but not all, shops are open until around 20h00 or 21h00. You will find some smaller shops open until around 23h00. It is a good idea to check with your accommodation for the shopping hours upon check-in.”
Other popular experiences worth budgeting for include clear kayak tours (try Crystal Water Kayaks); La Plaine St André for rum tasting (see www.takamakarum.com), and the Jardin du Roi spice garden. A trip to see Anse Lazio, Seychelles’ most famous beach, and Vallée de Mai, both on Praslin, is another must.
Tourism Seychelles has also made a point of encouraging visitors to book more tours and experiences run by locals as part of a sustainability drive post-COVID. Try a ‘Day in the life of a Seychellois’ tour, which includes lunch that guests help to prepare. Book with Masons Travel.
Self-catering establishments are required to be registered and are visited by the authorities regularly, Tourism Seychelles told Travel News during its South Africa roadshow at the start of this year. Some more self-catering suggestions include:
Mahé
Tropical Hideaway
VallonEnd Beachfront Villa
Felicie Cottage & Residence
Le Nautique Luxury Beachfront Apartments
Praslin
Palm Holiday Apartments
Treasure Island Retreat
Seashell Beach Villa
La Digue
La Digue self-catering apartments
Casa de Leela self-catering guesthouse
Villa Charette self-catering villas
Hyde Tide Apartments
