Seychelles

The Seychelles is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar, consisting of more than 100 islands of which 83 are named and 46 are permanently uninhabited. Mahé is the principal island comprising of 142 sq km, with the islands of Praslin, La Digue and Silhouette being the next important. Situated about 1,600 km off the east coast of Africa, Mahe extends 27 km north to south and 11 km east to west and has a coastline of 127 km. Historically, a lengthy struggle between France and Great Britain for the islands ended in 1814, when they were ceded to the latter. Independence came in 1976. The subsequent Socialist rule was then brought to a close with a new constitution and free elections in 1993.

Since independence the country’s economy has been a steady success story led by the tourism sector and tuna fishing. The government has also created incentives for foreign investments, leading, ironically, if inevitably, to Seychelles being the most indebted country in the world (on a per capita basis).

In terms of tourism, 'Paradise on Earth' is what they call the Seychelles. Its warm waters, high standards and friendly people draw many year after year to these Jewels in the Ocean that are the Seychelles. Whichever way you turn, there is a lovely beach and upscale dining. For honeymoons, the romance of the Seychelles has everything else in the world beat, bar none (and we speak from experience here!). The very definition of a picture-postcard destination, the countless talc-white sands and the turquoise waters of the Seychelles have played many a starring role in travel programmes and glossy magazines across the globe.

Laden with coconut palms, the appeal of these islands is overwhelming, with alluring blends of food and spices, deep green mountains and delicate coral reefs. Just as popular for its watersports as it is for its beaches, the steady trade winds of May and October draw yachtsmen and windsurfers the world over, while the countless coral beds lying beneath the ocean are simply a diver’s dream. Mix spicy African chutneys and fiery Indian curries, a dash of French and British flavours and a splash of Chinese zest and you’ll have the Seychelles’ exotic Creole cuisine, best savoured with the islands' tremendous seafood.

Along with Zanzibar, Mauritius and Mozambique, Seychelles is part of AfricaAway’s portfolio of idyllic beach destinations – the ideal way to unwind following a hectic game-viewing safari.