by Emma Gass, 10 January 2011

The best travel advice is always firsthand advice; travel tips gathered from travellers who have been there and done that and have the opinions to prove it. So when African Travel Expert, Jako Nagel and Go2Africa Product Manager, Liesel Muller returned from their respective holidays in the Seychelles I was fascinated to hear their experiences, recommendations, tips and opinions on these Indian Ocean paradise islands.

Jako and Liesel both had quite different objectives for their Seychelles holidays. Liesel wanted to see and experience as much of the islands as possible, whereas Jako's main aim was to just relax, enjoy the beaches and to experience the island culture.

They both got exactly what they wanted and they both agree on one thing; Seychelles is a paradise. "The pictures of the islands just don't do it justice!” says Jako.

Island Hopping in the Seychelles

The Seychelles may be an idyllic African beach holiday destination, but it is not merely a "flop on a beach lounger for a week” kind of place. "What you want to do is island hop. You have to explore,” explains Liesel who visited nine beaches and six islands in eight days and still wants to go back to see more.

Each island offers something unique, has its own distinct character and includes yet another collection of perfect beaches. "I really like Praslin. To me it's that picture I had in my head of the Seychelles,” says Jako, offering his opinion.

The little island of La Digue is often described as the island that time forgot, where the main forms of transport are ox-cart and bicycle. Opting for two-wheels is a fun way to inject some activity into a lazy beach holiday. Liesel describes picturesque coves ringed by palm trees and punctuated by enormous granite boulders, and how she "stopped on the side of the road and bought a smoothie made with local fruit.”

Island Culture in the Seychelles

"I wanted to get that local experience; that's the point of travelling”, explains Jako who describes how one day he rode a bike to the laid-back village on Praslin and stopped at a local tavern to order an icy Seybrew beer and delicious local octopus curry for a fraction of the price he would have paid in a hotel or tourist restaurant.

If you'd like a little more guidance, Jako recommends the City Tour he took on Mahe island. They'll take you to the fruit and veg market, the curio market, explain the local traditions and show you some of the prettiest spots on the island.

Under the Sea in the Seychelles

The islands of the Seychelles, with its gin-clear water and stringent environmental laws has been touted as one of the best scuba-diving destinations in the world. And Liesel, who has dived in various renowned diving destinations, agrees as she reels off the names of the critters she encountered: manta ray, turtles, barracuda, trumpet fish, lion fish, parrot fish and many other colourful sea specimens.

It seems she was even more impressed with the snorkeling, insisting she had better experiences than when she went diving. She describes how you can literally walk from your sun lounger out into the ocean to experience world-class snorkeling, no boats or effort required.

Sometimes you don't even need to get into the water to witness the incredible marine life. Jako tells how early one morning he found turtles on the beach right in front of his hotel room. "Big ones!” he says using hand gestures to indicate their impressive size.

Accommodation in the Seychelles

Jako and Liesel were lucky to stay at a number of top hotels and visit others during their visit to Seychelles. Both were very impressed by the number of options available and the standard of the hotels, which they describe as, "world class”. They were particularly impressed with the top luxury hotels, saying the difference in service, amenities, opulence and privacy was astounding.

For true privacy and empty beaches head to the private islands like Denis Island, Fregate Island or North Island.

Your culinary experience also depends on the hotel you're staying at, with the top-end luxury hotels having remarkably better food. Jako and Liesel both agreed that their favourite meals were eaten at Ephelia Resort and LeMuria. Jako then launched into ecstasies about the red snapper with fried banana served on a slab of Seychellois granite that he experienced at LeMuria's Beach Bar & Grill, until he had both Liesel and I salivating in envy.

Something to be aware of is the law in the Seychelles prohibiting removal of local vegetation along the coastline. So although your room may be described as "beachfront” your sea view may be obscured by palm trees and tropical foliage.

Although there is obviously no shortage of dramatic, heart-wrenching views from Seychelles' hotels. "Banyan Tree has the nicest view” states Jako. "Four Seasons is better” counters Liesel. "L'Archipel is also beautiful”; "and LeMuria...”; "and Ephelia's north beach” as they each keep adding another gorgeous view to the list.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Seychelles

After spending more than two weeks in the Seychelles, they have some wise words for future travellers. Liesel encountered the infamous seaweed that covers some beaches on the southern coast of Praslin, usually between May and October/November each year. "It's not going to ruin your holiday, but it isn't postcard perfect” says Liesel, who explains that even when the beaches are affected there will be other beaches close by that are unaffected.

Because the majority of commodities are imported into the Seychelles, it can be a relatively expensive holiday destination. As Jako commented, " I knew it was going to be expensive, but I didn't realise how expensive. The memories are priceless though.” Watch out for VAT and service charges being excluded from menus and price lists, or you'll be in for a nasty shock when the bill comes.

Both Liesel and Jako warn against renting a car. Although it could be a great way to explore the many beaches, it is certainly not for the feint hearted. Apparently the Seychellois "drive like maniacs” along the narrow, twisty roads that often have sheer drops on one side.

Article © Copyright 2011 Go2Africa.

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