Seychelles – General info

The Republic of Seychelles consists of 115 islands and is divided into 32 mountainous islands (mainly granite) which represent the Seychelles proper, and numerous small coral islands spread over a sea area of over 400,000 km².

The archipelago around Mahé is the most densely populated and therefore the most important archipelago in the country. Like most other inhabited islands, its islands belong to the mountainous islands. Mahé is also home to the highest point in the country, the Morne Seychellois, which rises 905 m above sea level. On the coral islands, there are only a few small settlements due to the low altitude (highest points at 9 m above sea level) and the lack of drinking water.

The climate is tropical and quite constant due to its proximity to the equator, the temperature fluctuates between 24°C and 30°C. The rather low rainfall also varies only between 288 cm in the capital Victoria and 355 cm in the mountainous regions.

Capital
Victoria
Area
454 km²
491 km of coastline
Population
80,000 inhabitants

Economy
Since independence in 1976, per capita income in this Indian Ocean archipelago has increased sevenfold compared to the old subsistence level. Growth was led by the tourist sector, which employs about 30% of the workforce and provides more than 70% of the “hard currency” revenues, as well as the tuna industry. In recent years, the government has encouraged foreign investors to invest in hotels and services. At the same time, the government has tried to reduce dependence on tourism by promoting the development of farms, the fishing industry and small manufacturing companies. The vulnerability of the tourist sector was made visible by the sharp fall in 1991-92 (Gulf War), the attacks of September 11 and again by the Gulf War in 2003, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022. Other government programs concern the budget deficit, including the cost of social services, as well as further privatizations of public companies. Growth slowed in the years 1998-2001 due to sluggish tourism and tuna sectors. Control over exchange rates against foreign currencies and the shortage of foreign currencies have also encouraged the economic short-term orientation. The value of the rupee on the black market is about half as much as the official exchange value; without a devaluation of the Seychelles rupee, the tourist sector is likely to remain vague and holidaymakers will prefer destinations such as the Comoros, Mauritius or Madagascar.

Political form of government
The President of the Seychelles has been James Alix Michel since 14 April 2004. He replaced France-Albert René, who was last elected to office in 2001 with 54% of the vote and resigned as President of the Seychelles in March 2004.

Michel was previously vice president. Presidential elections are held every 5 years. In the Seychelles, the head of state is also the head of government and appoints the judges of the two highest courts.

The parliament consists of 34 deputies. Of these, 25 are directly elected. The remaining 9 seats will be distributed proportionally to all votes to the parties that received at least 10 percent of the votes.

Currency
Seychelles Rupee (SCR)

Interesting Facts
The Seychelles are in constant foreign exchange shortages. More than half of the total foreign exchange earnings are currently spent on the procurement of oil. All this must be financed from the income of tourism, as other sources of income are practically non-existent. The rupee is kept artificially high as a domestic currency in order to keep foreign exchange earnings as high as possible.

In mid-2008, the state was insolvent, whereupon a program to realign the economy was implemented with the support of the International Monetary Fund . As a result, the Seychelles rupee was devalued by around 40 percent after the exchange rate was floated at the beginning of November 2008. The economy has since recovered, and the Seychelles have the highest per capita income of all African countries (as of 2022) at just over US$ 15,000.

Accommodation, restaurant visits and other tourist activities must be paid for by guests in foreign currency. These must already be brought from the countries of entry, as there is no foreign currency to exchange in the country. At banks and at card machines, only local rupees are paid out. The only way out is to pay by credit card.

The best prices, e.g. at car rental companies or for purchases, can be obtained with cash payments.

The lowest temperature ever recorded in the Seychelles was 19.8°C, the highest 34°C. You can usually expect 27-30°C during the day, 24-26°C at night, i.e. it rarely gets very hot, but hardly cools down at night.

The air is often exceptionally clear (hardly any dust or exhaust fumes within a radius of 1,600 km), so that on some nights you can admire phenomenal starry skies. The water temperatures are evenly at 26-29°C, although in particularly shallow lagoons downright bathtub temperatures are occasionally reached

However, a distinction is made between the time of the southeast monsoon and that of the northwest monsoon. In the former (June to October) the wind is more steady, the humidity lower, and it rains a little less.

Only during the northwest monsoon (December to April) is there a small risk of being rained for several days or even weeks, which would of course be annoying for a correspondingly expensive trip. During this time, it also rains almost daily, but usually only in short showers of no more than half an hour.

If you are very sensitive to humidity, you should avoid the so-called monsoon turnover periods in May and November, as the wind often dries up completely.

It should be noted, however, that in the Seychelles there have been increasing shifts and exceptions in the climatic course of the seasons for some years now. The weather conditions of the individual months can therefore no longer be predicted quite as reliably as in earlier times.

Because of the proximity to the equator, days and nights are about the same length all year round. Precipitation in the form of warm rain varies considerably from year to year and is therefore difficult to predict.

Due to its location 4° south of the equator, solar radiation is a problem for travellers to the Seychelles, as the UV intensity here is about three to four times higher than in the German midsummer. (There is a wide belt around the equator, where the ozone layer is naturally thinner.)

The sun rises at around 6:30 a.m. and sets at 6:30 p.m. every day, with twilight lasting only about 30 minutes.

One of the most interesting native birds in the Seychelles is the corvid parrot, whose population is reduced to about 100 animals, as well as the thick-billed flight bird, wart fruit pigeon and the cave salangane.

The only mammals on the sexchelles are the Seychelles fruit bats and the bat species Coleura seychellensis, which belongs to the smooth-nosed freetail family.

The sea, with its almost inexhaustible wealth, not only provides for life under water, it also provides the basis of life for many millions of birds. Some islands, such as Bird Island, are a true bird paradise.

There are no enemies here, neither alligators nor snakes, no rats or cats. In addition, the Bird Islands, Bird Island or Aride are extremely difficult to reach. Therefore, birds that have long since become extinct in the world can still exist here.

The wildlife of the Seychelles has many special features to offer. First of all, there is the great abundance of fish in the Seychelles waters, which makes the islands with their still intact coral reefs good diving areas. At least snorkeling should therefore be tried by every visitor.

The small, grey, omnivorous skinks can be found again and again.

The geckos, which are usually grey or brown on Mahé, are unmissable, but almost always have a bright green colouring on La Digue. The green geckos are also called day geckos. These useful insectivores are almost always found in buildings, where they can be observed in the evening by lamplight.

Among the unloved small animals are cockroaches and mosquitoes. The former, which can actually be found everywhere in the tropics, is less common in the Seychelles. This is certainly due to the generous use of insecticides.

On the other hand, mosquitoes can be found almost everywhere in the Seychelles. However, their number is limited, as there are hardly any standing waters. In addition, the constant wind drives away the unloved ghosts. Only at dusk in swampy areas such as La Digue do you have to do something against the mosquitoes. The Anopheles mosquitoes, which are feared as malaria carriers, do not exist in the Seychelles. Malaria prophylaxis is therefore not necessary.

A bigger problem on beaches are the small sand flies. They are comparable in effect to creepy mosquitoes.

The sand of the beaches is home to countless small animals and crabs. Larger specimens are mainly found after dark or on lonely beaches.

The huge, black and yellow palm spiders sitting in their webs everywhere in the undergrowth look dangerous, but are all the more harmless in comparison.

One should beware of large centipedes, whose bite is poisonous and can cause nasty wounds. However, they are very rare.

On some islands you can find small scorpion species, but their bite is not life-threatening. All in all, it can be said that the wildlife of the Seychelles hardly poses any significant risks for visitors.

Particularly beautiful to look at are the many bird species of the Seychelles, a number of which are extremely rare. The Seychelles Shame Thrush, which only lives on Frégate, is particularly noteworthy here. The birds know no instinct to flee. Therefore, the island must be kept free of rats and cats so that the survival of the last few dozen specimens is ensured.

Not so rare, but extremely beautiful are the snow-white fairy terns, which have pitch-black eyes and blue beaks. Equally remarkable are the tropicbirds sailing in the warm updrafts on the mountain slopes. Some areas of the Seychelles are under strict supervision as bird sanctuaries. This also includes the islands of Aride, Cousin or Bird Island. They are an absolute must for those interested in ornithology.

The only native mammal species is the Seychelles fruit bat. The large animals, which resemble the smaller bats in their behaviour, can often be seen and heard at dusk. The Flying Fox looks like a small fox up close with its reddish-brown fur. The food of fruit bats consists exclusively of fruits.

Vallée de Mai, a 0.195 sq km valley in the Praslin National Park – Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983

The Seychelles nua palm “Coco de Mer”, which is only found in the Seychelles, has the largest seeds in the plant kingdom and a height of 30 to 40 m.

In addition, another six palm species and screw trees such as the Hornes screw tree, which are native only to the Seychelles.

Until 40 years ago, the primeval palm forest in a remote high valley on the Seychelles island of Praslin was still completely untouched. Today, people from all over the world come here to admire the rare Seychelles palm tree. Their special feature is the “Coco de Mer” seed, which weighs up to 20 kg. The largest seed in the world.

Today, fan palms, which can live up to 800 years, can only be found on Praslin and the small neighbouring island of Curieuse. Their population is estimated at 400 specimens.

A clever economic policy protects the idyll. Large hotels are not allowed to be built here. This limits the number of holidaymakers, and is the guarantee for the preservation of the natural world.

On Praslin, one of the larger islands of the archipelago, the palm tree that had been sought for so long was finally found. In our time, a park, Vallee de Mai, the May Valley, was created. Here you can study the palm tree, observe its growth and its legendary reproduction.

The strange shape is reminiscent of the buttocks of beautiful people. The fruit has stimulated erotic fantasies and some even hoped for a potency-strengthening effect. Without the protective nature park, the rare palm tree would have disappeared long ago.

Speaking of palm trees, there are female palms and male palms, easy to distinguish. A Seychelles legend says that they get together on a stormy night…

7 years pass after unification until a ripe fruit is ready for the new cycle. The little sister that everyone knows, the common coconut, had replaced the Coco de Mer here since the last century. Their juice, flesh and fibre were coveted. Today, there are again a large number of Coco de Mer palm trees in the World Heritage Nature Park. The oldest are said to be around 800 years old. The highest are over 30 meters.

A clever economic policy protects the idyll. Large hotels are not allowed to be built here. This limits the number of holidaymakers, so that the Seychelles still seem like a boundless paradise.

It is believed that the islands of the Seychelles were once discovered by Arab traders.

The first documented and recorded discoverers of the Seychelles were the Portuguese. They first mentioned the islands in 1505.

The Seychelles were not settled by the French until 150 years after their discovery.

In the period from 1794 to 1811, there was a conflict between the English and French over the islands. The English emerged victorious from this.

The Seychelles became part of Mauritius under English rule.

After the First World War in 1911, the Seychelles received the status of an independent colony.

The Seychelles gained independence in 1970, but the so-called first republic was not founded until 1976.

In 1979, it was deposed in favor of a one-party regime. This gave rise to the Second Republic.

In 1993, the current constitution of the Third Republic came into force in the Seychelles.

Dining
The Seychelles are said to have the best Creole cuisine of all the islands of the Indian Ocean.

The influences from Indian, African and French cuisine play a major role in this. In addition to beef and chicken, fish is of course mainly processed. Rice and chutneys made from overcooked vegetables or fruit are usually served as side dishes. The pumpkin chutney is particularly popular.

The basics of Creole cuisine are the sweet stew sauce Daube, the tomato-based sauce Rougaille and the mild coconut base Carri-Coco, reminiscent of Southeast Asia.

The preference for soups, especially fish soups (bouillons), was adopted from French cuisine. The local salads are also prepared with refinement. Don’t forget the Creole octopus salad, the heart of palm salad and various salads with green papaya. On the other hand, the dish of fruit bats offered in some restaurants is already a local specialty, which is certainly not suitable for every palate.

For dessert, tropical fruits and the dessert Kat-Kat (green bananas cooked in sweet coconut milk) from Africa are often served.
Drinks
Their own wines are hardly known and so they are dependent on imported wines. However, these are quite expensive. An alternative are the local drinks, such as the home-distilled fruit bakka and calou (palm cider). You should beware of the cheap booze that is often offered.

Anyone visiting the Seychelles should be prepared to be asked to pay unduly on some occasions. It is true that the airport fee was abolished years ago on the official grounds that they did not want to annoy tourists unnecessarily. However, it has been reintroduced in the meantime (100 SR per person) and causes an unpleasant surprise for some departures.

In addition, it can happen, for example, that you have to pay for the use of a private path (which is not recognizable as such) retrospectively. The realization that most tourists have also had to earn their (holiday) money hard has not yet prevailed here.

There are generally few problems with the procurement of the local currency. EURO can be exchanged at all banks in the Seychelles. There are many small branches, which are usually open on weekdays until the early afternoon and on Saturdays in the morning. Traveler’s cheques are recommended, with which you get a much better exchange rate.

Accommodation in the Seychelles covers all categories, from the simplest guesthouse to the luxury hotel. However, the price level is always significantly higher than usual for the respective category in Germany.

If you want to eat well, you won’t be disappointed. Fish dishes in particular can be enjoyed in a fascinating variety. Since meat (except chicken) has to be imported, it should be avoided. The menu is dominated by curry preparations, which are a science in themselves in the Seychelles (as in India, the country of origin). When it comes to food, the price-performance ratio is quite impressive, although in many places it is hardly possible to eat cheaply. The “local” beer is called SeyBrew, is brewed by a German and is quite good (not least because of the soft water).

Drinking water provided in thermos bottles in guest rooms should be avoided (contrary to some recommendations from travel guides), as it may lead to gastrointestinal complaints. The “mineral” water sold in plastic bottles is better tolerated.

A very big plus of the Seychelles as a travel destination is that it is practically free of the dreaded tropical diseases. Special vaccinations, as they are necessary for travel to many other tropical countries, are no longer necessary. (To be on the safe side, you should ask a knowledgeable doctor or the tropical medicine institute in Hamburg for the latest information in good time before you travel.) What is certain is that there are few places in the world where you can enjoy such a little spoiled tropical environment with so few health risks.

The number of (so far) about 100,000 tourists annually is far too small to ensure overcrowded beaches à la Ibiza or Mallorca. The busiest beach in the Seychelles is still Beau Vallon Beach in the northwest of Mahé. Outside the main season (European summer holidays, Christmas and Easter) most beaches are little visited or deserted, so that you can find your personal, lonely dream beach even on the main island of Mahé. The relatively high costs are to be understood as an entrance fee to an “earthly paradise”, and those who are enthusiastic about breathtaking natural beauty and can overlook one or the other organizational deficiency still have a price-performance ratio that many other destinations do not come close to.

After all, it is a declared (and legitimate) goal of the local government to earn as much money as possible from tourism that is as environmentally friendly as possible (this includes moderate visitor numbers).

For example, backpackers who want to get by with little money at the expense of the local population are expressly unwelcome.
If you love so-called club holidays or can’t do without promenade strolls, water skiing and Wiener Schnitzel, you should refrain from a Seychelles holiday.

But if you are able to enjoy a quiet moment in an overwhelming landscape without outside guidance, you will get to know the real Seychelles and count your stay there as one of your best experiences.