Paradise – Island Hopping across La Digue, Praslin and Mahé

After a very, very long wait (we booked through SeyVillas in February 2017), we finally set off on 4 November 2017, flying with Emirates from Düsseldorf via Dubai to Mahé. The service was excellent, and we can wholeheartedly recommend Emirates! I had already visited the Seychelles in 1996 and was, of course, very curious to see what had changed.

Praslin

After landing on Mahé, we first travelled via Praslin to La Digue. The weather was perfect, and the transfers booked through SeyVillas with Creole worked flawlessly. Extremely reliable and friendly – our compliments! Much of it still felt familiar, but the infrastructure has improved SIGNIFICANTLY. Overall, I was very pleasantly surprised. Oceane Self Catering is wonderful accommodation, with a very friendly host, free Wi-Fi and bicycles available to hire for just 100 rupees (around €6). We did a great deal here ...Anse Source d'Argent... (do not pay the entrance fee in euros, as it costs €10; pay 100 rupees instead), Grand Anse, a walk to Petite Anse and Anse Cocos, a hike to the viewpoint via Belle Vue, and two trips by bicycle and on foot to Anse Caïman. Do stop for a fresh fruit juice along the way – it is heavenly!

Anse Source d’Argent, La DigueAnse Source d'Argent, La Digue La Digue

It always rained early in the morning, but from 9 am onwards there was glorious sunshine! La Digue is an absolute MUST and is worth booking for at least four nights. We then travelled on to Praslin. Once again, the pick-up and transfer went completely smoothly! Our accommodation, Mirella Villa at Anse Possession, was a dream. We had never had a view like it. It is also very well situated, with a bus stop right outside. Incidentally, we travelled everywhere by bus, both on Praslin and Mahé. You sometimes have to wait, but it is also a good way to get to know the country and its people, and to strike up conversations. The people of the Seychelles are pleasantly reserved and friendly, and you feel comfortable and safe. Everyone speaks very good English too.
We also explored a great deal of Praslin. The route from Anse Lazio to Anse Georgette is a dream. It is not entirely easy, but absolutely worthwhile.

Grand Anse, La Digue I had already visited Vallée de Mai in 1996, and because of the steep entrance fee of 350 rupees – around €20 – we opted for Fond Ferdinand in the south instead. This tour is also fantastic, costs only 120 rupees and offers plenty of variety. Snorkelling around St Pierre Island is also highly recommended, as is an excursion to the tortoise island of Cuisine Island, including a walk through the mangrove swamp.

Fond FerdinandTortoise on La Digue Fond Ferdinand, Praslin Mahé

We then travelled to Mahé and stayed at the Beach Guesthouse by Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay.
A fantastic location, a very friendly host and a delicious breakfast – highly recommended. The outstanding highlight was the Copolia Lodge Trail . It was strenuous, but the views were incredible. Victoria is a charming little capital with an impressive market, and you should allow at least one day to explore it. A walk along the Anse Major Trail is another experience not to be missed.
We can only recommend that everyone visit the Seychelles at least once. The scenery is magnificent, it is always warm and, although there is an occasional rain shower, you dry off again quickly. An umbrella and mosquito repellent should therefore not be missing from your luggage.
Booking through SeyVillas was simply excellent, with something available for every budget. I have rarely seen such a brilliant website. All the transfers were superb, and we had never experienced such a beautiful and varied holiday. We paid €1,700 per person and prepared our own meals. Overall, prices are around 20–30% higher than in Germany, but there are plenty of excellent food options. You can also keep costs down with fresh fruit and similar items. We are vegetarians, and it was no problem at all!
It is best to bring small euro notes and exchange whatever you need locally.
Do not pay in euros and accept change in rupees! You will lose out significantly. The exchange rate when withdrawing money from a cash machine is no better than when exchanging cash.
Rupees