A luxurious villa with an infinity pool surrounded by lush palm trees in Seychelles, showcasing the ultimate paradise island experience.

Seychelles: Your guide to earth’s paradise island

Seychelles is a real-life paradise. It’s got the most stunning turquoise waters you’ve ever seen. The beaches are soft, white, and perfect for lounging or swimming. The air smells like saltwater and flowers, and you can hear the gentle sound of waves crashing against the shore.

Whether you’re a nature lover, beachgoer, or adventurer, Seychelles ticks every box for a dream holiday. And if you are a first-time Nigerian traveler planning to go there, here’s everything you need to know.

Overview of Seychelles

Seychelles is an archipelago off the eastern coast of Africa and northeast of Madagascar. It’s made up of two groups of islands. The Inner Islands are granitic and mountainous and are home to popular destinations like Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. There’s also the Outer Islands, which are made up of coral atolls.

Whether big or small, all of Seychelles is incredibly beautiful.

Geography and climate

Seychelles has a tropical climate. The temperature typically ranges between 24°C and 32°C.

Culture and language

Seychelles has a diverse culture with influences from Africa, Europe, and Asia. The locals, known as Seychellois, are warm and friendly. The official languages are English, French, and Seychellois Creole. Creole is the most widely spoken.

Currency

The currency used in Seychelles is the Seychellois Rupee (SCR). They also accept USD, EUR, and GBP at hotels and tourist establishments. But it’s best to exchange these currencies to the rupee.

Timezone

Seychelles is in UTC+4 timezone. So it’s three hours ahead of Nigeria.

Travel requirements for Nigerians visiting Seychelles

Seychelles is visa-free for Nigerian passport holders, but you need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before travel. This costs around $50. Upon arrival, you will receive a visitor’s permit valid for up to three months. You must present the following at the border:

A passport with at least minimum six months’ validity
A return or onward ticket
Proof of accommodation booking
Sufficient funds (minimum $150 per day)

Getting to Seychelles

Popular airlines flying from Nigeria to Seychelles

There are no direct flights from Nigeria to Seychelles, but major airlines have connecting flights:

Ethiopian Airlines connects via Addis Ababa.
Kenya Airways connects via Nairobi.
Qatar Airways connects via Doha.

These flights land at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé Island.

Flight duration

The average journey time from Nigeria to Seychelles, including layovers, is between 10 to 15 hours.

Best time to visit Seychelles

Seychelles is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your interests:

For snorkeling and diving: April-May and October-November. The seas are calm seas and have the best underwater visibility.

For beach lovers: The cooler, dry period from May to October has a pleasant weather.

How much to budget for your trip

Flights

Round-trip flights from Nigeria to Seychelles with a stopover range between $800 – $1,500, depending on the airline and the time of booking.

Accommodation

Budget accommodation: $50 – $100 per night.
Mid-range accommodation: $150 – $250 per night for 3-4 star hotels or boutique resorts.
Luxury resorts: $350 – $800+ per night for upscale hotels or resorts.

Food and drinks

Local meals: Expect to pay around $10 – $20 per meal at local restaurants.
Dining at high-end restaurants: Expect to pay $30 – $60 per meal.

Activities

Snorkeling trips: Around $30 – $50 per person for a half-day trip.
Island hopping tours: Around $100 – $200+ for day trips.
Nature reserves and excursions: Fees range from $5 – $15 per person.

Transportation

Taxis cost around $20 – $50 for short trips, while ferries between islands can cost $30 – $60 per trip.

For a 7-10 day trip, you might spend between $2,000 – $4,000 in total, depending on your travel style.

Must-See Places in Seychelles

Mahé Island

This is the largest island in Seychelles and is home to the capital city, Victoria. Mahé is also known for its beautiful beaches.

Praslin Island

On Praslin, you absolutely cannot miss the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. This site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its unique palm forest, where the famous Coco de Mer palm grows. The island is also home to Anse Lazio, a beach that consistently ranks among the world’s best for its clear waters and powdery sand.

La Digue

La Digue is a tranquil escape. It’s best known for Anse Source d’Argent, which is often called one of the most photographed beaches in the world thanks to its dramatic granite boulders and crystal-clear water.

Curieuse Island

This island is a must-visit for anyone who loves wildlife. It’s got giant tortoises that freely roam around and you can also explore nature trails that wind through mangroves and coastal forests.

Aride Island Nature Reserve

For those who love birdwatching, Aride Island is a paradise. It is a protected reserve with many species of seabirds and pristine ecosystems. It’s a place where you can truly appreciate nature at its finest.