There are more shades of blue and green in the Seychelles than it is possible to imagine. Forming a backdrop to the relaxed tropical image of the Seychelles are the rhythms, colors and flavors of Africa and gris gris, the local brand of black magic.

Seychelles	Aldabra Atoll Aldabra is one of the world's largest raised coral atolls, stretching twenty-one miles east to west and enclosing a huge tidal lagoon, which is home to tiger sharks, manta rays and thousands of seabirds. Aldabra is also the original habitat of the giant land tortoise. The only people who live on Aldabra are scientists. Anyone wishing to visit must first get written permission from the Seychelles Island Foundation (SIF), based in Victoria, which manages the island. There is accommodation for about eight visitors. The nearest airport is on Assomption Island, about seventeen miles south of Aldabra. From there, the Indian Ocean Explorer runs one-week cruises round the atoll.
Seychelles	Anse Lazio The best beach on Praslin - in fact, one of the best in the country - is Anse Lazio, in the far north of the island. The beach has glorious white, soft sand, a few rounded granite boulders and a lively line-up of waves. The water is a magical turquoise color. There's also a sheltered area with great snorkelling at the end of the beach. There's even a terrific restaurant at the end of the beach road. The beaches east of Lazio are protected by a reef, which makes the water like a giant bath - it's shallow, warm and safe, and there's some nice snorkelling.
Seychelles	La Digue La Digue is home to Anse Source d'Argent, the iconic image of emerald waters, sugar-white sands and sea-smoothed granite rocks. It's also the least developed of the main islands and life here still moves at the pace of an ox cart. It's the sort of place you won't want to leave.
Seychelles	Vallée de Mai Vallée de Mai is one of only two places in the world where you can see the weird and wonderful coco de mer palm growing in their natural state - the other is nearby Curieuse Island. This valley's Eden-like forest is World Heritage listed and the very sight of sunlight filtering through its fronds will make you go all poetic. You'll see several varieties of screw pine and latanier plams, and, if you're very lucky, the Seychelles black parrot. If you're going to visit the park, keep to the tracks, don't take anything away and don't leave anything behind - this is an incredibly fragile forest.

Seychelles offers a wide range of accommodations.

Saint Anne

Saint Anne All the villas are designed for outdoor living and careful attention has been paid to the guarantee of privacy: sea facing, on ground floor, with open terrace and/or gazebo. They are positioned for maximum appreciation of the view and protection from the prevailing winds. Each villa is accessed from a rear entrance, ensuring maximum privacy and the least disturbance from service staff.

• How do I get to Seychelles?
  
  
  There are daily flights from Johannesburg, South Africa, and twice weekly from Nairobi, Kenya.
  
  
• What makes Seychelles beaches different from other island destinations?
  
  
  The beaches in Seychelles are refreshingly uncrowded and pristine. Some beaches, like the famous Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue, are framed by impressive granite rocks that appear to have been sculpted by divine hand. Other beaches simply offer sublime opportunities for relaxation on powder-soft sands under shady takamaka or palm trees, or unbeatable swimming and snorkeling in the warm, enticing waters of secluded coves and bays.
  
  
• Which is the best time to visit Seychelles?
  
  
  The islands are blessed with a warm tropical climate year round. However, depending on particular interests, certain times of the year may be better suited. Two opposing tradewinds generally govern the weather pattern: the north-westerly trades blow from October to March and average from 8 to 12 knots; and the brisker south-easterly trades blow from May to September with winds between 10 to 20 knots, bringing cooler and windier conditions that are ideal for sailing. The periods of calm between the trades produce fairly warm and wind-free conditions throughout April and also in October. Superb conditions for swimming, snorkeling and diving occur during April/May and October/November.
  
  

Africa Guide
Comprehensive country information, travel advice and climate charts.

Lonely Planet: Destinations
Your guide to unfamiliar places on the African continent.

Lonely Planet: Traveler Reports
Useful advice from travelers who have visited Africa.

World Wildlife Fund: Global Ecoregions
Fourteen major habitat types showing diversity of life on land.