BOOKING YOUR SAFARI:
- African Portfolio Inc. requires a $500 per person, non-refundable reservation fee (fully applicable to the tour price) to make a provisional reservation on your behalf.
- African Portfolio Inc. will confirm provisional reservations upon receipt of a non-refundable deposit of 30% the tour price (fully applicable to the tour price). Travel during peak holiday periods or for groups of 10 travelers or more may be subject to additional deposit or early payment requirements.
- Provisional reservations may be released if the deposit is not received by the stated due date.
- Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure, after which reservations may be released and cancellation penalties applied.
BOOKING YOUR FLIGHTS:
- African Portfolio will book internal flights (scheduled or private) in conjunction with your safari as described in your online itinerary.
- Clients are welcome to make flight arrangements independently; our safari consultants can advise the required flight sectors and times to coordinate with your land arrangements.
- If you prefer the assistance of a specialist, we would refer you to Corporate Traveler, who are part of Flight Centre Travel Group, one of the world’s largest travel companies. They offer reliable and responsive customer service, through a dedicated team so you’ll work with someone that knows you and your air travel preferences. Their dedicated travel manager will also be in communication with us to ensure all your scheduled flights coordinate well with your land arrangements and internal flights.
Dotting the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa, Seychelles is renowned for its tailor-made romantic getaways, adventure opportunities, and breath-taking natural beauty. This exceptionally picturesque archipelago is comprised of 115 coral and granite islands. Visitors can look forward to relaxing on sun-drenched beaches lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters, visiting the lively capital city of Victoria, and exploring the colourful coral underwater wonderlands encircling the islands. Other major highlights include abundant wildlife such as giant Aldabra tortoises and nesting sea turtles, indigenous plant life, and a host of tropical birds. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve and Aldabra Atoll.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: Seychellois Rupee
Symbol: SCR
ISO code: SCR
Subunit: Cent (1/100 of a Rupee)
Banknotes: 25, 50, 100, 500 rupees
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25 cents; 1, 5, 10 rupees
Banking
Card Transactions: Widely accepted
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Yes
Diner’s club: Yes
Banking Hours: Weekdays: 08:00 – 14:30
Weekends: Saturdays: 08:00 – 11:00
Public Holidays: Closed
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Air Seychelles
International Airports: Seychelles International Airport
Domestic Airports: Praslin Island Airport
Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes, primarily on Mahé and Praslin
Gravel roads: Yes, on smaller islands
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Limited
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes, efficient on Mahé and Praslin
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: No
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Yes, between main islands
Water taxis: Yes, for tours and transfers
Leisure cruises: Yes
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: Yes, but bottled water is recommended for visitors
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: Yes
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes, particularly reputable vendors
Local cuisine:
Seychellois cuisine is a rich fusion of French, African, Indian, and Chinese influences with a strong emphasis on seafood and exotic spices. Dishes like fish curry, octopus curry, and the unique fruit bat curry are popular, alongside rice and tropical fruits.
Drinks:
Famous local drinks include Seybrew (local beer), coconut water, and rum cocktails.
Tipping: Not traditionally expected but appreciated, usually around 5-10%.
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: Varies by island, generally around 2360 mm
Average temperature: 27°C
Summer:
Average highs: 29°C
Average lows: 24°C
Winter:
Average highs: 27°C
Average lows: 22°C
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Seychelles is during the cooler months from May to September when the weather is drier and ideal for beach activities and wildlife watching.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Not typically needed
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, during the rainy season
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Essential
Walking shoes: Yes, for nature trails
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes, available in major areas
Accommodation options: Yes, widely available with good connectivity
Restaurants: Yes, mostly in tourist areas
Cafes: Yes, in major tourist spots
Shopping malls: Yes, in Victoria
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: G
Voltage (V): 240 V
Frequency (Hz): 50 Hz
* A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
