A photo of tourists on a nature walk.

Seychelles: why it’s a leading tourist destination.

There are many beautiful places in the world, but none have as much going for them as the Seychelles. It is one such tourist destination that can help us rejuvenate from the hustle-bustle of our city life. The country is a great destination to plan your honeymoon, family outing, or trip with friends. Blessed with year-round warm tropical weather, one can visit here at any time during the year. 

Her warm waters tempt scuba divers, where vast whale sharks and manta rays glide. And in the shallows, thriving reef beds and long sea grasses make for fantastic snorkelling along the varied, shipwreck-laden seascapes of Mahé’s north coast. As the primary draw for travellers, first time visitors will soon realise after a stroll along the powder-like stretch of La Digue’s Grand Anse, that the hype is more than justified.  A favourable oceanic climate prevails as the archipelago sits on the calm waters outside the Indian Ocean’s cyclone belt, with the southeast trade winds that have long bought visitors to these distant shores soothing the tropical humidity. 

The top tourist attractions in Seychelles and very good reason to visit, are shown below:

  1. The most beautiful beaches in the world

The beauty of the Seychellois beaches is beyond words and is unmatched anywhere else in the world. With their icing-sugar shores and glass-like water, reputation precedes the Seychelle’s beaches. We all have a different idea of the perfect beach, but on Seychelles, you’re not likely to be caught short without somewhere to stretch out and catch some rays. 

Each island of the Seychelles is surrounded by a stunning coastal landscape consisting of warm, turquoise water, exquisite ribbons of powdery-fine white sand, and palm trees as far as the eye can see! Often, you’ll find yourself just a short distance from the closest beach so you’re sure to never get bored, as each beach and bay will enchant you with its unique features. 

From imposing boulders to secluded natural beach spots where you will feel like you’re on a desert island, the variety of unique beaches on offer here gives any tourist plenty of options with vast experience opportunities.

A picture of Anse Georgette, Praslin beach in Seychelles
Anse Georgette, Praslin beach in Seychelles
A picture of Petite Anse, Mahé beach in Seychelles
Petite Anse, Mahé beach in Seychelles

2. Unique Islands

Seychelles archipelago is one of the most amazing and beautiful island paradises in the world but with 115 islands and amazing coral atolls, it’s a tough task narrowing down the best Seychelles islands to visit. While some islands of the Seychelles will bring you face to face with other tourists, others are almost completely deserted and offer peace, quiet, and pure seclusion.

Island-hopping is the best way to get to know all of the different sides of the Seychelles. Every island, whether large or small, brings the full variety of the Seychelles to the forefront. And thanks to the various tours that are on offer on every island, the Seychelles are a unique and varied holiday destination.

Out of the so many islands, only a few are open to tourists and inhabitable. Mahe is the main and the largest island in Seychelles. It is home to Victoria, the capital of Seychelles and the International airport, making it the starting part of all trips to Seychelles. Praslin is the second-largest and second most popular island of Seychelles. It has the world’s most white and thinnest sand beaches and is more laid back than Mahe.

A picture Mahe Island in Seychelles
Mahe Island
A picture of Praslin Island in Seychelles
Praslin Island

3. Spectacular Nature and impressive animal species 

An island nation at the heart of the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles sit about 1,000 miles off the East African coast with over half of the surface area covered by marine and wildlife reserves, including the UNESCO-protected Aldabra Island where astonishing numbers of giant tortoises roam freely – just one of the many examples of the harmony that can exist between tourism and conservation. 

Although one of the world’s smallest countries, the Seychelles are an ecological delight with diverse terrain ranging from high-altitude tropical forests, dotted with hiking trails to thriving coastal mangroves. The verdant rainforest disguises tiny tree frogs and tiger chameleons whilst native Sunbirds and Paradise Flycatchers dwell in the treetops above. And with the abundant exotic plant species, including the government-protected coco de mer – a fruit treasured by Asian cultures as a natural aphrodisiac and retainer of mystical properties, Seychelles’ varied plant life is a joy for botanists. 

The majestic vegetation of the Seychelles can be found on the country’s beaches and in its nature parks, as well as the tropical gardens that many accommodations offer. The lush, deep-green plant world of the Seychelles will make you feel as if you are in a whole new world, with huge trees, exotic flowers and bushes, and a wide range of tropical fruits are just waiting to be discovered. Almost nowhere else in the world protects such a unique range of species so strictly. Above all, the Seychelles are even to this day home to the Coco de Mer palm tree.

A picture of a Nature trail, Anse Major, in Seychelles
Nature trail, Anse Major
A picture of Vallee de Mai, Praslin, Seychelles
Vallee de Mai, Praslin

4. Beautiful climate throughout the year

Seychelles are the perfect destination all year-round. Whether you travel in January or July, the temperature in the Seychelles almost never drops below 26°C. Unlike other tropical islands, there is no rainy season, so the stunning beaches here are the ideal place to get away from it all, especially during the European winter season. Good weather in the Seychelles is pretty much guaranteed!

Stress and unrest are not words that apply to the Seychelles as the relaxed pace of life under the tropical sun is the perfect antidote. While here, you’re made to forget the stress of daily life and focus on relaxing and enjoying your holiday in paradise to its fullest extent.

5. Different Kinds of Accommodation

From elegant hotels, comfortable apartments, luxurious resorts and to authentic guesthouses, the Seychelles offer something for every taste and every budget. For those that prefer to spend a relaxing holiday in a luxury hotel, right by the white sandy beach, at traditional guesthouses where you can experience the lifestyle of the Seychellois a little closer, to spend the holiday at the beach, or even in a tropical oasis, there’s an experience for all. During an island hoping holiday, one can even choose to experience all of them by staying in all kinds of accommodations. This helps a visitor to know the different sides of the Seychelles. We will gladly help you find the perfect accommodation for you!

A picture of Paradise Sun Hotel, Seychelles
Paradise Sun Hotel, Seychelles
A picture of Glacis Heights Villa, Seychelles
Glacis Heights Villa, Seychelles

The Seychelles are a top tourism destination for any kind of relaxation holiday and we totally recommend it. And should you like to visit the Seychelles, Swanair Travel and Safaris is here to take care of all your planning to ensure you have the perfect holiday. Contact us on info@swanairtravel.com, 0776515014 or visit our bookings page to book your next holiday.

A picture of tourists Bungee jumping on the Nile

Jinja: Ten things to do at the Source of the Nile

Jinja is a town located in the Eastern part of Uganda, along the northern shores of Lake Victoria. The town is found about 80 kilometers away from Kampala, the capital of Uganda. Jinja is famous internationally mainly because it is the source of the great River Nile but has over the years gained a reputation of fun and adventure. It is now popularly known as the Adventure Capital of East Africa for her long list of adrenaline activities and other tourism-related activities. Jinja’s natural scenery as a result of being close to two major water bodies – the Nile and Lake Victoria, with exciting multiple tourist attractions, has rendered it a top tourist destination in Uganda.

There’s an exciting experience for all kinds of tourists, making Jinja one of the best places to visit in Uganda. Some of the amazing tourist experiences available are as shown below:

  1. White water Rafting

White water rafting is one of the top tourist attractions in Jinja that takes you through different grades of rapids. The white water rafting experience in Jinja is said to be of high quality because it has several grade 4 and 5 rapids. Most of the rafting is done at the Kalagala and Itanda falls. White water rafting in Jinja involves maneuvering through strong waves and rapids using tube boats (filled with air) on the mighty Nile. While rafting on the waters of the Nile, participants pass through some breath-taking scenery and landscape along the margins of the river. There is also wildlife species like birds, monkeys, butterflies and vegetation. Very few tour activities can compare to the experience of white water rafting on River Nile.

A picture of tourists White water rafting on the Nile
White water rafting on the Nile

2. Bunjee Jumping

This is an adrenaline pumping experience that will taste anyone’s resolve to the full. It is where one is plunged about 43 meters down into open space before being partly immersed into the Nile water at the Nile High Bungee. Bungee jumping is an activity much loved by those who want to test the limits of their adventure spirits. The experience can be very frightening but travelers love it as it is one way of showing your braveness. However, one needs to be at least 13 years and above to take part. The person must also be free of any underlining illness like a heart attack, hypertension and more.

A picture of tourists Bungee jumping on the Nile
Tourists Bunjee jumping into the Nile

3. Kayaking and Canoeing

Kayaking on the Nile river in Jinja involves canoeing on the white water rapids of the amazing Nile at a very slow pace. Kayaking or Canoeing on the Nile exposes one to the incredible biodiversity and landscape surrounding the Nile river. It is a great way to experience the river up close. Fortunately, the weather is always right for Kayakers to explore the Nile, the beautiful surroundings and exotic birds. Those who book the activity are always given instructions, basic skills on how to row a boat and defence mechanisms in case of an incident while sailing. Life jackets are provided for everyone at no extra fee.

Kayaking on the Nile
Kayaking on the Nile

4. Tubing the Nile

Tubing on the Nile River is a new fun activity to do in Jinja on an adventure trip. It takes an adrenaline drifting on a tube for 2 – 3 hours long, right at the source of the world’s longest river while sunbathing and enjoy beautiful sceneries on both flat/lazy or white water adventure. This is a newly introduced activity along the Nile. It involves floating on the waters of the river Nile on air-pressured tubes. As participants float on the Nile, they have opportunities to go up to the main Jinja bridge and experience the amazing landscape. They can also watch monkeys, birds, tides and rapids from a distance. Tubing the Nile is a very cool thing to engage in and there are safety measures in place to ensure that no harm comes your way.

Tourists Tubing on the Nile
Tubing on the Nile

5. Quad Biking

Quad biking is one of the popular tourist activities that takes adventure to a whole other level and does not require prior driving experience. It involves riding on a four-wheeled motorbike in some of the remotest parts of the town. The bikes will take you past the rural villages, forests, sugarcane plantations and along rarely seen sections of the Nile river. The Quad biking experience is very adventurous and can be taken by almost anyone irrespective of whether they have experience with the bikes or not. Lessons are given to all amateurs before going out into the countryside. A free training session is conducted before each safari and trips are tailored to suit the riders’ ability and give the best possible adventure. Sliding across the puddles and potholes in mud makes quad biking much more fun.

Quad biking in Jinja

6. Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is a thrilling outdoor activity done on village trails, bridge paths, and forest road in order to enjoy the long riding experience with a spectacular viewing of the natural wonders alongside the road. It is always interesting but doing it in the beautiful countryside of Africa is something else. The horse riding experience in Jinja takes between 1 to 3 hours and takes you to explore the rural communities, the river Nile and the beautiful landscape surrounding it. Participants are guided by an experienced guide who knows all the routes. One does not need to have any experience riding horses because there is a training session before the real thing.

Tourists Horseback riding in Jinja
Tourists Horseback riding in Jinja

7. Cycling

Cycling offers a different experience from quad biking because it is more physical and drains more energy. However, the activity is equally adventurous depending on the route you take.

Cyclists are provided with a mountain bike and a guide to take them on an interesting journey of discovery beyond what the Quad bikes can provide. Using a mountain bike, one can go further into the sugar plantations, community villages, the river Nile and even up to Jinja town itself. Cycling doesn’t have a time-frame and can be hired for a whole day. If you want to have an amazing encounter with nature, you can choose to do the biking in Mabira forest. In this case, you will be driven with your bike to the starting point in Mabira forest. While in Mabira forest, expect to encounter primates, birds, butterflies and the local people.

A picture of Tourists Cycling in Jinja
Cycling in Jinja

8. Visiting the source of the Nile

It is in Jinja where the Nile starts its journey to North Africa. There is a landmark at the point where the waters leave Lake Victoria through a depression/gorge before spreading out and turning into what is called the River Nile. The source of Nile monument is one of the most historical sites and a must visit when one visits the source of the Nile. On a typical trip to visit the source of the Nile, visitors stand on a group a rocks to spot the watermark from a distance or take a boat to the actual source of the Nile, but this depends on the volume of water or tides. After spotting the source of the Nile mark, visitors take photos next to a sign post and then visit one of the many craft shops to buy souvenir and crafts.

A picture of The Source of The Nile
The Source of The Nile

9. Bird Watching

Uganda is one of the best destinations for bird watching in the world and Jinja is one of the best birding safari destinations in Uganda. The birds can be spotted right out of your hotel, along the roads, in forests like Mabira or on the waters of Lake Victoria and river Nile. The best time for birding is the morning and evening hours but for avid birders, one opt for the full day birding Jinja experience. We highly recommend going to Mabira forest or take a boat along the Nile river for the best birding experience. Mabira forest is only 15 kilometers away from Jinja town

and has an amazing collection of birds that can rival any other location in Uganda.

A picture of Tourists bird watching in Jinja
Tourists bird watching

10. Fishing in Jinja

Jinja is one of the best places for sport fishing in Uganda. The most popular species to go out for is the large Nile perch and the tasty tilapia. One of the great things about fishing along the Top tourist attractions in Jinja is that certain sections are reserved for sporting fishing hence allowing anglers to catch huge specimen. The ideal time to catch fish is in the morning and evening hours. Indiscriminate fishing is frowned upon as is using old-fashioned gear. One has to go for only mature fish. Before going out to fish, anglers will be briefed about the river and safety measures before being given correct fishing gear. Anglers who do sport fishing in Jinja always complete with happy faces. The local fishing guides know the areas which have the highest concentration of fish.

A man fishing on the Nile

There is more to Jinja than just the source of the Nile as shown above and more. Jinja also has a wide range of good accommodation options for all travellers that complement the travel experience.
Should you like to visit Jinja anytime soon, you can book the above experiences while in Jinja through different service providers or book a fully planned trip through any reputable tour company in Uganda. As Swanair Travel and Safaris, we are excited to cater for all your travel needs and are available through info@swanairtravel.com, 0776515014, or visit our bookings page to book your next holiday.