Walk on the Wild Side in the Seychelles

Amy Lever, a Reservations Consultant, describes the Seychelles as a nature lover’s paradise. With 115 islands, pristine beaches, lush tropical forests, and vibrant coral reefs, the destination offers a rare opportunity to disconnect and immerse oneself in unspoiled nature. She recounts that her recent trip felt like stepping into a living postcard, where every moment revealed wildlife, tranquility, and remarkable natural beauty.

amy from beachcomber tours

By Amy Lever

Landing in Mahé, we were immediately struck by the warm turquoise waters and the quiet beauty of the islands. Each stop – Praslin, La Digue, and Denis Private Island – revealed its own charm. From peaceful forest walks to watching waves lap against deserted beaches, every day offered a new sense of wonder.

Meeting Toby, the 120-year-old tortoise, was unforgettable. Watching him slowly move across the island, I felt a deep sense of history and patience embodied in this creature. The Seychelles hosts the world’s largest population of giant tortoises, around 180,000 across the archipelago.

A short boat trip from Praslin to Curieuse Island brought us face-to-face with 500 more gentle giants. Observing them in their natural habitat, I couldn’t help but feel awe at the sheer size and slow, deliberate grace of these remarkable animals.

Fruit Bats – Flying Foxes at Dusk

The Flying Foxes, or fruit bats, were playful and curious. On Kempinski Seychelles, watching them skimming across the sky and feasting on breadfruit trees at dusk was enchanting. Their piercing shrieks and wing claps created a symphony of sound, adding an almost magical atmosphere to the evening.

Seeing them in action, so unbothered by human presence yet entirely wild, highlighted how the Seychelles balances tourism with the protection of its wildlife.

seychelles fruit bats hanging from tree branches during daytime

Birds – Vallee de Mai, Coco de Mer & Paradise Flycatchers

Praslin’s Vallee de Mai Nature Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offered a mystical encounter with the legendary Coco de Mer, the world’s largest seed. Walking through the palm forests, we glimpsed the endangered Black Parrot, a rare and protected species.

On Denis Island, we were lucky to observe a pair of Paradise Flycatchers performing their courtship routine. Seeing these tiny, vibrant birds in their natural habitat, and knowing they had been reintroduced from La Digue, made the moment deeply rewarding. It felt like witnessing a small triumph of conservation come to life.

Marine Wildlife – Coral Reefs, Sea Turtles & Hermit Crabs

Though we didn’t see sea turtles on this trip, the resort is a known nesting site for Hawksbill and Green turtles, and watching hatchlings make their first journey to the ocean would have been an unforgettable experience. The on-site Turtle Sanctuary and conservation programs offer guests the chance to participate and learn about protecting marine life.

Conservation – Protecting Wildlife & Ecosystems

Everywhere we went, it was clear that conservation is a priority. From renewable energy initiatives in hotels to bans on plastics and straws, the islands actively protect their flora and fauna. Seychelles wildlife conservation projects, including tortoise preservation, bird reintroduction, and marine protection, ensure these islands remain as stunning and biodiverse as they have always been.

Experiencing these projects firsthand added a meaningful layer to our holiday, transforming it from a simple getaway into a lesson in environmental stewardship.

The Seychelles offers a treasure trove of wildlife experiences – from giant tortoises and fruit bats to endemic birds and vibrant coral reefs. Island-hopping between Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, and Denis Island allows you to explore the unique character of each location while encountering the extraordinary wildlife that calls these islands home.

Every step of the journey felt immersive and personal, whether cycling across Denis Island, trekking through Vallee de Mai, or simply listening to the waves at sunset.

seychelles staff trip group of people enjoying outdoor activities

Your Journey, Your Way

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