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The Indian Ocean offers a wealth of incredible travel experiences, and the places to visit near Seychelles are truly unforgettable. While Seychelles is famed for its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, nearby destinations bring even more adventure and diversity. Explore Madagascar’s rare wildlife, hike the volcanic peaks of Réunion, or soak in the culture and spice-scented air of Zanzibar. These nearby gems combine natural beauty, rich heritage, and unique experiences, making them perfect for travelers looking to go beyond the ordinary.
Top 10 Places To Visit Near Seychelles
From the wildlife of Madagascar to the spice-scented beaches of Zanzibar, each of these places to visit near Seychelles makes for coastal-bound adventures into the Indian Ocean.
1. Mauritius
Photo: Talat Munshi / Unsplash
Mauritius is located approximately 1,750 km east of Seychelles. It is an idyllic island, filled with stunning flora and fauna, an array of landscapes, and a vibrant life. Mauritius certainly has postcard-perfect sandy beaches, but is also home to several unique natural attractions such as the Seven Colored Earths in Chamarel, and there are hundreds of hiking trails in Black River Gorges National Park. Port Louis, the capital, is full of markets, museums, and colonial architecture. The northern coast features luxury resorts, which are also hubs for water sports. The island is a cultural melting pot with Indian, Creole, Chinese, and French influences.
Top Attractions: Beaches, nature trails, multicultural food
Things To Try: Visit Chamarel’s Colored Earth and try dholl puri
2. Madagascar
Photo: Stefano Intintoli / Unsplash
Madagascar stands out as one of the most unique biodiversity hotspots in the world, and it is located just a little over 1,000km away southwest of Seychelles. The unique, diversified ecosystems of the island contain more than 90 per cent of endemic species, amongst which we find the lemurs, chameleons, and baobab trees. Environment enthusiasts can hike in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park or even stare in awe at what seems to be an unreal world of the Avenue of the Baobabs. The resort of Nosy Be has beautiful beaches and great diving, and the capital, Antananarivo, has typical Malagasy architecture and bustling local markets.
Top Attractions: Wildlife, nature, offbeat travel
Things To Try: Avenue of the Baobabs at sunset
3. Tanzania
Photo: Antony Trivet / Wikimedia Commons
Tanzania, among the most diverse and exhilarating places to visit near Seychelles, is the ultimate combination of wildlife, culture, and coast. Located approximately 1,500 km directly west, Tanzania is the home to some of the most enviable safari venues in the world, like the Serengeti National Park, famed for the Great Migration, and Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overflowing with wildlife. Tanzania is also home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, beckoning trekkers from all around the world. If you’re looking for more of a tropical feel, Tanzania’s coastline and islands like Zanzibar have stunning beaches, spice plantations, and centuries of Swahili-Arab cultural influence.
Top Attractions: Safaris, trekking, beaches
Things To Try: Serengeti migration or Zanzibar’s cultural charm
4. Kenya
Photo: Byrdyak / Wikimedia Commons
Kenya, which is about 1,600 km from Seychelles, has a fascinating mix of wildlife safaris, rich culture, and excellent coastline. It is well worth a visit to expand beyond island life. The most famous destination in Kenya is the Maasai Mara, which is well-known for the Great Migration and Big Five safaris. Amboseli National Park is remarkable for its great views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Diani Beach, located near Mombasa, boasts white water and sand, palm trees, and colourful coral reefs. Nairobi, the capital city, is a vibrant city of many contrasts, with the lively urban centre alongside unique attractions such as the Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum.
Top Attractions: Safari, culture, beaches
Things To Try: Hot-air balloon ride in the Maasai Mara
5. Maldives
Photo: Dion Tavenier / Unsplash
The Maldives is one of the most opulent tourist attractions near Seychelles, which comprises 1,000+ coral islands amidst the Indian Ocean, which is approximately 2,300 km. Famous because of its elegant overwater villas, lagoons of incredible hue, and blinding beaches, it is a perfect place to visit and enjoy being on a honeymoon or as a luxury traveller. The resorts are located on their island, creating an exclusive and world-class service. The Maldives is also a paradise for divers, where there are colourful reefs and exotic marine experiences, particularly off Hanifaru Bay, where, during the season, manta rays and whale sharks are found.
Top Attractions: Luxury, diving, privacy
Things To Try: Dive with manta rays in Hanifaru Bay
6. Comoros
Photo: Haryamouji / Wikimedia Commons
The Comoros Islands are islands, which are also one of the most beautiful places to see near Seychelles, and are located approximately 1,400km southwest of Seychelles between Madagascar and Mozambique. This island archipelago presents pristine beaches, green mountains, and a real island feel, which has not been spoiled by mass tourism. Moroni, the capital, is full of small alleyways, Arab-influenced structures, and active medinas. Adventurous travellers may hike up Mount Karthala, one of the largest active volcanoes in the world, or dive into sky-blue water full of aquatic creatures.
Top Attractions: Untamed beauty, culture, sand eclusion
Things To Try: Hike Mount Karthala for panoramic views
7. Mozambique
Mozambique, 2,000 kilometres west of the Seychelles, is one of the many culturally vibrant and exciting attractions near Seychelles. Its lengthy Indian Ocean coastline is replete with perfect white-sand beaches, coral islands, and colonial-era towns. The Bazaruto Archipelago is a highlight, with clear turquoise waters, dunes, and possibly the best diving and snorkelling in Africa. Mozambique and Maputo, the capital, are known for Afro-Portuguese architecture, music, and food. Mozambique is well known for whale watching, traditional dhow sailing, and island-hopping. Certainly, it is a unique combination of coastal beauty and local culture that can complement your visit to the Seychelles.
Top Attractions: Beach, culture, diving
Things To Try: Bazaruto Archipelago by dhow boat
8. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is situated approximately 3,200 km northeast of Seychelles, making it one of the richest and most diverse places to visit that is nearby. This island, which is shaped like a teardrop, has everything, from ancient temples and UNESCO-designated cities to more than enough tropical beaches and tea plantations in the mist. If you like history, you can visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress or the sacred city of Kandy. If you enjoy nature, you can do a safari in Yala National Park or take a scenic train ride through the hill country. If you enjoy coastal towns or the ocean, Galle and Mirissa have some charming guest houses, whale watching, and plenty of items for surfers.
Top Attractions: History, landscapes, food
Things To Try: Sigiriya Rock Fortress and scenic hill country
9. Ethiopia
Photo: Hunde Gemechu / Unsplash
Ethiopia, located approximately 2300 km northwest of Seychelles, is undoubtedly one of the most historic and interesting places to visit near Seychelles. Unlike any other on the continent, Ethiopia is home to ancient civilisations, dramatic landscapes, and traditions with great depth. You can visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, sometimes referred to as the “New Jerusalem,” or hike the spectacular Simien Mountains (home to the gelada monkey, found nowhere else), or visit Axum to learn about one of the greatest riches of the ancient Kingdom of Aksum. If you are visiting Ethiopia, you can visit the castles of Gondar, which illustrate the history of Ethiopia, and in the capital of Addis Ababa, you can experience the vibrant markets, museums, and delicious spicy Ethiopian food.
Top Attractions: History, trekking, culture
Things To Try: Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches
10. South Africa
Photo: Simon Barber / Unsplash
Situated some 3,000 km south of Seychelles, South Africa is considered one of the most dynamic and thrill-seeking places to visit near Seychelles. From iconic wildlife safaris in the Kruger National Park to cosmopolitan city-life experiences in Cape Town and Johannesburg, the country has something to offer every kind of traveller. Nature lovers can travel along the beautiful Garden Route, scale Table Mountain, or catch a glimpse of penguins at Boulders Beach. South African culture is communicated through its food, music, and historic places such as Robben Island. Wine tastings in the Cape Winelands are perfect for wine lovers, while shark cage diving or bungee jumping would suit thrill seekers.
Top Attractions: Wildlife, culture, city adventures
Things To Try: Safari in Kruger and sunset at Table Mountain
Exploring places to visit near Seychelles adds richness and variety to your tropical getaway. From the vibrant coral reefs of Mauritius to Zanzibar’s rich culture and Réunion’s volcanic landscapes, the region offers something for every traveler. Whether you seek adventure, history, or pure relaxation, nearby destinations promise unforgettable experiences. Let TripXL guide your journey and uncover hidden gems as you extend your Seychelles adventure in truly remarkable ways.
Cover Photo: DatingScout / Unsplash
