Seychelles Driving Adventures

Written by on 6th June 2024

Driving in the Seychelles
A Casual Chat on the adventures of driving in Seychelles

Seychelles has these small roads, mostly single lanes, that twist and turn through lush, tropical scenery. It sounds super idyllic, and it totally is, but driving on them is quite the adventure!

Tiny Roads and Tiny Cars

First off, the roads in Seychelles are narrow and often just single lanes. These aren’t your typical highways; they’re more like charming country lanes that twist and turn, especially as you head up into the mountains. Some of the driveways are so steep, it’s almost like you’re driving up a wall! Because of this, small cars are definitely the way to go. They handle the tight turns and steep inclines much better, plus they’re easier to park in the limited spaces available.

Laid-Back Locals and the Occasional Wildcard

The locals in Seychelles are pretty laid-back, which extends to their driving. Most people take it slow, enjoying the scenic views. But, like anywhere, you have your occasional wildcards – those drivers who either ignore the road rules or just aren’t that great at driving. So, while it’s mostly a relaxed drive, you do need to stay alert for these unpredictable drivers.

Beware the Big Blue Buses

One thing to really watch out for are the big blue Tata buses and the trucks. These beasts need a lot of room to turn, especially on the narrow roads. Sometimes they’ll swing into both lanes to make a corner, so when you’re driving around a bend, it’s a good idea to be cautious. It can take a while to pass them on those tiny roads, so just be patient.

Creative Driving Habits

Speaking of caution, it’s not unusual to see cars driving on the opposite side of the road. This isn’t due to any official change in driving laws, but rather people trying to avoid obstructions or take a turn more conveniently for themselves. It’s a bit of a free-for-all sometimes, so always be prepared for a car to come at you from the wrong direction!

Easy Navigation and Landmark Wayfinding

Navigating around the islands is fairly straightforward thanks to the main road that circles each of the three main islands. This main road is your best friend for getting around. However, once you venture onto the smaller inland roads, things can get tricky. There are no road names, so you’ll need to navigate by landmarks. It’s a bit like a treasure hunt – fun, but it requires attention.

Rainy Season Cautions

Now, let’s talk about the weather. When it rains in the Seychelles, it really pours. Driving in these conditions can be hazardous. The roads can flood, and on the steep mountain paths, rivers can overflow and wash over the streets. This can be dangerous, especially for small cars which might get swept away. If you can avoid driving during heavy downpours, do it. It’s not worth the risk.

Mind the Puddles

Watch out for puddles. The main roads are often lined with people walking, and it’s not uncommon to see folks waiting for buses or just taking a stroll. If you splash someone with a puddle, well, it’s not the best way to make friends with the locals!

Extra Tips!

Just a heads-up: stay in your lane and be extra cautious in circles because people hardly ever use indicators, so you basically have to guess their moves. Also, if you give one person a gap, expect a bunch more to follow. And if you want to pull over, use your indicator—nobody really uses hazard lights here!

 

So, that’s the scoop on driving in the Seychelles. It’s an adventure, but with a bit of caution and a relaxed attitude, you’ll be able to enjoy the stunning scenery and unique driving experience.

 

Have a look below for more tips about getting around the islands.

TRANSPORT AROUND SEYCHELLES ISLANDS

Written and Edited by J.R

INSIDE SEYCHELLES IS YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON, WHERE TO GO, AND WHAT TO DO IN SEYCHELLES – CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW AND BE SURE TO STAY UP TO DATE WITH ALL UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES IN SEYCHELLES.   

 


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