Scroll Top

Explore Seychelles: 5 reasons why you should visit a nature reserve

The urge to explore is innate in us
(Photo: The urge to explore is innate in us)

An excursion to a nature reserve offers sun, fun, well-being, and a sense of responsibility towards the environment. Many tourists say this when asked how they would sum up their day at Cousin Island Special Reserve. They also mention seeing wildlife they’ve never seen before and enjoying Mother Nature’s beauty. It is also a chance to get some fresh air and vitamin D. There’s no doubt that a visit to a nature reserve is one of the top things to do in Seychelles. This World Tourism Day, celebrated every 27 September, let’s remind ourselves why nature reserves are a must-see for everyone.

The opportunity to see unique wildlife

Visiting nature reserves gives one a sense of how abundant and diverse our biodiversity really is. Our island ecosystems are home to everything from giant tortoises to tiny land crabs, from birds to birds to lizards, and everything in between. Nature Reserves sustain most of this biodiversity, which makes them a must for wildlife enthusiasts. Several of our visitors enjoy watching birds, and some will go to Cousin just to tick off a bird on their list. Others want to experience watching a turtle nesting once in their lifetime, while others want to soak in the sights and sounds of a tropical forest.

Exploring new territory

The urge to explore is innate in us. Before modern technology took over our lives, we spent most of our time exploring the outdoors. It is easy to forget that humans used to be wild too not so long ago! A trip to a nature reserve makes one feel like an intrepid explorer, whether you are hiking to see a stunning view you’ve never seen before or diving to discover an underwater world you didn’t know existed.

A trip to a nature reserve will make you feel like an intrepid explorer

A trip to a nature reserve will make you feel like an intrepid explorer

Learn new things

When we visit nature reserves, we have the chance to experience something different from what we see in our daily lives. On Cousin Island, our skilled wardens provide a guided tour and information on the attractions and ecotourism’s contribution to conservation and environmental sustainability practices on the island.

Inspire you to protect nature

When you visit a nature reserve like Cousin Island, you will get to see the birds and other animals up close in their natural environment. You will realize that they deserve our protection. “It taught me ethical behaviour towards wildlife. We were given strict instructions to avoid walking on crabs and other biodiversity and not to approach the birds for no reason,” said a visitor. Moreover, most of the revenues received from visits are ploughed back into conservation, ensuring that such reserves continue to exist for future generations to enjoy.

Our skilled wardens provide a guided tour and information

Our skilled wardens provide a guided tour and information

Improved well-being

It has been said that we are more stressed than ever before nowadays. Our eyes and minds are glued to electronics 24/7, and we easily forget that another world exists outside these. Visiting nature reserves is a great way to unplug and leave our busyness behind. In nature, it is possible to practice mindfulness and be genuinely present in the moment. Studies have shown that immersion in nature can boost one’s mood, alleviate stress and improve overall mental health.