Safari & Bird
Overview
Overview
Birding in Paradise
Remote, beautiful, and ecologically unique, the Seychelles archipelago is a dream destination for bird photographers because without natural predators the birds allow a very close approach. Furthermore, these islands are home to some of the world’s rarest birds, with numerous species found nowhere else on the planet and some of the largest easily accessible bird colonies like the sooty tern colony estimated to be 1.5 Million strong.
This 6-day Seychelles Bird Photo Tour is designed to capture the archipelago’s most spectacular seabird colonies and charismatic birds by taking you into the heart of this biodiversity hotspot, exploring key islands like Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, Cousin, Aride and Bird.
Seychelles is ideal for birders looking to combine amazing photography with a relaxed pace. Many guests pair a Seychelles birding trip after a photo safari.
Having our photographer guide join you, not only eases your travel logistics but also ensures you return home with amazing photos of yourself in this dream destination.
Safari & Bird
DETAILS
DETAILS
Date: Anytime subject to availability. It is recommended to book early to secure accommodations
Duration: 6 days easily customised.
Start/End: Mahe Seychelles
Group Size: Min 2 – Max 8
Fitness Level: Easy to moderate (can be tailored to preference)
Photographic Level: Any level from smartphone to Pro
Accommodation: Tailored to preferences.
Safari & Bird
ITINERARY
ITINERARY
In A Nutshell:
1 Nights Mahe (Botanical Gardens,+ National Park)
2 Nights Bird Island (Remote with 1.5 Million sooty tern colony )
2 Nights Praslin or (luxury option Cousine Island)
Includes multiple local flights and boat trips
IMPORTANT NOTE: Tour is bird focused but there are turtle, marine life and small coastal creates that all add up to a diverse photographic portfolio.
Day 1 – Arrive Mahé | Botanical Gardens + Morne Seychellois National Park
Arrive in Mahé and meet your guide. We start with a gentle bird photography warm-up at the Seychelles Botanical Gardens, where birds are often relaxed and close — ideal for portraits and settings practice. Later, head into Morne Seychellois National Park for forest birding and dramatic island scenery.
Overnight: Mahé Guest House
Day 2 – Fly to Bird Island | Seabird Photography Begins
This morning you’ll fly to remote Bird Island (must be Monday or Friday). After check-in, spend the afternoon photographing seabird activity around the island’s beaches and nesting areas. Sunset often delivers magical light and strong bird movement. Overnight: Bird Island (2 nights)
Day 3 – Bird Island | Full Day Seabird Photography
A full day to slow down and work your images properly — from sunrise activity through to late afternoon flight shots. Bird Island is one of the best places in the Seychelles for close-range seabird encounters and clean, minimal beach backgrounds. Overnight: Bird Island
Day 4 – Return to Praslin (Boat Transfer) | Afternoon Forest Session
Depart Bird Island and return by boat transfer, continuing on to Praslin for the next stage of the tour. The afternoon is ideal for a relaxed shoot in forest and coastal habitats — perfect for slower-paced photography after travel. Overnight: Praslin (2 nights)
Day 5 – Cousin Island Day Trip | Endemics & Conservation Birding
Today is a major highlight: a guided excursion to Cousin Island Nature Reserve, one of the best places in the Seychelles for endemic bird photography in a protected island environment. Expect excellent close-range opportunities and strong natural history storytelling.
Key targets may include:
Seychelles Warbler (iconic Cousin specialty)
Seychelles Fody
White Tern
Seabirds depending on season
Overnight: Praslin
Day 6 – Departure Day
After breakfast, connect onward for your departure (via Praslin to Mahé depending on your flight schedule). Tour ends after transfer assistance and check-out.
Luxury Upgrade Option: 2 Nights on Cousine Island
For a truly exclusive experience, replace your Praslin stay with 2 nights on Cousine Island — a private luxury island known for conservation, privacy, and exceptional bird photography opportunities.
Perfect for photographers, exceptional photographic opportunity and no crowds.
Safari & Bird Owner James Gardwell spent a month on this island helping with the conservation of one of the rarest birds of earth Magbie Robin, so knows it intinately wanting complete privacy and premium service.
This Itinerary is flexible and can be adapted to suit preferences. To request more info please click “start booking” (top right button).
Safari & Bird
WHEN TO VISIT
WHEN TO VISIT
The Seychelles is a year-round destination but each season has its own strengths.
Land birds are present year-round, but some are at their best during the breeding season, mainly October to March. Some seabird species are present year-round, but most breed during the southeast monsoon (May-September) or some the northwest monsoon (October-April),. October-December is the best time to see migrants, some lingering on to April.
If this is a birding trip of a lifetime the best time is mid-October to end-November combining the end of the southeast seabird season with the beginning of the northwest and the height of the migration season together with calm seas and settled weather.
April – May (Excellent All-Round)
Calmer seas, comfortable temperatures, and strong all-round bird activity.
June – August (Cooler + Windier)
Great for comfortable shooting, but trade winds can affect sea conditions and boat transfers.
September – November (Peak Photography Season)
Often the best combination of stable weather, great light, and smooth island logistics.
December – March (Warm + Tropical Summer)
Lush landscapes and warm ocean conditions, with higher humidity and occasional rain showers.
Safari & Bird
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
Photographic Highlights
- A true paradise, a dream destination of tropical backdrops throughout: sculpted granite, palms, turquoise sea and tropical sunsets
- Visit 6 uniquely different islands: Mahe, Bird, Praslin, La Dique & Cousin Island
Seychelles Botanical Gardens: relaxed birds, perfect for finding some of the elusive endemics, Seychelles Blue-Pigeon, Bulbul, and Sunbird.
Morne Seychellois National Park: forest birding + dramatic scenery
Bird Island: seabird colonies, flight photography, and beach compositions
Cousin Island Nature Reserve: endemics and conservation success stories
- Plus Aldabra Giant Tortoise, Hawksbill and Green Turtles that make their nests on the beaches, flying fish, hermit crabs, flying ‘foxes’ fruit bats and abundance of underwater marine line.
Safari & Bird
RATES
RATES
Includes:
1 night accommodation in Mahé
2 nights accommodation on the remote Bird Island
2 nights accommodation on Praslin
Guided bird photography experiences as per itinerary
Seychelles Botanical Gardens visit
Morne Seychellois National Park session
Return Bird Island flights (scheduled Monday or Friday)
Return Boat transfer Mahe → Praslin
Cousin Island day trip (including reserve access/fees)
Local transfers on tour days
- Professional photographer guide, in the field photography tips, techniques & tuition
- Pre and post nights can be arranged
Excludes: International flights, drinks outside of mealtimes, snacks, gratuities, fees for passport, visas, immunizations, insurance and airport taxes. Cost of hospitalization and evacuation, if necessary, laundry, phone and other items of a personal nature, any optional activities
Accommodation rates are determined by choice of room, time of year and demand. Rates are approximate Please email or Whatsapp us to start your conversation
2 PARTICIPANTS: From $10 000 USD p/p sharing.
4 PARTICIPANTS: From $8 000 USD p/p sharing.
6 PARTICIPANTS: From $7000 USD p/p sharing.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $1000 extra over and above per person sharing rate
Safari & Bird
Contact
Contact
Please contact us so we can tailor your photo tour to suit your photography and travel interests, whether you’re a nature lover or professional photographer wanting the best opportunities.