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SEYCHELLES HOLIDAY GUIDE AND HOTELS
For detailed map go to MAP PAGE 
The famous clock tower in the centre of Victoria, capital of Seychelles 
Palm Spider 
Flag of Seychelles |
Basic Information for Republic of SeychellesSeychelles, officially the Republic of Seychelles French: République des Seychelles, is an archipelago nation of 158 islands in the Indian Ocean, some 1,600 km east of mainland Africa, northeast of the island of Madagascar. Other nearby island countries and territories include Zanzibar to the west, Mauritius and Réunion to the south, Comoros and Mayotte to the southwest, and the Suvadives of the Seychelles to the northeast. In terms of population, Seychelles is the smallest sovereign state of Africa. The Seychelles archipelago, where coral has formed around granite remains, is evidence of this ancient geological change. The main group of islands is granitic but about 60 others are coralline, low-lying and covered with dense vegetation. These include Aldabra, with the world's largest tropical lagoon. Most of the hotels are on this island, but even so it's far from crowded since the coastline boasts 68 beaches and coves. There's a good international airport on Mahé and an excellent deep-water harbour. The Morne Mountains form a backdrop to the town, a region of threading streams, ferns and moss tempered by smooth boulders. On the less inhabited islands is an abundance of rare birds and plants, giant tortoises, turtles and spectacular tropical fish. Snorkelling here is usually known as goggling, and "goggle" you will at the brilliant underwater ballets going on in the coral gardens. Most famous of all the Seychelles' rare plant species is the giant, legendary aphrodisiac coco-de-mer palm. No Need to be Afraid of InsectsThis is a gentle world, where the insects are strictly non-poisonous, there are no snakes, and even the fish are unafraid of men. The most explosive sight you'll see is a flamboyant tree in full scarlet bloom, or a bougainvillaea vine pouring over a wall in a cascade of molten purple.Early times The Arabs certainly know these islands from the 9th century on but most shipping clings to the safer waters of the African coast. The Seychelles islands lie spattered across the Indian Ocean as though flicked there by a painter's brush. Each is a drop of green, punctured by grey granite outcrops and rimmed in white sand. The trade winds are soft through the coconut fronds, the frangipani smells sweetly at nightfall when astonishingly dramatic violet and orange sunsets pattern the sky, and at quiet moments in the day the islands' rare birds will dart out of the trees to inspect you. Everything on these unspoilt islands seems friendly, courteous and clean. The land gives generously with coconuts, mangoes, bananas, breadfruit, pineapples, and an equally bountiful sea yields up tuna, snapper, barracuda and kingfish. Copra and cinnamon are the main exports but the islands' tourism is the chief source of income. The granite outcrops are unique to the Seychelles. Eons ago, India was joined to Africa. The shores receded, the ocean advanced. The Seychelles, a paradise of unspoilt nature, is a young Republic (it became independent in 1976) and has about 75,000 inhabitants who speak English and French, in addition to Creole. Off the beaten track in the Seychelles, you will discover and fall in love with its scenic beauty, and a Creole people known for their warm hospitality, exotic cuisine and cheerful temperament. This is the ideal place for swimming, sunbathing on deserted beaches and romantic walks in a heavenly setting! Arab navigators were the first to start trading with the Seychelles in the 9th century. They were followed by the Portuguese, and then the English (with a French interlude). The archipelago was used for a long time as a hideaway by buccaneers who constantly raided ships laden with spices, tea and silk. There is still talk of mysterious treasures hidden on the islands but no one has discovered them yet. You can go deep sea diving all year round since the water around the islands is crystal clear. However, in order to protect this precious environment, diving in the Seychelles is strictly regulated and harpoon fishing is forbidden. If you are tempted to explore this fabulous underwater world and its unique flora and fauna, many diving centres are at your disposal to initiate you into diving techniques. Credit cardsAmerican Express and Visa cards are widely accepted. If you have another card, check with the company beforehand.CurrencySeychellois rupee, divided into 100 cents. Coins range from 5 cents to SRs 5; banknotes from SRs 10 to 100. US dollars are normally also accepted, and travellers cheques are accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops.Customs AllowanceFree import of 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 2 litres of spirits or wines; 200ml of perfume or eau de toilette; other dutiable goods not exceeding SRs 1000.DrivingTraffic drives on the left. There are paved roads only on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue; elsewhere the roads are sandy tracks. |
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