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SEYCHELLES:
Paradise on Earth is
what they call the Seychelles. Seemingly forgotten out in the middle
of the Indian Ocean, a thousand miles from Africa, this archipelago
of more than a hundred islands stretches for hundreds of miles. The
warm waters, high standards and friendly people draw many year after
year to these Jewels in the Ocean that are the Seychelles.
Island names such as Mahe, Praslin, La Digue, Aldabra and Desroches
have enchanted travelers for years. Whichever way you turn, there is
a lovely beach and upscale dining. For honeymoons, the romance of
the Seychelles has everything else in the world beat, bar none.
Climate:
The northwest monsoon season runs from November to April when it is
hot and rainy. The southeast monsoon season runs from May to October
and tends to be drier and cooler. Temperatures at sea level vary
from 24°C to 31°C. Rainfall varies from 60 mm in June to 350 mm in
January.
Cuisine:
Seychellois cuisine has been influenced by the islands' many
different cultures. Creole cooking, varied seafood dishes, coconuts
and curries are all there to tempt the palate. Visitors eating
breadfruit are guaranteed to return to Seychelles.
Money:
The Seychelles rupee is divided into 100 cents. There is a bureau de
change at the airport. Banks open from 08.30 to 14.00 hours (11.00
hours on Saturdays). Banks include: Barclays Bank plc, Banque
Française Commerciale de l'Ocean Indien, Nouvobanq, Habib Bank, Bank
of Baroda and Seychelles Savings Bank.
Official languages:
English, French and Creole.
Passport Requirement:
Everyone traveling to Seychelles must have a passport valid for at
least 6 months beyond the end of travel.
Visas:
Visas are not required. A Visitor's Permit, good for 4 weeks, is
issued upon arrival at the airport. Travelers must have a return (or
onward) air ticket, prebooked accommodations and sufficient money
for their stay. If not, visitors may be required to post a security
bond. The Permit may be renewed for 3 months at no cost and for 3
additional 3 month periods at a fee of 200 Seychelles rupees
(US$40).
Main Tourist Islands:
Mahe
At 59 square miles Mahe is, by far, the largest island, and it is
home to the capital, Victoria, the international airport, the
fishing and commercial ports, most of the population and many
resorts and hotels, plus four casinos.
Its powdery white, idyllic beaches, lush vegetation, plantations of
coconut palms and cinnamon rise to forested peaks with unequalled
views of the neighboring islands.
Surrounded by coral reefs the clear, calm waters invite relaxation
and many water sports. Although it is the nation's economic hub, it
has retained all of its natural beauty and charm.
Many tourists decide to stay at (and some never get much farther
than) beautiful Beau Vallon Bay...but there is so much more to see
and explore. Both island roads and public transportation are quite
good and rental cars ubiquitous and fairly easy to manage (although
the British driving on the left convention is observed)...making it
very, very easy to sightsee the entire island...or you can take an
island helicopter tour for a real bird's eye view.
Coach excursions will take the visitor to Mahe's attractions: the
markets, the 100 year old Botanical Gardens (with giant land
tortoises, coco-de-mer and orchids); the capital, Victoria, with its
famous clock tower; the National Museum dedicated to island history,
folklore and music; graceful colonial mansions and old plantations;
and vibrant green jungles.
Mahe is also the center for craft artisans as well as fine art
painters, sculptors and woodworkers. The pirate treasure dig at Bel
Ombre has been worked for decades. It is supposedly the site of an
18th Century french pirate's share of the loot from a plundered
Portuguese treasure ship. At Jardin du Roi, a renovated and now
working plantation and spice garden there are walks, a museum and an
excellent restaurant featuring, of course, interestingly spiced
cuisine.
Morne Seychellois National Park can be visited and the summit
ascended to view one of the most spectacular vistas in the world.
Walking is the best way to get the feel of the island; many trails
and nature walks are well posted and the capital, itself, is a
walker's delight and an excellent chance to experience why the
Seychellois are called "the friendliest people on earth." With its
incredible amount of daytime activities and lively nightlife, Mahe
can truly offer something for everyone.
Praslin
This second largest island is 3 hours by boat or 15 minutes by air
from Mahe. Praslin is a lot slower, a lot less "rushed" (if you
could ever call Mahe "rushed"!); Praslin is like a trip back in
time.
When first visited by General Gordon (of Khartoum fame) over 100
years ago he believed he had found the original Garden of Eden,
particularly on seeing the female pelvis shaped double nut
coco-de-mer which instantly conjured Eve in his mind.
Praslin is the universal blueprint for the perfect tropical island.
In its limited area, the richness and variety of plant and animal
life is astounding. Fantastically shaped huge granite boulders dot
the island. Coral reefs teeming with over 900 species of fish,
living coral and jewel toned shells paint a living seascape.
Most of the interior is virgin forest and the exquisitely beautiful
Vallee de Mai, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984, is
the only place where the coco-de-mer palm is found in the world. Its
nut, the curious female pelvis-shaped fruit, has been successively
believed to be the fruit of the tree of knowledge, a powerful
aphrodisiac, and the object of a dying emperor's quest (Rudolf II of
Hapsburg offered 2 gold florins for a single nut towards the end of
his life).
The rare black parrot, Seychelles national bird, inhabits the Vallee
de Mai, and if you're very, very fortunate you may catch a glimpse
of this elusive creative, but, you'll certainly hear its shrill cry
through the thick palm groves.
Besides the black parrot, Praslin is home to 2 other of the world's
rarest birds: the Seychelles bulbul and the fruit pigeon. Praslin is
famous also for its gorgeous pink granite, and you'll see many
examples of it built into the local hotels and restaurants.
And it's an excellent jumping off point to visit other islands.
La Digue
If Praslin is several decades in "feel" behind Mahe, then La Digue
is several centuries behind Praslin. It is the world's perfect place
to do absolutely nothing but enjoy perfect tropical beauty and
harmony. Possibly the best mode of transportation on La Digue is
bicycles...the roads are somewhat uneven as most are still
unpaved...but the glides under shady canopies to reach blissful
beach solitude are incomparable.
The local population not engaged in tourist services are either
fisherman or boat builders, but you won't find a one who won't smile
and wave as you bike on by.
This stunning little island is probably the most photographed island
in the world. It's 3 hours 15 minutes by schooner from Mahe
(currently not running, however) and 30 minutes from Praslin, and is
the breeding ground of the rare Black Paradise Flycatcher. The bird
watching enthusiast can also spot the Chinese Bittern, Cave Swiftlet
and Waxbill. Ox carts are the primary means of transportation, which
can take the visitor past old plantation houses, a vanilla
plantation, a copra factory and, of course, the incomparable beaches
(star of Bacardi ads, swimsuit fashion shoots and countless
honeymoon snapshots). These are protected by the surrounding coral
reefs together with masses of pink granite rocks which glow red in
the setting sun. These wild, deserted beaches are excellent for safe
swimming, snorkeling and fishing. Ideal for walking, the island can
be comfortably circumnavigated at a leisurely amble. This 4th
largest island retains all of the charm and tranquility visitors
travel halfway around the world to enjoy.
World Heritage Sites:
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Aldabra
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Vallee de Mai
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Mornes Seychelles National Park
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Ste. Anne Marine National Park
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Victoria Botanic Gardens
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Veuve Reserve
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Baie Ternay & Port Launay Marine National Parks
Culture:
Art
For a small country, there are several very well known painters
residing there. Perhaps the best of these is Michael Adams who has a
studio and gallery on the southwest coast of Mahe. The Daily
Telegraph said "Adams catches the spirit of the islands, his
brilliantly colored silk-screens prints throb with life, pattern,
activity and fun. Every surface is worked over again and again with
animals, people, rampant vegetation and crisp white buildings..."
The silkscreen shown here is "Anse Royale," presented courtesy of
Mango's Fine Art Gallery in Barbados which exhibits a retrospective
of Michael's works.
Other artists are Leon Radegonde, Gerard Devoud and Marc Duc.
Museums
In Victoria you'll find the National Museum on Independence Avenue,
the History Museum on State House Avenue and both the National
Library and National Archives are on Francis Rachel Street.
The National Museum exhibits local cultural and natural history
along with artifacts including ship wreckage, coral, voodoo
implements, stuffed tortoises, old musical instruments and household
objects and various possessions of the pirates who once roamed the
waters.
Festivals
April. National Fishing Competition. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of
Victoria.
August/September. Round Table Beau Vallon Regatta. Yacht races,
beach tugs-of-war, swimming competition and, of course, eating and
drinking.
September. La Fête: La Digue Annual Regatta
October. Creole Festival. Held the last week in October it is the
biggest festival of the year. Artists from all over the region
gather to display their works, play Creole music, dance, perform
plays and generally celebrate their heritage. Victoria is always
colorfully decorated and a party atmosphere pervades the country.
Dates are: 26 - 31 October 2002 and 25 - 30 October 2003.
November. SUBIOS. A festival to celebrate Seychelles' underwater
world, it is held over 3 weeks in November and attracts worldwide
recognized underwater experts in photography, film making and
conservation. Local hotels on Mahe and Praslin host evening
presentations by these guest experts and there is no charge for
admittance. Competitions in photography, video and painting help
promote awareness of the fragile beauty of the underwater
environment.
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