The Seychelles Islands
General background
The first time anyone hears the name of these islands, especially when spoken
in the melodic creole of the Seychelloise, the brain immediately shifts into
an exotic state of mind. Someone may visualize a tropical paradise
with a pirate ship at anchor in a curving and sheltered bay. You
can just picture a scene where several buccaneers
are dragging their treasure chest full of gold and jewels up a blinding
white sand beach for burial somewhere in the jungle. An island of enchantment
where anyone can be a Crusoe and play in the sand
with a girl or man Friday, whatever your desire. Someone else may just
visualize themselves in a hammock, with a highball the only companion, and
gently swinging between two coconut trees, with beach and ocean as a scenic
backdrop. The real splendor of these islands remained undiscovered
for hundreds of years due to their location outside of the historically
established shipping lanes. But now, especially since the opening of
the international airport, the islands are easily accessible. So come
and savor the magic of these islands and meet the Seychellois people, for
they are a charming people and warm hosts and their Creole
culture is very lively and colorful.
The Seychelles, with a population of around 75,000, is an archipelago of
115 islands (40 granitic, 75 coralline), with the major island,
Mahe, located a thousand miles (1,600 km) east of
Mombasa, Kenya and 1,400 miles due south of Oman, on the Arabian Peninsula.
The islands are scattered across an Exclusive Economic Zone of over
a half a million square miles (1.3 million sq. km) of the Indian Ocean, within
Latitudes 4° and 10° South and Longitude 45° and 60°
East. Only 35 of these islands are inhabited. The combined
total of all individual land areas is only about 176 sq. miles (455
sq. km).
The main islands are Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. The currency of the country is the Seychelles Rupee, SR, which trades at 4.22 SR for 1 US $ (March 1997). The official languages are French, English and Creole.
Seychelles has a hot, moist climate and is subject to monsoon conditions. The average high temperature in the islands is 86° F. (30° C), while the average low temperature is 75° F. (24° C). The average annual rainfall ranges from 52 inches (132 centimeters) on some of the coral islands to 92 inches (234 centimeters) on Mahe. Most islands in the Seychelles archipelago are not visited by cyclones.
Mahe, the largest and most heavily populated island, is situated only
four degrees south of the equator and is 17 miles long and five miles at
the widest. The town of Victoria, with a population of about thirty
thousand is the seat of government and the economic center of the
archipelago. Mahe is the first port-of-call for visitors to paradise.
Several international air carriers fly into Seychelles International
Airport. The granite backbone of this rocky
island provides a spectacular backdrop to its green valleys and sun-kissed
beaches, such as Beau
Vallon beach, where some of Mahe's major
hotels are located.
Of the larger islands, the favorite of many a tourist, is
Praslin, just a short flight from Mahe. Originally
named Isle des Palmes, this stunning island beckons you to explore the Valley
de Mai, the lush tropical forest that is the home of the Coco de Mer.
For a day trip, turn the clock back by visiting La
Digue, a small island best explored by pedal power (bicycles can be rented)
or oxcart. Its beaches with palms sloping towards the sea, rocky outcrops,
and green hills beckon you to soak up the sun, go for an impromptu swim,
and explore the byways. Vintage colonial-style houses conjure up visions
of a bygone era and some of them cater to the visitor as bed and breakfast
lodging.
Bird Island is home to millions of Sooty Terns for part of each year. The water is crystal clear with whiter-than-white beaches and provides the perfect venue for those keen to combine ornithological pursuits with water sports. Bird Island Lodge, a relaxing and unpretentious family-run hotel is built in a cool and spacious style following the contours of a truly pristine stretch of beach. Lastly, Denis Island is situated on the edge of the Seychelles Bank and is a must for those in search of the wonders of the deep and open ocean. The hotel's thatched-roof cottages feature rooms with high vaulted ceilings. Rustic, yet comfortable accommodations and French management promises excellent lodging and fine cuisine. This exclusive retreat is a nature lover's dream paradise.
Le Meridien Fisherman's Cove on Mahe, is a sophisticated and elegant hotel whose bedrooms are filled with splashes of tropical color, ideally situated to explore the capital island. The Sunset Beach Hotel, also on Mahe, sits prominently on its own headland and features unobstructed sea views and easy access to the beach. Le Chateau de Feuilles on Praslin is aptly named, nestled high above the coastline in verdant hills overlooking the sea. This cozy hotel is like a private home surrounded by the stunning gardens of the estate. Also on Praslin, a fine choice is l'Archipel, on its own fabulously secluded beach where luncheon is served under the palms at the water's edge.
Map of the Seychelles Archipelago
The Treasure Islands of The Indian Ocean
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The Islands:
Bird island Denis island Aride Cousin Praslin Silhouette La Digue Fregate Mahe
