Location
Situated in the Indian Ocean, 1600km (990 miles) east of Kenya.
Shopping
Local handicrafts include textiles (such as batik), fibers (such as basketwares, table-mats and hats) and wood (such as traditional furniture, ornaments and model boats). Pottery and paintings may also be bought. Special souvenirs might include jewelry made from green snail shells. Local tea can be bought in the shops or when visiting the tea factory on Mahé. Vanilla is cultivated as a climbing plant around the base of trees as it can be pollinated by hand. Pods can be bought in shops and used as flavouring. Cinnamon grows wild on all the islands. It can be bought as oil or in quills made from dried bark which can be freshly grated before use.
Geography
The Seychelles occupies a land area of 455 km. It’s 115 granite and coral islands extend from between 4 and 10 degrees south of the equator and lie between 480km and 1,600km from the east coast of Africa in the western Indian Ocean.
Of these 115 islands, 41 Inner Islands constitute the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on earth while a further 74 are low-lying coral atolls and reef islets that are the Outer Islands. These Outer Islands are divided into five groups: the Amirantes group lying 230km distant from Mahé , the Southern Coral Group, Alphonse Group, Farquhar Group and finally the Aldabra Group, some 1150km from Mahé
Seychelles is home to no less than two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the legendary Vallee de Mai on Praslin where the wondrously shaped Coco-de-mer nut grows high on ancient palms and fabled Aldabra, the worlds largest raised coral atoll, first seen by early Arab seafarers of the 9th century B.C
History
Seychelles is a comparatively young nation which can trace its first settlement back to 1770 when the islands were first settled by the French, leading a small party of whites, Indians and Africans. The islands remained in French hands until the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo, evolving from humble beginnings to attain a population of 3,500 by the time Seychelles was ceded to Britain under the treaty of Paris in 1814.
During this period Seychelles came to know the enlightened policies of administrators such as Pierre Poivre, the brilliant politicking of Governor Queau de Quinssy and, of course, the terrible repercussions of the French Revolution.
Under the British, Seychelles achieved a population of some 7,000 by the year 1825. Important estates were established during this time producing coconut, food crops, cotton and sugar cane. During this period Seychelles also saw the establishment of Victoria as her capital, the exile of numerous and colourful troublemakers from the Empire, the devastation caused by the famous Avalanche of 1862 and the economic repercussions of the abolition of slavery.
Seychelles achieved independence from Britain in 1976 and became a republic within the commonwealth. Following a period of single party rule by the government of Mr. France Albert René on December 4, 1991, President René announced a return to the multiparty system of government, 1993 saw the first multiparty presidential and legislative elections held under a new constitution in which President René was victorious. President René also won the 1998 and 2003 elections before transferring the Presidency to James Alix Michel in June 2004.
Climate
Seychelles enviable climate is always warm and without extremes. In this tropical haven the temperature seldom drops below 24
. All but the remotest southern islands lie comfortably outside the cyclone belt making Seychelles a year round destination for sun worshippers and beach lovers.During the north-west trade winds that visit between the months of October and March, the sea is generally calm and the weather warm and humid, with average winds of 8-12 knots.
In January and February the islands receive their life-giving rains, rejuvenating the rivers and streams and teasing the vibrant foliage into rainbows of colour.
The months between May and September bring drier, cooler weather, and livelier seas - particularly on south-eastern coasts and winds of 10-20 knots.
Basic Information
Language
There are three official languages in Seychelles: Creole (a lilting, French-based patois), English and French. Many Seychellois also speak fluent Italian or German.
Currency
Seychelles Rupee (SR). It is recommended to take US Travellers Cheques. Credit cards are accepted in several restaurants, tourist shops and most hotels, but not everywhere. It is advised to exchange money within the banks, as hotels tend to give a worse exchange rate.
Electricity
240V 50Hz British-type plugs with 3 flat pins are used.
Banks
Many banks exist within Victoria in Mahé , in larger villages, and at the airport. Banks also exist on Praslin and La Digue. Most banks are only open in the mornings, but some also in the afternoon. General opening hours are: Mon-Fri 0830-1430, Sat 0830-1100.
Getting Around
The main international airport for the Seychelles is located 6 miles south of Victoria on Mahé Island. All destinations can be reached on Mahé by coach and taxi. Car hire offices are also available at the airport but make sure you have a valid international E.U licence. Hiring a car is probably the best way to see the spectacular views of Mahé. Mini Mokes are the hire cars in the Seychelles, but take care as other drivers can be a bit of a danger.
On some of the other islands cars are kept to a minimum and the most preferred mode of transport is by bicycle or the conventional ox and cart. There are plenty of bicycles for hire on Praslin and La Digue, but you’ll be lucky to get hold of one on some of the other islands. A regular bus service operates daily on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue between 0530-1900.
To reach neighbouring islands in the Seychelles you can take the ferry or fly. Daily ferry services operate to a selection of islands. Air Seychelles offers regular domestic flights to Praslin, Frégate, Desroches, Bird and Denis Island. Charter flights to other islands are also run. Helicopter Seychelles offers a shuttle service to some of the islands.
Time Difference GMT +4 hours
Tipping
The service charge is usually included within the price of a meal, however for good service an extra tip of 5 - 10% can be given. It is polite to tip the room boy and porter upon departure.
Water
Tap water is chlorinated, but bottled water is advised.
Visas
Visas are not required for visitors to Seychelles, but you’ll need an onward ticket, booked accommodation and sufficient funds for your stay - a one month Visitor’s Permit (extendable on application) will be issued.
Tourist Information
www.seychelles.uk.com
Tourist Info
What makes it so special?
The Seychelles is an archipelago of timeless beauty, tranquillity and harmony that is famous for its world-beating un-crowded, pristine beaches, some of which are framed by age-old granite boulders, and for its great diversity which rolls from lush forests down to the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. It is home to some of the rarest species of flora and fauna on earth and offers superb opportunities for swimming, snorkelling or pure relaxation.
Where to Visit
Vallée de Mai is one of only two places in the world where you can see the weird and wonderful coco de mer palm growing in their natural state - the other is nearby Curieuse Island. This valley’s Eden-like forest is World Heritage listed and the very sight of sunlight filtering through its fronds will make you go all poetic.
You’ll see several varieties of screw pine and latanier palms, and, if you’re very lucky, the Seychelles black parrot. If you’re going to visit the park, keep to the tracks, don’t take anything away and don’t leave anything behind - this is an incredibly fragile forest.
La Digue is home to Anse Source d’Argent, the iconic image of emerald waters, sugar-white sands and sea-smoothed granite rocks. It’s also the least developed of the main islands and life here still moves at the pace of an ox cart. It’s the sort of place you won’t want to leave.
Anse Lazio - the best beach on Praslin - in fact, one of the best in the country - is in the far north of the island. The beach has glorious white, soft sand, a few rounded granite boulders and a lively line-up of waves. The water is a magical turquoise colour. There’s also a sheltered area with great snorkelling at the end of the beach.
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