General informations, Seychelles

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Two hundred million years ago, the supercontinent of Pangaea united all the world’s land masses. As these slid apart, Pangaea was wrenched into two, with Laurasia to the north and Gondwanaland to the south. Gondwana split in two also and later India and Madagascar separated from Africa. At the apex where these last three land masses met, a fragment of Eden was cast adrift. These are not just the only granite islands in the world, they are also the oldest islands of any ocean. For all but the tiniest fraction of their history, they lay forgotten and untouched. Now they may be visited and appropriated by the world for what they are, a unique paradise. In addition, a string of perfect islands and coral atolls lie beyond the granitic group and form part of Seychelles. These include Aldabra, a world apart, whose reptiles are still the dominant land animal and thousands of turtles come ashore to nest in safety. There is nowhere else to compare with Seychelles.

Over the millions of years that Seychelles lay isolated and undiscovered, a unique flora and fauna has evolved. Birds and plants found nowhere else on earth have survived to the modern age and continue to thrive thanks to enlightened attitudes which have resulted in more than 40% of the land mass being set aside as nature reserves, National Parks and protected areas. Seventy-five plants are found in the granite islands and nowhere else on earth with a further forty-two endemic plants confined to the Aldabra Group. The unique land birds also include many found only in Seychelles including the last flightless bird of the Indian Ocean, the Aldabra Rail and the enigmatic Seychelles Scops Owl, found only on Mahé. Reptiles include by far the world’s largest population of Giant Tortoises. Pristine reefs host a huge range of fish (over 1,000 species recorded), corals and other marine life forms. Seychelles is the ultimate wildlife paradise.

Mahé is the largest island: 32 kilometers by 8 kilometers and is the most populated one with 90% of the Seychelles population. It is home to the capital, Victoria, the main port and the International Airport. This spectacular island is dominated by huge mountains (Morne Seychellois reaches a height of 905 metres) and is covered by lush tropical vegetation. Seventy five beaches with beautiful soft sand are scattered around the island.

Praslin, the second largest island is home to Vallée de Mai, an imposing 45-acre valley that was baptized as the Garden of Eden by General Gordon of Khartoum-fame. It is also the only place on earth where one can find the intriguing Coco-de-Mer palms, which may live for more than 200 years. This tree bears a strange fruit: a nut shaped like the female pelvis. Once thought to be a strong aphrodisiac and distinctly erotic in appearance, the nut was once much sought after - you now need a license to export one! Three of the world's most endangered bird species are also here. The black parrot, of which there are only about a hundred left, the fruit pigeon and the Seychelles bulbul are all protected on the island. Wonderful coral reefs surround Praslin and provide a perfect habitat for about nine hundred species of fish. This is a fantastic spot for snorkeling, diving and almost all water sports. The island's lush vegetation and abundant birdlife displays an incredible eco-diversity for such a small area. Huge shaped rocks alternate with beaches all around the island. This island lies approximately two and a half hours by schooner, one hour by fast ferry or 15 minutes by air from Mahé.

La Digue, the third largest in terms of population, is ideal for a tranquil and relaxed get-away, with its heavenly fine white sand beaches simply out of this world. Transport here is mainly by ox-cart or bicycle.The island is accessible in thirty minutes by boat from Praslin.

The smaller islands of the Seychelles, and there are about one hundred and fifteen, are often uninhabited. However, some are now top-class retreats, ideal for those who wish to luxuriate in privacy and seclusion. The coral reefs of the Seychelles with their rainbow-colored fish are excellent for keen scuba divers and snorkellers at almost all times of the year, although calmer waters during April to November probably give the very best diving. Sailing is also very popular and allows visits to other islands. However, many visitors come here just to "chill out" and this tropical paradise is the place to do it. It is not surprising that there is no word for "stress" in the local language! Most islands are coralline and spread towards the south and south east. About 40 islands are however granitic and found within a radius of 50 kilometers from Mahé. Among the islands which are easily accessible are St.Anne, Ile Aux Cerfs, Bird, Moyenne, Round, Cousin, Silhouette, Denis, Aride, Aldabra, Alphonse, Desroches. More info on: www.travelvantage.com

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General Tips about Seychelles

» Required travel documents for Seychelles
» Electric power
» Public Holidays
» Clothing
» Costs
» Round Table Beau Vallon Regatta Festival
» Subios festival
» Festival Kreol
» General informations
» Climate
» Sailing
» Snorkeling
» Scuba Diving
» Transportation in Seychelles
» Communications in Seychelles
» History
» Praslin Island
» Morne Seychellois National Park
» The Botanical Gardens
» The Natural History Museum
» Marianne Rock
» Lazio
» Anse Intendance
» Anse Aux Pins and Turtle Bay
» Bird Island
» Mahe
» Mahe
» La Digue
» Praslin
» Seychelles
» Vallée de Mai
» Ste Anne Marine National Park
» Mahé Beaches
» Cousin Island
» Anse Lazio
» Victoria

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