SEYCHELLES ISLANDS, AFRICA - TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION GUIDE

SEYCHELLES TRAVEL GUIDE

Seychelles What To Know Before You Go   by Lucy Tucker

In addition if you want to see Green and Hawksbill turtles, then at certain times of the year you can do just that. So if it is nature trails and hiking that fascinates you, then Silhouette Island with no roads, and lots of trails would be perfect for you, especially because the thick vegetation means lots of wildlife.

If fishing, especially fly fishing is your thing, then get yourself to the bonefish flats near Alphonse, where you will catch literally dozens of fish. Add to this the historic and famous coco de mer on Praslin at the Vallee de Mai, and the millions of sooty terns on Bird, and you can see this is a paradise for nature lovers.

On the other hand, if you love beaches, then some of the best beaches in the world are to be found in the Seychelles, and for me it's a toss up between Anse Lazio on Praslin, Bird Island beach which goes all the way round and is almost deserted, and Anse Victorin on Fregate, which probably wins the vote due to the exclusivity of Fregate, and the white sand, turquoise sea, and the fact it is cut off by rocky headlands on either side. These are just three, and you will realize it is difficult to set them apart when you have been there.

Whilst I personally don't dive, but I do snorkel, I am reliably informed that the diving at Alphonse is just the best, but Desroches has the coral, and La Digue has the colourful fish, but to be truthful from the moment I walked into the water at Anse Lazio on Praslin and was immediately surrounded in knee deep water by hundreds of brightly coloured fish, I've never failed to be astounded by the snorkeling everywhere in the Seychelles.

Where you stay in the Seychelles is very dependent on your budget, and probably the greatest luxury is to be found at the resort on Fregate, home of the best beach too!! Here you stay in a villa with views to die for with your own Jacuzzi overlooking the ocean, it is pure pampered luxury, but it is not the only island with only one resort. Alphonse, Bird, Desroches, and Silhouette are all like this, if you want crowds go to Mahe!!

Praslin, and La Digue are a half way house with affordable hotels, and not many people.

People often ask about the food in the Seychelles, and what it's like. It is a real fusion of flavours, best described as Creole. It features lots of coriander, chillies, ginger, lemongrass, pepper, and fresh herbs, blended into curries. Fish is in profusion, and seafood, particularly look out for Tuna, red snapper, kingfish, parrotfish, or octopus served raw and thinly sliced. 

Spectacular Seychelles Boast World-Class Resorts & Attractions   by Robert Scheer

A haven for divers -- both snorkel and SCUBA -- Seychelles has six national marine parks, where coral islands are rich with more than 1,000 different species of fish. The turquoise water, clean white sand beaches and exotic plant and animal life make Seychelles a popular holiday destination for weddings and honeymoons as well as attractions for sailors and divers.

One of Seychelles' best-known beaches is Anse Lazio on Praslin Island. Framed by huge rocks on both sides, Anse Lazio beach is shaded by picturesque coconut palms leaning out toward the gently rolling waters of Chevalier Bay.

Mahe Island is the largest of the Seychelles, and location of the capital, Victoria. The international airport as well as 90% of the population can be found on Mahe Island.

Perhaps the most renowned holiday resort in Seychelles is the Banyan Tree, a family of romantic luxury resorts with locations also in the Maldives, Thailand, Japan, Indonesia and China, although each location is uniquely fitted to its culture and geography. Other highly recommended resorts are operated by Constance (Lemuria Resort on Praslin Island), Le Méridien, and Taj. In addition, you will soon see them joined by Four Seasons, Southern Sun, the Crown and Champa Group, Universal Enterprises and Per Aquum.

The Banyan Tree, on Mahe Island, covers about 117 hectares of dramatic coastline and its 800 meters of beach frontage overlooks what has been called one of the world's ten most beautiful beaches.

Popular land-based activities include hiking along well-marked nature trails followed by pampering tired muscles in luxurious spas at five-star resorts. The Lemuria Resort on Praslin Island sports a championship 18-hole golf course recognized by the PGA, providing challenges for amateur and professional golfers.

Remarkable animals formerly found but now nearly extinct on these holiday islands include the giant tortoise and saltwater crocodile (caiman). Birders will be happy to see a Seychelles Flycatcher, Kestrel, Blue pigeon, Sunbird, Swiftlet, White Eye or Scops Owl. Seychelles are popular with fisherman, eager to catch such magnificent trophies as sailfish and marlin. Seychelles waters are also rich with shark, giant barracuda, rainbow runners and wahoos.

All residents of the Seychelles are immigrants, with the largest ethnic groups composed of French, Africans, Indians and Chinese. The two official languages are French and English. The islands were probably first discovered by Portuguese sailors in the 16th century. 

They were colonized by France in 1756, who named the archipelago after a government official, Jean Moreau de Sechelles. The Seychelles were ceded by Britain in 1814 and became an independent republic and member of the British Commonwealth in 1976.

Flying time to the Seychelles from the USA is about 30 hours, making it more popular with Europeans than North Americans. But its world-class scenery, diving sites, as well as its luxurious holiday resorts and cuisine, not to mention the friendly locals, make the Seychelles Islands well worth considering as a holiday destination for anyone who does not have to worry about budgets.

Seychelles is a group of about 115 islands, located northeast of Madagascar.  There are five main islands; Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, Frégate, and North Island.  Much of Seychelles is protected sanctuaries devoted to preserving and amazing array of flora and fauna.  The giant Alabra Tortoises are fascinating and should not be missed when visiting the islands, Birds huge bird colonies can be found on certain islands

While tourism is absolutely their main industry, the Seychelle Islands are a relatively unknown vacation hideaway.  If you are looking for a snappy nightlife you might be a little disappointing.  One of the charms of the Seychelles is that they are not commercial and overdeveloped.  The group of islands offer the perfect Honeymoon getaway.

Beau Vallon
 

This beach is located on the island of Mahé on the northern side, and is one of the more popular beaches on Mahé.  This long and sandy beach has magnificent views of North Island and Silhouette.  There are various diving and water sport centers as well a Teddy's Glass Bottom Boat Tours. Anse Royale This beach is the longest on Mahé and it provides beaches that are protected in most cases from choppy seas and provides a safe and comfortable swimming experience.  This makes for very favorable conditions for swimming and beach fun from May to October. Intendance Beach This is a very wide beach, which provides huge swells that are favored by surfers.  Multi-directional currents make it a little challenging at times to swim and the Banyan Tree Resort will notify swimmers of dangerous conditions with flags.  Anse Intendance is one of the spots that turtles still nest.

Photography by Dino Sassi -  Marcel Fayon, Photo Eden LTD

Anse Cimitiere

Cimitiere is a very hidden beach and is quite hidden.  Monsoon season is from May to October and is a time of large waves and dangerous surf.  There are a few natural swimming pools created by protecting rocks on the beach.  If you are looking for a nice change there is the inland forest that can be explored by horses from the Riding Centre Utegangar.

Port Launay

This is one of the most beautiful beaches on Mahé and is located on the west side of the island.  This beach will have the largest population of beach goers on weekends.  Swimming is great here and the beach is very well maintained.

Anse Georgette

Rated as one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world, Anse Georgette is located on the island of Praslin.  Only accessible by boat the beach offers the luxury of the Lemuria Resort.  This is a favorite of Honeymooners because of the intimacy of the private beach.

Anse Bois de Rose

This beach is known for its fishing and there is a great spot for swimming located next to the hotel Coco de Mer.

Anse Source D'Argent 

This beach is one of the most popular beaches in the Seychelles.  Huge granite boulders separate it from Anse Lazio and make this a hotspot for filming and photography.  This beach is a favorite for magazines as well as TV travel programs.

Anse Bamboos

Located on the island of Frégate, Anse Bamboos has the main hotel on the island. It boasts of has some currents but they are not too dangerous to swimmers and there is a lifeguard stationed here for your safety.  Sun chairs with large shade umbrellas line the beach for your comfort.

Anse d'Est

Anse d'Est is located on the east side of North Island and this is where large coral beds are located just off the beach.  The North Island Lodge offers a swimming pool, restaurant, library and diving center.