The Seychelles islands are located off the East coast of Africa, spread between 4- and 10-degrees South of the equator. Consistently ranked amongst the world’s most idyllic tropical island getaways for its spectacular beaches and natural environment, the 115 islands are renowned for their exclusivity. Although often thought of as a luxury travel destination, a Seychelles holiday can also be had on the more modest budgets. All that is required is a little research and some pre-planning.
Celebrated for its pristine natural beauty and unspoiled environment, the archipelago offers a mix of flat coralline islands and the only mid-oceanic granitic islands on the earth. A tropical paradise, it boasts; crystal clear waters which teem with marine life; powdery-soft white sand lining some of world’s most beautiful beaches as well as rich and verdant forests.
The Seychelles islands are located off the East coast of Africa, spread between 4- and 10-degrees South of the equator. Consistently ranked amongst the world’s most idyllic tropical island getaways for its spectacular beaches and natural environment, the 115 islands are renowned for their exclusivity. Although often thought of as a luxury travel destination, a Seychelles holiday can also be had on the more modest budgets. All that is required is a little research and some pre-planning.
Celebrated for its pristine natural beauty and unspoiled environment, the archipelago offers a mix of flat coralline islands and the only mid-oceanic granitic islands on the earth. A tropical paradise, it boasts; crystal clear waters which teem with marine life; powdery-soft white sand lining some of world’s most beautiful beaches as well as rich and verdant forests.
Mahé
Mahé is the largest island and home to 90% of the Seychelles 97,000 population, the international airport and the pretty capital of Victoria, which is one of the smallest capital cities in the world.
Praslin
Praslin is the Seychelles’ second largest island and boasts the UNESCO World Heritage site of Valle de Mai which is home to the unique Coco de Mer palm trees which grow the world's largest nut. Praslin is also renowned for the picture perfect Anse Lazio Beach, recognized as one of the most spectacular in the world and the only 18-hole championship golf course in the Seychelles
La Digue
La Digue is renowned for its giant granite boulders which are scattered on its shore, including the breath-taking Anse Source d’Argent which is among the world's finest beaches. The main mode of transport is still bicycles.
Climate
The Seychelles is a year-round destination with a lovely tropical climate of 25-32°c year-round.
March, April, October and November are the most settled and relatively windless times to visit the Seychelles.
* There are no tropical diseases in the Seychelles so no special inoculations are required when travelling from the UK.
Currency
The local currency is the Seychelles Rupee (SCR) but all major currencies are also accepted as well as MasterCard and Visa credit cards.
Cuisine
The local Creole food is a delicious fusion of French, African and Asian influences with fresh seafood and tropical fruit often the main ingredients.
The refreshing local beer, SeyBrew, the local liqueur, Coco d’amour, and the local Takamaka Bay rum are all widely available.
Octopus and smoked fish salads
Boiled octopus or smoked fish mixed with green peppers (capsicum), fresh tomatoes, and onions. Like other local food you can create your own version by adding more fresh greens if you so desire.
Octopus curry in coconut milk
This is a dish that is included in every island celebration. Boiled and diced octopus (zourit) cooked in coconut milk and curry powder with a whole lot of added spices like garlic, ginger and eggplant. Every family has its own style of cooking it.
Grilled fish (pwason griye) – red snapper (bourzwa) of the rabbit fish
If you have fresh catch, all the better, if not you can use other fresh fish. The local favourite is the red snapper (bourzwa) and the rabbit fish (kordonnyen) cooked with chillies either in a hot oven or on open fire. It’s another must-have at celebration events. Careful though, it can be quite hot and spicy.
Fish curry (bonito)
Another hot and spicy mix! Any fish that won’t fall apart when cooked can be used for this one, but here we love using chunks of the bonito (bonit). It is a fiery mix of curry powder, curry leaves and turmeric. We do at times use other paste to dampen the spicy and hot taste.
Shark chutney
This one has a distinctive sour taste. It's boiled shark mashed and mixed with local lime juice or the bilimbi as it is commonly known with onions, pepper and other spices.
For dessert!
Banana in coconut milk (ladob banann)
This is usually large ripe plantain cooked with coconut milk and sugar. It’s a definitely a must-taste dish.
What to do in the Seychelles
*Island hop around the main islands and take in the unspoilt natural beauty. Enjoy these stunning islands by air or sea.
*Island explore by beach buggy. A private tour takes you to scenic viewpoints, popular beaches and some off-the beaten hidden gems.
*Visit Mission Lodge Lookout. A popular vantage point that offers mesmerizing panoramic views of the beautiful coastline and verdant rainforests. The site famous for being visited by Queen Elizabeth II, who inaugurated this lodge and enjoyed a cup of tea here back in 1972.
* Snorkel & reef Safari at Seychelles Marine Park. Be amazed by the vibrant underwater life in this unique marine park in a glass bottom boat, where you can snorkel around with the tropical fish and swim with sea turtles and angel fish.
*Party the night away in Mahe. Indulge in the local cocktails whilst on a night tour to the trendy bars and clubs.
*Take a trip to LaDigue and visit the giant tortoises where you can get up close to see these magnificent animals.
*Or, Lay back and just soak up the sun with a cocktail on these beautiful white beaches and breath in the peace and tranquillity.
Here’s your fun facts of the Seychelles
* There are only 206 ‘natural’ UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Seychelles is home to two of them.
* The Seychelles was uninhabited until around 1770 when French settlers began to arrive with their African slaves. Before that, pirates had used the islands as bases and stopover points.
* Seychelles Is Over 99% water. Most of the islands are uninhabited with 90% of the population living on Mahe.
*The clocktower in Victoria is often described as a little ‘Big Ben’. However, it’s actually a replica of another Big Ben replica in Westminster, London. It was brought here in 1903 to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria
* The Coco de Mer is the largest nut in the world, thought to weigh up to 20kg and is from the Coco de Mer palms.
* Esmeralda, who is actually male, is the world’s largest tortoise at almost 300kg.
*Seychelles were once home to crocodiles. When settlers first arrived, one of the biggest problems they faced was an abundance of saltwater crocodiles. It’s thought they became extinct by around 1819.
* There’s buried treasure waiting to be found. It is thought that the treasure of the French Pirate Olivier Levasseur, known as La Buse (the buzzard) is hidden on Mahe island. With a cryptograph from La Buse himself, pirate markings made in rock and even small amounts of treasure already being uncovered, there is more than just folklore surrounding this tale. One man on Mahe island has made it his life’s work to find it.
* Curieuse was a leper colony. For over 100 years, from 1829 to 1965, Curieuse island functioned as a leper colony. The ruins of its history can still be seen today, and the former doctor’s house has been preserved as a museum.
Kommentare