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Itineraries | Country Highlights | Photos of Camps & Lodges
COUNTRY HIGHLIGHTS
Soft, white coral beaches, exotic flora and fauna, secluded beaches and crystal clear waters that are known for some of the finest leisure activities anywhere in the world - Welcome to the Seychelles...
Soft, white coral beaches, exotic flora and fauna, secluded beaches and crystal clear waters that are known for some of the finest leisure activities anywhere in the world - Welcome to the Seychelles...
The Seychelles comprise over forty-two granitic islands and seventy- three coral islands of various sizes and topography, spread over an area of the south-west Indian Ocean as big as France. The Seychelles islands are the mountain tops of a large but submerged continent, formed by the Gondwanaland process over 600 million years ago. On the islands discover the Creoles, a unique combination of colorful language, music, exotic cuisine and a blend of cultures with rich traditions and folklore. For sun worshippers, there are year-round temperatures, and for the more active there are mountain hikes, picturesque villages to be explored, scuba diving and snorkeling, making the Seychelles Islands a perfect haven for all. a large but submerged continent, formed by the Gondwanaland process over 600 million years ago. On the islands discover the Creoles, a unique combination of colorful language, music, exotic cuisine and a blend of cultures with rich traditions and folklore. For sun worshippers, there are year-round temperatures, and for the more active there are mountain hikes, picturesque villages to be explored, scuba diving and snorkeling, making the Seychelles Islands a perfect haven for all.
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MAHE - The spectacular scenery in the North of the island has to be seen to be believed, followed by a leisurely drive around the west coast of the island, taking in some of the picturesque bays, or up over Sans Souci, through the Tea Plantations, and descend to the capital, Victoria, and maybe visit the Botanical Gardens, where you can see the only other location, apart from the Vallée De Mai, where the "Coco De Mer" grows, and also see the Giant Tortoises in their enclosure.
Then on to the north west coast, to Beau Vallon, arguably the best beach on Mahé, there are also numerous other striking beaches to see, such as Grand Anse, Anse Takamaka, and Anse Intendance, to name but a few.
Whilst still on Mahé, why not go for a Glass bottom boat trip in the Marine National Park; or a scenic Helicopter trip over the island. Another must is a trip round the island, either driving yourself or with your private driver guide. Water sports available from the more popular beaches and resort areas include windsurfing, canoes, sailing dinghies, jet skiing, water-skiing and paragliding to name but a few.
PRASLIN - One of the most visited and largest islands after Mahé is Praslin, only fifteen minutes by a 20 seater "Twin Otter" plane from Mahé, or one hour by sea on "Cat Cocos," which can carry 159 passengers. This is an air conditioned catamaran, and it travels from Mahé to Praslin and back twice or three times a day. This island is somewhat quieter, and less developed than Mahé, but boasts an exotic paradise of dense vegetation and lush coconut groves. Almost 100 years ago, General Gordon (of Khartoum) visited this island and became convinced that he had found the original Garden of Eden. These coconuts only grow on the ancient giant palm trees in the Vallée de Mai nature park and are used locally as an aphrodisiac drink. They can be seen along with the insect-eating pitcher plant, vanilla orchids, and some of the earth's rarest birds: the Seychelles bulbul, fruit pigeon, and the black parrot on the nature trails when walking through the forest.
Praslin is famous for its soft white sandy beaches, and there are far too many to name, with the exception of Anse Lazio, which has consistently been voted one of the world's best beaches. They offer safe bathing and excellent snorkeling among the living corals, which are home to an amazing nine hundred species of fish. One can either hire a bicycle, a taxi, go on an organized trip round the island, or hire a self-drive car. Two unique features of Praslin are it is the only island in the Seychelles with a Championship Golf course, and the only island outside Mahé with a Casino. It is also an excellent jumping off point to visit other islands like La Digue, Cousin, Curieuse and St. Pierre. These beautiful islands are inhabited by thousands of birds and turtles, and their waters possess beautiful coral reefs where snorkeling you can see a variety of fish.
LA DIGUE - La Digue is a steep granite island lying 52 kilometers from Mahé and 6.9 km from Praslin. It is the fourth largest island in the Seychelles after Silhouette. Although there is a helicopter service to la Digue, the island welcomes the majority of its visitors by boat at the quaint jetty at La Passe. It is a popular destination for visitors wishing for a taste of the traditional.
This is a place where the bicycle and ox-cart still hold sway and where, even now, strenuous efforts are being made to preserve the distinct sense of antiquity that pervades the islands customs. The well-preserved period architecture and relaxed way of life of its approximately 2000 inhabitants give the island a particular charm.
There are three hotels on La Digue and a number of self-catering establishments situated for the most part along its west coast while the east coast tends to have a wilder aspect. On that side of the island the sands of the secluded beaches have a distinctly pink hue, in sympathy with the pink formations of the headland. Within only one hour walkers can reach any point on the island and there are many good tracks leading up into its hilly interior which rises to a height of 333 meters. La Digue's western beach of Anse Source D'Argent is among the most photographed beaches on earth for the way that its granite boulders seem to have been sculpted by a divine hand to adorn this beach of breathtaking beauty. On the south-eastern coast three more exceptional beaches are to be found; Grande Anse, Petite Anse and Anse Cocos. Snorkeling at Anse Patates, the island's northernmost point is excellent while the reef-protected shores of Anse Fourmis, Anse Banane and Anse Gaulettes on east La Digue are favorite spots for picnics and sunbathing.
At charming L'Union estate, situated between La Passe and Anse Source D'Argent, visitors will have the chance to discover some of the traditional local industries of the past such as vanilla farming and curing as well as witness the production of copra and coconut oil. The nearby yard of the local boat-building industry also deserves a visit. One mile south of La Passe lies La Digue Vev Special Reserve, covering nearly eight acres and where you will find the Seychelles Black Paradise Flycatcher, one of the rarest and most unique birds in the world. This reserve is also home to the Seychelles Bulbul, the Seychelles Sunbird as well as to two extremely rare species of terrapin.
FREGATE - Frégate is situated approximately 55 kilometers (34 miles) from Mahé and, as such is the most distant of the granite islands. This island is served by a domestic flight which takes 15 minutes, a helicopter or by island ferry. Frégate is home to no less than fifty species of birds among which is the rare Seychelles magpie robin and possesses five beaches, affording its guests a great measure of privacy. This very fertile island, extraordinarily rich in fauna features a luxurious five star lodge offering the optimum in comfort and island lifestyle.
A favourite amongst the stars of Hollywood and all across Europe, Frégate Island is known as the idyllic island, with total privacy and total pampering! Frégate provides deluxe cottages built right on the foreshore to ensure everyone has million dollar sea-views. Footpaths lead everywhere through the woodlands.
FELECITE - Félicité is typical of the "one island - one refuge" holiday product that Seychelles is becoming increasingly known for. The island lies about one mile distant from la Digue and has a land area of 680 acres.
The Sultan of Perak was once exiled there by the British and returned home with a Seychelles melody that is now the Malaysian national anthem, while members of the rock band Pink Floyd recently locked themselves away in its island-style bungalows to write material for a new album. The island sleeps up to sixteen visitors and is equipped with a tennis court and swimming pool set against the backdrop of lush vegetation. The beach at La Penice provides for excellent swimming. Félicité is an ideal base for deep-sea fishing and an island-hopping holiday.
DENIS ISLAND - Fifty-three miles (85 km) north of Victoria lies Denis island with a surface area of 131 hectares. Once a thriving coconut plantation, Denis, which is only 30 minutes flight from Mahé, boasts a newly refurbished lodge with 25 distinctive and well-appointed cottages. It is an ideal base for deep-sea fishing expeditions as it lies on the edge of the Seychelles bank, where Marlin and record breaking Tuna are to be found. There is a lighthouse at the northern edge of this island which also has beautiful beaches and offers excellent possibilities for snorkeling, diving and fishing.
The resort is made up of 25 individual cottages, with courtyard, outside shower and private sundeck, fully air-conditioned executive, deluxe and elegant cottages. The small library and snooker table offers a relaxing atmosphere for evening entertainment. The resort also offers facilities for tennis, windsurfing, canoeing and of course sunbathing on white sand beaches. The island's rich vegetation with its fertile soil and lush greenery is home to roaming tortoises and nesting sea birds. It also boasts excellent nature walks for the more adventurous.
The island boats offer daily game excursions and world record catches have been recorded for dog tooth, bonito and tuna. Marlin, sailfish, barracuda, wahoo, dorado and job also make the game fishing an extraordinary experience.
Denis allows a minimum stay of 3 nights, however the average bookings are for one week, with an exceptional level of repeat visitors. The island offers visitors total tropical privacy and relaxation combined with the comforts of home.
BIRD ISLAND - Bird Island is situated at the edge of the Seychelles bank where the sea drops to over 1000 fathoms and is some 62 miles (100 km) or 30 min flight north of Mahé. Also known as Ile aux Vaches, this haven for nesting birds and turtles is at the very forefront of Seychelles' eco-tourism. A reputation for good cuisine and a convivial atmosphere compliment great opportunities for snorkeling, deep sea fishing, and nature watching par excellence.
This coral island supports a variety of plants including hundreds of coconut palms that once covered the whole island. Marked trails lead across the island to secluded beaches and to the farm from where a good deal of the fresh food comes to the dinner table.
Between May and October this island measuring only 69 hectares, becomes a nesting ground for the Sooty and Noddy terns and year round is home to 'Esmeralda', the world's heaviest land tortoise, weighing in at 304 kg. With a year-round population of other birds it is an ornithologist's heaven. Nature walks are organized for guests who will be introduced to the wonders of the island and also encouraged to participate in a successful program protecting sea-turtle nests.
Bird Island remains an important sanctuary for several species of fauna. No need for keys here so you can leave your room open, day and night, knowing that you are completely safe. The only visitor may be a Fairy or Noddy tern. Hawksbill turtles have also chosen Bird as their breeding home from October to February. They are commonly seen during the day coming up the beach to lay their eggs.
This private island offers peace and tranquility to a maximum of 50 guests. Here the emphasis is on relaxation - the whole island is yours to explore comfortably on foot- there is no need to hire a car or bicycle. Bird Island Lodge offers very comfortable and spacious accommodation in 24 individual bungalows. Each has its own patio overlooking the gardens with the sea only a few steps away. The bungalows are furnished with a four-poster king size bed, mosquito net, ceiling fan and lounge area that can be converted to accommodate additional beds. Each bungalow is equipped with a large shower room, and a separate toilet and bidet. Hot water is supplied to the showers by solar panels. The hotel complex is only a short distance away from the airstrip. It incorporates the reception area which leads to a spacious lounge, bar and restaurant. Adjacent to the reception there is a boutique and a well-stocked library for guest use. The restaurant offers full breakfasts, Creole lunches and European style dinners.
DESROCHES ISLAND - The island of Desroches is to be found among the Amirantes islands, 240 km south-east of Mahé. The island, 5 km long and 1.5 km wide, is secreted beneath the shade of coconut palms. It has 14 km of immaculate beaches, crystal blue waters and is protected by its own coral reef.
Twenty elegant junior suites blend harmoniously with their lush surrounds and their facilities promise optimum comfort. Tastefully decorated in the woods and pastels of the colonial style they are equipped with king size bed and mosquito net, comfortable armchairs, air conditioning and ceiling fan, satellite-linked telephone, mini-bar and safe. Each room has a veranda within the shade of the coconut palms and with an enticing view of the ocean. The hotel restaurant proposes a festival of innovative dishes featuring a fragrant blend of island grown vegetables and the very best of the catch of the day. There is a swimming pool and adjoining bar.
On Desroches there is never a lack of things to do. Such as the simple but rare pleasure of exploring the island coconut grove by bicycle, passing the village, island' 'calorifer', the northern lighthouse and then choosing one of several tracks leading off to secluded beaches.
For a full day out the restaurant will be pleased to prepare a picnic. "Cookie Two" a superb Riviera 36 will take those seeking the thrill of adventure off to the well-stocked fishing grounds of the Amirantes to try their hand at bottom fishing or deep sea fishing where they can pit their skills against the formidable marlin, sailfish and record breaking wahoos and tuna. Fly-fishermen can try their art in the waters off the island but also off nearby of Poivre and St. Joseph where bonefish and carangues abound.
Diving is a must with the possibility to explore no less than 14 classified sites such as the amazing "Desroches Drop" or "The Canyon", mysterious labyrinth of unusual caves and columns which will provide a host of unforgettable experiences, all in the company of a dedicated team of attentive professionals. The water-sports center will also organize excursions to prime sites such as "The Aquarium" which offers the very best in snorkeling and opportunities to come across a turtle or two gliding between schools of multicolored fish. Wind surfers, canoes, pedalos and laser mini-sails are also on hand for a spirited ride or just a gentle sail around the island. The cooler hours of the evening offer the opportunity for a game of tennis on the floodlit court or, alternatively, petanque (bowls) and for those interested the chance to work on their swing on the Golf range.
ALPHONSE - Vibrant tropical greenery surrounded by the clear blue of the Indian Ocean is how you will find Alphonse Island, 450 km south of Mahé. Alphonse is a small, triangular coral island 1.2 km wide, home to a lush grove of coconut palms and with a coral reef sheltering the crystal waters of a turquoise lagoon. Alphonse's twin neighboring islands, the majestic Bijoutier and St. Francois, offer to her guests the prospect of pastel lagoons frequented by sea turtles and, at low tide, the giant blue mud crab. The sky teems with terns and frigate birds.
Only one hours flight from Mahé, the island lodge offers to guests the spacious comfort of 25 well-appointed, air-conditioned chalets and five individual executive villas, each designed to blend seamlessly with their tropical environment and each affording a vista of the ocean. Nestling in the shade of coconut palms, the comfortable elegance of the thatched chalets features 'African style' outside shower with adjoining bathroom and Jacuzzi. Tastefully furnished rooms include king-size bed and mosquito net, mini-bar, satellite television and adjustable air.
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