Seychelles

about seychelles

Seychelles Islands – Preserved Paradise

Seychelles is said to be the original site of the Garden of Eden . Controversies aside, the fact is that this small island country in the middle of the Indian Ocean is a true tropical paradise. Its 115 islands form a museum of natural history in the open and today it is one of the most desired tourist destinations on the planet .

The nation values ​​sustainable tourism, so almost half of the territory is in a preservation area and there is still control over the number of tourists entering the islands. Its natural beauties are eye-catching and all these cares have transformed the archipelago into a sanctuary for rare species of fauna and flora.

There are numerous accommodation options, from rustic beachfront bungalows to the privacy and luxury of 5-star resorts. All offer an authentic tropical island experience. Of the 16 islands that are structured to welcome tourists, 12 are exclusive with only one accommodation option on each. Have you ever imagined an entire island just for you and someone special?

Seychelles is perfect for couples in love . It was no accident that Prince William of England and Kate Middleton chose the place for their honeymoon. However, the country also receives families on vacation looking for unforgettable days with lots of sea, sun and fun. The resorts abound with water activities, entertainment for adults and children and babysitting.

geography

Located to the south of the Equator, Seychelles is an archipelago formed by 115 islands in the Indian Ocean , with a territorial extension of 456 km². They are located directly to the north and northeast of Madagascar.

There are two categories of islands : the granite inland – which are grouped around the main islands of Mahé , Praslin and La Digue – whose green peaks arise from virgin forests and untouched beaches; the outer islands have crystal clear, calm waters and are surrounded by corals.

The capital, Victoria, is located on the island of Mahé , where 80% of the inhabitants are concentrated. With a population of around 87 thousand people, its composition reflects a great ethnic diversity.

It is practically populated by immigrants, from freed slaves, European colonists, political exiles, adventurers, traders of Arab and Persian origin, as well as Chinese and Indians.

vegetation

The islands have exuberant tropical vegetation. There are more than 2 thousand species of trees, 81 of which are endemic, that is, only found in Seychelles. Present are the famous Coco-de-mer , the largest seed in the world; the jellyfish tree, with only eight surviving examples . Not to mention the variety of exotic flowers, one of them is the orchid with a vanilla fragrance .

Its vegetation is home to birds, there are more than 250 different species, 12 of which are endemic and many are rare and endangered. Aride is the country’s great bird sanctuary.

climate and best season to travel

language

In Seychelles the official languages ​​are English, French and Seychelles Creole. Many inhabitants also speak Italian and German.

history

In 1502, the Portuguese expedition led by Vasco da Gama began to explore the archipelago. France took control in 1756, and named the territory in honor of Louis XV’s finance minister, Jean Moreau de Séchelles . The French and their slaves who were in Mauritius began to settle there, leading small white groups, Indians and Africans, in 1768. The British and the French competed for control of the Seychelles between 1794 and 1810.

Negotiations continued for some years until 1814, when France finally ceded possession of the colony of Mauritius, together with the Seychelles to the British . However, the English did not pay much attention to the colony, which was administered from Mauritius. It was not until the middle of the 19th century that Seychelles gained strategic value and, in 1903, it became a separate British colony.

The first elections for a legislative council took place in 1948. It was only in 1964 that the first political parties were formed: United People’s Party of Seychelles (PPUS) , led by France-Albert René and the Democratic Party of Seychelles , led by James Mancham. PPUS was approved by the local majority, composed of descendants of African slaves and Indian workers.

In both the 1966 and 1970 legislative elections, the Democratic Party of Seychelles won. The country’s independence was achieved in 1976 and Seychelles was governed by a coalition, with James Mancham as president and France René as prime minister. In 1977, while Mancham tried to postpone the elections, the PPUS militias and with the support of the military strike a coup, claiming that Mancham led an expensive life, while the population worked hard. Thereafter, René is appointed president.

Many political changes took place, in 1978 René enacted a new Constitution , transforming Seychelles into a one-party state, represented by the Seychelles People’s Progressive Front (FPPS) , and opted for a socialist government . In 1979, power was institutionalized and the FPPS won the elections. However, René’s opponents and especially the South African government have not abandoned their desire to destabilize the socialist regime in Seychelles. In 1981, a group of South African mercenaries tried to restore Mancham to power, but failed.

In 1991, President René restores multiparty democracy . In both 1993 and 1998, René is re-elected in multi-party voting. In 1998, the FPPS won 30 out of 34 seats in parliamentary elections. In September 2001, René won another term with 54% of the vote, defeating opposition candidate Wavel Ramkalawan, who had 45% of the vote. As of June 2003, many economic reforms were introduced, which led Seychelles to be withdrawn from the Southern African Development Community (SADC ), in addition to having three diplomatic missions closed.

Because of his economic decisions, René was replaced by former Vice President James Michel in April 2004. In the same year, the giant waves in the archipelago, generated by an undersea earthquake across Indonesia, destroyed three islands. Between 2008 and 2009, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank helped the country’s economy, which was in a terrible situation due to the decrease in the number of tourists and further aggravated by the crisis in the world financial market.

In July 2006, President Michel won the presidential race and in the next election, in May 2011, he was re-elected.

visa

Seychelles is a visa-free country which means that there are no visa requirements for any persons wishing to travel. Although a visa is not required to enter Seychelles, visitors should nevertheless have in their possession a valid passport or other travel documents recognized by the government of Seychelles in order to gain entry. The passport must be valid for the period of the intended stay until arrival back in the holder’s country of origin or residence.

A visitor’s permit is issued on arrival in Seychelles to travelers visiting for the purposes of holiday, business, visiting friends or family and who also meet the following criteria:

1. is not a prohibited immigrant;
2. is not a holder of a valid permit which entitles the holder to reside in Seychelles;
3. holds a valid return ticket or ticket for onward travel for the duration of the visit;
4. has confirmed accommodation; and,
5. has sufficient funds for the duration of the stay (minimum of US$150 or equivalent per day).

national parks

The nation holds the record for the highest percentage of land under natural protection, almost 50% of Seychelles encompassing national parks and reserves. The fauna and flora of the archipelago is very rich, with more than a thousand species of fish and some of the largest colonies of seabirds in the world.

The Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve on the island of Praslin , with its natural palm forest protects several species, among them, the coco de mer , the largest vegetable seed in the world, can weigh up to 20 kilos. The place was declared a Nature Reserve on April 18, 1966 and a National Park in 1979. In 1983, this protected area was considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is believed that this was the original place of the Garden of Eden.

Ste. Anne Marin National Park is the first marine reserve in the Indian Ocean to ensure the preservation of coral reefs and animal life. Aldabra Atoll is composed of four coral islets, forming a large lagoon, surrounded by the largest barrier reef on the planet. There is also a population of more than 150,000 sea turtles, the largest in the world.

why seychelles ?

There is no lack of paradisiacal beaches, untouched, with crystal clear waters, clear sands and the color of the sea is impressive: a gradient of shades of green and blue. The main island of Mahé alone offers 65 beaches, each with its own characteristics, history and secrets .

Anse Source d’Argent beach is one of the most photographed in the world, considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet . Its pale pink sands spread across the island of La Digue , the fourth largest in the country. The sands shine in a scenario of high granite stones, worn by the weather and climate. The turquoise water is shallow and relatively protected from ocean waves by a coral reef.

Those looking for tranquility should visit Anse à Mouche beach. The visitor can relax on the sand, walk, swim peacefully and even practice numerous water activities.

The most popular beach is Beau Vallon , in Mahé Norte . With 3 km in length and half-moon shape, it is ideal for sailing, water skiing, parachute rides, windsurfing and snorkelling . It brings together a variety of hotels of all sizes, inns and villas.

Mahé Sul , however, has a pastoral aspect and is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and villages on the island as well, all accessible by an efficient road network. Anse Intendance beach is the largest in Mahé and is very popular with tourists due to its stable waves all year round.

The island of Sainte Anne is home to the first protected marine park in the entire Indian Ocean, a real treasure for divers and lovers of marine life.

The capital Victoria has aspects of a fishing village, it has managed to preserve its originality through traditional architecture . Tourists can visit its full market, shops, boutiques.

Praslin is the second largest island in the country and known as the “Golden Palm Island” because it houses the Vallée de Mai nature reserve, and along the trails tourists are impressed by the natural beauty, waterfalls, rare giant palm trees and the famous coconut de mer grows wild and in abundance.

Anse Lazio is the highlight of Praslin , this beach is considered the most beautiful in the world. Surrounded by granite stones, with white and soft sands, clear waters and in varied tones form a dream scenario. Also very popular for swimming and diving.

Seychelles is home to two World Heritage Sites, a title granted by UNESCO : Aldabra , the largest raised coral atoll in the world and; on the island of Praslin, the Vallée de Mai , it is believed to be the original site of the Garden of Eden.

The tourist can choose from a variety of accommodation options, from luxurious, private hotels, large resorts, there are even more rustic options of bungalows, creole inns. In any of them, the service is very well executed and entitled to many perks.

The cuisine is exotic and caters to European, Asian and international tastes. It is possible to enjoy delicious dishes in restaurants, seaside bistros with an unforgettable landscape and feet in the sand. There is no shortage of fresh and tasty fish, as well as poultry and meat dishes seasoned with local spices.

During a week in October, the Kreol Festival celebrates Creole heritage and traditions. The Seychelles Sailing Cup is an international event that takes place in January, and the International Fishing Competition takes place in November. Other local fishing competitions are held throughout the year.

what to wear ?

Light clothing is appropriate for the hot tropical climate, as well as swimsuits, hats, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm. The photo camera is an absolute must.

It is important to remember that even on a cloudy day the tropical sun is still strong and capable of causing unpleasant sunburn, so wear a shirt for swimming or snorkelling . Sturdy walking shoes are essential for those looking to do walking tours and guided trails.

At the end of the day, the use of mosquito repellents is recommended even if there is no risk of malaria. Men mostly need to wear long pants in the late afternoon to gain access to most hotels, restaurants and casinos.

transport

With relatively short travel times between islands and tourist sites, it is easy and simple to move around the archipelate. There are options for land, air and sea transport that operate from the main island of Mahé.

The tourist can visit the islands of Seychelles by car, bus, taxi, bicycle, ferries (motorized or not), traditional ox cart or on foot, in addition, rent a car or boat and explore everything at your own pace. There is also an air taxi company that operates transfers between the islands, mainly to La Digue.

The only international access to the Seychelles is through the International Airport, near Victoria.

currency

The official currency is the Seychelles Rupee (SCR).

In addition to the local currency, payments in Euros or US Dollars are possible. MasterCard / Access and Visa credit cards are widely accepted, while Diners Club and American Express can be used in only a few stores.

Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 2 pm, and Saturday from 8 am to 11 am. All banks conduct foreign exchange transactions and exchange travelers checks, although fees are charged. There are ATMs at the main banks in Mahé, Praslin and La Digue and at the airport in Mahé and Praslin.

vat (value-added tax)

A 15% tax on the circulation of goods (VAT) is added to the price of most products and services.

travel insurance

We recommend purchasing reliable international insurance before boarding. It must cover illness, accident, theft, air evacuation, hospital expenses.

malaria

There is no risk of getting malaria or yellow fever in Seychelles .

Even so, the government adopted as a preventive measure the requirement of the international certificate of vaccination with the yellow fever vaccine for tourists coming or who have spent the last 6 days in regions with a focus of the disease.

important to know

The tap water from Mahé and Praslin is safe and can be consumed without any problems . However, when visiting the other islands it is advisable to consume only bottled mineral water.

Because of British colonization, cars are driven on the left side.

Seychelles has an efficient telecommunications service and a GSM network operates within international roaming standards.

Due to its location in the middle of the Indian Ocean, it is not very easy to find high speed internet. In some hotels it is possible to connect without problems, but it is necessary to be in the main hall to have access to the internet.

In Seychelles the voltage is 240 volts and three-pin plugs are used.

Generally, stores open from 9 am to 4 pm during the week and from 8 am to 12 pm on Saturdays, but many stores outside the capital are open until 7 pm. In Victoria, most stores are closed on Sundays and public holidays .

Restaurant and hotel bills include fees between 5% and 10%. Tips are not mandatory, but will be gladly accepted if you consider that you have received great service or care.

Collecting shells is prohibited in Seychelles nature reserves and marine parks .

Be considerate about preserving nature , in some areas it can be fragile. So, walk carefully on coral reefs and do not feed sea birds, mammals, turtles, turtles and do not disturb them, even in their nests.

curiosities

The coconut de mer , found on only two islands in the Seychelles, is still valued by many Asian cultures that believe in its aphrodisiac potential, its medicinal and mystical properties. It was previously believed that this tree arose directly from the seabed, hence the name. Its image is a symbol of the islands and appears on 5 rupee coins.

The rare Seychelles black parrot is only found on the island of Praslin, it is considered the national bird.

The island of Aldabra has the largest coral atoll in the world. This underwater area has a coral surface so large that the largest island in the archipelago (Mahé) would fit into the area.

The archipelago has a total area of ​​455 km² with all the islands together, but they are spread over an ocean area of ​​388,500 km.

Of the 115 islands, only 33 are permanently inhabited , and some of them are the oldest granitic islands on Earth.

Gardiner frogs from the Seychelles are one of the smallest known types of frogs in the world, ranging between 9 and 12 millimeters. These amphibians are apparently deaf – they don’t have a middle ear or eardrum to help process the sound waves, but mysteriously, they can still produce their own croaks and hear other frogs. Recently, researchers have found that the combination of a mouth cavity and bone conduction allows frogs to perceive sound effectively.

The typical dish of Creole cuisine is a puchero with chile salsa . The pepper from these islands is known as “infernal fire” and is really spicy.