The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the western part of the
Indian Ocean, 
northeast of Madagascar and 995 miles east of Mombasa, Kenya. Of
these 115 islands, only 30 of them are inhabited. The 43 Inner Islands that
cluster around the principal islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue are the
world's only oceanic islands of granitic composition. They represent the
mountain peaks of the ancient super-continent of Pangea that once encompassed
the total landmass of the planet.
Around 200 million years ago, the forces determining continental drift
split Pangea into Laurasia (modern Europe, Asia and North America) and
Gondwanaland (South America, Africa, Antarctica, Australasia and India). 75
million years later Madagascar, Seychelles and India separated as one
landmass, carrying with them certain species of fauna, such as the flying fox,
that remain common to both locations, before Seychelles finally split from
India about 65 million years ago.
North Island, and its close neighbour Silhouette, contain the only evidence of volcanic ash found above sea level in Seychelles, both are granitic islands but thought to be considerably younger than Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, their syenite formation probably dating back to about 90 million years ago when Seychelles and India separated. The granitic islands are characterized by boulder-covered hills and mountains as high as 940 meters rising abruptly from the sea.
The coralline islands differ sharply from the granitic in that they are very flat, often rising only a few feet above sea level. They have no fresh water, and very few have a resident population. Many, like Île aux Vaches, Île Denis, the Amirante Isles, Platte Island, and Coetivy Island are sand cays upon which extensive coconut plantations have been established. Some of the coralline islands consist of uplifted reefs and atolls covered with stunted vegetation. Several of these islands have been important breeding grounds for turtles and birds, as well as the sites of extensive guano deposits, which formerly constituted an important element of the Seychellois economy but now for the most part are depleted.
strictly speaking they comprise
the Amirantes group to the north and the Alphonse group to the south. These
islands are true "coral islands" and are the coral crowns of submerged
mountains; the underwater terrain is very different to the inner islands
with coral walls and steep drop-offs to several thousand metres in depth.
This area is on the outer fringe of the cyclone belt and is accessible at
only limited times of the year, September to May and tends to have a much
drier climate that the Inner Islands.
The Seychelles are a haven for wildlife, particularly
birds and tropical fish. The lush green vegetation is tropical in character,
with a profusion of coconut palms, bananas, mangoes, yams, breadfruit and
other tropical fruit. Indigenous forest exists on the higher slopes, where
cinnamon and tea are planted. Insects are more common, and expect to find
mosquitos in 
abundance. The Seychelles has four marine national parks, and more
than 150 species of tropical reef fish have been identified. 
the islands. Together, these protected areas and reserves
do a good job of saving critically endangered species as well as the habitats
they rely upon, particularly in the native forests in the higher reaches of
the granitic islands.
However, most of the lowland forests of the Seychelles Granitic Islands
have been disturbed or destroyed. Coconut, vanilla, and cinnamon plantations
occupy most 
of the coastal plateaus. Human disturbance of native habitats is
still a problem, and human-facilitated introduction of exotic species is a
continuing threat. Exotic species now comprise more than half of the total
plant species of the Seychelles. Introduced goats, pigs, and cattle inhibit
regeneration of native forest; and introduced cats and dogs prey upon native
species, particularly seabirds, lizards, caecilians, and invertebrates. 
Aside from clearing of land and introduced species, the main conservation
concern in the Seychelles is the small size of many plant and animal
populations. Although many native species have probably always had small
populations, the majority of them were spread over several islands. Following
human settlement, one species after another has been reduced to one or two
relict populations with very small ranges.
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The
islands were first sighted at the beginning of the 16th century, by Vasco da
Gama, a Portuguese navigator, but the Portuguese did not attempt to settle
there. The Seychelles remained uninhabited for more than 150 years until the
islands were claimed by the French in 1756, only to be taken by the British in
1814 and by 1903 the Seychelles became a separate Crown Colony. The Seychelles
remained under British rule until they gained their independence in 1975.
The Seychelles
became self-governing in 1975 and gained independence within the Commonwealth
of Nations in 1976.
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mixture
was later enriched by Indian, Chinese and Arab traders. Collectively, the
people of Seychelles are refered to as 'Creole' or 'Seychellois'. The current
population is approximately 80,000, two-thirds of which live on the main
island of Mahe.
Most Seychelleois, 89% of the population, are Roman Catholic, with 7% belonging to the Church of England and 2% of the population are adherents of other faiths, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. No temples or mosques, however, exist on the islands. No restrictions are imposed on religious worship by any of the denominations.
Creole was adopted as the first official language of the nation in 1981. English is the second language and French the third, all of them officially recognized. The increased emphasis on Creole is designed to facilitate the teaching of reading to primary-level students and to help establish a distinct culture and heritage. Creole in Seychelles developed from dialects of southwest France spoken by the original settlers. It consists basically of a French vocabulary with a few Malagasy, Bantu, English, and Hindi words, and has a mixture of Bantu and French syntax.
Several indexes of social status operate. The first is color. Although
almost all Seychellois are so racially mixed as to 
defy classification, light skin
remains a status feature because authority in Seychelles has been
traditionally vested in a white plantation owner or manager, or later in
British officials. Economic achievement and material possessions are equally
important signs of social status. Persons with light skin enjoy greater
prestige, but the skin shade does not reliably determine social status or
position of power in society. Lighter-skinned persons find it easier to
advance to managerial or supervisory positions. It is considered advantageous
to marry a lighter-skinned person, although a wealthier man of dark skin or a
darker-skinned woman with property may not experience such discrimination.
Social tensions based on race are almost unknown, and persons of differing
racial types mix freely in schools, business, and social gatherings.
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Aldabra is the most remote of the
Seychelles islands, closer to Madagascar, and is the largest atoll in the
world. It is home to approximately 100,000 giant tortoises, 
and to over 273 species of
plants. With 5 times as many giant land tortoises as the Galapagos, this
UNESCO designated World Heritage Site is a Mecca for naturalists.
The diminutive star of the bird world here is the last species of a flightless bird remaining in the Indian Ocean, the Aldabran Rail; more visible are the huge colonies of Lesser and Great Frigate birds that roost and breed alongside Red-footed Boobies on the bushes in the immense lagoon. Dimorphic Egrets (found only here and in Madagascar) wade in shallow waters with the Aldabra Sacred Ibis and a host of terns. Greater Flamingo and the Malagasy Kestrel are recent colonists.
The enormous lagoon fills and empties twice each day through only four
channels creating strong regular currents which support a profusion of fish
life; dolphins
and whales can also be spotted offshore and some 2000 green turtles
breed here annually. The atoll ring consists of 4 major islands separated by
the channels; the islands display two distinct terraces, at 4m and 8m above
sea level. The fossilized limestone has been eroded by the weather into razor
sharp rocks that have protected the wildlife for millennia. In the lagoon the
flow of the tides has sculpted small limestone islands into strange
mushroom-shaped pinnacles known as "champignons" to the locals. It is one of
the last unexplored corners of the world.
Access to Aldabra used to be by chartered yacht or "Society Expedition"
ships on three or four week voyages. Today, travel to Aldabra is possible only
by chartered yacht or by a 3 hour chartered flight from Mahe to nearby
Assumption Island and then a 3 hour boat crossing to Aldabra. The only
accommodations on Aldabra are at the research station on Picard Island. Only
basic accommodations are to be found there but they are NOT available to tourists at this time and
unlikely to be in the near future.
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and, at low tide,
the giant blue mud crab. The sky teems with terns and frigate birds.
Alphonse Island
Resort is a castaway retreat, located on the east side of the island and
features 25 Individual Chalets and 5 Executive Villas, built alongside the
lagoon and the beach. Built on stilts with thatched roofs and large verandas,
the chalets are air-conditioned and luxuriously appointed with Jacuzzis and
ensuite bathrooms with private external showers. The spacious and modern
deluxe villas have Jacuzzis outside and in, as well as multifunctional showers
that double as Turkish baths, turbo massagers or saunas.
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a granitic island which got its name
from the 180 ton ship Anonyme which stopped over en route to les Iles de
France et Bourbon. The island is lush and a walk on pathways to the top, will
afford superb views of Mahe. There are a few sandy coves which can be explored
although some are not that easily accessible and can be prone to seaweed (June
to September).
The Anonyme Island Resort is a small exclusive resort
offering total privacy and isolated surroundings. Six luxury suites and one
exclusive, presidential villa, are all air conditioned and comfortably
furnished. All suites have air conditioning and ceiling fans, private bath and
elegant decor. The villa has a private beach and swimming pool, two bedrooms,
an office, Jacuzzi bath and a terrace with sweeping views.
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from the main island
of Mahe. The east and south sides are surrounded by the barrier reef, which is
home to many varieties of colourful tropical fish, providing excellent
snorkelling and diving opportunities. The island is best known for the nesting
colony of two million Sooty Terns, which find refuge here between May and
October. Populations of Fair and Noddy terns, Ground Doves, Mynahs, 
Crested Terns and
Plovers are also found here. Esmeralda, a giant tortoise reputed to be 150
years old and the largest tortoise in the world, is another famed
attraction.
Guests stay at Bird Island Lodge which is the only hotel on
the island, comprising of 25 bungalows for those wishing a more rustic
vacation. There are no televisions, telephones, air conditioning or swimming
pool. Apart from the guests and staff, there are no other human inhabitants.
The best time to see the birds is between April and October - their breeding
season.
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miles east of Mahe. Cerf Island was
named after the French frigate "Le Cerf" which arrived at Port Victoria on 1
November 1756. The surrounding waters of the Marine Park have more than 150
species of reef fish, crabs, sea urchins, starfish, 
octopus and many more. There are no
roads but a few pathways which allow leisurely exploration of the island. Cerf
Island is the only island in the marine park to have a small local population
who commute to Mahe for their daily business. They live on the opposite side
of the island.
Situated at the entrance of the Marine Park, Cerf Island Marine Park Resort has a
total of 12 intimate luxury Lodges, each constructed from local timbers with
thatched roofs, complimenting and forming an integral part of the island's
unique eco-system. Cerf Island offers three types of lodges: five Timber
Lodges, five Hillside Lodges, and two Hideaway Lodges all with private
balconies. Each equipped with satellite television, DVD-CD player,
air-conditioning, ceiling fan and private safe. All include a master bedroom,
a half open-air bathroom with double bath, as well as a spacious balcony;
perfect for private dining.
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Chauve Souris is a private island only
a few hundred meters from the beach of Cote d'Or at Anse Volbert on 
Praslin,
it's closest neighbour. The island is dominated by granite boulders, with
fauna being limited to gecko's and some birds.
As with the other smaller islands of the Seychelles,
accommodation is limited to the Chauve Souris Island Resort. Guests stay in 5
luxury star-designed double rooms, 3 of which are located in the main house
and the other 2 in separate bungalows, all individually furnished and offer a
balcony, fridge, telephone, safe, fully stocked minibar, fan, air-conditioning
and a bathroom with jacuzzi.
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Praslin. Cousine is a private nature reserve dedicated to the
conservation and preservation of the Seychelles. The island has been
rehabilitated from a coconut plantation in the 70's to a thriving endemic
forest and nesting habitat.
Hawksbill turtles come ashore the white sandy beach to lay their eggs
during September and January. The Seychelles Magpie Robin, on of the world's
rarest birds is found on the island. 
There are only 70 birds left in the world - 12 are to be
found on Cousine. Other endemic birds are the Seychelles Brush Warbler, Blue
Pigeon, Sunbird and Fody. Thousands of seabirds nest on the island throughout
the year. These include Noddy and Fairy Terns, shearwaters and Tropicbirds.
The conservation officer is available to take guest on guided walks and
explain about various aspects of interest. The mission of the Cousine island
owner is to promote and practice nature conservation and their aim is to share
this philosophy with their guests.
Cousine island is approximately a
15 minute helicopter flight from Mahe, or a 5 minute flight from Praslin.
Converted from a private home, Cousine Island has 4 French colonial,
spacious air-conditioned villas,
situated 30m apart, all with magnificent sea views and own private beach
access. Solar power is used whenever possible in the villas to assist the
electric water heaters in order to 
minimize the use of electricity. Communal lighting is
kept discreet. Shearwaters flying at night would be disorientated by bright
lights, as would be turtle hatchlings which are programmed to head towards the
brightest point of light as they emerge from their nests. Before humans
inhabited the shoreline, the shimmer of the sea always provided that pointer,
but today, bright hotel lights at many resorts are a serious threat to the
future of turtles. Children under 15 are not allowed on the island and the
staff to guest ratio is about 2:1. Three-day minimum stay is required.
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Dennis Island is a coral island which
lies ninety five kilometres north of the main island Mahé. The island is at
the edge of the Seychelles bank and plunges 2000 metres down into the deep
abyss of the Indian Ocean. The island is named after Denis de Trobriand, who
landed there in 1773 from the French vessel L'Etoile to find it covered in a
profusion of sea birds, giant tortoises, turtles, and "sea cows" that are now extinct.
Denis 
Island boasts a tiny fishing village with about fifteen houses and
approximately fifty inhabitants. As with several other islands in the
Seychelles, there is only one place to stay.
Taj Denis Island is situated on the extreme north western tip of the island , with 23 Deluxe Cottages, one Family Villa and one Executive Villa. Each of these elegant, air-conditioned, beachside cottages has a sea-facing verandah, a courtyard and an outdoor shower. The cottages, designed in natural tones and textures, seamlessly blend local Creole architecture with a luxurious, yet natural ambience amongst mature casuarinas trees and coconut palms, a stone' s throw from the beach. .
All villas have an attached courtyard, an outdoor shower, and bathroom with
a double vanity. Mini bar, 
tea/coffee maker. The Family Villa can accommodate 2
children under 12, and is well suited for families. The spacious Executive
Villa has a lounge, veranda, patio and private courtyard.
On Denis island , as on the other outer islands, there are no televisions,
radios, or newspapers, offering absolute peace and quiet for the weary
traveller.
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Desroaches stands majestically on a submerged atoll, 5km long and 230
kilometres southwest of Mahe. The island drops some 2000 metres into the clear
blue water teeming with abundant marine life. The more adventurous can explore
the canyons and tunnels down the depths of the sea under the expert guidance
of scuba diving instructors. Big game fishing is excellent, and Desroches is
considered one of the best diving areas in the Indian Ocean. Desroaches is
known for it's coconut, timber and copra plantations.
The only accommodation is the Desroches Island Resort, set in a coconut
grove on the edge of a white sandy beach. The 20 tastefully furnished Suites
are divided into bedroom, living room, bathroom and veranda. They feature
bath, shower, bidet, toilet, ceiling fan, air-conditioning, telephone and mini
bar. The lodge also includes a restaurant offering creole cuisine, swimming
pool, lounge with satellite-TV and video channel, boutique and library.
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about 3 kilometres north east of La
Digue. The principal trees are takamaka and badamier, with some cashews and
coconut trees. Among the lovely beaches on Felicite, La Penice is the most
accessible and only a hundred yards from the bungalows. Snorkelling is
excellent on the island, and both fishing and sailing are available.
The two traditional style bungalows, one over two floors and
the other ground floor only provide accommodation for a maximum of eight
people. The two homes have been constructed with local woods, takamaka and
bois noir, and their floors are covered with slate and tiles. The rooms have
been luxuriously furnished and contain air conditioning, fans and a private
bathroom to ensure the utmost comfort during your stay. There are also four
A-frame bungalows on the island. Extra beds can be arranged for
children.
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Accessible by a 25 minute flight from Mahe, its real treasure
attraction are the flora and fauna with five beaches offering total
privacy.
The Fregate
Island Private, has 16 luxurious Indonesian-inspired, air-conditioned
villas constructed in mahogany perched on cliffs high above the beach at Anse
Victorin. Hand-carved timbers, Botticino marble floors, Thai silks and
Egyptian cottons on four-poster beds enhance the aura of luxury. Lounges have
Balinese teak daybeds; bathrooms have glassed-in showers and tubs with window
surround. Each has its own terrace, Jacuzzi, golf buggy, satellite television,
CD, DVD, mini-bar and telephone. Activities on the island include sailing,
windsurfing, fishing and snorkelling and mountain bikes are available for
hotel guests. There is a five-night minimum stay.
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Seychelles, only 3 miles by 2
miles with over 2,000 inhabitants. It's 3 hours by schooner from Mahe and 30
minutes from Praslin. Several hotels and guesthouses exist on the island,
providing comfortable accommodation. Cars are restricted on the island,
leaving the oxcart as the main method of transport, but bicycles can be hired
allowing you easier access to the more difficult to reach places. As the largest resort or hotel on the island, the La Digue
Island Lodge is where guests of other hotels and guest houses tend to
congregate when they're not off wandering around the island. The hotel is
built with local woods and there are several types of accommodations from
beachfront suites and A-frame cottages to rooms in a restored plantation
house. The island's only dive shop is here, next to the bustling pool and
beach. A lovely shady walk takes you to Anse Source D'Argent.
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didn't name the
islands of Seychelles. Later the Portuguese called them the "Seven Sisters."
In 1756, Mahi with the other island of Seychelles became a French colony and
the name Seychelles had been given to it. During the 19th century, the English
took over it and named it with its present name of Seychelles.
Up to 90% of all Seychelles inhabitants live on Mahe. It is this island that first greets all visitors, since the only International Airport exists here, built by the English in 1971 and opened by Queen Elizabeth II of England in 1972. Also on the island are the two main ports, allowing deep-sea vessels to dock.
The Government has its seat within the capital Victoria, where most of the
business takes place. The first people 
arrived in 1778, during the French
colonial period, they were police sent from Mauritius to bring law and order.
They built their houses at Victoria, which was then named L'Establissement du
Roi. The city received its current name in 1841, named after the Queen of
England at the time, Victoria. Downtown Victoria is pinpointed by the silver
painted clock tower, erected in 1903, a scaled down version of the clock tower
on Vauxhall Bridge in London.
Mahe is a
granite island, rising out of the sea with her mountain tops often obscured
from view by a blanket of clouds. Morne Seychellois rises to a height of 905
meters above sea level. Rich vegetation covers the whole island, in the lower
regions mainly coconut palms grow, in the mountainous areas tropical forests
with their own unique species of plants. Coconuts, cinnamon and vanilla are
cultivated on Mahe, with tea being cultivated at altitudes above 600
meters.
Accommodation exists all over the island, during the 70s and 80s many modern hotel complexes were built offering luxury and comfort. The number of hotels and tourists are restricted to ensure the natural beauty of the land is not spoilt. The hotels offer luxury standard, all modern comforts are taken care of, the welcome is warm and friendly. Sporting facilities are plenty, from golf to horse riding, not to mention the water sport facilities where deep-sea fishing, sailing and diving are but a few of what are available.
Mahe is
also the center for craft artisans as well as fine art painters, sculptors and
woodworkers. At Jardin du Roi, a renovated and now working plantation and
spice garden there are walks, a museum and an excellent restaurant featuring,
of course, interestingly spiced cuisine.
Morne Seychellois National Park can be visited and the summit ascended to view one of the most spectacular vistas in the world.
Mahe is surrounded by a string of satellite islands, six of which are found
just off the east coast and help to create Victoria's natural harbour. Ste
Anne is the largest of the six and is the site of the five star Ste Anne
Resort; Ile au Cerf, Ile Moyenne, Ile Longue, Ile Cachee, and Ile Ronde's.
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northwest of the main island, Mahe; and five km north of its nearest
neighbour Silhouette. The island is about 2.5 km long by 1 km wide. The island
was first farmed in 1826 by a woman, Marie Josephine Celerine Beaufond, a
descendant of French settlers from Reunion. The island remained in her family
for the next 150 years and was used as a plantation for growing fruits and
spices, and producing Guano, fish oil and copra (coconut oil). The farm was
sold in the seventies and fell into disuse, being taken over by coconuts and
weeds, but the new resort has already started to return the island to its
former pristine state of beauty.
North
Island Lodge, is the only accommodation on the island, with 12 guest
villas, handcrafted from wood, local stone and thatch. Meals can be served in
the privacy of your villa. Activities on North Island include
snorkelling, scuba diving to the reefs around North and Silhouette Islands (as
well as the use of the equipment from the dive centre), nature walks, mountain
biking and the use of the island buggy, windsurfing, kayaking, 
fly-fishing, yacht charters
and deep-sea fishing.
Amongst the best beaches are those of Anse
Lazio, Anse Georgette, Anse Kerlan and Anse Volbert. The majority 
of the
inhabitants live in one of the two villages; Baie Ste. Anne in the east and
Grand Anse village in the south. The Cote d'Or, also known as Anse Volbert is
the island's main tourism centre, with a myriad of hotels, guest houses,
restaurants, boat operators and souvenir shops. Other destinations for
exploration include Grand Anse, the largest village on Praslin and 
the Valee
de Mai, one of Seychelles greatest natural treasures.
The Vallie de Mai, a Prehistoric forest World Heritage Site, is home to vanilla orchids, several species of lizards and a handful of some of the world's rarest birds including the Seychelles Bulbul and the unique Black Parrot which feeds on the abundant fruit found in the forest.
Praslin is best known for being the home of the Coco de-mer, a fruit from a palm tree that takes 10 years to mature, reaching a height of up to 14 metres and can weigh up to 50 pounds. Only a few of the Coco de-Mar nuts are sold to tourists, each coconut has a unique registration number authorising its sale. If you buy one, ensure that you retain this identification, because without it you will not be able to take the coconut out of the country.
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walkers and nature lovers. Silhouette is famous for its
mist forest. It is reputed to have the least disturbed original forest. Paths
from the hotel lead directly into the secret heart of the forest, thus linking
Grande Barbe (6 hour walk return) and Anse Mondon to La Passe (3 hour walk
return), where the hotel is located. There are no roads here but numerous
paths to follow on foot to take you through the forest and to the top of a
mountain. Silhouette Island Lodge is currently closed for renovations and will
not be opening up again until April 2006. 
ago by a
group of French settlers. The island is dominated by a large mountain peak
which rises to 800 feet, surrounded by thick tropical vegetation. St Anne is
now one of the most 
important nesting sites for Hawksbill turtles
amongst the granitic islands. The waters around the island teem with protected
marine life (over 150 protected species. Motorised watersports are, of course,
prohibited, to ensure preservation of the natural environment, but non
motorised sports are readily available.
Sainte Anne Resort has 87 exclusive villas designed for outdoor living and careful attention has been paid to the guarantee of privacy. They are positioned for maximum appreciation of the view and protection from the prevailing winds. The villas have large open verandas, private gardens and bathrooms with open-air showers.
May to September bring southeast trade winds which bring cooler
temperatures, lowering the humidity. November to March brings northwest
monsoons, sometimes in heavy squalls, with higher humidity and higher
temperatures. The heaviest rainfall is usually during mid-December to
mid-January.
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Birdwatching - May to September is the
nesting period for seabirds. Two endemic rarities are the Black Parrot of 
Praslin Island
which can be seen in the Vallee de Mai and on the south west tip of the
island, and La Digue's Black Paradise Flycatcher. The Red Tailed Tropic Bird
can be found on Aride.
Diving - Seychelles is a prime diving
location located at the northern bank of the submerged Mascarene Plateau, a
submerged volcanic ridge
stretching from Seychelles to Mauritius. Covering an area of 115,000 square
kilometres with depths ranging from eight to 150 metres, the reef is more
extensive than even Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Diving is available
throughout the year, but the best visibility is during the periods March to
May and September to November, the season change-over periods, when the sea is
at its calmest.
Fishing - is a way of life in
Seychelles. The March to May and September to 
November calm seas are the best
periods for bottom fishing for snapper, grouper and job fish. Big game
fishing, which includes blue marlin and sail fish, tuna, wahoo, barracuda and
many others, is good all year round. Most of the remote island resorts have
their own boats for day excursions for guests. Saltwater fly fishing,is
catered for on the islands of Alphonse in the Amirantes group and on Denis
Island.
Golf - The Lemuria Resort Golf Course on Praslin
covers an area of 5,341 m. The 88 thatched-roofed Junior and Senior Suites are
scattered along the two beaches of Petite and Grande Anse Kerlan. Each
air-conditioned room decorated in minimalist style, has ceiling fans,
mini-bar, safe, television and DVD player, large bathrooms as well as beach
loungers in the shade of overhanging palms trees. Senior Suites have lounge,
dining area, second shower room and Jacuzzi. The prestigious new 8
two-bedroomed villas and 1 three-bedroomed Presidential Villa face directly
onto the beach of Grand Anse Kerlan. The
course borders the beaches of both the
small Kerlan Cove and the Grand Kerlan Cove. Green fees are complimentary for
guests of Lemuria Resort of Praslin. In high season (mid-December to the
beginning of January) there is a minimum stay of 10 nights.
Hiking - The best time is during the drier, less humid months from May to September. There are walks on all the islands, offering an array of bird and plant life and views over the coast line. On Mahi there are the fairly rigorous walks up to Trois Frhres, the triple peaks overlooking Victoria, Morne Seychelloise, the highest point and Morne Blanc on the west side of the island with a fantastic view of the west coast. The easier climb (about 1.5 hours) up to Copolia offers a fabulous view over the east coast from north beyond Victoria to the Airport in the south. From here you can watch aircraft coming in to land below, and see the curious Pitcher plant, with its jug like insect trap with a lid, which is only found in the cooler high forests.
Sailing - The sailing season is during
the South East Trades period when the winds are at their most consistent. This
is the best period for anchorages off the west coast of Mahe, Anse Lazio on
Praslin and La Passe harbour on La Digue. Bare boat and skippered yachts are
available, or you can charter a luxury blue water yacht and sail off to a
deserted coral island or Aldabra Island for diving, fishing and deserted
beaches.
Windsurfing - On Mahe, boards are available for rent at The Plantation Club. On Praslin, the Paradise Sun is the only place. Each year there is the Mahe/Praslin Windsurfing Competition, usually in September, which starts from Victoria, Mahe and finishes at Maison des Palmes Beach on Praslin.
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Seychellois Creole cuisine is influenced by African,
Chinese, English, French and Indian traditions. Whilst the 
staple food
is fish and rice; a careful blending of spices is a major feature and making
much use of coconut milk and breadfruit
Fish is
plentiful, varieties are abundant and it is always an excellent menu
selection. Typical fish delicacies include succulent red snapper ("bourzwa"),
tuna steaks, kingfish and if your lucky fillets of parrot fish. Local prawns
are also excellent either curried in a sweet sauce or grilled in garlic
butter. Octopus curried in fresh coconut cream will convert new octopus fans
any time it's sampled. Another local delicacy is curried fruit bat
(chauve-souris) which is bony but definitely worth the effort.
Local fresh vegetables and fruits include aubergines, calabashes, choix
choutes, patoles, papaya, bananas, 
mangoes, avocados,
jackfruits, grapefruits, guavas, lychees, pineapples, melons, limes and
apples. The Seychellois are also fond of roots and tubers such as cassava and
sweet potatoes as well as plantains and breadfruit. A popular appetizer is
salade de palmiste (millionaire's salad) because it used to mean a whole palm
tree would be felled to harvest its sweet, crunchy heart. Breadfruit can be
eaten fried like chips, boiled, baked or mashed like a potato but with a
sweeter taste.
A wide
range of wines, spirits and other alcoholic beverages is available in the
Seychelles. Seybrew, a German style lager, is made locally.
Local delicacies include:-
Bouillon Brede (spinach soup)
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Beautiful handmade
crafts include sea shell and mother-of-pearl jewelry; batik 
textiles; basket ware, tablemats and hats from raffia and
palm; needlework and crochet; local paintings; beautiful bamboo and woodwork;
and the quintessential Seychelles souvenir, the coco-de-mer. Local teas,
vanilla pods and cinnamons can also be purchased. There also are several art
galleries exhibiting and selling the works of local artists. Unfortunately,
craftsmen in Seychelles also make beautiful items from the endangered turtle
shell. International trade in these products are banned and will be
confiscated upon entry to many countries including the US and most of Europe.
Accommodation - The Seychelles is not
a budget destination. Accommodation is regulated by the tourist board, 
there are no youth
hostels and camping is forbidden and prices, availability and the standard of
accommodation are fixed. Seychelles hotels are generally small, exclusive and
luxurious. Often bungalow accommodation is provided. Self-catering
accommodation with a nearby restaurant is a popular choice although guest
house numbers on the islands are growing.
Dress Code - Light clothes from natural fibres are advisable because of the tropical climate. Sandals or light canvas shoes are preferable footwear. Nude and topless bathing is strictly forbidden, a fine can be imposed if caught.
Getting There - There are flights from Australia via Singapore, Mauritius and direct from London. Travellers from Continental Europe can also fly direct - most take package holidays. Approximate flight times from Mahe to London is 13 hours and to New York is 20 hours (via London). There are daily flights from Johannesburg which connect well with flights from Namibia, Zambia and Botswana. Tanzania has daily flights from Dar es Salaam via Nairobi. Lots of cruises pass through Victoria, but there are no direct passenger services.
Health - There is no malaria, yellow
fever, or cholera. Visitors who have traveled to or through any affected area
(including
Kenya) within a week of coming to Seychelles are required to certification of
yellow fever vaccination. No mandatory vaccinations are required. However, as
with all holidays, travellers are advised to consult their GP before
departure. Tap water is normally chlorinated and, whilst relatively safe, may
cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the
first few weeks of the stay. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe
for consumption.
Money -The local monetary unit is the
Seychelles Rupee, with exchange rates around 1 Euro=SRs6.94 and 1US$=SRs5.41.
You'll get a better rate for travellers 
cheques than for cash. No restrictions
apply on taking rupees in or out of the country. Credit cards are accepted in
several restaurants, tourist shops and most hotels, but not everywhere. It is
advised to exchange money within the banks, hotels tend to give a worse
exchange rate. Tipping is welcomed but not obligatory. A 10% service charge is
added to your bill in hotels and restaurants.
Nightlife - Other than at a few
theatres and discos, most nightlife centers around the larger hotels. There
are cinemas in Victoria and theater productions in Creole, English and French.
Casinos can be found on Mahe at Beau Vallon Bay Hotel and the Plantation Club
as well as in downtown Victoria. 
Seychellois music is a blend of Indian, European, Chinese
and Arabic - accordions, banjos and violins blend with the makalapo, a
stringed instrument, the zez, a sitar, African skin drums and the bom, a bowed
instrument.
The sombre moutia is the typical dance of the Seychelles, 
with strong African and 
Malagasy rhythms. The songs are prayers which the slaves
turned into work chants, and they're accompanied by slow, repetitive dance
routines.
Transportation - Air Seychelles operates 20-seat Twin Otters from Mahe to and from 4 islands. Helicopter service to Silhouette is also available. All flights begin or end in Mahe at the domestic terminal of the International Airport. Private ferries and a high speed catamaran operate between Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue islands. Driving is on the left hand side of the roads, rental cars and small trucks are plentiful on Mahe; less so on Praslin. A regular driver's license is all that is required.
Travel Documents - Although visas are not required, everyone traveling to Seychelles must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of travel. Upon arrival at the airport, a Visitor's Permit (good for 4 weeks) is issued. Travelers must have a return (or onward) air ticket, pre-booked accommodations and sufficient money for their stay. If not, you may be required to post a security bond. The Visitor's Permit may be renewed for 3 months at no cost and for 3 additional 3 month periods at a fee of 200 Seychelles rupees. Currency exchange is available at the airport. Everyone over 12 years old must pay a US departure tax when leaving the country. The tax may be purchased at any bank and can be purchased before arrival at the airport or at a bank in the airport.
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