Seychelles, is a archipelago country in the Indian Ocean. The capital of the 115-island country, Victoria, lies 1,500 kilometres (932 mi) east of mainland East Africa. Other nearby island countries and territories include Comoros, Mayotte (region of France), Madagascar, Réunion (region of France) and Mauritius to the south. With a population of roughly 94,228, it has the smallest population of any sovereign African country.
The sovereign state of Seychelles is a member of the African Union, the Southern African Development Community, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the United Nations. After proclamation of independence from the United Kingdom in 1976, Seychelles has developed from a largely agricultural society to a market-based diversified economy, with agriculture being supplanted by rapidly rising service and public sectors as well as tourism. It is a colourful blend of cosmopolitan life with people of diverse races, religions and cultures. People from across the continents of Africa, Europe and Asia have settled here down the ages – each bringing and lending to this vibrant country their own distinct flavour of culture and traditions, making for the eclectic mix of Seychellois culture. Seychelles, with its idyllic natural beauty and peacefully, paced lifestyle is like a slice of heaven on earth. A must visit to immerse yourself in the true spirit of nature.
Places to Visit
Victoria
A day on foot is ample time to see Victoria, one of the smallest capitals in the world. Located on Mahe, one of the Seychelles’ 115 granite and coral islands, Victoria is the republic’s business and cultural hub. At its center sits the Victoria Clocktower, a national monument reminiscent of London’s “Big Ben” that has kept ticking since 1903, unaffected by the modern glass and concrete development around it. Visit the local art galleries and craft markets to soak up the city’s friendly charm.
Mahe
The Seychelles largest and main island, Mahe is home to the capital of Victoria and about 70,000 people (almost 90% of the nation’s total). Still, the island retains its idyllic beauty, with 3,000-foot mountains and scores of gorgeous beaches. Many plants, including the so-called Jellyfish Tree and several rare orchids, are unique to Mahe’s shores. The Seychelles Natural History Museum, the Botanical Gardens and the Codevar Craft Centre, all in Victoria, are not to be missed.
La Digue
Arriving at La Digue feels like sailing straight into a painting, brimming with brush strokes of blue, green and tan. The beaches here are spectacular, particularly Grand Anse and Anse Source d’Argent, which is strewn with pink granite rocks. There are very few cars here, so travelling by bike or by ox cart is the way to go. Pedal over to Ile de Cocos for snorkeling or gawk at the rare Paradise Flycatcher (a beautiful black bird) at the Veuve Nature Reserve.
Praslin
One of the Seychelles’ most popular destinations, Praslin is home to fantastic beaches and intimate hotels and resorts. Soak up the sun in style while you keep a sunglassed eye out for the very rare bird species that dwell on Praslin, including the Seychelles bulbul and the black parrot. Praslin National Park in the island’s south contains the spectacular palm forest of Vallée de Mai. Divers love the ancient coral reefs off Praslin’s shores.
