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Seychelles offers a holiday experience that is as unique as it is varied, drawing on the amazing diversity of 115 pristine islands to ensure that every visitor goes back with his or her very personal memories. Natural purity with an authentic touch is the cornerstone of a philosophy that echoes the needs of today’s discerning travelers for a tranquil yet vibrant destination, unspoiled by commercialism, where they can feel secure and rediscover their inner needs for simplicity, authenticity and innocence. It is equally a statement of our intention to safeguard our precious island home and its exceptional environment, taking great pains to assure that tourism development is both ecologically sustainable and in the best interests of the local community. For these reasons we take pride in the new momentum being given to Seychelles tourism by a variety of exciting new products.

They represent not only affordable exclusivity but also offer unique benefits that set them apart from those of other tropical destinations and provide the visitor with a refreshing individually-tailored tropical island experience that is welcoming, fulfilling

This isolated island paradise offers fine beaches, turquoise seas and warm weather. As a result of its extraordinary history, the Seychelles is also rich in rare plants which flourish nowhere else on the planet. No less than 81 species are unique survivors from the luxuriant tropical forests that covered the islands until humanity belated arrival two centuries ago. Outstanding amongst these plant species are the coco-de-mer (sea coconut), native to Praslin, which grows in the Vallee de Mai. Its seed is the largest in nature. The Seychelles are also a major attraction for birdwatchers. Close to two million sooty terns nest on Bird Island.

The cosmopolitan Seychellois are a colorful and harmonious blend of different races which stem from African, European and Asian roots, all of whom have brought something of their own customs and way of life to the islands. The result is a charming Creole culture enriched from many continents. Despite being a British colony, the original early French influence remained strong. African slaves were brought in to work the land and after the abolition of slavery they were liberated.

The broad range of Creole cuisine is an eloquent reflection of the diverse ethnic mix of the islands. It features the subtleties and nuances of French cooking, the exoticism of Indian dishes and the piquant flavors of the Orient. Grilled fish marinated in a sauce of crushed chili, ginger and garlic is a favorite as are octopus and chicken curries prepared with coconut milk.

A dazzling array of fresh fish is readily available and is easily transformed into a wide selection of succulent dishes with the help of condiments, fruit spices and herbs on sale in the local markets. Many hotels and restaurants offer various forms of Creole cuisine and international dishes. Creole cuisine is resourceful, echoing a time before supermarkets. Chatinis, made from grated green fruits offer a tasty accompaniment to fish or meat dishes while mangoes, golden apples, and coconut products, heart of palm, tubers and local delicacies such as octopus and fruit-bat form an impressive culinary array.

The Festival Kreol, is held annually at the end of October. It is a manifestation of Seychellois and Creole identity and a celebration of the culture of the islands as experienced through music, dance, arts, crafts and cuisine. True to the Creole spirit of sharing and of openness, it offers a fascinating week filled with color, sounds, flavors and fragrances from a corner of the kreole world that treasures its traditions.

 

'The Jewel in the Sea'
The Seychelles is an isolated archipelago comprising about 115 beautiful island and a paradise on earth is what they call the Seychelles. Seemingly forgotten out in the middle of the Indian Ocean a thousand miles from Africa - the warm waters, high standards and friendly people draw many.

Warm, Friendly People:
The Seychellois are multi racial yet completely intergrated people. They are descendants of the first French settlers, African slaves and traders. Indian and Chinese later enriched these mixtures thus giving them a beautiful look.

Scuba diving:
Most scuba diving areas are next to the beach although the best spots are rocky beaches. April, May, October and November have the highest visibility and calmest seas although conditions are excellent year round.

Coral Reef Diving:
This is the main activity in the island. Fish are unafraid of divers. Spear fishng is strictly forbidden. There are 900 species of fish. The clear waters makes it perfect for underwater photography and viewing.

Angling:
Will find that the southeast trade winds: from May to September are better for Big Game though the seas can sometimes be rough; from November to February the northwest bring calmer seas for bottom fishing. October and April are perhaps the most enjoyable with calm seas.

For birdwatching:
April heralds the new breeding season and Bird Island will be found to be overrun with seabirds from May through September; migration periods are from September to December.

Mountain and Trail Walks:
The numerous hills and mountains provide an excellent opportunity for those who would like to walk up into the cooler air of the mist forest. The view a top the mountains is breathtaking and well worth the climb.

Fruit bats, flying foxes, geckos and skinks are common and there are more than 3,000 species of insects. The giant tortoise (which appears on the Seychelles coat of arms) survived near-extinction; there are now over a hundred thousand on Aldabra. Many species of rare birds, such as the bare-legged scops owl, Seychelles kestrel, black parrot, magpie robin and paradise flycatcher are also to be found. Four islands are bird sanctuaries, including Bird Island, which is inhabited by millions of fairy terns.

 

 

Immigration / Visas
There are no Visa requirements. A visitor’s permit valid for 02 weeks is issued on arrival. Extensions to this may be given by the immigration authority from the immigration and civil status division P.O Box 430, Independence House, Victoria Mahe’ in Seychelles tel no. +248 2253 33.

Health
Seychelles is currently free from Malaria and Tropical diseases. No vaccinations are required except yellow fever vaccination for visitor from Africa or those who have passed through Africa and South Africa.

Language
English and French are widely spoken in Seychelles. Creole is the Native language.

Clothing
Mainly light all year round. It is advisable to carry along a hut, sun glasses and sun cream to protect your self from the Tropical heat typical of Seychelles. Men are requested by most beach resorts and restaurants to wear long trousers in the evening.

Seychelles Money
The Seychelles Rupee is divided into 100 cents. Exchange rates are published regularly in the local paper. There is a bureau de change and agencies of local banks at the Airport. These are always open when there are incoming and outgoing flights. Visitors have to pay for most services provided in Seychelles using foreign currency; normally the US $ and the EURO €.

Food
Most hotels and restaurants serve local Seychellois food and international cuisine as well.
Time
Seychelles time is GMT + 4 hrs
Electricity
Local supply is under 240 Volts a.c, (50 HZ). Standard outlet is a three pin electric socket.


General Information

Geography
Area: 444 sq. km; about 2.5 times the size of Washington DC.
Major islands: Mahe and Praslin.
Cities: Capital--Victoria.
Terrain: About half of the islands are granitic in origin, with narrow coastal strips and central ranges of hills rising to 905 m. The other half are coral atolls, many uninhabitable.
Climate: Tropical marine.

People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Seychellois.
Population (2002 est.) 80,098.
Annual growth rate (1999): 1.7%.
Ethnic groups: Creole (European, Asian, and African).
Religions: Catholic 86.6%, Anglican Church 6.8%, other Christians 2.5%, other 4.1%.
Languages: Official languages are Creole, English, and French.
Education: Public schools and private schools, compulsory through grade 10. Literacy (1994)--87.5%.
Health: Free government health services for all people. Life expectancy--male 65.48 yrs, female 73.63 yrs. Infant mortality rate--16.86/1000.
Work force: 32,382 with 3,550 unemployed. Industries include tourism, fishing, manufacturing, and construction.

Government
Type: Multiple-party republic.
Independence: June 29, 1976.
Constitution: June 18, 1993.
Branches: Executive--president (chief of state and head of government). Legislative--unicameral National Assembly with 34 seats (25 directly elected and 9 allocated on a proportional basis). Judicial--Supreme Court, Appeals Court.
Political parties: Democratic Party (DP), Seychelles National Party (SNP), Seychelles People's Progressive Front (SPPF).
Suffrage: Universal over 17.

Economy
GDP: $603.9 million.
Annual growth rate (2001): 3.3%.
Per capita income: $7,600.
Avg. inflation rate (1999): 6%.
Natural resources: Fish.
Agriculture: Copra, cinnamon, vanilla, coconuts, sweet potatoes, tapioca, bananas, tuna, chicken.
Industry: Tourism, re-exports, maritime services.
Trade: Exports (2001)--$182.6 million: canned tuna, frozen/fresh fish, frozen prawns, cinnamon bark. Imports (2001)--$360.2 million. Major partners--France, Italy, U.K., Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Saudi Arabia.
Official exchange rate (November 2003): 5.74 rupees=U.S.$1.
Economic aid received (1995): $16.4 million.

GEOGRAPHY
Seychelles is located in the Indian Ocean about 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) east of Kenya. The nation is an archipelago of 115 tropical islands with two distinct collections of islands, some comprised of granite and others of coral. The Mahe Group consists of 42 granite islands, all within a 56-kilometer (35-mi.) radius of the main island of Mahe. These islands are rocky, and most have a narrow coastal stripe and a central range of hills rising as high as 914 meters (3,000 ft.). Mahe is the largest island--9,142 sq. km (55 sq. mi.)--and is the site of Victoria, the capital. The coral islands are flat with elevated coral reefs at different stages of formation. They have no fresh water; human life can be sustained on them only with difficulty.

The climate is equable and healthy, although quite humid, as the islands are small and subject to marine influences. The temperature varies little throughout the year. Temperatures on Mahe vary from 240C to 29.90C (750F-850F), and rainfall ranges from 288 centimeters (90 in.) annually at Victoria to 355 centimeters (140 in.) on the mountain slopes. Precipitation is somewhat less on the other islands. During the coolest months, July and August, the temperature drops to as low as 700F. The southeast trade winds blow regularly from May to November, and this is the most pleasant time of the year. The hot months are from December to April, with higher humidity (80). March and April are the hottest months, but the temperature seldom exceeds 880F. Most of the islands lie outside the cyclone belt, so high winds are rare.