SEYCHELLES
Seychelles' 115 granite and coral islands extend from between four and ten degrees south of the equator, and lie between 480km and 1600km from the east coast of Africa in the western Indian Ocean.
This Indian Ocean republic occupies a land area of 455km² and an Exclusive Economic Zone of 1.4 millionkm². It represents an archipelago of timeless beauty, tranquillity and harmony that is famous for its world-class beaches and its great ecological diversity that ranges from lush forests to the warm azure ocean.
Of these 115 islands, 41 Inner Islands constitute the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on earth, while a further 74 form the five groups of low-lying coral atolls and reef islets that are the Outer Islands.
Seychelles is home to no less than two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the legendary Vallee de Mai on Praslin where the wondrously shaped Coco-de-Mer nut grows high on ancient palms; and fabled Aldabra, the world's largest raised coral atoll first seen by early Arab seafarers of the 9th century CE.
Seychelles, one of the world's very last frontiers, promises adventure and breathtaking natural beauty in pristine surrounds still untouched by man - the perfect place for an island-based African holiday.
The islands:
Seychelles' 115 islands fall under two distinct groups. The Inner Islands cluster mainly within the relatively shallow Seychelles' plateau, four degrees south of the equator and roughly 1800km from the east coast of Africa. The low-lying coralline cays, atolls and reef islands of the Outer Islands lie mainly beyond the plateau up to ten degrees south of the equator.
The Outer Islands are divided into five groups: the Amirantes group 230km from Mahe, the Southern Coral Group, Alphonse Group, Farquhar Group and finally the Aldabra Group, some 1150km from Mahe.
There are 43 Inner Islands in all, 41 granitic and two coralline. The 72 Outer Islands are all coralline.
The Inner Islands, which are mostly granitic, cluster mainly around the principal islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue, which form the cultural and economic hub of Seychelles, as well as the centre of its tourism industry. Together these islands are home to the majority of Seychelles holiday accommodation facilities, as well almost the entire population of the archipelago.
Only two islands among the Outer Island groups, namely Alphonse and Desroches, currently offer Seychelles holiday accommodation facilities. The island packages boast luxuriously appointed lodges as well as unparalleled opportunities for sailing, fishing and diving in places where few have gone before.
Culture:
The cosmopolitan Seychellois are a colourful blend of people of different races, cultures and religions. At different times in its history, people of African, European and Asian origin have come to Seychelles, bringing with them their distinct traditions and customs and contributing to the region’s way of life and the vibrant Seychellois culture. One can see these influences at work in local art, cuisine, music, dance and architecture - something that makes for quite an eclectic African travel experience.
The architectural design of some of the grand old houses with their steep roofs are representative of a style adapted for comfortable living in the tropics that displays influences from Seychelles' French and British colonial heritage. Modern architecture attempts to assimilate traditional styles with practical features designed to capture the island breezes.
Local artists continue to exhibit diverse styles that echo the multi-ethnic backdrop of the islands and bear testament to the various influences which have come to bear over the years. Creole music and dance have their roots in African, Malagasy and European cultures, with rhythms traditionally accompanied by simple drums and string instruments which, today, include such recent imports as the violin and guitar.
The traditional moutya is an erotic dance derived from the days of slavery and still features today, together with other dances such as the sega with its colourful lyrics; the kanmtole, reminiscent of a country reel, and the Kontredanse, an import from the French court.
Cuisine:
Echoing the grand assortment of people who populate the Seychelles, Creole cuisine features the subtleties and nuances of French cooking, the exoticism of Indian dishes and the piquant flavours of the Orient. Grilled fish or octopus basted with a sauce of crushed chillies, ginger and garlic are national favourites as are a variety of delicious curries lovingly prepared with coconut milk, and innovative chatinis made from local fruits such as papaya and golden apple. As may be expected, seafood dishes feature predominantly in the local cuisine, appearing alongside the national staple, rice.
When to go:
As the Seychelles islands are blessed with a year-long warm, tropical climate, it's always a good time to swing by for a Seychelles holiday, although different times of year may be better suited to your particular interests.
The 'SUBIOS Underwater Festival', showcases the Seychelles' extraordinary underwater world through a series of film shows, talks and competitions, while the 'Festival Kreol' (a week-long celebration of Creole heritage and traditions) is held in October of each year.
The Seychelles Sailing Cup, an international sailing event, is held in January and the International Fishing Competition in November. Further local fishing competitions are held throughout the year.
The best times to visit Seychelles for different types of activities:
Bird-watching: April (breeding season), May - September (nesting of Sooty Terns), October (migration)
Diving: March - May / September - November
Fishing: October - April
Hiking/Walks & Trails: May - September
Sailing: Year-round
Snorkelling: Year-round
Surfing/Windsurfing: May - September
We recommend that you book your African holiday prior to high season in order to avoid disappointment. Contact a friendly Aardvark Travel Centre representative who will be able to assist you in all your African travel plans.
