MAURITIUS & SEYCHELLES
Mauritius contains a fascinating blend of races and cultures. In a land where influences are drawn from Arabia, Europe and the Far East the mosque, temple and pagoda stand side by side in perfect harmony. Natural wonders also abound in the form of sculptured mountain landscapes, dramatic green oceans of sugarcane, beautiful white sandy beaches and wonderfully blue seas.Seychelles are scattered in the Indian Ocean some 1000
miles off Africa’s east coast and the island of
Mauritius. Of all the Oceanic Island groups the Seychelles
exercise an irresistible attraction on the traveller.
For some it is undiluted escapism; for others it is the
rich ecology and natural history- the coral reefs with their profusion
of fish, the unique bird life or the shaded forest slopes clinging to granite
mountains, rich with mangoes, breadfruit and bananas. Whatever attracts
you first to these islands, you can be sure there are no others quite like
them in the world. The glorious islands around 100 of them, offer
excellent water sports facilities. The crystal clear waters and lovely
coral reefs provide some of the best diving in the world together
with some great big game fishing.
The friendly and hospitable Seychellois people,
with a mix of Creole, Indian, British, French and
Chinese cultures, are a warm and welcoming people.
We recommend that you visit more than just the main
island of Mahé. All these glorious islands
offer their very own unique touch and to come all
the way to the Seychelles and see just one
island would be a crying shame!
Our tailor-made department will be happy to assist
in planning your island hopping itinerary.
Please note that water sports are subject to weather
conditions and tidal patterns.
MAHÉ
The largest and main island of the Seychelles is
Mahé, where the capital, Victoria, is located,
together with a string of white sand beaches on
the coast and lush, primeval rainforest dominating
the mountainous interior. Victoria itself, reputedly
the smallest capital in the world, is an
idiosyncratic mix of British colonialism and local
flavour, with an unhurried, laid-back atmosphere
that typifies the country. Elsewhere on the island,
which is only 27 km by 8 km, beautiful beaches
are scattered around, leaving you to decide which
is your favourite slice of paradise. Inland,
mountain roads give stunning views of the island,
revealing its natural beauty. Hire a mini-moke to
explore under your own steam.
PRASLIN
Although only a 15-minute flight from Mahé,
Praslin, the second largest island, is a world away,
with a slower, more relaxed tempo to everyday life.
Its outstanding glory is Vallée de Mai, a World
Heritage listed rainforest of immense beauty and
unique flora and fauna, including the rare Black
Parrot and the suggestively shaped Coco de Mer.
Steamy and exotic, Vallée de Mai is
reminiscent of the ‘Garden of Eden’. Dotted around
Praslin are a number of pretty coves and
superb beaches.
SMALLER ISLANDS
With most of the activity taking place on Mahé
and Praslin, numerous other islands dotted around
are left in their pristine glory, and are yours
to discover. A half-hour ferry ride brings you to the
beautiful, quiet island of La Digue, a tiny island,
where your transport is normally provided by
ox-cart or bicycle. Unique Bird Island with its
exotic local population, unspoilt Silhouette and a
whole host more await you. The glorious islands
around 100 of them, offer excellent water sports facilities. The crystal
clear waters and lovely coral reefs provide some of the best diving
in the world together with some great big game fishing.
Of all the Oceanic Island groups the Seychelles exercise
an irresistible attraction on the traveller. For some it is undiluted escapism;
for others it is the rich ecology and natural history- the coral reefs
with their profusion of fish, the unique bird life or the shaded forest
slopes clinging to granite mountains, rich with mangoes, breadfruit and
bananas. Whatever attracts you first to these islands, you can be sure
there are no others quite like them in the world.