|
SEYCHELLES FACT SHEET
If you are looking for an unspoiled tropical paradise thousands of miles from anywhere, where you can lie on palm-fringed beaches, go swimming in warm, crystal-clear seas and relax - the Seychelles are your answer.
These islands lie in the western Indian Ocean, 575 miles northeast of Madagascar and 1,000 miles due east of Mombasa, Kenya. There are 92 islands in all, 38 of them made of granite (the only mid-oceanic group of granite islands in the world) and the remainder coralline. The islands are particularly noted for their wide variety of flora and fauna.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Mahe:
Mahe, the largest and most populated of the islands, has many features to recommend. Most of the island is surrounded by coral reefs, and the warm, sparkling blue water is safe for swimming. A car is almost a necessity for exploring, as the roads weave through some of the most exciting coastal scenery in the world.
The Botanical Gardens in Victoria are worth strolling through to see the coco de mer palms, orchids and giant tortoises. Some excellent walks are possible into the interior of the island where there are forests, coconut, cinnamon and vanilla plantations as well as magnificent views of the smaller islands and the coastline.
Praslin:
Praslin is the second largest of the islands and can be reached by either boat or plane. Even though the island is situated only 21 miles from Mahe, the boat journey takes about 2 1/2 hours, so it may be advisable to consider staying on Praslin for a few days.
Praslin is most known for the Vallee de Mai, the home of some 4000 coco de mer palms, many of them estimated at over 800 years old. Secluded beaches are also a highlight of the area.
La Digue:
La Digue is the next island out from Praslin. The island has some fine examples of plantation owners' houses from the last century. There are many fine beaches, mostly deserted. You can explore the island in five to six hours with a rented bike.
HISTORY
The islands were sighted by Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese navigator, at the beginning of the 16th century, but no settlement was attempted until French planters and their slaves arrived in the 1770's. They introduced cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and pepper. The British took control of the islands in 1810 and administered them from Mauritius until they were made a separate Crown Colony at the beginning of the 20th century.
Political organizations did not surface until 1964, when two rival parties were formed: the Seychelles People's United Party (SPUP) stood for complete independence and was led by France-Albert Rene, and the Democratic Party (SDP) which wanted association with Britain. In 1976 they became totally independent from the British Commonwealth.
ECONOMY
Kenya is still a predominantly agricultural country although there is an industrial sector, and tourism is important
CLIMATE
The main islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue lie only a few degrees south of the equator, but because they are so far out in the ocean, weather patterns can be variable. Unlike Mauritius, they are outside the cyclone belt. There are two monsoons. The south-east monsoon from May to October is strong, cool and dry, bringing with it overcast skies and choppy seas. The north-west from December to March is calmer though hotter and rainy. In view of this, the best time to visit the islands is from May to October.
|
