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Country Description

The Seychelles consist of 115 granite and coral islands which extend from between 4 and 10 degrees south of the equator and lie between 480km and 1,600km from the east coast of Africa in the western Indian Ocean. Of these 115 islands, 33 islands are inhabited, 41 Inner Islands constitute the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on earth while a further 74 form the 5 groups of low-lying coral atolls and reef islets that are the Outer Islands.

The inner, granite Islands are a dense group of 42 islands within the relatively shallow Seychelles’ plateau, 4° south of the equator. They are the only group in the world lying in the middle of the ocean and made from granite. Their luxurious vegetation is green and tropical and has an abundance of coconut trees, palm trees, banana trees, mango trees and other tropical fruit trees. Indigenous forests on the slopes and the highlands are planted with cinnamon trees and tea bushes. All the islands including the second largest Praslinare less than 65 km from Mahe. The largest of the granite islands is Mahe, situated 4° south of the equator. It is 27km long and 8km wide and has Victoria as the capital and principal port and is home to 90% of the population. Mahe is a typical mountaineous granite island covered in jungle.

There are 72 outer, coral Islands that lie mainly beyond the plateau up to 10° south of the equator which are spread over a vast area of the Indian Ocean to the south of the granite group of islands. They rise just a few metres above the level of the sea, but are covered by a rich and dense vegetation. They do not have permanent populations. Aldabra is the largest atoll in the world and repsresents a third of Seychelles territory.

Seychelles is home to the legendary Vallée de Mai on Praslin where the wondrously shaped Coco-de-mer nut grows high on ancient palms. Seychelles, one of the world’s very last frontiers, promises adventure and breathtaking natural beauty in pristine surrounds still untouched by man.

There are more shades of blue and green in the Seychelles than it is possible to imagine with dazzling beaches and crystal-clear waters. Forming a backdrop to the tropical paradise image of the Seychelles are the rhythms, colours and flavours of Africa and gris gris, the local brand of black magic.

The Seychellois people are a unique blend of Créole, Indian, Chinese, French and British Bloods due to the history of the islands possession in past centuries. They lead a very simple life where tourism is carefully monitored in order to protect the natural charm and beauty of the island.

The Seychelles is famous for its Créole cuisine which is influenced by French, African, Chinese, Indian and English cooking. The staple food is fish and rice; careful blending of spices is a major feature and much use is made of coconut milk and breadfruit. Local specialties include the daube (a sweet sauce); rougaille, (a tomato-based sauce); carii coco (a mild meat or fish curry with coconut cream); cari bernique, salade de palmiste (made from the 'heart' of the coconut palm also known as 'millionaire's salad') and brèdes, a local variety of spinach. Local fruit and vegetables, include melon, guava, lychee, aubergine and calabashes. A popular drink is Seybrew; a German style lager which is made locally on the Island. Different blends of local tea can be sampled at the Tea Tavern on Mahé Island.

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Climate

Seychelles has a constant hot and humid temperature, the annual average of 84°F (29°C), with the average sea temperature the same, rarely dropping below 81°F (27°C). The heat is usually tempered by sea breezes. During the months of October and March, the north-west trade winds visit and the sea is generally calm and the weather warm and humid, with average winds of 8-12 knots. Throughout January and February the islands receive their life-giving rains, rejuvenating the rivers and streams and bringing out blooms of colour. The months between May and September bring drier, cooler weather, and livelier seas - particularly on south-eastern coasts – and winds of 10-20 knots.

When is best to visit the Seychelles is dependant on what you want to do. Windsurfing and sailing are best at the start and end of the trade winds, usually around May and October. Some beaches are better during the monsoon season, others during the trade winds. Diving is best in March to May and September to November. All but the remotest southern islands lie comfortably outside the cyclone belt making Seychelles’ a year round destination for sun worshippers and beach lovers.