Visit to Seychelles

Seychelles, Africa’s smallest country is an archipelago of 115 Islands about 1500 kms off the coast of East Africa in the Indian Ocean. Her closest neighbor in that ocean is Madagascar (1100 kms) south. Seychelles’ most prominent Islands are Mahe, Praslin and La Digue, the largest being Mahe that hosts the country’s capital Victoria. Interestingly, six of Seychelles’ islands are privately owned. Seychelles’ current population is about 110,000 and is Africa’s richest country when considering GDP per capita. Seychelles’ wealth comes from fisheries, financial services and tourism.

The landmass of Seychelles is 452 sq kilometres but the total exclusive economic zone of Seychelles is 1,336,559 square kms which means that Seychelles is 99.96% water and 0.04% land. The country’s small size coupled with its small population appears to magnify its relative isolation in the Indian Ocean. Every Seychellois is a descendant of settlers from mostly Africa, Asia and Europe. The first settlers from France arrived there some 255 years ago in 1770. Later conflicts between France and Britain resulted in France ceding the territory to Britain in 1814.

 The French colonialists brought slaves from Mauritius, Madagascar, Mozambique and a few from India and East Africa to work on their plantations and also serve as domestic staff. Three languages (English, French and Creole) are spoken in Seychelles. Creole is a form of extremely adulterated French which can only be understood by the locals. The word Creole also refers to the majority of Seychellois whose origins have African roots. Seychellois are predominantly Christians while Islam and Buddhism is followed by a minority.

If you are a lover of beaches and any leisure activity connected to water, Seychelles is an ideal destination for you. If you are a nature enthusiast, it will interest you to know that the largest seed in the plant kingdom (Coco de Mer) is found in Seychelles. Also, Seychelles alongside with Ecuador are two countries in the world where giant tortoises are endemic.

Seychelles is a relatively expensive country for visitors due to high cost of accommodation, transportation and feeding. Seychellois are generally receptive to strangers and their relaxed interaction with visitors is commendable.

Trip related Videos below

Vallee de Mai, Praslin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXiXRfBGykM

La Digue Island

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15sj57kLmA0

Beau Vallon Beach, Mahe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJjc4-_kKDk

Victoria, Seychelles

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axQO9YRXnHs

Boat Ride from Mahe to Praslin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsvzAFZFpbo