The Seychelles

The Seychelles, often described as the original ‘Garden of Eden’, lie 1,000 miles off the east coast of Africa and just south of the equator. Island hopping is the best way to experience this archipelago of 115 islands, many of which are little more than coral atolls. The 17 mile long and 5 mile wide main island of Mahé is reputed to have the smallest capital in the world, Victoria. The rest of the island is drenched in steamy rainforests and steep mountain interior. The smaller ‘Out Islands’ are real ‘Robinson Crusoe’ retreats with deserted beaches and rustic living.
The Seychelles have a slogan that describes their harm; 'unique by a thousand miles'. A thousand miles distant from their closest neighbours on the East African coast, the country is made up of over one hundred tropical islands, scattered over a million square kilometres.

This is a natural paradise of fabulously fair weather, mercifully free of malarial mosquitoes, and with glorious tropical forests, woodlands and beaches unspoilt by the rigours of the modern world. The Seychellois, keen to preserve the character and natural beauty of their island home, have encouraged low-impact, high quality opportunities for holidays here. The result is an inspiring choice of small and absolutely private island hideaways, set among deserted beaches and sandy pathways to be explored blissfully alone, in dreamy seclusion.


The Main Islands
The main islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue are characterised by the granite rocks from which they are formed, creating impressive rocky peaks at their centre, and softened boulder sculptures around each coast.
Mahe is the largest island, the first contact, and its tiny capital bustles with the business of colourful island life beneath a backdrop of forests and granite outcrops. Praslin is quieter, less populated and a perfect location for exploring impressively beautiful beaches and nearby islands, such as the smaller, laid back latitude of La Digue.

The Outer Islands
The numerous outlying islands are mainly coral atolls, natural enclaves for absolute peace and relaxation surrounded by startlingly clear seas that are pure joy to dive, snorkel and swim.
These are worlds apart, mostly unpopulated but for the single, small lodge that overlooks their clear coral sands, and for the masses of birds, turtles and coral reef dwelling creatures that make these colourful islands their home.

Each so distant and so distinct, these islands shine like individual jewels, each with their own natural beauty and brimming with endemic bird, animal and plant species – such as the strange and beautiful Coco-de-Mer, the largest seed in the world and the signature of the Seychelles’ wealth of endemic natural phenomena. These are most easily seen in the startlingly primeval trails of the Vallee de Mai World Heritage site on Praslin, where over 6,000 Coco-de-Mai palms continue to thrive.

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Mauritius

Mauritius brings to mind a tropical paradise, an island of dreams with a landscape so alluring. It ripples with volcanic skylines and pulsates with crystal clear streams and gushing waterfalls. This melting pot of various cultures lends itself to a fusion of the past and the present. The result is a smooth blend of a relaxing and calming ambience that is distinctively Mauritian. A Holiday in Mauritius offers you an incomparable beauty that beckons you to kiss its pristine shores time and time again for your holiday. 
Begin your holiday with a glimpse of Mauritius’ colonial history in the resplendent Port Louis, the capital and main port of the country. Introduce yourself to the island’s most famous bird, the Dodo, now extinct but forever remembered at the Port Louis' Natural History Museum. Then, amaze yourself even further with a glimpse of the rarest bird in the world, the Mauritian Pink Pigeon, along with over 140 varieties of birds, 2500 in all, in the Casela Bird Park set in the district of the Rivière Noire, and stretching over 20 acres of land.

 

Glide through the Domaine Les Pailles nature park in a horse-drawn carriage, where a natural spring, a spice garden, a replica of a sugar mill and an old rum distillery await you. Or let the island’s mysteries unfold as you enjoy your walk on some of Mauritius’ beautiful parks, Réserve Forrestière Macchabée and Rivière Noire National Park. At the Domaine des Grands Bois of Southern Mauritius, lose yourself in parkland so magnificently rich in lush and exotic fauna, providing a backdrop for stags, deer and other wildlife. Or test your courage with a visit to the Nile crocodiles in La Vanille Crocodile Park.
Another thing of particular interest that one just have to see is the talipot palm found amongst the large collection of indigenous and exotic plants, including the Victoria regia lilies, of the Pamplemousses Gardens. The talipot palm is said to flower once after 60 years. 

 

Mauritius seascape is also worthy of mention with its deep limpid blue waters, coral reefs and silky blonde piles of sand. Beaches, lagoons and inlets around the coast offer plenty of opportunity for safe swimming, and for those seeking a different kind of adventure; explore the famous underwater scenery of the Grand Baie through diving. One can also admire the colourful treasures of the Indian Ocean with a visit to the Aquarium, populated by 200 species of fish, invertebrates, live coral and sponges, all originating from the waters around the island.
When it is the thrill of craters and volcanoes that appeal to you visit the volcano of Trou aux Cerfs where you’ll find a spectacular view of the island from the rim of the dramatic crater. Be humbled with the beauty of one of Mauritius’ natural lakes, a place of pilgrimage for a large number of Mauritians of the Hindu faith.

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