Seychelles are a group of 115 islands, only a few inhabited, in the Indian Ocean that lie off the coast of East Africa, northeast of Madagascar.
Outer Seychelles. The Outer Seychelles are corralline and mostly uninhabited. Visitors are rare; travel is via private yacht or remote airstrip on small local planes.
Inner Seychelles. The vast majority of the Seychelles’ population lives on these granite islands, home to the bulk of the country’s resorts.
Aldabra Islands, Amirante Islands, Alphonse Group, Farquhar Group, Southern Coral Group
Inner Seychelles, Mahé (Sainte Anne Island, Cerf Island, Marnelle Island)
Praslin (Curieuse Island, Aride Island, Cousin Islands)
La Digue (Félécite Island, The Sisters, Marie Anne Island)
Silhouette Island (North Island),
Inner Corallines (Denis Island, Bird Island)
MAHE, PRASLIN, LA DIGUE
MAHE
Mission Ruins of Venn’s Town. Tentative WHS (01/02/2013). Mission Lodge located at Sans Souci-Port Glaud is a very popular historical site. Originally known as Venn’s Town, in 1876 a school was built there to educate African children. The mission was visited regularly by important personalities such as; renowned painter and naturalist-Marianne North, HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Duke of Edinburgh visited in 1972 and opened a viewing lodge. The most remarkable vegetation is the avenue of Sandragon trees planted around 1880.
Mahe Airport (SEZ)
VICTORIA
Seychelles Natural History Museum. Small, inexpensive and interesting. Visitors will learn about the unique nature and geology of the islands.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Botanical Gardens
Festivals
Festival Kreol
Seychelles International Carnival of Victoria
Arulmigu Navasakti Vinayagar Temple* Centre of Hinduism.
MORNE SEYCHELLOIS NP. On Mahe, 3,045 hectares, more than 20% of Mahe and made up of a mixture of mangroves, lush tropical jungles and tall mountains. It is 10km in length and between 2km and 4km wide, equipped with an extensive trail network, covering more than 15km.
Twelve endemic land birds of the granitics – Seychelles Scops-owl, Seychelles Kestrel, Blue Pigeon and Sunbird are common sights in the park, Bulbul, the Pitcher plant, Seychelles wolf snake. One of the tinniest frogs also lives here, well camouflaged but very vocal. Its eggs hatch directly into miniscule frogs, as the tadpole stage takes place inside the egg.
Tea Factory.About 3 km above Port Glaud lies the famous SeyTé Tea Factory to see the entire tea making process.
Hikes
Morne Seychellois (3,000 ft, 905-metre) the highest mountain, sensational views. Trailhead is below the plantation on Sans Souci road.
Morne Blanc. Passing through an old tea plantation while encountering exotic tropical birds on your way is what makes this trek a delight for hikers. Although it takes just 40 minutes, the view of the top is rewarding.
Anse Major. Path was also built from Danzil to Anse Major during the 19th century where vanilla, cinnamon oil, copra, citrus fruit and patchouli (from which an essential oil is extracted for use in perfumes) was transported by local wooden pirogue boats. Possible to ride a bicycle along it at one time. In the open with sun, this hike is rated difficult by most.
Mare Aux Cochons’ introduced cinnamon. Pass the ruins of several distilleries. Enormous amounts of wood fuel were required to produce the steam and cool the distillate. Much of the trail passes through secondary forest with cinnamon and other introduced trees predominating. Ends at a hilltop valley. Moderately difficult, this hike takes about 5-6 hours and begins from Danzil.
Glacis d’Antin (Deros ) is more interesting ,with moist forest to open glacis. Many endemic plants, including several palm species, The freshwater marsh is an important source of water for West Mahé.
Dans Gallas trail. Gallas refers to a group of Ethiopian people arrived on Mahe during the 19th century slave trade. They were quite tall and were called giants. Trail has panoramic views. Logged and Eucalyptus was planted to control soil erosion. In the valley to the south of the ridge are forestry plantations of Santol, Mahogany and Pine.
Trois Frere trail (Three brothers) has three peaks overlooking Victoria with Trois Frères Cross on top, a traditional pilgrimage site for the catholic community on Good Friday. Begins at the Sans Souci forest station.
Copolia trail. Huge granite boulders and jungle-clad hill with 360 degrees view from the top is the trademark of the Copolia trail. Surrounded by endemic flora and fauna, this jungle hike is one of the easiest and starts from the base of Chemin Forêt Noire.
Cultural sites with relics from the 20th century used in Cinnamon and coffee including old distilleries.
Anse Intendance beach. Anse Intendance is a well-known wild beach in the south of Mahé. White sand beach framed on each side by incredible granite formations. A bus stop is minutes away. Banyan Tree Resort. There is no offshore coral reef to protect the bay from the open ocean, so the water gets deep quite quickly, and during the south-east trade wind (May to September), large waves can strike the beach, making swimming dangerous
Beau Vallon Beach. On Beau Vallon bay, very long, public parking and on a bus service stops. Snorkelling or scuba diving, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, or jet skiing. Beautiful sunset, many local restaurants and bars, a nightclub.
Ste Anne Marine NP. 6 islands 5kms from Mahe: Ste Anne, Ile Moyenne, Ile Ronde, Ile Longue, Ile Cachee and Ile aux Cerfs. Daily excursions, including glass bottom boats. Snorkelers corals, large seagrass meadows with green turtles feeding on them. Swim with hawksbill turtles or watch bottle nose dolphins.
Ste.Anne island is the site of the first French settlement in 1770. Dominated by a hill rising to 246m, it was a base for the Royal Marines during World War II. In the early 19th century, the base for whaling. Now a five-star hotel and access is restricted. 
Numerous beaches, restaurants (Creole barbeque at the Jolly Roger Bar on the island of Moyenne, at Habitation on Cerf Island, or the 5-star Ste. Anne Resort on Ste Anne island).
Cerf Island. 290 acres, Creole restaurant and uncrowded beaches. Superb snorkeling, swimming and diving.
Moyenne Island. Half a kilometres long, privately owned, early settler’s homes, pirates’ graves and a small thatched chapel, giant tortoises along the 30 minute trail surrounding the island.
Round island has a trail, Creole Restaurant, snorkeling.
Ile Cachée, uninhabited islet, 5 acres, breeding noddies and an interesting dive site which can only be used during the northwest trade winds.
PRASLIN
Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. World Heritage Site. In the heart of the small granitic island of Praslin, the 19.5 ha reserve has the vestiges of a natural palm forest preserved unchanged since prehistoric times. Dominating the landscape is the world’s largest population of endemic coco-de-mer, a flagship species of global significance as the bearer of the distinctively large double nut containing the largest seed in the plant kingdom. The forest is also home to five other endemic palms and many endemic fauna species. The property is a scenically attractive area with a distinctive natural beauty. A palm-tree once believed to grow in the depths of the sea. It illustrates what other tropical areas would have been before the advent of more advanced plant families.
The ancient palms form a dense forest, along with Pandanus screw palms and broadleaf trees, which together constitute an ecosystem where unique ecological processes and interactions of nutrient cycling, seed dispersal, and pollination occur.
It provides a refuge for viable populations of many endemic species, including the black parrot restricted to Praslin Island and totally dependent on the Vallée de Mai and surrounding palm forest. Other species supported include three endemic species of bronze gecko, endemic blue pigeons, bulbuls, sunbirds, swiftlets, Seychelles skinks, burrowing skinks, tiger chameleons, day geckos, caecilians, tree frogs, freshwater fish and many invertebrates.
The property is embedded within the Praslin National Park (300 ha) which provides a sufficiently large area to ensure the natural functioning of the forest ecosystem.
Praslin Airport (PRI)
Praslin Museum
Anse Volbert beach
Praslin NP
Anse Lazio beach. On the northwest of Praslin, it is considered to be the “best beach on Praslin”. The beach is bordered by large granite boulders and is not protected by a coral reef. Two deadly shark attacks occurred inside the Anse Lazio bay in August 2011, creating a media frenzy.
Curieuse Marine NP. A relatively small island with many endemic species, from giant tortoises introduced from Aldabra and endemic birds, to the worlds biggest nut, the legendary coco de mer, the only other place, apart from the Vallee de Mai world heritage site, where the coco de mer palm grows naturally.
Nature trails, which includes the Baie Laraie to Anse Jose, and the Anse badamier Trail, bird watching of both land birds, sea birds and the abundant moorhen, barbeques, snorkeling and diving. Visitors who follow the marked trail around the island soon discover the full extent of its natural treasures.
Mangrove swamp bordering Baie Laraie with six of the seven species of mangroves known to Seychelles. Boardwalk.
Giant tortoise were introduced between 1978 and 1982. As part of the conservation programme, there is a tortoise nursery on the island, where tortoises are nurtured until they are five years old, when they are released into the wild
Nesting sea turtles return each year to lay their eggs on Curieuse beaches. Causeway at Baie Laraie was built in 1910. A seawall was built across Baie Laraie, forming a 40-acre pond in which hawksbill turtles were reared. Lack of success led to abandonment of the project, leaving behind the causeway that was used by visitors to traverse from Baie Laraie on one side to Anse Jose on the other side. Parts of the wall has since been lost, as a result of the December 2004 tsunami.
Leper colony for almost a hundred years. The ruins of the leprosarium still stand on the shores of Anse Jose.
The old Doctor’s House, built in 1873 by Dr. William MacGregor, at Anse Jose, is now a National Museum flora and fauna.
Dive at the Coral gardens and Pointe Rouge.
Spectacular red and blue granite formations, with surfaces sculpted over millions of years. Form natural archways around the coast.
St. Pierre Islet. 15 minutes boat ride from Curieuse with wonderful snorkelling and diving. On shore, look for Wright skinks and sea birds.
2 km off the northeast coast of Praslin. A 20 minute boat ride from Cote’ D’or Praslin with local tour operators or boat charters.
LA DIGUE
La Digue Festival
L’Union Estate Farm. Open-Air Museums
Veuve Reserve. Protects the rare Seychelles Black Paradise Flycatcher and opened in 1982. Located on La Digue, part of a 200 hectare plateau, it covers 21 hectares. Open from Monday to Friday. Seychelles Sunbird, the Seychelles Bulbul and the Seychelles Terrapins. Freshwater marsh, natural pond, and man-made ponds provide breeding grounds for many insects.
Anse Source D’Argent. In the south-west of La Digue, described as the most beautiful beach in the world – turquoise water, golden sand, and impressive boulders. Access is via the Union Estate, which charges 115 Rupees per person each day for access. Coral reef protection makes it perfect for swimming and snorkelling. At low tide, the water is extremely shallow, but at high tide, the water is deep enough to swim.
Cocos Island. A group of small islets 7 km north of La Digue, close to La Digue’s other neighbours, Félicité Island and the Sisters Islands. It has been a marine park since 1996 and is a spectacular spot for snorkeling and diving and a popular venue for day excursions from both Praslin and La Digue. No accommodation is offered on this island.
Ramos NP. Covers two-thirds of Félicité island, part of the Seychelles’ Marine Protected Area (MPA).
SILHOUETTE
Although Silhouette is the third largest island in Seychelles and Mont Dauban the second highest mountain (740m), the island’s steep slopes have prevented significant development and restricted the population to 147 people at the present time. As a result, human impact has been less significant than on other islands and much of the original nature of the Seychelles islands is preserved.
Trails allow you to explore the largely deserted beaches, while golf carts provide transportation from the dock to the hotel. A small community containing a dive shop and little else makes this a remote destination.
North Island, an exclusive resort. North Island Seychelles Hotel. A famous and glamorous resort chosen as the honeymoon location for Prince William and Katherine Middleton, is also frequently visited by celebrities like Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, Pierce Brosnan, Paul McCartney, and Heather Mills to name just a few. The hotel regularly shows up in lists of the world’s best resorts. $2500/person and up per night.
Silhouette Island. Tentative WHS (01/02/2013). Silhouette is the third largest island in Seychelles and one of the most physically attractive islands in the granites group. 5kms long and wide, it is about one hour boat ride from Mahe,
780 meter high Mount Dauban and its surrounding thick virgin forests and luxuriant evergreen vegetation – a haven for ecologists and environmentalists.
History. Silhouette got its name from an 18th century French Minister. Home to one of the most notorious pirates, Jean Francois Hodoul and the legend has it that his fortune still lies buried there. found between the island and one of the most beautiful beach the Beau Vallon beach.
From 1860 attempts were made to develop parts of the island for agriculture or forestry. A wide range of plants was introduced for crops of timber, fruit, spices and oils. These are all abandoned now but the plants can still be found growing in the most unlikely places. In the 1940s a small grove of Coco-de-Mer trees was planted high in the mountains. This thriving population of this rare palm provided an occupation for part of the 1000 strong labour force on the island, some of whom had to climb up to the trees to water them daily. The dramatic legacy of the island’s history; a cast-iron neo-classical mausoleum, is the most remarkable piece of eccentricity in all Seychelles.
The height of the mountains and the limited amount of development means that the island has an exceptional range of unique animals and plants. It is regarded by conservationists as one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the Indian Ocean.
Silhouette Island is home to two National Monuments, the Plantation house and the Dauban Mausoleum. The plantation house reflects artistic and architectural movements originating from the Creole and European culture. It was built around 1861 as the family home for Mr. Henry Dauban, owner of the island at that time. The house has just gone through renovation.
Creole Seychellois culture. Most of the Creole tradition is still being followed on Silhouette Island, such as our traditional dance and our Creole food.
The majority of plant and animal species are small and inconspicuous. The most obvious animals are the large fruit bats, abundant bird life, day geckos and skinks. There are many inconspicuous or secretive animals, most dramatic of which is the Seychelles chameleon Both hawksbill turtles and green turtles nest on the island. Last known major roosts of the Seychelles sheath-tailed bat.
Silhouette Island Marine National Park. Surrounded by a national marine park extending a mile from its coastline. The reefs contain a multitude of all types of fish and shells, whilst green turtles breed on some of its un spoilt beaches.
World of Nature
Aride Island Nature Reserve. Aride is the northernmost island of the granitic Seychelles. It covers roughly 68 ha, is 1.6 km long and 0.6 km wide. Aride hosts one of the most important seabird populations in the Indian Ocean with more breeding species than any other island in Seychelles. The only human inhabitants are the reserve’s staff, including the Island Manager, Conservation Officer and rangers.
+++++++++++++++++++
ALDABRA, FARQUHAR ISLANDS
ALDABRA ATOLL. World Heritage Sites: The world’s second-largest coral atoll, part of the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, with a distance of 1,120 km (700 mi) southwest of the capital, Victoria. The atoll is the largest raised coral reef in the world with an elevation of 8 metres (26 ft); and the second-largest atoll in the world after Kiritimati Atoll.
Includes the island of Assumption and the atolls of Astove and Cosmoledo.
Aldabra atoll is 34kms long and 13kms wide. It has a large shallow lagoon, 196 square kilometres in area, of which roughly two thirds is dry during low tide. The lagoon is encircled by fringing coral reef. Around the rim of the lagoon are the larger islands of the Atoll. The total land area of the Atoll is 155.4 square kilometres (60.0 sq mi). The size including the lagoon is 380 square kilometres (150 sq mi). The outside rim of the atoll has three passages which connect to the lagoon, which is 6–10 kilometres (3.7–6.2 mi) in width as it opens to the sea. The depth of water in the lagoon averages about 5 metres (16 ft); however, the passages that open to the sea are up to 20 metres (66 ft) deep and strongly affected by tidal currents.
Aldabra atoll is in the most southwesterly part of the Seychelles, and is closer to the coast of Africa 630 km (390 mi) than to Mahé. It is 407 km (253 mi) northwest of Madagascar and 440 km (270 mi) from Moroni on the Comoro Islands.
Aldabra atoll has, besides the four larger islands, some 40 smaller islands and rocks, all inside the lagoon, as well as a few very small islets at the West Channels between Grand Terre Island and Picard Islands, the largest of those being Îlot Magnan.
History. As there are no surface freshwater sources on Aldabra, the interests of the explorers was only to exploit the species of tortoise, turtle and fish, and not to inhabit the atoll.
In 1888, first settlement was established on Picard Island with a chapel, in the middle of the badamier trees, with timber and steel which was an essential addition to the plantation houses and office buildings. Large rectangular-shaped water storage structures were built adjoining each of the houses. A two-roomed jail. A crushing mill at Picard Island was used to crush bones of tortoises. Efforts made to grow plantation crops of coconuts, cotton, and sisal failed due to inadequate water sources on the atoll. In the late 19th century goats were introduced as a food source, ship rats before 1870, and house geckos in the 1970s. Sailors landed on the atoll in the 19th century and attempted to raid the island for tortoises as food; in 1842, two ships were reported to have taken 1200 of them. By 1900, the tortoises were nearly extinct, and a crew would often have to hunt for three days to find one.
In the early 1800s, concessions given to individuals almost destroyed the forests and tortoise habitats in many islands in Seychelles; on Aldabra Atoll, in view of its remoteness and rugged topography, only small areas of forests were cleared for agricultural operations (mostly coconut plantations) but the tortoises were intensely captured for meat and trade. James Spurs, who had the concession of the atoll, was responsible initially for saving the tortoises when he banned killing them in 1891.
Following World War II, exploitation of Aldabra for commercial use came to an end with only 200 visitors allowed at a time. Introduction of invasive species was banned, faunal species were protected under law, and active research on the ecology and biodiversity of the atoll was undertaken by the Royal Society of London from the middle of the 1970s.
Climate. Aldabra is situated in the dry zone of the south-west Indian Ocean. The northwest monsoon is from November to March and brings the heaviest rainfall. In the remaining months, the south-easterly trade winds are recorded. 960 millimetres (38 in) rainfall per year. Cyclones are rare in the Seychelles on account of its nearness to the Equator. Tides in the coastal zone rise to 3 metres (9.8 ft) height, causing channel currents, and a huge influx of water; the main channel drains 60% flow into the lagoon.
Fauna. There are 307 species of animals and plants on Aldabra. Reptiles are the prominent terrestrial fauna. Sir David Attenborough called Aldabra “One of the wonders of the world”, and it is also known as one of “crown jewels” of the Indian Ocean.
The atoll has the largest population of giant tortoises in the world (100,000 animals). Tortoise size varies substantially across the atoll, but adult tortoises typically have a carapace length of about 105 centimetres (41 in) and can weigh up to 350 kilograms (770 lb). They are herbivores and feed on a variety of plants, trees and even algae that grows in the freshwater pools. The tortoises mate between February and May, the females then lay their eggs from June to September in areas with suitable soil layers. They lay eggs (the size of golf balls) in a clutch of three to five eggs every few years in high-density areas and 14-16 eggs in low-density areas. The females can lay several clutches in a year and the incubation period is 73–160 days. The small vulnerable juveniles have to survive the predation by coconut crabs, land crabs, rats and birds. One of the longest-lived Aldabra giant tortoises was Adwaita, a male who died at the age of about 250 years at Kolkata’s Alipore Zoological Gardens on March 24, 2006.
Aldabra is a breeding ground for the hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and green sea turtle. Aldabra has a large population of the world’s largest terrestrial arthropod, the coconut crab and hosts the white-throated rail, the only surviving flightless rail species in the Indian Ocean.
Sharks, manta rays, barracuda can be found in the seas surrounding the island. Three extant species of lizards occur, There are three endemic species of bat from Aldabra. At least 13 species of cetaceans, including dolphins, orcas, and especially humpback whales, have been known in the waters. Dugongs, once thought to be regionally extinct in the 18th century, have been confirmed for multiple times in very recent years.
Access. Aldabra is not easily accessed. No airstrips, helipads or landing jetties have been permitted to be built on the atoll. The nearest airfield on Assumption is 50 kilometres (31 mi) south-east of Picard Island. Supply ships operating from Mahé provide food and other essentials once every two months to the scientists and staff at the research station.
Cruises are operated by several companies along with dive boats which may visit the atoll on expedition tours. Visits by people other than the scientists and staff of the SIF are strictly controlled and only guided tours are provided with prior permission. Paved walking paths exist from the village of La Gigi, which leads to a promontory from where scenic views of the large lagoon (during low tides) and the mangrove species are seen.
Islands
Aldabra group
Amirante group
Alphonse Group XL
Southern Coral Group (Île Platte and Coëtivy Island) XL
Farquhar group. Belong to the Outer Islands lying in the southwest more than 700 km (430 mi) southwest of the capital, Victoria, on Mahé Island. The total land area of all islands in the group is less than 12.837 km2 (4.956 sq mi), but the total area of the atolls is about 370 km2 (140 sq mi). The group consists of two atolls and one separate island. In addition, there are a couple of submerged reefs in the area: Farquhar Atoll (with two larger and about eight smaller islets), Providence Atoll (with 2 islets, Providence Island and Cerf Island), St. Pierre Island, Wizard Reef.
There is one settlement on Île du Nord (North Island) of Farquhar Atoll. There is an abandoned village on Providence Island.
GET IN
Visa. No visa is required, but Seychellois (pronounced say-shel-wa) authorities make sure you are not entering to stay for good. Therefore, the following items MUST be presented to the immigration officer: Your return ticket. Your hotel voucher. Visitors without pre-booked accommodation are likely to be compelled to book one at the airport for the length of their stay before being allowed to leave the airport.
By plane. Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) near Victoria. Air Seychelles. International service is also available from Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines, Nairobi (Kenya Airways, Dubai (Emirates), Abu Dhabi (Etihad), Colombo (Sri Lankan Airlines), Doha (Qatar Airways), and regular charter services from Frankfurt (Condor).
GET AROUND
By plane. Air Seychelles operates multiple daily flights between Mahe and Praslin from the domestic terminal, located just next to the international terminal.
Air Seychelles also operates once daily or several times per week between Mahe and the islands of Bird, Denis, Fregate, Desroches and Alphonse. Assumption Island and Coetivy can be reached by air charter.
By boat. Online bookings and e-ticketing has been made by Seychellesbookings. Cat Cocos and Inter Island ferry offer their routes between Praslin, Mahe and La Digue.
Cat Cocos between Mahe and Praslin and La Digue.
Inter Island Ferry betwen Praslin and La Digue – 8 daily departures, 15mins to cross.
By car. Driving is on the left. Roads on Mahe are low-traffic, mountainous, narrow with steep drops or low walls on the side. Having a car is a good idea to makes life simple.
By bus. On Praslin and Mahe and a bus usually passes by every 15 minutes.
Climate. Seychelles is hot and humid, with an average yearly temperature of 84°F (29°C), and average sea temperature rarely dropping below 81°F (27°C). However, the heat is usually mitigated by refreshing sea breezes, especially by the beaches. The cooler, drier season is during the southeast monsoon season (May to September) and the warmer, wetter season is during the northwest monsoon (November to March).
Talk. Seychellois Creole, English and French.
Money. Seychelles rupee (SCR). Use credit cards as much as possible, and get your cash from ATMs.
Sleep. Most relatively expensive and some islands have only one hotel. Accommodation can be found on fewer than 10. Prices greatly increase and accommodation hard to find during December to January and July to August and Easter.
Small hotels. Can find accommodation to fit into almost everyone’s budget. Double room for two persons starting at €65 with few luxuries, but you will have the Creole hospitality that has made these islands so famous.
www.seychelles.travel
DO
Watersports: Explore on a yacht, power boat, catamaran or sailboat. Windsurfing best in May then in October, at the start and end of the trade winds.
Scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing can be done almost anywhere. Baie Ternay is superb and easily acccessible by glass bottom boat tour from Beau Vallon beach.
Snorkeling (provided you have your own gear – some hotels lend masks, snorkels and fins to guests) is free and there are many great spots: off some of the small beaches at Glacis, past Mouse Island at Anse Royale, along the reef at Port Launay (near Ephelia Resort). Often spotted are a wide array of tropical fish, sea turtles, eagle rays and more!
Land Sports: Golf, tennis, squash, badminton, horseback riding, biking and hiking, Bike rentals and walking tours. Walking is probably the best way to see the smaller islands (La Digue, Praslin), while walking along the main road can be quite intimidating as the roads are narrow and local cars/busses drive quite quickly. On Mahe it is not advised to ride bicycles, and there are no rental shops within sight. Bird watching is also popular and the islands are home to many of the worlds most treasured and rare species of animals. The best place to do so is Cousin Island which although only 1 km (0.6 miles) in diameter, is home to more than 300,000 birds, but many unique species can be found at ease on Mahe.
Nightlife: Do not miss most popular Nightclub “Lovenut” in the centre of Victoria, 100 metres walk from central Taxi station. Also entertaining are “Tequila Boom” at (Bel Ombre) and “Katiolio” (near Anse Royale) night clubs. “Katiolio” was one of the first nightclubs to open on Mahe and boats an open-air that is directly beside the ocean.
Hiking There are several maintained hiking routes on the main island of Mahe and a few on Praslin. The Seychelles tourism office has a few descriptions of the hiking routes with maps available to be purchased. Check out openstreetmap for some hiking tracks around the islands.
Shopping. Seychelles also has numerous markets, art galleries and shops, colonial Creole-style plantation houses, and the main island of Mahé has six museums, a botanical garden, and several national monuments. The market downtown Victoria has a good selection of local produce, and spices for sale that are all grown locally and 100% authentic.
Get out. Try Comoros, Mauritius, and Maldives.