Paradise on Earth
Paradise on earth is the only way to describe this cluster of some
115 Tropical Islands scattered in the Indian Ocean just 4 degrees
south of the Equator.
Uninhabited until recent times, the islands of the Seychelles
are stunningly beautiful, and environmentally unspoiled.
The climate is a perfect 24 - 30°C, (75 - 86°F) from May
to September, the South East wind season; the warmest season is
October to April when light North Westerly winds allow temperatures
to rise to 32°C, 90°F.
Sea temperatures are around the 25°C, 77°F during the
South East season and peak out at around 29°C, 85°F, in
the North West season. The majority of rainfall is normally in
the North West season in December / January and is heavier on the
inner islands with large mountains than on the flatter low lying
coral islands, although light showers are possible all year round.
The main tourist islands known as the Inner Islands are based
on a shallow granitic plateau, a relic from the pre-historic super
continent of Gondwanaland; the majority of the islands are mountainous
with a few outlying coral islands at the edge of the plateau.
The main island of Mahe with the capital city of Victoria is home
to most of the resident population followed by Praslin, and La
Digue. These islands are North of the cyclone belt with a climate
moderated by the trade winds and dominant mountains that promote
excellent all year round diving conditions.
More
information on Mahe
More information on
Praslin
More information
on the surrounding islands
Tourism
Tourism as is everything else on the Islands, is tightly controlled
by the Socialist Government. This often prevents Hotels from upgrading
facilities or refurbishing, as Government permission is required
for every import. The result is that older hotels are becoming a
little shabby, whereas new Hotels reach the standards required of
discerning International clients.
It is often said that The Seychelles have 5 star beaches and 3 star
hotels, whereas Mauritius has 3 star beaches and 5 star hotels! Visitors
to The Seychelles should also expect ‘laid back’ levels
of service, although this is being improved upon by many Hotels implementing
International Training programmes.
The control of imports also means the Islands are short of many items
travellers usually take for granted. Camera Batteries, film, confectionery,
over the counter medication, good coffee or tea, international foodstuffs.
Visitors are advised to stock-up on such items before travelling
to the Islands. Very high prices for International Spirits is also
a reason to take your maximum permitted alcohol allowance (1 litre
per person)
The strong Government involvement has however kept the islands of
The Seychelles an environmental haven. Rigid controls protect the
flora and fauna, beaches, bird life, coral reefs etc.
Mass tourism is deliberately avoided by making sure prices for both
flights and accommodation are very high. The Seychelles is not a
backpackers’ destination!
Island hopping is highly recommended – either by designing
your Itinerary to stay on different islands, or by making day trips
to other islands.
We cannot think of a better Honeymoon destination that the Seychelles,
and all Hotels are well prepared for couples wishing the intimacy
of a honeymoon, or even staging the wedding on the islands.
The currency is the Seychellois Rupee, but change very little, because
as a Tourist you will have to pay in Foreign currency (US$s UK£s
etc.) If you do change money into Rupees it is a nightmare changing
it back!
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The hotels on Seychelles are of a very high standard, and those selected
by Island-Safari are amongst the best.
Have a look at our Seychelles Hotels...
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