Official Language:
English
Secondary Language:
French & Creole
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Currency:
Seychelles Rupee
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Population:
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Seychelles Islands Africa: Climate and current weather information for Seychelles Islands Africa: The average annual temperature is 75°F/24°C and it is warm year-round. The Seychelle Islands are a perfect place to visit anytime of the year. The dry season is from May to October, while the wet season is from November to April, with December -mid January being the wettest months. These islands are not in the cyclone/monsoon belt, so high winds and heavy rains are very rare here. The humidity is high during the rainy season, though the breeze makes it tolerable.
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The Seychelles are made up of approximately 100 small granite and coral islands. In total they comprise 108 square miles. At one time French, then British they are scattered across 150,000 square miles of the blue Indian Ocean. Located midway between East Africa and India, they are famously known for their beautiful beaches, coral reefs, blue seas, distinctive granite rock formations and a the combination of flora and fauna. Victoria, the capital is located on the island of Mahe. La Digue and Praslin are the other principal islands. Smaller islands such as Denis Island, Aride and Silhouette are abound. The remote islands to which you can visit are the Aldabra Islands, Assomption, Amirante Island, and Cosmoledo Atoll. All of the islands are uncrowded and beaches pristine. What keeps the Seychelles from being overcrowded with tourists is the cost. It is expensive to get to the Seychelles, and food and hotel prices are high, making a cruise a much better value. The country of Seychelles is composed of two groups of islands. They are the Mahe group, located in the north, and the coral islands in the south. There are forty islands in the Mahe group and they are much more friendly tourist destinations. The terrain is hilly, and beaches are gorgeous. Hiking and diving are what many come to the Seychelles for. Some of the islands have small mountain ranges that feature peaks extending up to 3,000 feet in the air. The Portuguese discovered the Seychelle Islands in 1502. The Seychelles at the time were uninhabited, and remained that way until 1756, when the French claimed them. In 1770 the French settled the area and controlled the islands up until 1811, at which point the British took over. The British governor at the time commemorated the event by erecting a clock tower in the center of Victoria. This clock was modeled after the clock that stands outside the Victoria railway station in London. In 1976, the Seychelles was finally given independence, however the French and the British influences remain prominent parts of the culture in the Seychelles.
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Attractions |
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La Digue:
This island is pristine with only 2,000 inhabitants. It is the most photographed island in the Seychelles and just 30 minutes away from the busy island of Praslin. The beaches at Anse Patates at the north end of the island are some of the most scenic in the islands. The Veuve Reserve, a long green forest, is popular with birdwatchers.
Mahe:
This is the largest island in the Seychelles. Mahe is home to Victoria, the capital city. It is also the economic center of the islands, and where the majority of the population is. Known for its 75 beaches, coconut palm plantations and coral reefs, this island is a water sports Mecca! A very popular destination for divers. Visitors can climb to the summit of Morne Sechellois for breathtaking views of Mahe and the other nearby islands. Visitors will also find 2 casinos on the island. This is also home to the Morne Seychellois National Park, where visitors cand see country's highest peaks, enjoy beautiful scenery and good hiking.
The Port Launay Marine National Park is off the island's western coast. This is quite popular with the divers and snorkelers. Ste. Anne Marine National Park, in the harbor off Victoria, which offers splendid views of coral and sealife.
Victoria:
The capital of Mahe. Victoria is quite English in style. In addition to the clock tower, the 100 year-old Botanical Garden, with its giant land tortoises and orchids, is modeled after the parks in the U.K. Other attractions that should not be missed are the colonial mansions; the National Museum, dedicated to the island’s history; the Natural History Museum; and old plantations. Just off the Victoria Harbor is the St. Anne Marine National Park. Here visitors will find great snorkeling with 100 species of coral and 900 species of fish live in the waters surrounding the islands. Tour boats running out of the harbor usually offer time to snorkel , a ride in a glass-hulled boat and a visit to a private island for lunch.. The main islands making up the park are St. Anne, Cerf, Long Island, Round Island and Moyenne Island.
Praslin:
Praslin is one of the most visited islands in the Seychelles. Located three hours by boat from Mahe. This is the second largest island and is surrounded by sculpture-like rocks. On of the most beautiful forests in the islands can be found here. There are plenty of black parrots, fruit pigeons, and other rare species of sea birds and plant life.
Aride:
This island was purchased for a conservation group by the famous chocolate-maker Christopher Cadbury during the 1970s. This is a large colony of seabirds. Aride can be reached only during the austral winter months which are the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere.
Bird Island:
Bird Island, a small island with more than 2 million birds nesting here. Among the species are sooty terns, mynahs, cardinals & fairy and noddy terns.
Birds aren't the only attraction here. Visitors can find excellent big-game fishing (marlin, sailfish, bonefish).
La Digue:
This is a small island, yet a spectacular granite island! This island is popular on cruise-ship itineraries. La Digue is a very pleasant place. Attractions are very low key. The top of the mountain in the middle of the island offers spectacular views. Visitors can also ride bikes to secluded beaches, where they can be amazed at the giant granite boulders. Anse Source d'Argent is very photogenic with its beautiful granite boulders.
Silhouette:
A wonderful place for a hike and a view of the sunset. An island with tropical color. This island can only be reached by boat (A 2-3 hour trip from Mahe).
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