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Posts Tagged ‘Seychelles’

Aldabra Atoll

August 24th, 2009 No comments
by Arthur Anderson

Aldabra Atoll is part of the Aldabra Group, one of the archipelagos of the Outer Islands of the Seychelles. The second largest atoll in the world after Kiritimati, Aldabra is the coraline tip of a volcanic seamount, coming up from depths of 4,000 to 4,500m (13,120 to 14,760 ft). At 34 km (21 mi) long, 14.5 km (9 mi) wide and just 8 in (26 ft) above sea level, the atoll consists of four coral limestone islands forming a circle around a lagoon of 224 sq km (86 sq mi).

The lagoon is tidal loses two-thirds of its waters at low tide. Aldabra was given World Heritage status in 1982 to protect its delicate ecological environment.

Because the atoll is so remote, many of its species of flora and fauna are found only here. The islets and rocky outcrops in the lagoon provide nesting areas for thousands of birds.

It has possibly the largest population of red-tailed tropic birds and the second largest colony of frigate birds in the world. Many other birds are found here also, including the Aldabra flightless rail, the only flightless bird found on any Indian Ocean island.

The Aldabran giant tortoises are, however, the atoll’s most renowned residents, being the last of the giant tortoises which were once spread across the entire region. Commercial exploitation is believed to have rendered all other giant tortoises in the area extinct by the mid-19th century, and very nearly exterminated the Aldabran population. Two species of marine turtle also nest on beaches on Aldabra: the green turtle and hawksbill turtle.

Unlike the nearby Seychelles, the atoll is inhospitable to humans as the limestone has been eroded into sharp spikes and water-filled pits. However, the mangroves support fish nurseries, and the lagoon is home to a wealth of marine life, from black-tipped reef sharks to eagle rays and parrot fish.

For almost a century, scientists have been studying the flora and fauna of the atoll, which is uninhabited other than by those working at the scientific research station.

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Enjoying Holidays in The Seychelles

April 15th, 2009 No comments

The Seychelles are a collection of one hundred and fifteen islands that are located close to each other. These are situated in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of East Africa and northeast of Madagascar, and are all within one hundred and seventy five square miles of each other. The beautiful scenery, blue waters, and vibrant culture that they have make them a perfect place for an island holiday.

The Seychelles were the cause of dispute between France and Great Britain during colonial times with Britain ending up getting control after the Napoleonic Wars. The islands, however, were given independence in 1976, although the first free elections were held in 1993.

The beaches at the islands are virtually unharmed by man. They are not at all crowded like most beaches in Europe, and are elegant with spick and span white sands. You can spend all day lazing around on them without caring for what is happening around in the world and without being upset at all. A spot worth visiting is the Vallee de Mai which is a world legacy site, and also the place where the world’s biggest seed is found namely the coco de mer.

The initial thing that you must perform while in the Seychelles is to opt for underwater diving. Scuba diving is one of the most admired activities on the island, and the clear waters and gorgeous corals make it a wonderful spot for this. There are four marine parks in this island nation with other one hundred and fifty varieties of humid fish. Dolphin sightings are also very general around these islands.

The world’s largest coral islet stretches over twenty two miles from east to west and has a colossal tidal pond within it. This is also the position where the enormous land tortoise, the tiger shark, and manta rays can be most often viewed.

Night time delight is not the optimum characteristic about the Seychelles, so don’t foresee much. Most hotels offer activities, the mass of which are cabarets but besides this there are only a couple of clubs in Victoria and not much else.

However, if you are interested in golfing, then you are at the right place as the Lemuria Resort has a great professional golf course. Other activities to take part in here include tennis, squash, badminton, and horseback riding. You can even rent some bikes and take a ride around the islands. You should also consider exploring the islands on a yacht; you can rent these from the islands itself. Windsurfing is also quite popular during the months of May and October.

The neighborhood delicacies to test consist of curry or clean seafood. Both can be found at about every restaurant. Creole cooking is very frequent with coconuts being used in the cooking. The main product obtainable is fish which is cooked in various different ways. The fish you ought to try is the Red Snapper.

Seychelles proffers many options to people from beach related actions to shopping and sports. Make sure you relish your holiday on this tropical dreamland.

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Seychelles Islands – A Top Destination for Luxury Beach Vacation

March 5th, 2009 No comments

The Seychelles Islands are among the leading Africa travel destinations. Situated in the Indian Ocean, the islands consist of 115 coralline and granitic islands. Visitors looking for luxury beach holidays in a serene environment or a perfect honeymoon vacation in Africa find the Seychelles archipelago the ideal destination.

The Islands are placed between 480 and 1600km off the East African coast, about 4 degrees south of the equator. The beaches of Seychelles are some of the most scenic and uncrowded in the world. The most renowned of these include the famous Anse Source d’Argent in La Digue Island, which is surrounded by beautiful granite rocks. Anse Cocos and Anse La Reunion beaches also in La Digue are equally famous, with Anse Cocos being accessible only by foot. Others are Anse a La Mouche in southwest Mahe, Anse Patates in the northern tip of La Digue, Anse Forbans, and Anse Union.

The cultural center of Seychelles is formed by the La Digue, Mahe, and Praslin islands. The many more remaining islands form what is commonly known as the outer islands, which extend in a gleaming arc towards the East Africa coast. The only islands with accommodation facilities among the outer islands are Alphonse and Desroches. Most travelers on Seychelles holiday tours have over the years visited either Praslin, Mahe, or La Digue.

Mahe, measuring 28 km long and 8 km wide, is the principal island of Seychelles and the home to the Mahe International Airport. Praslin is the second popular island in Seychelles, renowned for the legendary Coco-de-mer nut that grow on ancient giant palms in the wondrous Vallee de Mai Forest. Praslin is located 44 km to the north east of Mahe and it features exquisite beaches such as Anse Boudin, Anse Georgette, Anse Lazio, Anse La Farine, Anse Possession, Anse Matelot, Grand Anse, Anse Volbert, Anse Kerlan. On the other hand, time seems to stand still on La Digue where on-carts hold sway on the paths to the dream beach of Anse La Source d’Argent.

The main point of entry for international travel into Seychelles is the Mahe International Airport, the hub of Seychelles Republic’s national airline ” Air Seychelles. The airline conducts weekly scheduled flights between four European capitals and Seychelles, and also connects Seychelles with three other Indian Ocean cities. Air Seychelles also operates internal inter-island flights in Seychelles. Several Seychelles hotels can also arrange special flights upon visitor’s request, though a helicopter flight service is available between Mahe, Silhouette, Fregate, and North Islands.

Seychelles attractions go beyond its world renowned beaches. The legendary Vallee de Mai, the Ile Coco Marine National Park, Aride Island, Curieuse Island, and Aldabra are just some of the attractions visitors can enjoy in the Seychelles Islands. Two of these are UNESCO World Heritage sites i.e. the Vallee de Mai (considered by some people to have been the Garden of Eden), and the Aldabra (the largest raised atoll in the world). Aride Island is a breeding site for seabirds and hosts ten species of endemic birds including Brush Warblers, Magpie Robins, and Fodies. As such, Aride is regarded as one of the most important nature reserves in the world.

Seychelles Islands have a tropical climate. Between the months of October and March, during the North West trade winds, the weather is warm and humid and the sea generally calm. Visitors to the Islands can move around relatively easily with the aid of the self explanatory map of Seychelles.

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