When on holiday in the Seychelles, you travel to a group of islands northeast of Madagascar, which consists of around 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. The landscape of the islands is mostly shaped in its own way and is literally adorned with granite rocks, incomparably shimmering waterfalls, idyllic bays, beautiful beaches and vanilla blossoms. In addition to vanilla, cinnamon, tea, nutmeg, cloves and lemongrass are also grown on the Seychelles… which invites you to go on unforgettable, sensual tours of discovery, such as a trip to the Jardin du Roi, a reconstructed spice garden from the 18th century, or to the island of La Digue, on which a tour can also be arranged by bike. However, in the Seychelles – especially on the large islands of Mahé, Praslin and the aforementioned La Digue – excellent hiking too. In addition, water sports are also offered: snorkeling and diving, sailing and sailing or fishing. Water skiing and trips with the glass-bottom boat on the crystal clear sea that surround the Seychelles and from which you can observe a fascinating underwater world are also popular. Discovering flora and fauna on land is also recommended – not least because around half of the land area of this archipelago is under nature protection. But the Seychelles also offer culture: with many pretty colonial buildings, the clock tower, a Hindu temple and the exotic market in the capital Victoria, or in the artisan village of Artisanal, where you will encounter old, typical architecture.
Aldabra Atoll
Natural wonders in the Indian Ocean
It has been a World Heritage Site since 1982 and is under strict protection: the Aldabra Atoll in the Indian Ocean. The atoll group belongs to the Seychelles and is around 1150 kilometers from the island of Mahé with its capital Victoria.
The largest atoll in the world
Aldabra is the largest atoll in the world and consists of the four large islands of Polymnie, Malabar, Picar and Terre, as well as countless small islets. The flora and fauna on this atoll is unique. The turtles in particular are world famous and find a sheltered place to live and reproduce there. Rare mushroom corals, dense mangrove forests, flamingos, white-throated claws, frigate birds and nectar birds are also among the natural wonders above the water level. Something similar awaits you underwater, where dolphins, whales, fork-tailed manatees and blacktip sharks frolic. No wonder this atoll is considered a living natural history museum. Sir Attenborough has called it a wonder of the world.
Only with permission
Due to its uniqueness, the atoll is uninhabited except for a few specialists who are there for nature conservation. Unlike the Galapagos Islands, the Aldabra Atoll is not that easily accessible for tourists. It makes the most sense in the context of study trips, as you need a special permit to go ashore. Day trips are also possible from cruise ships. From the main island of Mahé there are also special opportunities to immerse yourself for a few hours in the unique world of the Aldabra Atoll.
La Digue
Fantastic beaches and magical landscapes with a unique flora and fauna: If you are looking for a real holiday paradise, the Seychelles are the right place for you. One of the most popular destinations of the island state in the Indian Ocean is the island of La Digue, one of the three main inhabited islands of the Seychelles. Among other things, the beaches “Anse Source D’Argent” and “Grand ‘Anse” are two of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The “Anse Source D’Argent” is one of the most photographed attractions in the world. The almost untouched, breathtaking landscape of the island is also shaped by the fourth largest granite rock in the Seychelles. The coast of the enchanting island is characterized by an impressive and colorful coral reef,
Giant tortoises and countless exotic birds
The ten square kilometer island of La Dique in the Indian Ocean is not only a dream destination for bathers and water sports enthusiasts due to its dream beaches and crystal clear water, but also a real paradise for photographers. Among other things, rare giant tortoises can be observed and photographed in their natural habitat in the “L’Union Estate” park (entrance fee: 10 euros). The “La Digue Veuve Réserve” bird sanctuary is also home to countless exotic bird species. The island can be reached by ferry as well as by helicopter.
Desroches
A pearl in the Indian Ocean
It’s small, just 6.2 kilometers long and one kilometer wide. And it is breathtakingly beautiful: the densely forested island of Desroches. It belongs to the Amiranten, a group of islands in the Indian Ocean, and is part of the Seychelles. Just like other islands, Desroches also lived from copra exports, the dried meat of coconuts, in the past century. Today it is the only Amirant island where tourists are allowed, if only a few. And these few are pampered in a small, extremely luxurious resort according to every trick in the book. There, in the midst of rolling palm groves, it is really not difficult to shed everyday life.
Dream world in shades of green
Those who choose the picturesque coral island as their holiday destination are immersed in a dream world. A long, fine sandy beach, lined with palm trees, awaits you over the water. A dazzling flora and fauna unfolds under water, an Eldorado for divers. With a little luck, whale sharks and manta rays can be seen on the outer reefs. Windsurfers and deep-sea fishermen will also find perfect conditions around the island. Anyone interested in sports will get their money’s worth: with tennis games, kayaking, hiking and bike tours, everyone can let off steam as they please.
Encounter with turtles
Even if the island is small, there is still a lot to discover. Those who want to explore them either take a mountain bike or, even better, go on foot. Since the originality of the island has been preserved, you will naturally come across giant tortoises on your forays out into the fields. The path through the lush vegetation finally leads the hiker to the north end of the island in the old village from colonial times, with an old lighthouse as a landmark.
The day ends at the sea
And after the day’s adventures, excellent Creole cuisine awaits in the evening. Meals can be prepared on request in the villa’s own kitchen and served on the terrace by the sea. A day couldn’t end more beautifully.
Marine Park Ste. Anne
Marine Park Ste. Anne
The peculiar magic of the Seychelles
The Sainte Anne Marine National Park is a national park that was established in 1973. It is located in Mont Fleuri in the Seychelles. In the meantime, the national park is valued primarily by tourists who are enthusiastic about its flora and fauna. It is also popular with snorkelers and divers. The Sainte Anne Marine National Park comprises six small islands, as well as various bodies of water and reefs. It is the oldest nature reserve in the Seychelles. The culinary variety is also convincing: While there are numerous excellent gourmet restaurants on Sainte Anne, the islands of Cerf and Moyenne have many Creole restaurants.
Geographical features
The Sainte Anne Marine National Park is about five kilometers from Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles. With a slow boat, the crossing takes about twenty minutes. The park consists of the islands of Sainte Anne Island with its famous luxury hotel, Île au Cerf, Île Cachée, Round Island, Long Island and Moyenne, all of which are granite islands of volcanic origin in the Indian Ocean. The island of Sainte Anne was once the site of the first settlement in the Seychelles. Round Island was once a leper colony. There are also stories about Moyenne: It is claimed that there is an enormous treasure hidden there. Overall, the Sainte Anne Marine National Park covers 14.43 square kilometers, with only 3.8 square kilometers of actual island area.
Flora and fauna
The flora and fauna found in the Sainte Anne Marine National Park are typical of the Seychelles islands. One of the numerous special features: It houses one of the largest areas of seagrass that the granite islands hold ready. Therefore you can often find turtles here, but also bottlenose dolphins. The Sainte Anne Marine National Park is an integral part of the cultural heritage, but above all of the natural heritage of the Seychelles. Guests are asked to protect the wild flora and fauna by not stealing anything from the island. Fishing and water skiing are also prohibited.
