|
2003
Pre-Post ATA
Cultural-Ecotourism Symposium |
|
Fam Tour by Helen C. Broadus
You are invited to join VIP and friends on a Familiarization (FAM) Tour to the Seychelles in conjunction with the Africa Travel Association's Eco-Tourism Symposium to Zanzibar December 2-7, 2003. A thousand miles from anywhere, these idyllic islands are often described as the original "Garden of Eden". Part of their enduring charm is that to experience the full magic and diversity of the Seychelles you perhaps need to island hop. From pristine coral reefs, sculptured granite boulders and untouched forests to private resorts, bird sanctuaries and exotic hide-aways, this archipelago offers a rich diversity of national beauty and enticing amenities. Whether you enjoy swimming, sightseeing, scuba diving, snorkeling, sampling the local cuisine, shopping or simply relaxing on pristine beaches, the Seychelles will live up to your expectations. It should be noted that approximately 115,000 tourists brought in $106 million in 2000, and income from tourism has helped Africa's smallest state to rank first in terms of GNP per capita. Moreover, the tourism industry provides more than 70% of foreign exchange earnings and employs an estimated 30% of the work force in the Seychelles. Already a crossroad for sea and air travelers and freight shipping, the multi-island nation is now intent on becoming a major offshore banking and insurance center by offering facilities comparable to places like the Bahamas. Basic Facts and Figures: The Seychelles are 115 tropical islands lying just south of the equator and north-east of Madagascar in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The total area of the Seychelles is roughly 2 and 1/2 times the size of Washington, D.C. The Seychelles is a tropical paradise made up of scattered volcanic islands and coral atolls, including the world's largest atoll - Aldabra. The Seychelles are also safely situated outside of the cyclone belt in the Indian Ocean. Criss-crossed byÝpalm-fringed golden beaches, crystal clear seas, lush vegetation and a fascinating flora and fauna are just some of the wonderful attractions of this beautiful African island country. The climate is tropical with high humidity and temperatures varying between 24 and 30 degrees Celsius. Thanks to strict conservation practices, the Seychelles archipelago is full of unique plantsÝand exotic animals such as giant land tortoises (including Esmeralda, the world's largest tortoise, weighing up to 320 kg.), the famous Coco de Mer palm seed, the world's smallest frog, tropical fruit bats, an abundanceÝof birdlife and schools of brightly colored fish living amongst the coral reefs. All of the above make Seychelles both a fascinating place to visit and the ideal place to relax. A former French and British colony, the Republic of Seychelles has been independent since June 29, 1976. The inhabitants of theÝSeychelles are from a great melting pot of cultures (i.e. - French, British, African, Chinese and Indian people) which all contribute to this vibrant society.Ý The main languages spoken are Creole, English and French. The vast majority (92%) are Roman Catholic with other Christian churches and Muslims making up the rest. Seychellians are quite informal and casual dress is the norm at all times. During your travels, you will also get a chance to know the local people and are sure to receive a warm welcome wherever you go in this extraordinary and idyllic archipelago. Traditional foods in the Seychelles are a blend of spicy Creole foods but Chinese, Italian, Japanese and French cuisine is also available. Staple foods include fish, rice and many varieties of tropical fruits and vegetables. Local specialties include kat-kat banane, coconut curries, and la daube (made from breadfruit, yams, cassavas and bananas). Pork and chicken are eaten in preference to beef and mutton. The Seychelles is four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).Ý The international dialing code for the Seychelles is +248 and there are no area codes.There is a 24-hour telephone, telegram, telex, e-mail and fax service, as well as a phone card system and cellular phone network.Ý The main post office in Victoria (the capital city) supplies a fast and efficient mail service.Ý Bottled water is readily available but you can safely drink the tap water in most areas.Ý Electrical current is 240v AC, 50Hz. Business hours are open from 8:30am to 12noon and 1:00pm to 4:00pm, Mondays through Fridays. Banks are generally open from 8:30am to 2:30pm Mondays through Fridays and from 8:30am to 11:00am on Saturdays. The local currency is the Seychelles Rupee (Rs) which is divided into 100 cents. Traveller's checks are widely accepted and command better exchange rates than cash. Most major credit cards are also accepted. Accommodation options can range from international hotels to self-catering chalets and apartments. Most resort hotels offer air-conditioning, swimming pools and water sports facilities. Smaller hotels and guesthouses, often refurbished plantation homes, and small island resorts are largely found on the outlying islands. Please be advised that all hotel bills and departure tax must be paid in foreign currency. It is also highly advisable to book accommodations early during peak tourist seasons.Ý Serious crime is rare, although petty theft does occur on the islands.Ý Getting around the network of small islands is conducted by chartered boat or plane.Ý On the islands themselves, the easiest way to get around is by bike or on foot. Interesting Places to Visit in Seychelles: Victoria, Mahe - Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles, is situated on the main island of Mahe and reflects both British and French influences from its colonial past.Ý Victoria is home to more than 90% of the 80,000 people who inhabit the islands. The Clock Tower, built in 1903 both as a memorial to Queen Victoria and to commemorate the establishment of the Seychelles as a Crown Colony, is the town's focal point and everyone uses it as a reference point for directions around the island. A bustling town, places of interest to see in Victoria includes the botanical gardens, vibrant markets and art galleries, a variety of handicrafts shops and restaurants (the spicy Creole cuisine is delicious) and a museum tracing the colorful history of this beautiful country. A scenic drive along the west coast road to the south of Mahe takes you to the Jardin Roi, a spice garden and craft village. Plantations of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves also still exist, as do groves of coconut palms, from the times when the French ruled the Seychelles. Also visit the Morne Seychelles National Park on Mahe and enjoy the breathtaking views which stretch right across the island and far out to sea.Ý Here you can have the chance to see some of the rare Seychelles birds at the Mission Lodge, site of the school for children of freed slaves. Mahe has 75 blissful beaches bordered by wind-swept palm trees and clear blue waters. This breathtaking scenery combined with the flora and fauna as well as visits to the craft workshops offer some of the contrast of Mahe. Not to be missed is a short boat trip to Moyenne Island. As you wade to shore you will be greeted by a welcoming glass of "island punch" and entertained about the history of the island. Here you will enjoy tales of spine chilling ghosts, pirates and buried treasure. A thirty minute walk around the island takes you to pirates' graves, remains of settlers' homes and a small thatched chapel. With an excellent Creole buffet lunch, a thatched bar and a secluded piece of beach, it is a truly rewarding castaway day trip. St. Anne Marine National Park - A short trip across the bay from Victoria, the Park encompasses five islands: Cerf, Long, Moyenne, Round and St. Anne.Unquestionably this is a perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling and/or simply enjoying a glass bottomed boat trip to view the coral reefs. Just 20km acrossÝthe sea from Mahe is the Silhouette Island, home to the famous carnivorous Pitcher Plants, whose leaves form a natural water receptacle with a lid. Vallee De Mai National Park, Praslin - A World Heritage Site situated on the picturesque island of Praslin, the Park is home to vanilla orchids, several species of lizards and a handful of some of the world's rarest birds to include the Seychelles Bulbul and the unique Black Parrot which feeds on the abundant fruit found in the forest The famous Coco de Mer Palm, which can reach a height of 14 meters and produces the largest and most strangely-shaped seed in the plant kingdom weighing up to 18 kg., also grows on Praslin and nearby Curieuse Island. This extraordinary palm fruit is regarded as an aphrodisiac by the indigenous people. Praslin, the second largest island in the archipelago, was once the haunt of Arab traders as well as a pirates' hideaway. The film set of Jurassic Park is located on Praslin and it is also known to tourists as the island of romance. From Mahe, it can be reached in about fifteen minutes by air or less than an hour by boat. Proclaimed to have the most beautiful beach in the world, Anse Lazio can be found on the north-west tip of Praslin Island. Its broad, sheltered bays, white sands and shady trees make it a superb sunbathing spot. Apart from some of the most relaxingÝbeaches,Ýthe island is home to the wondrous Coco de Mer Palm, which grows only in the Valle de Mai National Park and nearby Curieuse Island. These 14m high palm trees produce the largest seed in the plant kingdom, weighing up to 18 kg. If you are lucky, you might also hear the unusual call of the rare Black Parrot, feeding high up in the branches. La Digue - Which is located just east of Praslin,Ýis reached easily by sea or helicopter. La Digue is the most photographed island in the Seychelles and has some of the most stunning beaches of white sand contrasting with an impressive backdrop of huge granite boulders and swaying palm trees.Ý It is best to explore the island by foot or bicycleÝwhere you can truly enjoy the beauty and serenity of the island.Ý Here one can experience long dreamy walks along the beaches as well asÝsafe swimming, snorkeling and fishing. A glimpse of the elusive Paradise Flycatcher would be an added bonus. Praslin and La Digue are surrounded by a number of smaller islands - St. Pierre, Cousin Island, Curieuse Island, Felicite, Coco, Grande Soeur and Petite Soeur. These islands offer pretty beaches, bird-watching, giant tortoises, snorkeling and fishing. Several unusual points of interest include: The world's smallest frog which lives in the misty hills of the Morne Seychelles National Park among ferns and lichens;ÝFregate Island which still hides one of the world's only pre-historic beetles under its permanent cloak of leaves; and Bird Island, a wildlife sanctuary approximately 105 km from Mahe, which during the nesting season (between May and October) is home to millions of Sooty Terns, as well as Common Noddies and Ferry Terns. When To Go To The Seychelles: The Seychelles enjoy a pleasant tropical climate year round.Ý Situated outside of the cyclone belt, they experienceÝlittle seasonal variation. From October to March, the sea is generally calm with warm tropical weather - this is the best time for fishing, diving and watersports.Ý From May to September, the weather is drier and cooler with choppy seas, particularly on the southeastern coastline.Ý This is the best time for walking and mountain hiking holidays, as conditions are much drier and less humid. How To Get To The Seychelles: Air Seychelles (HM) is the national airline andÝSeychelles International Airport, Pointe Larue, is situated just 10km outside the main town of Victoria. This is a fully equipped international airport that not only handles an inward tourist flow but serves as a stopover on international routes and there are also five subsidiary airports. The Seychelles is also serviced by South African Airways, Aeroflot, Kenya Airways, British Airways, Air Mauritius and Air France. To enter the Seychelles, you must possess a valid passport, an onward or return travel ticket, accommodation and sufficient funds for your stay. There is no VISAÝrequirement to enter the country and a visitor's permit for thirty days is issued free of charge at the airport.Ý There is no malaria, yellow fever or bilharzias on the islands. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required, however,Ýfor visitors coming from infected areas.
How To Book A Tour In The Seychelles: Most excursions can be booked directly with a reputable tour operator upon your arrival in Seychelles at the airport or through representatives that are based in major hotels on Mahe, Praslin and Le Digue. A typical day tour on an island, with your lunch included, can start at US$75.00 but are negotiable. Ten Best Reasons To Visit The Seychelles:
1. Eleven species of birds are found only in the Seychelles, including some of the rarest such as the Black Parrot, Magpie Robin and Brush Warbler. 2. Year round sunbathing on delightful palm fringed beaches. 3. Diving and snorkeling with the fish in some of the clearest water around. 4. Nearly half of the Seychelles land is devoted to conservation and natural reserves. 5. The Seychelles is a safe and politically stable country. 6. The interesting Creole cuisine will delight the taste buds. 7. A cosmopolitan culture and vibrant social atmosphere. 8. A wide variety of fauna and flora, including Esmeralda, the world's largest Tortoise at 320 kg. 9. There is no malaria or other tropical disease in the Seychelles. 10. The islands are situated outside of the cyclone belt. For more information about the Seychelles, please contact the Seychelles Tourism website at HYPERLINK "http://www.aspureasitgets.com" www.aspureasitgets.com and Seychelles Tourism Marketing Authority as follows: Telephone: +248.620.000; Facsimile: +248.620.620; and E-Mail: HYPERLINK "mailto:Maurice@seychelles.net" Maurice@seychelles.net . Also, visit Air Seychelles' website at HYPERLINK "http://www.airseychelles.co.uk" www.airseychelles.co.uk . About the author: Helen C. Broadus is the President of Venue International Professionals, Inc. (VIP) a full-service travel and tourism consulting company based in the Washington Metropolitan Area that specializes in Africa. She is also the Secretary of the International Board of Directors of the Africa Travel Association (ATA) and has visited twenty-five countries in Africa at least once over the past ten years. She may be contacted at mailto:vipinc@erols.com |
|
||||
