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Excursions
There are some excursions we would advise you not to miss.
First of all, there is the trip to the Natural
Marine Park of Sainte Anne, which consists
of a group of islands just a few kilometres from Mahé.
It is an ornithological and marine reserve, but tourists may
visit Cerf, Round and Moyenne. You can do some magnificent
snorkelling there or, if you prefer, watch the fish fauna
from glass-bottomed boats. And then you can admire the “Coco
de mer” palms or make friend with the
giant turtles
that live on these islands, a species to be found only at
the Seychelles and the Galapagos Islands. All the principal
tourist agencies organize whole-day trips to visit the three
islands.
Another thing that lovers of tropical vegetation should not
miss is a visit to the Botanical
garden, situated in the southern part of the
city, at a locality known as Mont Fleur. Thoroughly well cared
for, it displays all the botanical species endemic in the
islands, especially the magnificent “Coco de mer”
and many other exotic species. Open every day from 6.00 a.m.
to 6.00 p.m. is a must. It is located in the southern part
of the city, in the locality of Mont Fleuri. This very well
looked after garden contains every endemic botanical species
of the Seychelles, including the magnificent “Coco de
Mer” and other exotic species. Open every day from 6
am to 6 pm.
Another beautiful island to visit is Silhouette,
the third-largest island of the archipelago, situated about
20 kilometres to the south of Mahé and completely surrounded
by coral reefs. It is not always open to daily tourism. Apart
from its uncontaminated beaches, there are numerous paths
to follow on foot to take you through the forest and to the
top of a mountain reaching 2035 feet.
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Victoria’s Botanical
Gardens |
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the Marine Park of Sainte Anne |
And there are also some magnificent
walks. that you can make at Mahé
itself. We would suggest the itineraries described in “Seychelles
in your pocket”, a little guide book revised each year
and readily available in the island’s shops. In any
case, you will find a copy also at Villa Rochelle.
Deep sea fishing
trips are organized by the Marine Charter Association (Tel.
3222126). Their well equipped boats can be hired by aspiring
fishermen for either half a day or a whole day. You can be
sure of an eventful day. The waters of the Indian Ocean around
the Seychelles are full of fish throughout the year. Lovers
of this type of fishing will find themselves in contact with
marlin, barracuda and sailfish.
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a giant turtle |
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an emperor angel-fish |
Tourist agencies
The principal tourist agencies of the Seychelles are all much
of a muchness as far as offer and prices are concerned: all
of them can send you on the more interesting trips in the
island and also those that send you further afield in the
archipelago. Here they are:
Mason’s Travel, Revolution Avenue, tel. 322642:
Travel service Seychelles or TSS, Albert Street, tel. 322414;
and
Creole Holidays, Kingsgate House in Independence Avenue, tel.224900.
Climate
At the Seychelles you will find good weather all the year
round. The climate is tropical, but is always pleasant thanks
to a constant sea breeze, with average temperatures of the
order of 25 and 30 degrees centigrade (77 to 86°F). The
Seychelles are outside the monsoon zone and rainstorms are
therefore few and far between.
There are two principal seasons: the period from November
to April, when the wind blows from the north, is warmer and
characterized by more intense rainfall, but normally of very
brief duration; temperatures are slightly lower from May to
October and, thanks to winds predominantly from the south-east,
the climate is somewhat drier.
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