Seychelles

Summary: The easternmost African territory to the northeast of Madagascar, the Seychelles are a group of 115 islands that have either granite or coral bases; either rocky and hilly or flat and sandy. Ceded to Britain in 1814 and independent in 1976, the Seychelles have an economy based on tourism and fishing with diversification planned to develop farming and light manufacturing. Capital: Victoria Time Zone: UTC+4 Population: 82,247 Languages: English, French, Creole Power: 240V, 50 Hz Currency: Seychelles Rupee - Currently 1 SCR = 0.0701 USD $ Climate: The Seychelles have a tropical marine climate and are usually humid, with a cooler season during the southeast monsoon from late May to September, and a warmer season during the northwest monsoon from March to May. - Currently 94º, Light Rain Shower  DESTINATIONS Victoria: The island of Mah is home to the capital Victoria, a clean colonial settlement made for pedestrians with a small museum, gardens, and nearby Beau Vallon beach, just two miles out of town and with welcoming sand, a walkup bar, and plenty of waves. Outside of town, ecotourists enjoy the Morne Seychellois National Park, with a good hike up Morne Seychellois through jungles, or the Saint Anne Marine National Park, a few miles to the east with excellent snorkeling and rumors of ghosts and buried treasure.

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Praslin: The island of Praslin, around 25 miles away from the capital, is the getaway spot for the Seychellois and attracts tourists for its quiet environment. See the Valle de Mai near the south of the island, a jungle of rare coco de mer palms, or Anse Lazio in the north, the white beach with snorkeling in the nearby reef and lunch in the restaurant. Nearby islands include Cousin Island, a nature reserve with a forest full of rare birds, and Curieuse Island, once a leper colony, and now a park with hundreds of giant tortoises.

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Silhouette Island: About 19 miles northwest of Mah is Silhouette Island populated by a handful of ecologists, agriculturalists and a single hotel. While quiet, you can hike up the Mont Pot Eau to see pitcher plants and coco de mer palm trees, explore caves looking for rare bats, Arab tombs and pirate treasure, or go for some diving or snorkeling around the surrounding reefs, or just relax on the white sandy beaches and enjoy the sun TIPS Local Dress: Visitors find the islands relaxing and the Seychellois friendly and inviting. Keep your bathing suit at the beach, otherwise, casual dress is fine throughout the islands, although locals dress up a bit more than normal for visits to churches. Banking: Credit cards and traveller's checks are widely accepted throughout the islands, and currencies can be exchanged in the banks or hotels on most of the populated islands. When To Visit: The peak tourist season is from December to January and July to August, and prices climb and availability drops, however, traveling in May or October will not only be easier, you'll also find good winds for sailing and clear waters for diving. The Festival Kreol is a spicy weeklong event with music, dance and cooking, held near the end of October. Food: Known for the fine Creole cooking, the Seychelles feast on seafood of all kinds, from shark to octopus to snapper and grouper, but you can also find sausages and other meats, side dishes include rice, spinach, vegetables and fruits, and a range of spices and peppers. Phrases: Yes = oui, no = non, please = s'il vous plait, thank you = merci, do you speak English = parlez vous anglais? Tipping: Check your bill, as a 10% service charge is often included in your bill, otherwise, a 10% gratuity is appropriate for good service and for taxi fares.Security: The islands are considered safe, although a bit more attention is required in the capital Victoria, where it's best to not walk alone at night