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World Heritage Site is because
of the pristine coral reef and the
ecosystems it supports. Tourists come
to the Seychelles from every corner
of the earth. The largest island,
Mahe, is where the international
airport is located, as well as the
capital city of Victoria. Mahe is
also home to some beautiful white
sand beaches that are great for
“SEYCHELLES
EATING
PLACES ARE
FREQUENTLY
SMALL AND
MOST OF
THEM ARE
FAMILY RUN
BUSINESSES
THAT ARE
KNOWN FOR
VERY GOOD
SERVICE AND
GOOD FOOD”
snorkelling and seeing marine life.
St. Anne National Park is located a
quick boat ride away and is one of
the best places in the Indian Ocean
for marine life. Land-lubbers should
visit Praslin Island, which is home
to Valee de Mai, which is another
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The tropical forest here is the best
location for finding the famous coco
WWW.NORTHERNHILLS.CO.ZA
de mer palm, which produces the
world’s largest fruit. Desroches is
an island in the Almirantes Group,
and is famous for its scuba diving
sites. Other islands besides the
main three are more secluded. One
example is La Digue, where the
main form of transport is the ox cart.
Here, life is relaxed, and a visit to
La Digue is like taking a trip to an
earlier time. Many of the Seychelles
Islands are destinations for migrant
birds. Indeed the Seychelles are a
bird watcher’s heaven. Because of
the perfect climate, birds choose
the Seychelles for their stopovers
when migrating. Since about half
of the Seychelles’ land maintained
in natural pristine condition, it is an
ecological paradise as well. While
the Seychelles may not have as
much in the way of fast night life or
ambition as other popular tropical
destinations, the natural attractions
are lifestyle perks you simply cannot
find anywhere else. The isolated
nature of the island chain is one of
its greatest offerings. There really
is no better place to get away from
the stresses of modern life. Every
October a Creole Festival is held.
It is the biggest cultural event in the
island chain. During this festival,
the Seychellois celebrate the creole
culture with music, art, great food,
and dance. Though almost 100% of
the Seychellois speak Creole, French
and English are also widely used.
Regardless of which island you stay
on in the Seychelles, you are sure to
be warmly welcomed and greeted
by the local people. The Seychelles,
a destination worth considering for
your next mid-year break away. NH