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SILHOUETTE THE IN-FLIGHT MAGAZINE OF AIR SEYCHELLES VOLUME 24 NUMBER 2

Dear Valued Guest, Welcome onboard. Last year saw Air Seychelles take giant strides forward and we are continuing to make strong progress towards our goal of becoming the leading carrier in the Indian Ocean. Already this year, we have taken delivery of a second A330-200 aircraft, introduced a new route in Asia, increased frequencies across our existing international network, enhanced our codeshare reach across Europe and relaunched our duty free shop at Seychelles International Airport. Our new A330-200 aircraft, named ‘Vallée de Mai’ in honour of the Seychelles’ UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a superior product complemented by the unique Creole warmth of our cabin crew. I’m pleased to say that Air Seychelles continues to be the only airline to offer true lie-flat Business class seats into the Seychelles. Our new aircraft has also allowed us to expand our network, bringing more travellers to our beautiful archipelago. We have launched services to Hong Kong, with three weekly flights connecting to the Seychelles over Abu Dhabi. We have seen growing numbers of travellers coming to the Seychelles from the Far East, so this new service is a response to that demand. Hong Kong is a vibrant commercial centre, but it is also a key connecting point for travellers from across the region, which makes it an ideal point of entry into Asia. Our international network has also been enhanced with additional frequencies, giving you more flexibility to travel. Johannesburg and Mauritius are now served with three weekly flights and services to Abu Dhabi have increased to seven per week. The increase in services to Abu Dhabi is of particular importance due to our strong and growing relationship with our equity partner Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. As a part of our extensive codeshare agreement, we are able to offer our guests convenient connections to the Seychelles from 20 destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. This agreement was recently expanded to include daily connections to Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland. We have also entered into an agreement with airberlin, Europe’s seventh largest carrier, to offer more options for travel between Germany and Seychelles. Our guests can now fly from Dusseldorf and Berlin with airberlin, connecting over Abu Dhabi and onwards to the Seychelles with Air Seychelles. Combined with our existing codeshare routes operated by Etihad Airways, our European guests now enjoy a total of 38 flight options per week to Seychelles from Germany. At home, we have reopened our ‘Trezor’ duty free shop at Seychelles International Airport with a sleek, modern look and an expanded range of high-quality products from brands such as Furla, Kipling, Bouton and Buckley. These recent developments now allow you, our valued guest, greater options for travel on Air Seychelles and a more enjoyable, comfortable journey. Thank you for choosing Air Seychelles. We hope you enjoyed your flight today and we look forward to welcoming you onboard one of our aircraft again soon.

Cher client, Bienvenue à bord! L’année dernière Air Seychelles a pris un formidable envol et nous continuons d’accomplir de grands progrès afin d’atteindre notre objectif qui consiste à devenir le principal transporteur aérien de l’Océan Indien. Cette année déjà, nous avons pris livraison de notre deuxième A330-200 et nous avons inauguré un nouveau service vers l’Asie; nous avons aussi augmenté la fréquence de nos vols à travers notre réseau international, élargi notre partage de code à travers l’Europe et relancé notre boutique hors-taxes à l’aéroport International des Seychelles. Notre nouvel appareil A330-200, nommé ‘Vallée de Mai’ en l’honneur du site seychellois du patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO, offre un service haut de gamme agrémenté de l’accueil créole caractéristique de nos membres d’équipage. Je suis heureux d’annoncer qu’Air Seychelles continued’être la seule compagnieà proposer de véritables sièges-lits en classe affaires vers les Seychelles. Notre nouvel appareil nous a aussi permis d’étendre notre réseau pour transporter plus de visiteurs vers notre bel archipel. Nous avons inauguré des services à destination de Hong Kong, avec trois correspondances vers les Seychelles via Abu Dhabi. Ainsi avons-nous constaté une augmentation du nombre de voyageurs pour les Seychelles en provenance d’Extrême Orient, une preuve que ce nouveau service répondait à un besoin croissant. Hong Kong est non seulement un centre commercial dynamique mais cette ville est aussi une correspondance majeure pour les voyageurs de cette région du monde, ce qui la transforme en principale porte d’accès vers l’Asie. Notre réseau international s’est aussi enrichi d’une fréquence de vols additionnels, vous permettant plus de flexibilité pour voyager; les vols desservant Johannesburg et Maurice sont assurés trois fois par semaines et nos services hebdomadaires vers Abu Dhabi ont augmenté jusqu’à sept fois. L’augmentation denotre desserte vers Abu Dhabi revêt une importance particulière en raison de notre relation forte et croissante avec notre partenaire actionnaire Etihad Airways, basé à Abu Dhabi, la capitale des Émirats Arabes Unis. Dans le cadre de notre vaste accord de partage de codes, nous sommes en mesure d’offrir à nos passagers des connexions pour les Seychelles qui pourraient mieux leur convenir à partir de 20 destinations à travers l’Europe, l’Afrique, le Moyen-Orient et l’Asie. Cet accord s’est récemment étendu pour inclure des connexions jusqu’à Dublin, la capitale de la République d’Irlande. Nous avons aussi conclu un accord avec airberlin, le septième plus grand transporteur européen, afin d’offrir un plus vaste choix pour voyager entre l’Allemagne et les Seychelles. Maintenant, nos clients peuvent voyager de Düsseldorf ou de Berlin à bord d’airberlin, et effectuer une correspondance à Abu Dhabi pour voyager jusqu’aux Seychelles à bord d’Air Seychelles. En sus de profiter de notre partage de code pour les routes déjà existantes desservies par Etihad Airways, notre clientèle européene dispose maintenant d’un total de 38 choix de vols hebdomadaires de l’Allemagne vers les Seychelles. Chez nous, nous avons rouvert notre boutique hors-taxes ‘Trezor’ à l’aéroport international des Seychelles en lui conférant un look moderne et élégant avec une gamme plus variée de produits de haute qualité de marques tels que Furla, Kipling, Bouton et Buckley. Ainsi, chers clients, ces récentes améliorations mettent dorénavant à votre portée un plus grand choix pour voyager à bord d’Air Seychelles tout en bénéficiant d’un vol plus confortable et plus agréable. Merci d’avoir choisi Air Seychelles. Nous espérons que vous avez apprécié ce voyage et nous souhaitons vous revoir bientôt à bord d’une de nos lignes.

Bon Voyage

Cramer Ball Chief Executive Officer Directeur Général

SILHOUETTE THE IN-FLIGHT MAGAZINE OF AIR SEYCHELLES

Co v e r A fully grown giant robber crab spotted at the legendary Valleé de Mai. Photo © Robert Harding.

VOLUME 24 NUMBER 2

Contents

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Abu Dhabi: An Array of Experiences Forbes and CNN have both declared Abu Dhabi to be the richest city in the world.

Superlative Silhouette

As one of the country’s largest island destinations, Silhouette provides a final stronghold to an astonishing assortment of the archipelago’s rarest fauna and flora.

Founding Publisher: Editorial Director: Editor: Editorial Assistant: Creative Designer: Production Manager: Production Assistant: Editorial Board:

The Legendary Vallée de Mai Seychelles, despite its small size, is the only country on earth that donates the entire income from its number one visitor attraction to nature conservation.

ffFishing: Where Time Stands Still Fish in Seychelles’ pristine waters and enjoy the thrill and challenge of a lifetime!

Mohamed Amin Rukhsana Haq Roger Barnard Cecilia W. Gaitho Charles Kamau Azra Chaudhry, London Rose Judha Rukhsana Haq Adrian Skerrett

Silhouette is published three times a year for Air Seychelles PO Box 386, Mahé, Seychelles Telephone: (248) 4391000 Fax: (248) 4224305 E-mail: pro@airseychelles.com By Camerapix Magazines Limited, PO Box 45048, 00100, GPO Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254 (20) 4448923/4/5 Fax: +254 (20) 4448818 E-mail: creative@camerapix.co.ke

Editorial and Advertising Office: Camerapix Magazines (UK) Limited, 32 Friars Walk, Southgate, London N14 5LP Telephone: +44 (20) 8361 2942 Mobile: +44 79411 21458 E-mail: camerapixuk@btinternet.com Correspondence on editorial and advertising matters may be sent to either of the above addresses. Printed in: Dubai

Regulars • 4 • 67 • 72 • 78

Welcome Aboard English -Creole Worldwide Offices Crossword

• • • •

News

69 Map of Mahé 74 Travel Facts

• 10 • 70 • 76

79 Children’s Page

Golf in Hong Kong Hong Kong boasts a number of excellent golf courses to suit all tastes.

Cascade Discover Cascade, gateway to the splendid southern coast of Mahé as well as a precious source of water.

The Mauritius Regatta Should you find yourself in the vicinity of the Riviére-Noir, head for the beam for you will be well rewarded for attending!

Seychelles: A Marathon Runner’s Paradise This is indeed a place to live – and run – as Nature intended.

Discover Seychelles International Route Map Dining Out

We l c o m e A b o a r d Air Seychelles is pleased to welcome you aboard this flight and hopes that you will enjoy our services. Your cabin crew will do everything possible to make your journey pleasant. Should you need any assistance or information, please do not hesitate to call the cabin crew by pressing the call button located on the armrest of your seat.

Important For your information, use of the following equipment on board is strictly prohibited under any circumstances: • FM/AM/TV transmitters or receivers • Citizens Band Transceivers • Full size Computer Printers • Portable Telephones, (not part of the approved aircraft installation) • Remote Control Toys • Satellite Receivers • Scanners • Walkie Talkies • Wireless Microphones

UNRULY/DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOUR ONBOARD AIR SEYCHELLES’ OWNED/OPERATED AIRCRAFT In terms of International Civil Aviation legislation and regulations, it is an offence for any person to: • Constitute any action that jeopardises or may jeopardise the safety of an aircraft, passenger and/ or crew • Disobey valid instruction from a crew member (safety officer)* • Interfere with the normal operation of the aircraft

There is growing evidence that the above devices generate interference that could directly affect aircraft navigation and control systems.

Hand Baggage Please note that one piece of hand baggage, in addition to a handbag and small camera, may be taken on board. For your own safety, you must place your hand baggage either in the overhead storage compartment or under the seat in front of you. The Cabin Crew will remove hand baggage from passengers seated in exit row areas and this will be returned after take-off should it be required in-flight. Please ensure that the contents do not include any prohibited goods and also ensure contents do not spill out, to avoid injuries to you and your fellow passengers.

Infants and Children Cabin Crew will assist in preparing baby foods. When possible, baby cots are available for infants.

Special Meals Air Seychelles offers a selection of special meals to suit the dietary and religious needs of passengers provided they are requested prior to the flight, preferably at the time of booking. If you wish to order a special meal for your return flight, please make your request when you re-confirm your flight. Special meals are also available for children, if requested in the same way.

Smoking Smoking is not permitted on all Air Seychelles flights.

Safety Safety is our first priority. Please watch attentively the safety video or safety demonstration given by the flight attendants and read the Safety Instruction Card located in the seat pocket in front of you. Seat belts must be fastened for takeoff and landing and when the seat belt sign is illuminated during the flight.

• Assault or wilfully interfere with any member of the crew of the aircraft in the performance of his/ her duties • Ignore warning signs and/or safety signs within the cabin of the aircraft • Wilfully cause damage to an aircraft which renders it incapable of flight or which is likely to endanger its safety in flight • Communicate any information which he/she knows to be false, thereby endangering the safety of an aircraft in service • Commit any nuisance or any disorderly or indecent act or to be in a state of intoxication or behave in a violent or offensive manner to the annoyance of any other person on the aircraft, or use abusive, indecent or offensive language. In terms of Seychelles legislation it is an offence to smoke on any Seychelles registered aircraft. Smoking in the toilet compartments of an aircraft is deemed a safety risk and is lawfully punishable. Any person committing any of these offences while on board an Air Seychelles flight may be arrested at his/her point of arrival and prosecuted in accordance with the applicable Civil Aviation legislation. Such prosecution may result in the imposition of a fine and/or imprisonment. It is the policy of Air Seychelles, in the interest of the safety of the travelling public and our employees, to lay the necessary criminal charges against unruly passengers and to aggressively pursue the successful prosecution of such persons.

Seating Whilst your seat is adjustable, it has to be in the upright position, with the foot-rest and tray table stowed, for take-off and landing. Each seat has an individual reading light, enabling you to read at night without disturbing your neighbour.

Comfort For your comfort, blankets, pillows, socks and eyeshades are available on all overnight flights.

Personal Belongings Before leaving the aircraft, please ensure that you have all your personal belongings with you, remembering to check the overhead lockers as well as the seating areas.

Laboutik Duty Free Sales: Sales of duty free goods are conducted on all international flights, time permitting. Please consult the Laboutik Duty Free Brochure in the seat pocket in front of you. This brochure details the range available and the currencies and credit cards that are accepted.

Electronic Equipment Passengers are requested not to make use of any electronic equipment that could interfere with the navigational equipment on board the aircraft. Please ask the Cabin Crew for assistance.

Spraying Health regulations at Seychelles International Airport require that the aircraft must be sprayed. The spray used conforms to international regulations and presents no danger to your health. However, we suggest you cover your nose and mouth should you feel you may be inconvenienced by the spray.

In-flight Service Our menus are designed to include the wide range of flavours from the Seychelles. Depending on the duration of your flight, one or two meals are served. We offer free drinks on all our flights.

Please note: In terms of International Civil Aviation legislation, the Commander (Captain) of the aircraft is authorised/ empowered to take any action deemed necessary, including restraint, of any person who jeopardises the safety of the aircraft or of persons or property on board. In terms of this authority the commander may request and/or authorise any member of the crew to render assistance in terms of restraint or action against such offenders. In terms of Air Seychelles’ right of refusal of carriage, Air Seychelles reserves the right to refuse boarding to any person who is intoxicated or who, under reasonable grounds, is believed to pose a potential danger to the safety and/or good order and discipline on board its aircraft. The primary function of a crew member is to act as a safety officer on board an aircraft. All Air Seychelles crew members are trained and licensed as safety officers in terms of International Civil Aviation regulations.

We now invite you to sit back, relax and enjoy the Air Seychelles in-flight service.

Bienvenue á bord Air Seychelles est heureuse de vous accueillir à bord et espère que vous serez satisfaits de nos services. Notre équipage de bord fera son possible pour rendre votre voyage agréable. Pour tout renseignement ou aide, n’hésitez pas à appeler les membres de l’équipage en pressant le bouton situé sur l’accoudoir de votre siège.

Confort

Important PRÉVENTION DES COMPORTEMENT S PERTURBATEURS ET DES INDISCIPLINES À BORD DES AÉRONEFS APPARTENANT À AIR SEYCHELLES OU EXPLOITÉS PAR AIR SEYCHELLES.

Pour votre information, l’usage des équipements suivants est formellement interdit à bord sous aucun prétexte: • Emetteurs ou récepteurs FM/AM/TV • Emetteur-récepteur de la citizen band • Imprimantes • Téléphone mobile • Jouets télécommandés • Récepteurs satellitaires • Scanneurs • Talkies-walkies • Micro sans fil

D’après les règlements de l’Aviation Civile Internationale (OACI), toute personne qui:

Il devient de plus en plus évident que ces appareils créent des interférences qui peuvent atteindre les réseaux de navigation et de contrôle de l’avion.

• Perturbe le déroulement normal du vol

• Entreprend une action qui met ou est susceptible de mettre en danger les passagers, l’équipage et/ ou l’appareil • Refuse de se conformer à une injonction d’un membre de l’équipage (officier de sécurité)

• Agresse un membre d’équipage

Bagage en cabine

• Perturbe sciemment le travail de l’équipage

Un seul bagage à main, en plus d’un sac à main et un petit appareil photo, est autorisé à bord. Pour votre confort et votre sécurité, il doit être placé soit dans le compartiment à bagages soit sous le siège juste en face de vous. Les membres de l’équipage s’occuperont des bagages des passagers assis près des portes de sorties. Ils leur seront restitués après le décollage ou pendant le vol en cas de besoin. Veuillez vous assurer que votre bagage à main ne contient pas de marchandises interdites susceptibles de présenter un danger pour vous ou les autres passagers.

• Ne tient pas compte des consignes de sécurité, des signaux lumineux en cabine ou des instructions verbales de l’équipage

Bébés et enfants en bas âge Une hôtesse vous assiste pour la préparation des repas pour bébé et installe un berceau selon la disponibilité à bord.

Repas Air Seychelles vous propose une sélection de menus convenant à votre régime alimentaire (ex. régime végétarien) à condition que vous en fassiez la demande lors de la réservation de votre billet. Si vous désirez un menu spécial ou un menu enfant, veuillez informer votre compagnie aérienne ou votre agent de voyage lorsque vous confirmez votre voyage.

Interdiction de fumer Tous les vols Air Seychelles sont non-fumeurs.

Mesures de sûreté Votre sûreté est notre priorité. Nous vous conseillons de suivre bien attentivement la vidéo sur nos écrans ainsi la démonstration de sécurité effectuée par notre personnel de bord avant le décollage. Il vous est également conseillé de lire les consignes de sécurité sur la fiche rangée dans la poche du siège situé en face de vous. Votre ceinture de sécurité doit être obligatoirement bouclée lors du décollage et de l’atterrissage ou pendant le vol, lorsque le petit voyant, situé au-dessus de votre siège, est allumé.

• Cause volontairement des dommages à l’appareil qui le rendent inexploitable ou qui mettent à risque la sécurité du vol • Communique sciemment des informations fausses, mettant ainsi en danger un vol, son équipage et ses passagers. • A un comportement gênant, perturbateur, indécent, fait preuve de violence à l’égard d’autres personnes, profère des insultes ou des obscénités. Commet une infraction passible de poursuites. Le règlement de l’Aviation Civile Seychelloise stipule qu’il est interdit de fumer à bord de tout avion immatriculé aux Seychelles. Fumer dans les toilettes constitue un risque pour la sécurité et est puni par la loi. Quiconque commettra l’une ou plusieurs de ces infractions sera arrêté à destination et poursuivi en vertu des règles de l’aviation civile concernée et du règlement du transporteur. Ces poursuites peuvent conduire à une amende ou une peine de prison, voire les deux. La politique d’Air Seychelles, dans l’intérêt de ses passagers et de ses employés est de porter systématiquement devant la justice les cas de passagers perturbateurs et d’obtenir leur condamnation.

Sièges Vous pouvez ajuster la position de votre siège en appuyant sur le bouton situé sur l’accoudoir. Cependant, lors du décollage et de l’atterrissage, votre siège doit être obligatoirement redressé, le repose-pieds et la tablette en face de vous, relevés. Chaque siège est pourvu d’un éclairage individuel qui vous permet de lire la nuit sans déranger votre voisin.

Pour votre confort, une couverture, un oreiller, des chaussettes et un masque sont mis à votre disposition.

Effets personnels Avant de débarquer, assurez-vous que vous êtes bien en possession de tous vos effets personnels en vérifiant notamment le compartiment à bagages et votre siège.

Les boutiques de vente hors taxes : Les marchandises exemptes de droits existent sur tous les vols internationaux, si le temps le permet. Consultez, s’il vous plait, la brochure concernée qui se trouve dans la pochette du siège qui vous fait face. Cette brochure donne des détails sur le choix des produits disponibles, les devises et les cartes de crédit qui sont acceptées.

Utilisation d’appareils électroniques Les passagers sont priés de ne pas utiliser d’appareils électroniques susceptibles d’interférer avec les appareils de navigation aérienne à bord. Pour tout renseignement, veuillez vous adresser au personnel de cabine.

Désinsectisation Le règlement sanitaire de l’Aéroport de Mahé exige que l’appareil soit désinsectisé. Le produit utilisé est conforme aux normes internationales et ne présente aucun danger pour la santé ; cependant, si vous pensez qu’il peut vous incommoder, nous vous prions de bien vouloir vous couvrir la bouche et le nez avec un mouchoir.

A bord Nos menus vous feront découvrir en avant-garde les saveurs uniques des îles Seychelles. Selon la durée de vol, un ou deux repas seront servis à bord. Pendant toute la durée du vol, le service bar vous propose gratuitement des boissons fraîches.

Veuillez également noter que: D’après les règles de l’Aviation Civile Internationale (OACI), le Commandant de Bord est habilité et a le pouvoir de prendre toutes les mesures nécessaires pour assurer la sécurité des personnes et de leurs biens ainsi que celle de l’appareil, y compris la privation de mouvement pour quiconque pourrait menacer cette sécurité. Dans le cadre de ses fonctions, le Commandant de Bord peut demander à un ou plusieurs membres d’équipage de l’assister dans cette tâche, voire la déléguer pour neutraliser ceux qui commettraient des infractions. Air Seychelles s’octroie également le droit, conformément à ses conditions générales de transport de refuser l’embarquement à toute personne qui serait sous l’emprise de la drogue et/ou de l’alcool, ou qui représente un danger pour la sécurité, l’ordre et la discipline à bord. La première fonction des navigants est d’agir comme «officier de sécurité» à bord. Tous les membres d’ équipages d’Air Seychelles sont formés et certifiés «officier de sécurité» au sens des règlements de l’Organisation Internationale e l’Aviation Civile.

Nous vous invitons à vous installer confortablement, Vous détendre et profiter du service à bord d’Air Seychelles.

News

INCREASED INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS, ENHANCED CONNECTIVITY Air Seychelles has made significant changes to its international schedule with an additional service to Johannesburg, Abu Dhabi and Mauritius, bringing three services per week to Mauritius, Johannesburg and seven services per week to Abu Dhabi. Together with the new Hong Kong services, the new schedule has effectively doubled the airline’s weekly international services, from eight to 16. With the new schedule, Johannesburg’s three weekly return services have moved to daytime departures and arrivals, greatly enhancing connectivity across South Africa, particularly to Cape Town and Durban. Abu Dhabi services have increased from four to seven return flights per week, supporting Air Seychelles’ codeshare operations with Etihad Airways to Europe, Middle East, Asia and the new Hong Kong services. Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways’ combined schedule of 10 services per week now brings daily services to the Seychelles-Abu Dhabi route, with greatly enhanced connectivity over the Abu Dhabi hub. The new schedule enhances connections to key emerging markets for Seychelles tourism, including destinations across the Middle East and Australasia. Connections throughout the Middle East have increased from 69 to 87 per week, connections to Asia from 190 to 217 per week and connections to Australasia from 20 to 26 per week. Cramer Ball, Air Seychelles Chief Executive Officer, said: “By bringing additional flights to these high-demand markets and increasing our connectivity to emerging markets we are creating a solid foundation for the future of Air Seychelles, Seychelles tourism and our home economy. The new schedule supports the launch of our services to Hong Kong, marking our re-entry into Asia, a vibrant and booming region which can be a huge driver of tourism to the Seychelles. These are essential components of the plan which will see Air Seychelles established as a high-quality, profitable airline, as well as the carrier of choice within the Indian Ocean.”

AIR SEYCHELLES MAKES STRONG TURNAROUND, SHOWING FIRST PROFIT IN THREE YEARS Just 12 months after Etihad Airways acquired a 40 per cent stake in Air Seychelles and was awarded a five-year management contract, the national airline announced a net profit of US$ 1 million for 2012. The profit came as a direct result of introducing strict fiscal controls in parallel with a re-engineering of the business, entailing the renegotiation of contracts for catering, ground handling, maintenance and in-flight entertainment as well as the conclusion of contracts for fuel, uniforms and stationary supplies, all of which contributed towards enhanced service and significantly reduced costs. To further improve connectivity with partner airlines, the Air Seychelles network was expanded via 19 codeshare destinations with Etihad Airways opening up key European markets and introducing four flights a week to Abu Dhabi. A recently announced codeshare with airberlin will further expand the growing Air Seychelles’ network throughout Europe. Network expansion has been accompanied by investment in product and service enhancements among which is the introduction of a new international in-flight product and a world-class business class experience featuring on-demand dining and fully lieflat seats making Air Seychelles the only airline to provide this facility into Seychelles. In-flight entertainment has also been upgraded with every seat now offering videoon-demand and expanded movie selections. The year also witnessed the integration of the frequent flyer programme, Seychelles Plus, with Etihad Guest, creating exciting offers and opportunities for its members. Staff have benefitted from extensive and ongoing training in Seychelles and at Etihad Airway’s state-of-the-art Training Academy in Abu Dhabi. To date, 136 cabin crew have gone for training in Abu Dhabi in the interests of offering an enhanced service. Twenty-nine pilots have also been fully trained on the A330-200. An ongoing programme will select Seychellois candidates for career development programmes in Abu Dhabi.

AIR SEYCHELLES ADDS DUBLIN TO ITS CODESHARE NETWORK Air Seychelles continues to build its presence in Europe with an expansion of its codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways to Dublin, Ireland. With the agreement, the Air Seychelles’ two-letter ‘HM’ code will be placed on Etihad Airways flights between Abu Dhabi and Dublin, complementing the island carrier’s current European codeshares with Etihad Airways to Brussels, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich, Geneva, London, Manchester, Milan, and Paris. The expansion comes at a time when tourism figures from the UK and Eire (Republic of Ireland) to the archipelago have been surging, with visitor arrivals from United Kingdom and Eire up 21 per cent from a year ago. Overall European visitor arrivals are up 14% from 2012. Etihad Airways operates10 weekly flights from Abu Dhabi to Dublin, and guests of Air Seychelles will connect to all 10 services on the combined Air Seychelles – Etihad Airways network to Seychelles.

AIR SEYCHELLES AND ETIHAD AIRWAYS IN FORUM TO BOOST TOURISM TO SEYCHELLES Senior representatives from Air Seychelles, Etihad Airways, the Seychelles Tourism Board and Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority met in a joint strategy forum at the Banyan Tree Resort & Spa to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Seychelles tourism industry. Attending the forum were Air Seychelles’ board members headed by Seychelles’ Minister for Home Affairs and Transport, Joel Morgan; Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, James Hogan and his team; Principal Secretary for Tourism, Sherin Naiken; Air Seychelles CEO Cramer Ball and senior airline officials as well as representatives from the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA). All parties agreed that the tourism board and civil aviation authority had done an impressive job in creating demand for travel to the Seychelles through focused marketing initiatives and a liberal air transport policy and that further collaboration between the Golden Triangle of tourism, the national airline and the civil aviation authority will be the way forward. During the course of the one-day meeting, participants analysed opportunities for future growth, examined the various unique selling points of the destination and their strong appeal to an ever-widening demographic of visitor. The forum also looked at the various challenges facing Seychelles’ tourism industry and how these might be tackled.

T i k-T i k

PRESIDENT JAMES MICHEL WELCOMES AIR SEYCHELLES’ AIRBUS A330-200

James Michel, President of the Republic of the Seychelles, was the airline’s guest of honour at the Seychelles International Airport to welcome Air Seychelles’ second Airbus A330-200. The new aircraft, named Vallée de Mai in honour of Seychelles’ second UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Natural World Heritage Site, was operated by an allSeychellois crew. At the controls were Captain Paul Belle and First Officer Hervé Morel, with the cabin managed by nine Air Seychelles cabin crew. The Seychellois-operated flight was a significant milestone for the airline, which only a year ago retired its aging Boeing aircraft and retrained all pilots and cabin crew to operate the Airbus A330. Equity partner Etihad Airways provided the training at its world-class facilities in Abu Dhabi. With the national flag waving from the cockpit windows, the aircraft arrived to be greeted by a traditional water cannon salute. Also present to witness the arrival were Former President James Mancham, Vice President Danny Faure, Minister for Home Affairs and Transport Joel Morgan, Cabinet Ministers, government officials, diplomats, members of the National Assembly and Air Seychelles Chief Executive Officer Cramer Ball. The arrival of Vallée de Mai was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony by President James Michel followed by a tour of the aircraft and a traditional blessing ceremony. Cramer Ball, Air Seychelles’ Chief Executive Officer said: “This is a proud milestone in the history of Air Seychelles. I feel particularly proud for our Seychellois crew members, who have worked so hard and come so far to create a new and revitalised Air Seychelles. We could not have accomplished this without the support of our partner, Etihad Airways. “Vallée de Mai allows us to enhance vastly our flexibility and scheduling options, including flying into new markets such as Hong Kong, and increasing frequencies across our existing international routes, whilst reducing transit times and increasing connectivity”. President James Michel congratulated the crew and expressed his pride in the momentous occasion. “It brings me great happiness and pride to welcome Air Seychelles’ second Airbus A330 aircraft. This is a clear demonstration that we are on the right track. The new Air Seychelles, which has emerged from a strong and rewarding partnership with Etihad Airways, epitomises the forward-looking policy for our country’s economic infrastructure and facilities.” Joel Morgan, Air Seychelles Chairman, praised the airline for another historic achievement: “Our partnership with Etihad proves that a small airline can be part of a larger equity partnership without losing its soul and its essence. And on the contrary, it can share a common and laudable vision of being a quality and profitable partner, providing inroads into new markets to the benefit of both partners. The recovery of Air Seychelles not only contributes to the success of the airline and of our economy but as importantly, it improves the destination image of our country. It may seem obvious that we are fighting for Air Seychelles but in fact, we are actually fighting for Seychelles”.

TREZOR REOPENS ITS DOORS WITH SLEEKER LOOK ‘Trezor’, the Air Seychelles duty free shop in the Seychelles International Airport departure lounge reopened its doors after three weeks’ renovation. The revamped shop flaunts a new modern and sleek look and our guests can now enjoy a new range of exclusive duty free products featuring brands such as Furla, Kipling, Bouton, Buckley amongst others at competitive prices.

Air Seychelles Launches Inaugural Flight to Hong Kong After months of preparation and only days after receiving the newest addition to its fleet (the second Airbus 330-200, aptly named Vallée de Mai) Air Seychelles launched its inaugural flight to Hong Kong on 24 March 2013 with some 70 invited guests aboard from government, Seychelles’ tourism trade and the local and international press. This historic inaugural flight came as an emphatic endorsement of Air Seychelles’ enhanced capacity to take on new routes and, in collaboration with the Seychelles Tourism Board and members of the trade, boost tourism to Seychelles by further penetrating the Chinese market which is already witnessing significant growth.

The flight touched down in Hong Kong on March 25 under a traditional water salute followed by two days of events arranged by Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways. A Press Conference was organised at the Ritz Carlton Hotel where Ministers Joel Morgan and Alain St. Ange were joined by Air Seychelles’ CEO Cramer Ball and head of Etihad Commercial Peter Baumgartner in delivering addresses highlighting the significance of the new flight before answering questions from members of the press.

There was a distinct Chinese ambiance in evidence at the Seychelles International Airport prior to take off where a reception was held at the airline’s business lounge at which the Chinese Ambassador to Seychelles H.E. Mr. Shi Zhongjun made the opening address followed by Joel Morgan, Minister for the Interior & Transport; Mr. Alain St. Ange, the Minister for Tourism & Culture and Mr. Cramer Ball, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Air Seychelles. This was followed by a cocktail reception later in the evening at the same venue where the Seychelles delegation were given the opportunity to mingle with members of the Hong Kong trade and media in the refined ambiance of the hotel’s Ozone bar which had been especially decorated for the occasion.

After the short flight to Abu Dhabi where a ribbon cutting ceremony was conducted with senior officials from Etihad Airways and Air Seychelles and where the aircraft was also greeted with a water cannon salute, it then took to the skies, heading east on its historic flight to Hong Kong.

The following day, the press corps was treated to a familiarisation trip of Hong Kong organised by the Hong Kong Tourist Board while the Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways teams, members of the trade and the Seychelles Tourism Board conducted a number of workshops designed to further raise the profile of the islands in this new destination before setting off to Seychelles by return flight on the morning of 28 March 2013.

Now life begins at 40

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Discover Seychelles The Islands

Discover Seychelles

ar from any continental land mass, the islands of Seychelles have long been likened to a string of pearls set in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. No wonder that the slogan of this proud nation, one of the world’s prime holiday destinations, is ‘Not just another place, another world ‘. And it is delivered with an invitation that no normal person can resist, an invitation to ‘Discover the Islands’, which lie just four degrees south of the Equator and are literally 1,000 miles from anywhere. As the world becomes ever smaller, Seychelles is becoming increasingly accessible to holiday-makers from around the globe. With the greatest of ease, Air Seychelles whisks an ever increasing number of visitors from Europe, Africa, the Far East and the Middle East to sample the many and varied delights of the islands. Within these few square kilometres is a land of colourful contrasts; the bleached granite rocks, thrusting up from the sea like the peaks of a sunken mountain range lie in the shadow of lush tropical vegetation clinging to steep mountain sides. In the middle of a beach of white coral sand, a sudden upthrust of granite resembles a scene from the film 2001: A Space Odyssey. The people of the islands reflect these same dramatic contrasts. A description of a typical Seychellois is impossible; their ancestors include British and French seamen, freed African slaves, and Indian and Chinese merchants. Their skin tone can be fair or dark, their hair blonde or black, their eyes blue or brown. But they all share a gentle and cheerful character, combined with a nature as warm and welcoming as their island home.

Discover Seychelles Les Îles

A la Découverte des les

loignées de toute masse continentale, les îles Seychelles ont longtemps été comparées à un chapelet de perles dans les eaux bleues de l’océan indien. Pas étonnant que le slogan de cette fière nation, dont le pays est l’une des destinations de vacances les plus prisées dans le monde, soit ‘Pas juste un autre endroit, un autre monde’. Et celui-ci s’accompagne d’une invitation à laquelle aucune personne normalement constituée ne peut résister, une invitation ‘à la découverte des îles’, situées à seulement quatre degrés de latitude en dessous de l’équateur et littéralement à mille lieues de tout autre endroit. Au fur et à mesure que le monde rétrécit, les Seychelles deviennent de plus en plus accessibles aux agences de voyage et aux tours opérateurs du monde entier. Air Seychelles emmène ainsi chaque année avec la plus grande facilité un nombre croissant de visiteurs d’Europe, d’Afrique, du Proche Orient et de l’extrême Orient pour goûter aux délices nombreux et variés de ces îles. Parmi ces quelques kilomètres carrés de terres se trouve un pays de contrastes colorés: les rochers de granite , surgissant de la mer comme les pics d’une chaîne de montagnes engloutie, gisent dans l’ombre d’une végétation tropicale luxuriante s’accrochant jusqu’aux versants abrupts des montagnes. Au milieu d’une plage de sable corallien blanc, la présence d’un monolithe de granite fait penser à une scène du célèbre film: 2001, Odyssée de l’Espace. Les gens qui peuplent ces îles montrent un contraste tout aussi saisissant. Décrire un Seychellois typique est ainsi impossible, car leurs ancêtres sont des marins français et britanniques, des esclaves africains affranchis, des marchands indiens et chinois. Le teint de peau des Seychellois peut être aussi bien clair que foncé, leurs cheveux blonds ou bruns, leurs yeux bleus ou marrons. Mais ils partagent tous un même caractère doux et gai, ainsi qu’une façon d’être aussi chaleureuse et accueillante que leurs îles natales.

Discover Seychelles The Islands

History of Seychelles

he history of Seychelles could have come straight out of a story book: a tale of intrepid explorers, fearsome pirates and brutal battles for the islands’ bountiful treasures. The first serious exploration took place only in 1742, but early navigators, such as the Indonesians and Arabs, probably arrived before this time in search of fresh water and food. These visitors did not leave physical evidence of their passing, unless it was they who introduced the casuarina tree and coconut palm. It is possible that Arab merchants knew Seychelles as the source of the rare and valuable coco de mer nuts and came here to collect them, keeping the location secret so that they could sell them at inflated prices. Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer, sailed through the Amirantes group in 1503, en route from India, and might also have sighted the granitic islands. In 1506 another Portuguese navigator, Fernao Soares, recorded the islands, which appear regularly on charts after this date as the ‘Seven Sisters’. The British made their first appearance on Seychelles in 1609 when the ships Ascension and Good Hope arrived at Mahé during an expedition for the British East India Company. They made no claim to the islands, which remained uninhabited, although they might have been used as a secret refuge by pirates, who add a touch of drama and mystery to their story. In 1742 the Frenchman, Lazare Picault, landed on Mahé at Anse Boileau (not Baie Lazare, which now bears his name). He named the islands after Mahé de Labourdonnais, the governor of Mauritius, who had sent him. Fourteen years later, Mahé and the inner islands were formally claimed in the name of the King of France. Mahé was named Isle Séchelles, which later became the name of the group. The origin of the name is unclear; it might have been in honour of Moreau de Séchelles, a former controller-general of finance in France, but, as he was disgraced at the time, it seems more likely to have been a tribute to members of his family who were related through marriage to the governor of Mauritius. The Stone of Possession, which was set above the entrance to the port, is now in the National Museum. In 1768, the French also claimed Praslin, named after their marine minister, the Duke of Praslin. La Digue and Curieuse were named after the ships which visited the islands at this time. In 1770 settlers arrived on St Anne from Mauritius. They later abandoned this settlement and moved across to Mahé. In 1772, Pierre Poivre sent spice plants to Seychelles, hoping to establish them there and allow France to compete with the Dutch in the valuable spice trade. Chevalier Quéau de Quincy was appointed administrator of Seychelles in 1794. During the long revolutionary wars between Britain and France, several British men-of-war called at Seychelles. Having no means of defence, Quincy was forced to capitulate to the British seven times. These capitulations were a form of ‘temporary surrender with honour’, with favourable terms for Seychelles skillfully negotiated by Quincy. At the end of the war Mauritius and Seychelles were ceded to the British under the Treaty of Paris. The British recognised Quincy’s abilities and kept him on as juge de paix of the colony until his death in 1827. He is buried in the grounds of State House. In 1903 Seychelles became a crown colony in its own right, detached from Mauritius. From 1861, slaves liberated from Arab dhows off East Africa were brought to Seychelles to begin new lives, swelling the population by nearly 3,000. Two world wars during the 20th century touched Seychelles only lightly, but times were changing fast. The embryo of the first political party, the Taxpayers’ Association, was formed in 1939. In March 1975, a new constitution was drawn up and a coalition government established ready for independence in June 1976, when James Mancham

became President and Albert René Prime Minister. Following a coup d’état in 1977, Seychelles became a one-party state, with Albert René as president and the Seychelles’ People’s Progressive Front as the ruling party. Multi-party elections were restored in 1993, when René was again returned as President, with Mancham (Democratic Party) leader of the opposition. René was re-elected in 1998, and also at the early elections called in 2001, where the opposition, led by Wavel Ramkalawan (Seychelles National Party), obtained a high percentage. René retired in April 2004 and handed over the presidency to his Vice President, James Michel, who was re-elected in July 2006. Seychelles has a population of about 85,000. Its people are descended from the original French settlers, their African slaves, the liberated slaves rescued from slavers in the 19th century, and some British settlers. This melting pot has been enriched by traders from India and China, intermingling to produce an almost unparalleled and multifaceted community, yet one that is completely integrated. The Seychelles’ rich racial blend is reflected in its varied culture and food. Music brought to the islands by the European settlers and played on violins or accordions has blended with the beat of the tomtom, the makalapo (a stringed instrument with a tin for a sound box), the bom (a bowed instrument), and the sez (a monochord sitar). A typical Seychelles dance is the moutias which blends African and Malagasy rhythms in a popular communal dance usually staged at night around a fire. European influences can be seen in the contre-danse, which has its roots in the court of Louis XIV of France, the Sun King, and the mazok and kosez, which are reminiscent of the waltz and the quadrille. The main language of the islands is Creole, but most people speak English and some French. Creole is a phonetic language, similar to that found in other territories where there has been French influence, such as Mauritius and New Orleans. French words were given a harder pronunciation and syllables which were not pronounced were dropped altogether. Thus Bonjour (Good morning) becomes Bonzour and s’il vous plait (please) becomes sivouple. The spiritual life of the Seychellois ranges from the centuries-old local magic, called gris-gris, to the far reaching influence of the Roman Catholic Church. Often these beliefs run alongside each other. Many local people still consult their bonnomn dibwa, or medicine man, seeking spells or potions for love, luck or revenge. However, the Seychellois are also avid church-goers and consider church a particularly social occasion. The Seychellois are never in a hurry. There is always time for a chat or a smile. Their lifestyle is characterised by a warm, happy-go-lucky attitude that foreign influences have been unable to dampen or disturb.

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Discover Seychelles The Islands

L’histoire des Seychelles

’histoire des Seychelles pourrait sortir tout droit d’un livre de contes: un récit d’explorateurs intrépides, de pirates n’ayant peur de rien, et de brutales batailles pour les nombreux trésors de ces îles. La première exploration sérieuse prit place en 1742, mais des navigateurs anciens tels que les Indonésiens ou les Arabes visitèrent probablement les Seychelles bien avant en quête de nourriture et d’eau douce. Ces visiteurs ne laissèrent pas de traces de leur passage, bien qu’on leur attribue l’introduction du Casuarina et du Cocotier. Il est possible que les marchands arabes aient visité régulièrement ces îles pour y récolter les rares et précieux Coco-de -mer, et qu’ils aient tenu leur emplacement secret afin de pouvoir vendre ces noix encore plus cher. Vasco de Gama, l’explorateur portugais qui navigua à travers l’archipel des Amirantes en 1503 sur sa route vers l’Inde, a peut-être lui-aussi pu voir les îles granitiques. En 1506, un autre navigateur portugais, Fernao Soares, nota la présence de ces îles qui, après son passage, figurèrent régulièrement sur les cartes comme ‘Les Sept Sœurs’. Les Britanniques firent leur première apparition aux Seychelles en 1609, lorsque les bateaux Ascension et Good Hope (Bonne Espérance) arrivèrent à Mahé au cours d’une expédition de la British East India Company (Compagnie britannique des Indes orientales). Ils ne revendiquèrent pas la propriété de ces îles, qui restèrent inhabitées, bien qu’elles aient pu être utilisées comme refuge secret par certains pirates, ce qui rajoute une touche de drame et de mystère à leur histoire. En 1742, le Français Lazare Picault débarqua à Mahé à Anse Boileau (et non pas Baie Lazare, qui aujourd’hui porte son nom). Il nomma l’île d’après Mahé de Labourdonnais, gouverneur de l’Ile Maurice, qui l’avait envoyé. Quatorze années plus tard, Mahé et les îles proches furent officiellement revendiquées par le roi de France. Mahé fut nommée Isle Séchelles, nom qui par la suite fut donné à l’archipel en entier. L’origine de ce nom n’est pas claire. Il est possible qu’il ait été donné en honneur de Moreau de Séchelles, un ancien contrôleur général des Finances en France, mais vu que celui-ci était déjà tombé en disgrâce à cette époque, il semble plus probable qu’il s’agisse d’un hommage à des membres de sa famille devenus parents par mariage avec le gouverneur de Maurice. La Pierre de Possession, qui fut érigée à l’entrée du port, est maintenant exposée au Musée d’Histoire. En 1768, les Français revendiquèrent aussi Praslin, nommée d’après le ministre de la marine de l’époque, le Duc de Praslin. La Digue et Curieuse furent nommées d’après des navires de l’époque qui visitèrent les îles. En 1770, les premiers colons en provenance de l’Ile de France (aujourd’hui Maurice) débarquèrent à Sainte Anne. Ils abandonnèrent ensuite ce premier établissement et s’installèrent en face sur Mahé. En 1772, Pierre Poivre envoya des plants d’épices aux Seychelles, avec l’espoir de pouvoir les y faire pousser et faire ainsi la concurrence aux Hollandais dans le commerce lucratif des épices. Le Chevalier Quéau de Quincy fut nommé Administrateur des Seychelles en 1794. Pendant les longues années de guerre de la période révolutionnaire entre la Grande Bretagne et la France, plusieurs hommes de guerre britanniques se présentèrent aux Seychelles. N’ayant aucun moyen de défense, Quincy fut forcé de capituler devant les Anglais plusieurs fois. Ces capitulations étaient une forme de ‘reddition temporaire avec honneur’, et s’accompagnaient de conditions favorables aux Seychelles habilement négociées par Quincy. A la fin de la guerre, les Seychelles et Maurice furent cédées aux Britanniques par le Traité de Paris. Ces derniers reconnurent les capacités

de Quincy et le gardèrent comme juge de paix de la colonie, jusqu’à sa mort en 1827. A partir de 1861, des esclaves libérés des marchands arabes au large des côtes d’Afrique de l’Est furent amenés aux Seychelles pour y commencer de nouvelles vies, grossissant la population d’environ 3,000 personnes. Les deux guerres mondiales du 20ème siècle n’affectèrent que peu les Seychelles, mais les temps changeaient rapidement. Ainsi l’embryon du premier parti politique, l’Association des Contribuables’, fut formé en 1939. En mars 1975, une nouvelle constitution fut établie et un gouvernement de coalition constitué afin de préparer l’indépendance en 1976; James Mancham devint Président de la République et France Albert René le Premier ministre. A la suite d’un coup d’Etat en 1977, les Seychelles adoptèrent un système à parti unique avec Albert René comme Président et le Front Progressiste du Peuple Seychellois comme parti dirigeant. Le multipartisme fut ré-introduit avec les élections de 1993, où René fut élu président et Mancham devint chef de l’opposition. René fut à nouveau réélu en 1998 ainsi qu’aux élections anticipées de 2001, où l’opposition conduite par Wavel Ramkalawan (Parti National Seychellois) obtint un score élevé. René se retira en Avril 2004 et passa le pouvoir à son vice-Président, James Michel, qui fut ensuite réélu en Juillet 2006. Les Seychelles ont une population d’environ 85,000 habitants, qui sont les descendants des premiers colons français, de leurs esclaves africains, des esclaves libérés des trafiquants au cours du 19ème siècle, et de quelques colons britanniques. Ce creuset racial et culturel s’est ensuite enrichi avec les apports de marchands venus d’Inde et de Chine, le tout se mélangeant pour produire une communauté à multiples facettes quasiment inégalée et complètement harmonieuse. Le riche mélange racial des Seychelles est reflété par sa culture et sa cuisine diversifiée. La musique amenée par les colons européens, jouée sur des violons ou des accordéons s’est mêlée aux sons des tam-tams, du ‘makalapo’ (un instrument à cordes utilisant une boite de conserve comme caisse de résonance), le ‘bom’ (un instrument arqué), et le ‘sez’ (une cithare monocorde). La ‘Moutia’ est une danse typique des Seychelles, qui mêle les rythmes africains et malgaches en une danse populaire de groupe normalement pratiquée la nuit autour d’un feu. On ressent les influences européennes dans la contredanse, qui puise ses racines à la cour du roi français Louis XIV, le Roi Soleil, et dans le ‘mazok’ et la ‘kosez’, qui rappellent la valse et le quadrille. Le principal langage parlé dans les îles est le Créole, mais la plupart des gens parlent aussi l’anglais et le français. Le Créole est une langue phonétique, similaire à celle rencontré dans les autres territoires jadis sous influence française, comme Maurice ou la Nouvelle-Orléans. On a donné aux mots français une prononciation plus simplifiée et on a laissé tomber les syllabes qui ne se prononçaient pas. Ainsi Bonjour devient ‘Bonzour’ en Créole, et s’il vous plait ‘sivouple’. La vie spirituelle des Seychellois s’étend de la magie locale séculaire, appelée ‘gris-gris’, à l’influence dominante de l’Eglise Catholique. Souvent ces croyances se côtoient. Beaucoup de personnes consultent encore leur ‘Bonnonm dibwa’, ou sorcier, à la recherche de potions ou de sorts pour l’amour, la chance ou la revanche. Cependant, les Seychellois fréquentent assidûment les églises et considèrent le fait d’y aller comme un évènement social important. Les Seychellois ne sont jamais pressés. Il y a toujours du temps pour parler ou pour un sourire. Leur style de vie est caractérisé par une attitude insouciante et chaleureuse que les influences extérieures ont été incapables d’abattre ou d’altérer.

Discover Seychelles The Islands

Mahé The main island of Seychelles is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and impressive in the world. Each of its 70 beaches has a different character; the rock formations behind them are a dramatic contrast and a beautiful backdrop for the architectural elegance of the hotels. Mahé covers roughly 150 square kilometres and is 27 kilometres long and seven kilometres wide. Considering its mountainous interior, covered with lush vegetation, it is small wonder that the island’s original name was Ile d’Abondance. The highest point, Morne Seychellois, is 930 metres above sea level. Even high up in the interior the roads are good. There are plenty of opportunities for walks through winding paths to appreciate the lush flora and fauna at close quarters, especially in the Morne Seychellois National Park. The airport, south of Victoria, is built on reclaimed land. Landing there is an interesting experience – offering stunning views of the verdant island and its coastline. Victoria, the national capital with a population of some 20,000, is spread around a large bay at the foot of Morne Seychellois and the Trois Frères. This small town is the islands’ economic and administrative hub, as well as their only international port. The clock tower in the city centre is a replica of the clock that stands at the junction of Victoria street and Vauxhall Bridge Road in central London. Erected as a memorial to Queen Victoria in 1903, the Seychelles clock tower is today more readily associated with the declaration that year of Seychelles as a Crown colony. A more modern structure, just outside the old town centre, is a huge sculpture by Lorenzo Appiani – the Bicentennial Monument – representing the three continents from which the Seychelles people originate. If you want to arrange a meeting place, however, the locals tend to use the Pirate’s Arms on Independence Avenue, where one can have a drink or a meal. The first hotel in Seychelles was built not far away, at the intersection of Poudrière street and Francis Rachel street. While no one street is best for souvenir shopping, there are clusters of shops and

boutiques near the traffic lights and the taxi rank, and in the arcade on Francis Rachel street. There are also boutiques in the Temooljee building in the same street, near the Pirate’s Arms and at the foot of Independence Avenue. Local crafts can also be purchased at the kiosks on Francis Rachel street and on Market street. The new Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market, which was opened in 1999, is noted for its noisy and colourful atmosphere, especially on Saturday mornings. Red chillies, flavoured with garlic and ginger (mazavarou) will give a special ‘Creole touch’ to your dishes. There are two national museums in Victoria – the Natural History Museum, ‘guarded’ by a large cement crocodile and a dugong, on Independence Avenue, and the National History Museum, together with the National Library and Archives are located near Le Chantier roundabout while the Botanical Gardens are on the Mont Fleuri Road, next to the Hospital. Departure point for many of the island excursions is the Marine Charter Association wharf, next to the Yacht Club. There are two cathedrals (one Roman Catholic and one Anglican), one Hindu temple and a Mosque in Victoria. Then there are the beaches, the glory of Seychelles. The east coast, on which the airport is situated, has long beaches such as Anse Marie-Louise, but there are also many small beaches, some of which you can call your own at times. Those wishing to avoid crowds will also like Anse Intendance on the south coast, but caution should be observed here and at several other beaches because of strong currents. It is advisable to check on local conditions before swimming or snorkelling. Most beaches, however, are perfectly safe, such as Anse à la Mouche, a large palm-fringed bay with shallow waters, ideal for swimming and snorkelling. There are more interesting beaches, such as Barbarons and Port Glaud, Ile Thérèse, Port Launay Marine National Park or Anse Major (in the National Park near Bel Ombre). Care should be taken with strong currents when snorkelling off nearby Anse Takamaka. Slightly north is Baie Lazare, with its dramatic granite backdrop. To many, the king of beaches is Beau Vallon, in the north of the island – a huge three kilometres (two miles) long curve of white sand with crystalclear water that is especially calm and welcoming. Several hotels on Beau Vallon offer excellent watersports and diving facilities.

Discover Seychelles The Islands

Mahé L’île principale des Seychelles est, sans aucun doute, l’une des plus belles îles du monde avec ses 70 plages au caractère particulier. Les magnifiques formations rocheuses, qui séparent les plages de l’intérieur de l’île, resemblent à un décor de théâtre dans lequel se fond l’élégante architecture des hôtels. Mahé couvre environ 150 kilomètres carrés, mesurant 27 kilomètres de long et 7 kilomètres de large. L’abondante végétation qui recouvre son relief montagneux lui a valu autrefois le nom d’Ile d’Abondance. Le point culminant de cette île s’élève à 930 mètres au-dessus du niveau de la mer. Le réseau routier est carrossable jusque dans les coins les plus reculés de l’intérieur. De nombreux chemins de promenades à pied permettent d’admirer de près la flore et la faune de l’île, en particulier dans le Parc National du Morne Seychellois. Au sud de Victoria, la capitale, se trouve l’aéroport de Mahé. Le seul fait d’y atterrir est une expérience inoubliable à cause de la vue magnifique que l’on a de l’île verdoyante et de sa côte. Victoria, avec sa population d’environ 20,000 habitants, s’étend le long d’une baie au pied du Morne Seychellois et des Trois Frères. Cette ville minuscule est le centre administratif et financier des Seychelles ainsi que le seul port de l’île. La tour de l’horloge est une copie miniature de celle située à l’intersection de Victoria Street et Vauxhall Bridge Road près de la gare Victoria à Londres. Elle fût édifiée en 1903 en hommage à la reine Victoria. Mais aujourd’hui, elle est plutôt considérée comme un symbole de l’élévation des Seychelles au rang de colonie de la Couronne, indépendante de l’Ile Maurice. La monumentale sculpture du bicentenaire de Lorenzo Appiani au centre de la ville, représente les trois continents dont le peuple Seychellois est originaire: l’Europe, l’Afrique et l’Asie. Le Pirates Arms, sur la place de l’Indépendance, est un lieu de rencontre populaire où l’on peut boire et se restaurer. Bien qu’aucune rue en particulier ne soit la meilleure pour l’achat de souvenirs il y a bon nombre de boutiques au voisinage des uniques feux de circulation de l’île, près de la station de taxis, et dans la rue Francis Rachel. Il y a aussi des boutiques intéressantes dans l’édifice Temooljee situé dans la même rue, près du Pirates Arms, et au début de l’avenue de l’Indépendance.

Le site du premier hôtel qui fut construit aux Seychelles se trouve à l’intersection de la rue de la Poudrière et de la rue Francis Rachel. Le “Marine Charter Association”, proche du cercle nautique, est le point de départ de nombreuses excursions. La rue du Marché est fascinante avec ses étalages de produits locaux et de souvenirs, son ambiance bruyante et colorée, en particulier les samedis matins. Les piments rouges, assaisonnés d’ail et de gingembre (mazavarou), en vente au marché (entièrement rénové en 1999), ne manqueront pas de relever votre cuisine d’une touche créole. On trouve à Victoria deux cathédrales (une catholique et une anglicane), un temple hindou et une mosquée. Le Musée d’Histoire Naturelle, gardé par son crocodile et son Dugong en ciment, se trouve dans l’avenue de l’Indépendance, tandis que le Musée National d’Histoire, où est exposée la Pierre de Possession française, la Bibliothèque et les Archives Nationales se situent dans la rue Francis Rachel, et le Jardin Botanique sur la route de Mont-Fleuri, près de l’Hôpital. Et puis, bien sûr, il y a les plages, la fierté de l’île. Sur la côte est, au Sud de l’aéroport, s’étendent de grandes plages telle que l’Anse Marie Louise ainsi que de plus petites plages souvent désertes. L’Anse Intendance, sur la côte sud, fait parfaitement l’affaire de ceux qui préfèrent se tenir à l’écart des foules, quoique les baignades y soient quelque peu dangereuses de mai à septembre. De même, il faut être prudent lorsque l’on fait de la plongée ou du P.M.T. (Palme-Masque-Tuba) au large de l’Anse Takamaka et plus généralement tout le long de la côte sud et ouest de l’île, en raison des courants qui peuvent y être dangereux. Un peu plus au Nord, se trouve Baie Lazare, avec son arrière-plan de granite tout à fait spectaculaire. En remontant la côte ouest, il est conseillé d’accéder à la plage suivante, la merveilleuse Anse Soleil, par un chemin pédestre, avant de se diriger vers Anse à la Mouche, une grande plage bordée de palmiers dont l’eau peu profonde en fait un lieu idéal pour la baignade ou le P.M.T. Il y a bien d’autres magnifiques plages, dont Barbarons, Port Glaud, et l’Ile Thérèse, Port Launay ou Anse Major (à laquelle on accède via Bel Ombre) qui sont des Parcs nationaux. La reine des plages, pour beaucoup de personnes, c’est celle de Beau Vallon, au Nord de l’île. Celle-ci se présente comme une longue promenade de trois kilomètres de sable blanc, caressée par une eau claire particulièrement accueillante et calme. On trouvera là plusieurs hôtels offrant tout l’équipement nécessaire aux sports nautiques.

Discover Seychelles Les Îles

Cerf

L’île aux Cerfs

This lush island is 15 minutes by boat from Mahé. Its north coast, which lies at the edge of the marine park, has a superb coral reef, ideal for snorkelling or scuba-diving. The interior is home to giant tortoises and flying foxes. Restaurants serve excellent Créole food.

Cette île luxuriante se situe à 15 minutes de Mahé par bateau. Sa côte nord s’étend le long du Parc Marin National de Ste Anne; elle est bordée d’un superbe récif de corail, et est donc un endroit idéal pour la plongée sous-marine. L’intérieur de l’île est le domicile de tortues et de roussettes (chauve-souris) géantes. Les restaurants y servent une excellente cuisine créole.

Moyenne Island National Park At just nine hectares, Moyenne Island may be the world’s smallest National Park. Owned by Moyenne Foundation, a private NGO, it lies within the St Anne Marine National Park and is the only island of the group open to day visitors. Despite its diminutive size, it is an environmental treasure trove. Some 40 endemic plants are represented, more than half of those unique to the granitic islands. Moyenne is the only place on earth other than Vallée de Mai where all six of the palms unique to Seychelles can be seen.

Moyenne Island Parc National Grande de seulement 9 hectares, l’île Moyenne est un des plus petits parcs nationaux. C’est une île privée, dans le parc national de St Anne, mais elle demeure facilement accessible au public. Malgré sa petite taille, c’est un véritable trésor. Plus de la moitie des plantes endémiques et uniques aux îles granitiques y est présente. Moyenne est le seul endroit au monde en dehors de la Vallée de Mai où poussent les six palmes uniques aux Seychelles.

Moyenne also has a population of more than 2,000 birds, 100 giant tortoises and about 20 hawksbill turtles haul themselves ashore at Pirate Cove each year. Perhaps pirates were the earliest human inhabitants and graves of mysterious origin may date from this era. There are also tales of ghosts that bang on windows and doors or trudge from the cemetery around midnight, eloquently told in the book A Grain of Sand.

Moyenne a une population de plus de 100 tortues géantes et environ une vingtaine de tortues marines imbriquées qui viennent pondre sur ses plages .Les premiers habitants de l’île étaient sans doute des pirates, ce qui expliquerait les tombeaux qui s’y trouvent. Et aussi, il y a les fameuses histoires de fantômes qui s’aventurent depuis lecimetière a minuit, frappant aux portes et fenêtres, comme si bien raconté dans le livre ‘Un Grain de Sable’!

Eden Island

Eden Island is a private residential marina development situated just off the coast of Mahé. Featuring a range of 630 freehold title luxury apartments, spacious maisons and private villas, each with its own mooring, it also offers owners the opportunity to qualify for residency of the Seychelles.

Eden Island est une marina résidentielle située proche de Mahé. Elle propose, en pleine propriété, 630 appartements luxueux, maisons spacieuses et villas de rêve indépendantes.

The over 56 hectares of land and private waterways will host a myriad of upmarket facilities. These include an international marina capable of handling super-yachts up to 100 metres in size, a commercial precinct as well as a clubhouse hosting a gym and a tennis court. The overall style of the island is distinctly rooted in the Seychelles vernacular, drawing inspiration from the islands’ French, Victorian and Indian ancestry. For more information, contact Christopher Nel on +248 43 46 000, visit the island yourself or visit www.edenisland.sc

Chaque unité dispose de son propre point de mouillage et les propriétaires. Eden Island développe 56 hectares de terrain et de voies navigables. Elle abrite une marina internationale capable d’accueillir les Yachts jusqu’à 100 mètres et bientôt un centre commercial ainsi qu’un club house avec salle de fitness et cours de tennis. L’architecture et le design de l’île s’inspirent des influences historiques françaises, anglaises et indiennes dans le plus pur style seychellois. Pour plus d’informations, contactez aux Seychelles Sandra Colas au +248 43 46 000 et en France la société Ter Cognita Jean-Philippe Aubert au +33 (0)1 48 25 93 33 ou visitez notre site internet www.edenisland.sc

Discover Seychelles The Islands

Cousin

Cousin Island, has been a nature reserve since 1968, when it was bought by the Royal Society for Nature Conservation and held in trust for the International Council for Bird Preservation as a haven for all types of birds including endangered species. It is a place of pilgrimage for dedicated ornithologists: there they can find the Seychelles warbler, Seychelles magpie-robin and Seychelles fody, which are found elsewhere only on a handful of rat-free islands. Madagascar turtle doves (possibly including the endemic form with the red head) and Seychelles sunbirds are also present. Seabirds abound on Cousin, with more than 250,000 birds coming to nest every year. These are brown noddies, lesser noddies, wedge-tailed shearwaters, Audubon’s shearwaters, bridled terns, as well as fairy terns, one of the symbols of Seychelles, seen on the livery of Air Seychelles. There are also interesting geckos, giant tortoises introduced from Aldabra, and hawksbill turtles which lay their eggs above the tideline of the beach. The reserve is open on certain days. Check with your hotel or tour operator. The Seychelles government declared Cousin a Special Reserve in 1975. It is managed by Nature Seychelles. Visitors may not have picnics or collect shells. Even smoking is forbidden. A popular day trip leaves Praslin around 0900 hours from Maison des Palmes, taking in Curieuse as well, with time for a barbecue there, and later some snorkelling at St Pierre, arriving back at Praslin at around 1600 hours.

Cousin est une réserve naturelle depuis 1968, date à laquelle cette île fut achetée par la Royal Society for Nature Conservation pour le compte du et le Conseil International pour la Protection des Oiseaux qui en fît un refuge pour oiseaux de toutes espèces mais particulièrement pour les espèces menacées d’extinction. Ces dernières étant particulièrement rares, Cousin est devenu un lieu de pèlerinage pour ornithologues. Ils trouvent là la Rousserole des Seychelles, le Fody (Tok-Tok en Créole) des Seychelles et la Pie chanteuse des Seychelles, espèces survivant seulement sur quelques îles sans rats. Des Tourterelles de Madagascar (dont la forme endémique des Seychelles à tête rouge) et des Souimangas des Seychelles s’y trouvent également. Les oiseaux marins y sont quant-à-eux très nombreux, avec plus de 250,000 d’entre eux qui viennent y nicher chaque année. Il y a là des Noddis bruns, des Noddis à bec grêle, des Puffins du Pacifique et des Puffins d’Audubon, des Sternes bridées, ainsi que des Sternes Blanches, un des symboles des Seychelles qui fut incorporé dans le logotype d’Air Seychelles. On y trouve également beaucoup de reptiles intéressants, tels que des geckos, des tortues géantes qui furent importées de l’île d’Aldabra, et des tortues marines qui viennent pondre sur les plages, au-dessus de la ligne de marée haute. La réserve n’est pas ouverte au public tous les jours; il est donc prudent de s’informer auprès de votre hôtel ou tour opérateur avant d’y projeter une visite. En 1975, le gouvernement Seychellois classa Cousin «Réserve Spéciale». L’île éstt aujourd’hui gérée par Nature Seychelles, représentant local de BirdLife International. Le ramassage des coquillages et les pique-niques sont interdits à Cousin et les visiteurs ne sont pas non plus autorisés à fumer. Une excursion intéressante part le matin de Praslin vers 09h00, visite ensuite Curieuse, où est organisé un barbecue sur la plage, avant de reprendre la mer pour St Pierre pour un P.M.T. et de rentrer ensuite à Praslin vers 16h00.

Ste Anne and its Marine National Park The smaller islands that are most accessible from Mahé for half-day or full-day trips are Cerf, Moyenne, Round and Ste Anne. The best way to appreciate the wonders of the ocean is to make the trip by glass-bottomed boat, through which you can see shoals of colourful fish. Unfortunately large sections of coral have suffered from a rise in sea temperatures (attributed to climate change), although some are showing signs of recovery. Constituted in 1973, the Ste Anne Marine National Park was one of the first Marine National Parks in the Indian Ocean. It now protects over 150 types of fish. Naturally, fishing is forbidden, as is collecting shells and coral. As the notice says, “Take away nothing but photographs and memories.” With the new five-star hotel, Sainte Anne Resort, (managed by the International Company Beachcomber) the island is now a holiday paradise for visitors.

Round Island Praslin Round Island Praslin lies just a short distance off Baie Ste Anne, Praslin. There is one beautiful sandy cove facing towards the main island with a beach bar and restaurant. The smallest resort in the Indian Ocean merges with the forest and the hillside, comprising just one large main house and three villas. A board walk skirts the edge of the hill and climbs to the summit where there is a spectacular view of the islands.

Sainte Anne et le Parc Marin National Des excursions d’une journée ou d’une demi-journée peuvent être facilement organisées sur les îles Cerf, Moyenne, Ronde, et Sainte Anne, au large de Mahé. Le meilleur moyen d’apprécier les merveilles de l’océan est de s’offrir une traversée en bateau à fond de verre vers l’une de ces îles. Car cela permet d’admirer les innombrables bancs de poissons. Malheureusement, les formations coralliennes ont souffert du réchauffement de l’eau, phénomène attribué au changement du climat, mais montrent des signes de récupération. Le Parc Marin National de Ste Anne, qui fut constitué en 1973, est l’un des premiers de l’océan indien. Il abrite aujourd’hui plus de 150 espèces de poissons. La pêche et le ramassage du corail y sont strictement interdits. Comme le dit si bien la brochure touristique: “N’emportez rien sauf des photos, ne laissez rien sauf des traces de pas.” Avec le nouveau complexe hôtelier cinq étoiles de Sainte-Anne, (géré par la compagnie internationale Beachcomber) l’île est maintenant devenue une destination touristique paradisiaque.

Ronde de Praslin Ronde de Praslin est une île située non loin de Baie Sainte Anne. On y trouve une belle anse sableuse faisant face à Praslin avec un bar de plage et un restaurant. Avec une grande maison principale et trois villas, bien intégrées avec la forêt et la colline, c’est probablement le plus petit établissement hôtelier de l’Oocéan indien,. Un sentier longe le bord de la colline et grimpe vers le sommet qui offre une vue spectaculaire sur ldes autres îles.

Discover Seychelles The Islands

Praslin

The second-largest granite island of Seychelles is Praslin, about 40 kilometres from Mahé. It is 15 minutes by Air Seychelles service, which offers many scheduled flights a day. By boat, it takes about one hour with the powerful catamarans that make 3 to 4 round trips rotations per day. The island has a population of about 7,000. There are several excellent hotels, including the Lemuria Resort and Château de Feuilles. Praslin is not as mountainous as Mahé – the highest point being 330 metres – but it has similarly great granite outcrops surrounded by beautiful beaches, and a coral reef enclosing the crystal-clear waters which are so typical of Seychelles. The majestic bays and beaches alternate with smaller ones on which, even in the busy season, you could believe you were the only person on the island. Anse Volbert, or Côte d’Or, to the east of the island, is particularly beautiful, with its pure white sand. Hotels such as Berjaya Praslin Beach offer a wide variety of watersports facilities. Fantastic granite masses form striking backgrounds to the beaches of Anse Bois de Rose, Anse Boudin and Anse Kerlan, where the five-star Lemuria Resort has an 18-hole championship golf course. At the northernmost tip of the island, Anse Lazio is excellent for both swimming and snorkelling. Grand Anse, on the west coast, has an equally beautiful beach for lazing about, but the waters are sometimes heavy with seaweed and, because it is very shallow over the coral, swimming is difficult at low tide. Baie Pasquière and Anse Volbert to the north and Baie St Anne to the south have natural harbours which are best appreciated if you opt to make your trip from Mahé to Praslin by boat; the view as you sail in is striking. In Baie St. Anne, you will see Baie St Anne village, where there is a bank, shops and a church, same as at Grande Anse village on the opposite side of the island. One of the eternal symbols of Seychelles, the huge coco de mer nut, grows in the Vallée de Mai forest of Praslin, also home to one of the world’s rarest birds, the black parrot. The Vallée, a World Heritage Site, is open from 0830 to 1630 hours and the entrance can be found on the road from Grand Anse to Baie St Anne. This area is heavily protected and is being allowed to return to its natural state following ill-founded attempts to introduce non-native plants there in the 1930s and 1940s. Paths are well-maintained and clearly marked, and a nature trail leads you to all the interesting botanical species. You can find leaflets and information at the entrance of the reserve, managed by the Seychelles Islands Foundation. To walk through the Vallée is to step back in time into a primeval forest, canopied by thick palm fronds that block out the sun. The silence is broken only by the call of the black parrot and the clatter of huge sturdy leaves as the wind blows through the trees. In streams, freshwater crayfish and crabs can be seen, and the plants around you include the coco de mer, bois rouge, ferns, lataniers, coco marron, screwpines and orchids, all growing around the granite mass. Fruit bats, blue pigeons, bulbuls, lizards, geckos, chameleons, snails and insects can also be observed in the Vallée de Mai. Praslin is perfect to explore on foot and is covered by a network of walkways. There is no danger of getting lost as the island is so small that one needs only an hour or less to cross it width wise. There is only a limited number of cars for hire, so if you wish to drive it is wise to book ahead, particularly during the busy seasons from December to January and July to August. Petrol stations can be found at Grand Anse and Baie St Anne. There are taxi ranks at the airport. Taxis can be called by telephone from most hotels and the airport (tel: 4284666). Fares increase slightly at night. A bus service runs between 0530 and 1900 hours, with a special Sunday service. You can also take a bus that passes the Vallée de Mai entrance. For souvenir shopping, there are boutiques in all the main hotels. Barclays Bank is at Baie St Anne (tel: 4232218), with a branch at Grande Anse open Mondays to Fridays from 0830 to1230 hours. There are regular boat excursions to smaller islands such as St Pierre, a tiny rock island that is popular for its rich coral reef. The area is particularly favourable for underwater photography. You can organise a boat from Praslin to take you out in the morning and pick you up again in the evening. Coco is also another attractive destination for tourists; it is a deserted tiny island of rocks and boulders with a few palm trees and an exceptional marine life. There are good restaurants on Praslin if you wish to have a meal away from your hotel.

Située à 40 kilomètres à l’Est de Mahé, Praslin est la deuxième plus grande île des Seychelles. Elle a une population d’environ 7,000 habitants. Les deux îles sont reliées par un service régulier d’Air Seychelles qui assure beaucoup de une quinzaine devols journaliers d’une durée de 15 minutes chacun. Le trajet par bateau (trois ou quatre aller-retours par jour) dure environ une heure . Plusieurs hôtels de grande qualité sont installés à Praslin, parmi lesquels le Lémuria et le Château de Feuilles. Le relief de Praslin, dont le sommet le plus haut n’atteint que 330 mètres, n’est pas aussi accidenté que celui de Mahé mais il comporte des formations granitiques semblables, entourées de plages merveilleuses et d’une barrière de corail aux eaux cristallines qui font la gloire des Seychelles. Baies et plages majestueuses alternent avec de plus petites baies dans lesquelles, même en pleine saison touristique, on a l’impression d’être seul. L’Anse Volbert, ou Côte d’or, sur la côte est, est particulièrement belle avec ses plages d’une blancheur éclatante. Les hôtels, tels que le Berjaya Praslin Beach offrent une grande variété de sports nautiques. Des masses granitiques spectaculaires forment un arrière-plan qui contraste avec les plages de l’Anse Bois de Rose, l’Anse Boudin et l’Anse Kerlan où se trouve le nouvel Hôtel cinq étoiles Lémuria. Un golf de 18 trous y a également été construit. Au point le plus septentrional de l’île se trouve Anse Lazio, une magnifique plage excellente pour la baignade et le P.M.T. Sur la côte ouest, la plage de Grand Anse est parfaite pour les bains de soleil matinaux; cependant, la baignade y est difficile à marée basse en raison d’une eau peu profonde audessus des bancs de corail, parfois recouverts d’algues jusqu’au bord du rivage. La Baie Pasquière et l’Anse Volbert au Nord, et la Baie Ste Anne au sud sont des ports naturels qui offrent un spectacle pittoresque à ceux qui ont opté pour la traversée en bateau depuis Mahé. On peut apercevoir de cette baie le village principal avec son monument au coco de mer, la banque, les kiosques et l’église. Banques, boutiques et église sont aussi présentes à Grand Anse Village, de l’autre coté de l’île. Le coco de mer (vulgairement appelé Coco-fesses) est le symbole éternel des Seychelles. Il croît dans les forêts de la Vallée de Mai, à Praslin, où niche l’un des oiseaux les plus rares au monde: le Perroquet noir des Seychelles. Cette vallée, qui fait partie du Patrimoine Mondialde l’humanité, est ouverte de 8h30 à 16h30 aux visiteurs qui peuvent la traverser en voiture sur la seule route goudronnée de l’île. C’est un site protégé que l’on espère voir retourner à son état primitif, malheureusement bouleversé dans les années trente et quarante par des tentatives mal fondées d’y introduire des plantes exotiques. Les sentiers, qui serpentent à travers une nature bien fournie en espèces botaniques intéressantes, sont régulièrement entretenus et clairement indiqués. Une brochure est mise à la disposition du public à l’entrée de la réserve, gérée par la Fondation des Iles Seychelles. Se promener dans cette vallée équivaut à remonter le temps dans un décor de forêt vierge au toit formé d’épaisses feuilles de palmier qui empêchent le soleil de pénétrer. Le silence est y impressionnant, interrompu seulement par les cris du Perroquet noir et le bruissement des palmes agitées par le vent. Ecrevisses et crabes d’eau douce vivent paisiblement dans tous les ruisseaux, et parmi les plantes environnantes figurent Cocos-de-mer, fougères, lataniers, Bois rouge, vacoas, Cocos marrons et orchidées, qui poussent entre les masses de granit. Roussettes, Pigeons bleus, bulbuls, lézards, geckos, caméléons, escargots et insectes divers peuvent aussi être observés dans la Vallée de Mai. L’île de Praslin se prête parfaitement à l’exploration pédestre avec un réseau de sentiers et de chemins agréables. Pas de crainte de se perdre car l’île est si petite qu’il faut moins d’une heure pour la traverser dans sa largeur. Mais si vous préférez vous déplacer en voiture, il vaut mieux faire des réservations à l’avance car le nombre de véhicules de location est limité, surtout pendant les hautes saisons de décembre-janvier et de juillet-août. Les deux stations-service se trouvent à Grand Anse et à Baie Ste Anne. Il existe une station de taxis en face de l’aéroport. Ceux-ci peuvent être appelés par téléphone depuis l’aéroport (tel: 4284666) ou depuis les différents hôtels de l’île. Le prix des courses est légèrement majoré la nuit. Il existe aussi un service de bus entre 5h30 et 19h00 sur les quatre routes principales avec service spécial le dimanche. On peut ainsi se rendre à la Vallée de mai en bus. Vous trouverez des souvenirs dans toutes les boutiques d’hôtels. La banque Barclays est à Baie Ste Anne (tel: 4232218) avec une succursale à Grand Anse, ouverte du lundi au vendredi, de 8h30 à 12h30. Des excursions partent régulièrement par bateau de Praslin à destination des petites îles avoisinantes, telles que St Pierre, un îlot rocheux très connu pour sa barrière de corail fourmillant d’une vie marine multicolore. Il est possible de s’arranger pour qu’une embarcation vous dépose le matin avec un panier piquenique, et vienne vous rechercher le soir. L’Ile Coco est une autre destination très prisée des touristes; il s’agit d’une petite île déserte et rocheuse sur laquelle poussent quelques palmiers, et où la vie sous-marine est exceptionnelle. Les amateurs de photos sous-marines y trouveront un cadre idéal. Plusieurs restaurants permettent de déjeuner ou de dîner hors de l’hôtel.

Discover Seychelles The Islands

Curieuse

Lying about two kilometres (one mile) to the north-east of Praslin, this island of about three kilometres (two miles) long was first given the name Ile Rouge on account of its red earth. As part of the Marine Park the island is strictly protected and only a few families live there. Like Praslin, Curieuse is home to the Coco-demer palm. The island has a wild population of about 250 giant tortoises, brought over from Aldabra in the 1980s and a breeding scheme has been in place there for several years. Curieuse was once a leper colony, and the ruins of the houses can still be seen. There is also a large, restored colonial villa, known as the Doctor’s House, where the island doctor lived in the 1870s. Nature trails wind their way across the island, notably through the extensive swamps, home to eight different species of mangrove. Excursions to Curieuse normally include a barbecue and often a visit to Cousin island as well.

Située à un kilomètre au Nord-Est de Praslin, cette île de moins de trois kilomètres de long présente des coteaux dénudés couverts de la terre rouge qui avait donné à l’île son nom d’origine, Ile Rouge. Partie intégrale du Parc marin de Curieuse, l’île est strictement protégée. Comme Praslin, Curieuse abrite des boisements de Coco-de-mer. Peuplée seulement de quelques familles, cette île est le domaine de près de 250 tortues géantes importées d’Aldabra dans les années 1980. Non loin des ruines d’une ancienne léproserie s’élève une vieille villa coloniale, la maison du Docteur qui servait de résidence au médecin lors de ses visites aux malades. Un sentier à travers bois permet au visiteur d’admirer les huit différentes sortes de palétuviers qui poussent sur l’île. Les excursions à Curieuse incluent souvent une halte sur la plage pour permettre aux visiteurs de déguster une grillade.

Cousine Island

Cousine is no ordinary resort. Guests arrive by helicopter and are accommodated in just four villas to minimise the human impact on the island. There are very few islands anywhere in the world that have survived intact as Cousine has done, with such a profusion of wildlife and almost none where it is possible to stay overnight and soak up the atmosphere. There may be a small resort here but unquestionably, the island still belongs to nature. A systematic rehabilitation programme to restore the island includes the planting of thousands of native trees, the protection of the huge seabird colonies and the reintroduction of endemic birds.

Cousine n’est pas un établissement hôtelier ordinaire. Les visiteurs y parviennent par hélicoptère et sont hébergés dans seulement quatre villas afin de minimiser l’impact de l’homme sur l’île. Il y a peu d’îles dans le monde qui sont demeurées aussi intactes que Cousine, avec une telle profusion de vie sauvage, et presque aucune où il est possible de passer la nuit et de s’imprégner de la sorte de l’atmosphère ambiante. Même s’il y a un petit établissement hôtelier, il est indéniable que l’île appartient à la nature. Un programme visant à restaurer l’île comprend la plantation de milliers d’arbres indigènes, la protection des importantes colonies d’oiseaux marins et la réintroduction d’espèces d’oiseaux endémiques.

Bird Island

A 30 minutes flight from Mahé by light aircraft gives the first stunning impressions of this 70 hectares (170 acres) coral cay. Bird Island is the most northerly island of the Seychelles Archipelago and is a nature lover’s paradise. Bird Island has just one hotel which offers guests a choice of 24 comfortable and spacious bungalows. A true haven from today’s busy world, there are no telephones or televisions and the emphasis is very much on relaxation and being at one with the nature around you. The east and south sides of the island are surrounded by a protective barrier reef which is home to many varieties of colourful fish and the rest is an open beach which offers superb safe swimming. Situated on the northern edge of the Seychelles Plateau, where the sea floor drops 2,000 metres, the island offers some of the best game fishing in the country. During the North West monsoon (October to April), dolphins are regularly observed in the surrounding waters. This is also the best time to witness the magical sight of Hawksbill turtles nesting, and from December onwards the tiny hatchlings can be seen emerging and embarking on their journey down to the sea. The South East Monsoon (May to September) also offers an amazing avian spectacle. With over 750,000 pairs of Sooty Terns coming to the northern end of the island to breed, and a resident population of Noddy and Fairy Terns, the island is an ornithologists dream. Bird Island is also home to Guinness World Record holder Esmeralda, said to be the largest free ranging tortoise in the world and estimated to be over 230 years old.

Depuis Mahé, un vol de 30 minutes vous donnera les premières impressions de cet atoll corallien de 70 hectares. Bird Island est l’île la plus septentrionalede l’Archipel des Seychelles et un paradis pour les amoureux de la nature. L’unique hôtel offre à ses hôtes le choix de 24 bungalows confortables et spacieux, une authentique retraite dans le monde actuel si bousculé - ni TV, ni telephone - ou l’accent est mis sur la relaxation et la communion avec la nature environnante. Les côtes Est et Sud de l’île sont protégés par une barrière de corail, refuge de nombreuses variétés de poissons multicolores. Le reste est une plage immense où la baignade est superbe et sûre. Proche de l’extrémité Nord du plateau sous-marin des Seychelles, là où les fonds atteignent 2000m, l’île présente une situation exceptionnelle pour les amateurs de pêche. D’octobre à avril, les dauphins s’y observent régulièrement - c’est aussi la meilleure période pour voir pondre les tortues marines et dès décembre assister a l’éclosion des oeufs et la ruée des petits vers la mer. De mai à septembre; vous pouvez admirer un étonnant ballet aérien - plus de 750,000 couples de Sternes Fuligineuses colonisent la partie Nord de l’île pour s’y reproduire. Avec la population sédentaire de Noddies et de Sternes Blanches, c’est le rêve pour tout ami des oiseaux. C’est aussi à Bird Island que vit Esmeralda, inscrite au Guiness Book pour être, à 230 ans, la plus grosse tortue terrestre en liberté.

Discover Seychelles The Islands

La Digue This is the third largest granite island in Seychelles in terms of population, housing about 2,500 people. It is a half-hour trip from Praslin, or three hours by schooner from Mahé. However, visitors with a tight schedule may prefer to take the 20-minute flight with Helicopter Seychelles (tel: 4385858). The pace of life is slow, about the same speed as its traditional way of transport – the ox cart. Very few cars are allowed on the island and bicycles are popular. They can be hired from various bicycle rentals at Anse Réunion or La Passe harbour on arrival. At l’Union a fine old traditional planter’s house has been carefully restored. It used to be the centre of a vanilla plantation of which the treatment factory can still be seen. Further inland, Château Saint Cloud, built under Napoleon’s regime, is another impressive restored plantation house. On the agricultural estate, you can see furnace-dried coconuts, or copra, being turned into oil. Also of historical interest, at Pointe Cap Barbi, there are graves of early colonists from Bourbon Island (today’s Réunion). The old cemetery at l’Union is also an attraction. La Digue is noted for its superb beaches, and snorkelling (particularly in front of La Digue Island Lodge).

La Digue La Digue, avec une population de 2,500 habitants, est la quatrième île des Seychelles par sa taille. La traversée depuis Praslin se fait en une demi-heure, et celle depuis Mahé en trois heures. Les visiteurs ayant un emploi du temps serré préfèreront s’y rendre par le vol de 20 minutes d’Helicopter Seychelles (tel: 4385858). Le rythme de vie ici est aussi lent que le moyen de transport traditionnel: le char à bœufs. Très peu de voitures sont autorisées sur l’île, par conséquent les vélos ont beaucoup de succès, et peuvent se louer à Anse Réunion ou au débarcadère du port de La Passe. Une belle maison traditionnelle de planteurs a été restaurée à l’Union, celle-çi a servi au tournage du film ‘Emmanuelle aux Seychelles’. Elle est située au centre d’une plantation de vanille dont on peut visiter l’usine de traitement. L’usine d’huile de copra (noix de coco séchées) peut être aussi visitée sur ce domaine. Plus à l’intérieur, se trouve l’impressionnant Château St Cloud, une autre maison de planteur qui fût construite au temps des conquêtes napoléoniennes. Les tombes des premiers colons venus de l’Ile Bourbon (aujourd’hui l’Ile de la Réunion) s’élèvent au nord de l’île, à la Pointe Cap Barbi, ainsi qu’au vieux cimetière à l’Union. La Digue est renommée pour ses plages superbes et ses sites spectaculaires pour le P.M.T (snorkelling) et la plongée sous-marine (en particulier en face de La Digue Island Lodge). On peut y admirer les formations granitiques sculptées par le vent et la mer au cours de millions d’années.

There are more spectacular granite formations which have been shaped by wind and sea over millions of years. Eagle’s Nest Mountain rises dramatically to 300 metres, taking up most of the island. Beaches at Pointe Cap Barbi have, like so many other beaches, a dramatic granite backdrop. The remote beaches at Grande Anse, Petite Anse and Anse Cocos with pink-tinged sand are beautiful, but beware of dangerous undercurrents.

La montagne dite Nid d’Aigle s’élève à 300 mètres au-dessus du niveau de la mer et occupe une grande partie de l’île. A Pointe Cap Barbi les plages sont, comme dans beaucoup d’autres endroits, entourées d’un merveilleux décor de granit. Les plages les plus isolées de Grande Anse, Petite Anse et d‘Anse Coco sont d’une très grande beauté avec leur sable aux reflets rosés. Mais gare aux dangereux courants!

Most parts of the island can be reached in under an hour. Among the birds you will encounter is the unique Seychelles paradise Flycatcher, one of the rarest birds in the world (less than 300 birds), the symbol of this island. In the distance, Praslin can be seen, completing a pattern of islands.

Il est possible d’atteindre n’importe quel point de l’île en moins d’une heure. Parmi les oiseaux que vous rencontrerez figure le Gobemouche de paradis, appelé localement ‘La Veuve’, une des espèces les plus rares de la planète (moins de 300 oiseaux) qui n’existe qu’à La Digue, et dont elle est le symbole.

Discover Seychelles Les Îles

Denis

Ile Denis

Discovered in 1773, this croissant shaped coral hideaway of 152 hectares (375 acres) is a small green jewel perched on the north easterly edge of the Seychelles bank, idyllic white beaches surround the island; its sheltered lagoon provides unrivalled swimming opportunities and the crystal-clear waters harbour turtles and exotic marine life, the house reef is perfect for snorkelling. The deep waters outside the reef allow for excellent diving, game, bottom and fly fishing. Denis is undertaking unprecedented conservation and sustainable development projects. Over 50 hectares of woodland have been rehabilitated and the dense forested interior is a haven for the recently introduced endemic endangered avian species such as the Seychelles Fody, the brush warbler, the Seychelles magpie robin and most recently the Paradise Fly-Catcher previously only found on La Digue. Other endemic species such as Seychelles blue pigeon abound. The island’s vegetable and livestock farm and surrounding seas supply the hotel’s kitchen’s requirements. The island is accessible by a 30-minute flight. Twenty-five tasteful, elegant and secluded cottages each with its own private beachfront provide comfort and laid-back luxury.

3°48’ Sud - 55°40’ Est, une perle corallienne au nord de Mahé. Bercée par le flot des vagues, Denis Island trône sereinement au bord des grandes profondeurs de l’Océan Indien. Havr e de paix et de sérénité, « l’Ile des gens heureux » découverte par Denis de Trobiant en 1773 à bord de son bateau l’Etoile, semble n’avoir jamais cédé à l’empreinte de l’homme. Protégées par une longue barrière de corail, l’île de 152 hectares et sa plage de sable blanc bordent un extraordinaire lagon bleu turquoise où se côtoient d’infinies variétés de poissons, coquillages, coraux, tortues… Sur terre, la nature préservée et exubérante laisse échapper une symphonie douce et mélodieuse d’oiseaux marins, que seul peut interrompre le mouvement saccadé des crabes ou celui plus langoureux des tortues géantes. Depuis plusieurs années, un important programme de conservation mobilise les énergies. Sur 50 hectares de forêt, des scientifiques travaillent à la réhabilitation de l’habitat originel afin d’introduire des espèces menacées d’oiseaux endémiques à l’archipel. Un pari sur le futur qui renforce chaque jour le caractère unique de l’Ile. Enfin, au fil des sentiers, Denis Island dévoile progressivement ses richesses, un vieux cimetière marin, son phare, sa chapelle œcuménique, sa ferme, ses projets de développement de tourisme durable.… Familiale, romantique et amicale, Denis Island est avant tout une expérience unique, une symphonie harmonieuse entre luxe, calme et volupté. L’hôtel s’étend sur la pointe nord-ouest de l’île, les 25 villas et cottages sont dispersés le long de la plage.

Alphonse & St Francois Atoll

Les atolls d’Alphonse et de St François

Alphonse is the most remote island with a hotel, 400 kilometres southwest of Mahé. Its attractions include some of the best diving in the Indian Ocean, with forests of Gorgonian fan corals, huge schools of pelagic fish and many colourful reef fish. Once a productive coconut plantation, little remains as a reminder of these days save for a few old buildings and the island’s cemetery near to Pointe Huto. Conservation is a high priority and a team of full time scientists and rangers from the Island Conservation Society are employed on rehabilitation and monitoring programmes A short stretch of ocean, ominously named as Canal de Mort, separates Alphonse from picture perfect Bijoutier and the lagoon of St Francois, world famous for its fly-fishing, opportunities. A feature of St Francois is the number of shipwrecks, standing as grim reminders of the perils of the sea.

Située à 400km au sud-ouest de Mahé, Alphonse est l’île la plus éloignée avec un hôtel. On y trouve quelques-uns uns des meilleurs sites de plongée de l’océan indien, avec des forêts de Gorgones éventail géantes, d’immenses bancs de poissons pélagiques et beaucoup de poissons de récifs colorés. Jadis une plantation de cocotiers productive, peu de choses sont restées de ce temps révolu à l’exception de quelques vieux bâtiments et le cimetière de l’île près de la Pointe Huto. La conservation de la nature est une priorité et plusieurs scientifiques et gardes de la Fondation pour la Conservation des Iles (Island Conservation Society) y sont employés à plein temps sur des programmes de suivi et de réhabilitation de l’écosystème. Un bras de mer étroit, dont le nom (de mauvaise augure) est ‘Canal de Mort’ sépare Alphonse de l’îlot de carte postale Bijoutier, et du lagon de St François mondialement célèbre pour la pêche à la mouche. Une caractéristique de St François est le nombre d’épaves de bateaux naufragés, dressés comme des sinistres rappels des périls de la mer.

Discover Seychelles The Islands

Silhouette

Silhouette lies 20 km northwest of Mahé. It is the third largest granitic island, yet the human impact is minimal. Mount Dauban rises to 740 metres and is the second highest summit in Seychelles. Though superficially similar to neighbouring islands, much of Silhouette is made up of younger rock called syenite and dated from 63 million years ago. Between Point Ramasse Tout and Point Zeng Zeng lies the only surface volcanic ash in Seychelles. Silhouette was named for Etienne de Silhouette (1709-1767) who was the Controller General of Finances in France in the reign of Louis XV. His watchword was austerity and wags of the day commented that his financial strictures had reduced them to mere ‘silhouettes’ of themselves. In 1987 a Marine National Park was declared around the island and in 2010, Silhouette National Park was created protecting 93 percent of the landmass. About 2,000 species of plants and animals have been recorded on Silhouette, including the Critically Endangered sheath-tailed bat, possibly the rarest mammal on earth. Most of the 75 or so endemic plants of the granitic islands are found on Silhouette. The Island Conservation Society runs a centre on the island, protecting the flora and fauna and conducting nature tours. The crew of an English East India Company vessel, the Ascension were the first to step ashore on Silhouette in 1609. Graves discovered at Anse Lascars were thought to be those from an earlier Arab settlement but date to around 1800, possibly those of slaves who escaped the plantations of their owners on Mahé and created a new life for themselves on Silhouette, becoming the island’s first permanent inhabitants. The first landowner about whom we have any background was JeanFrancois Hodoul, a French corsair in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. He is rumoured to have buried his fortune somewhere in the dark mountain forest. The Daubans bought the island in 1860 and owned it for a hundred years. They were plantation owners of French extraction and made real efforts towards profitable farming, clearing forest on the flat land in order to plant coconut palms and fruit trees, and building the necessary supporting infrastructure. The Dauban era came to an end when Henri Dauban sold the island to a French group, and it was acquired by the government in 1983, when management of the island passed to the Island Development Company. Nowadays Silhouette Island is home to 5 star resort Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa, the only hotel on the island.

Silhouette se trouve à 20 km au nord-ouest de Mahé. Il s’agit de la troisième plus grande île granitique, mais l’impact de l’activité humaine est minime. Le Mont Dauban se dresse à 740 mètres, soit le deuxième plus haut sommet des Seychelles. Bien que superficiellement semblable aux îles voisines, Silhouette est essentiellement composée d’un jeune rocher appelé syénite et daté de 63 millions d’années. Entre la Pointe Ramasse Tout et la Pointe Zeng Zeng se trouvent les seuls cendres volcaniques de surface aux Seychelles. Silhouette doit son appellation à Étienne de Silhouette (17091767) qui était contrôleur général des finances en France sous le règne de Louis XV. Son maitre mot était l’austérité et les commentateurs de cette époque disaient que ses mesures financières contraignantes les avaient réduits à de simples «silhouettes» d’eux-mêmes. En 1987, un parc national marin a été déclaré autour de l’île et, en 2010, le parc national de Silhouette a été créé, protégeant 93% de la masse terrestre. Environ 2.000 espèces de plantes et d’animaux ont été enregistrées à Silhouette, y compris la chauve-souris à queue en fourreau gravement menacée d’extinction, probablement le mammifère le plus rare sur terre. La plupart des quelques 75 espèces de plantes endémiques des îles granitiques se trouvent à Silhouette. La Société pour la conservation des iles gère un centre sur l’île en vue de la protection de la flore et de la faune, et l’organisation des excursions dans la nature. Les membres d’équipage d’un navire de la British East India Company, Ascension, ont été les premiers à débarquer à Silhouette en 1609. On pensait que les tombes découvertes à Anse Lascars étaient celles des habitants arabes qui occupaient l’ île avant, mais elles datent de 1800 environ, et pourraient être celles des esclaves qui s’étaient échappés des plantations de leurs propriétaires à Mahé pour commencer une nouvelle vie à Silhouette, devenant ainsi les premiers habitants permanents de l’île. Le premier propriétaire foncier pour qui nous disposons des informations est Jean-François Hodoul, un corsaire français de la fin du XVIIIème et début du XIXème siècle. Il semblerait qu’il aurait enterré sa fortune quelque part dans la forêt de montagne sombre. Les Dauban ont acheté l’île en 1860 et l’ont détenue pendant une centaine d’années. D’origine française, ils étaient propriétaires de plantations et se sont réellement efforcés à entreprendre une agriculture rentable en défrichant la forêt sur les terres plates pour planter des cocotiers et des arbres fruitiers, et construire les infrastructures nécessaires d’appui. L’ère Dauban prit fin lorsqu’Henri Dauban vendit l’île à un groupe français. Elle fut reprise par le gouvernement en 1983, sa direction passant à la Islands Development Company. Aujourd’hui, l’ile Silhouette abrite l’hôtel à 5 étoiles Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa, le seul établissement hôtelier sur l’île.

Desroches Desroches is the largest island of the Amirantes, 45 minutes by air from Mahé. Swimming is excellent, unlike most atolls where waters over the surrounding reef are very shallow. The beaches are also excellent. There is a hotel, where guests enjoy sailing, cycling, canoeing, windsurfing, snorkelling deep-sea fishing and diving. Desroches is famous for the Desroches Drop with its fantastic caves, which may be explored under the supervision of a PADI dive-master. There is also a small settlement, with its copra drier, oil press and lock up, a reminder of the old plantation days. Since 2009, a full time team of scientists and rangers from the Island Conservation Society is employed to monitor and protect the terrestrial and marine life.

Desroches Desroches est la plus grande île des Amirantes, à 45 minutes d’avion de Mahé.La baignade y est excellente, contrairement à la plupart des atolls où les eaux sont très peu profondes au-dessus des récifs ou du platier. Les plages sont également excellentes. Il y a un hôtel où les visiteurs peuvent profiter de la voile, du vélo, du canöé, de la planche à voile, du Palmes-Masque-Tuba, de la pêche en eau profonde, et de la plongée sous-marine. Desroches est célèbre pour son fameux ‘Mur tombant’ avec ses grottes fantastiques, qui peuvent être explorées sous la supervision d’un instructeur de plongée PADI. Il y a aussi un petit village, avec son four à copra, sa presse à huile, et son cachot, un souvenir de l’ancien temps lors de la plantation. Depuis 2009, une équipe de scientifiques et de gardes de la Fondation pour la Conservation des Iles (Island Conservation Society) y est employée à plein temps pour assurer le suivi et la protection des espèces et des écosystèmes terrestres et marins.

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Discover Seychelles The Islands

Aride This is the most northerly island of the granitic Seychelles. It was bought by the Royal Society for Nature Conservation in 1973 and today is owned and managed by the Island Conservation Society. It is second only to Aldabra in importance as a nature reserve in Seychelles. On Aride there are more breeding species of sea birds than on any other island in the region, together with the only breeding sites in the granitic islands for red-tailed tropicbirds, roseate terns and the world’s only sooty tern colony in tall woodland. The island’s warden will guide you to the breathtaking clifftops, where hundreds of huge frigatebirds soar above the turquoise sea. If you are lucky, you will glimpse hawksbill turtles and dolphins in the waters below. Seychelles warblers, 29 of which were introduced from Cousin in September 1988, have multiplied to more than 2,000. Aride is also a botanical treasure house, being the world’s only site for the beautiful Wright’s Gardenia, or bwa sitron, and a species of ‘peponium’ that might also be endemic to the island. Visits can be arranged from most Praslin hotels, but landings can sometimes be difficult during the south-east monsoon. The world’s largest colony of lesser noddies and tropical shearwaters further enhance Aride’s reputation as the seabird citadel of the Indian Ocean. Aride is also home to five endemic land birds including the Seychelles magpie-robin, Seychelles warbler and Seychelles fody, each found only on a few other islands.

Aride Aride, la plus septentrionale des îles granitiques seychelloises, fut achetée en 1973 par la Royal Society for Nature Conservation et appartient aujourd’hui à la Fondation pour la Conservation de Iles (Island Conservation Society) qui la gère. Elle constitue la deuxième réserve naturelle la plus importante du pays après Aldabra. Il y a plus d’espèces d’oiseaux marins qui se reproduisent sur Aride que sur n’importe quelle autre île de la région. Outre toutes les espèces qu’on trouve sur Cousin, Aride héberge les seuls sites de reproduction des îles granitiques du Paille-en-queue à brins rouges et de la Sterne de Dougall, ainsi que la seule colonie au monde de sternes fuligineuses sous une forêt. Là, un gardien-guide vous emmènera au bord des falaises époustouflantes d’où l’on peut voir des centaines d’immenses frégates planant au-dessus d’une mer bleu turquoise. Avec un peu de chance, il est possible d’apercevoir les tortues marines et les dauphins qui vivent dans les eaux environnantes. Les 29 Rousserolles des Seychelles qui furent importées de Cousin en septembre 1988 se sont reproduites et leur nombre a déjà dépassé deux milliers. La réputation de citadelle des oiseaux marins de l’océan indien que possède Aride est attestée par la présence de la plus grande colonie au monde de Noddis marianne, et peut-être de Puffins d’Audubon. Aride est aussi un trésor sur le plan botanique, et le seul endroit au monde où poussent les magnifiques Gardénias de Wright, ou ‘Bois citron’, ainsi qu’une espèce de concombre sauvage qui pourrait être elle aussi endémique de cette île. Aride abrite les plus grandes colonies du monde de Noddis Marianne et de Puffins de Baillon, ce qui renforce sa renommée de bastion des oiseaux marins de l’océan indien. Aride accueille aussi cinq espèces d’oiseaux terrestres endémiques dont la pie chanteuse ou dyal, la Rousserolle et le Foudi des Seychelles, qui n’existent que sur une poignée d’îles.

Frégate

This, the most isolated of the granite islands, is only 12 minutes from Mahé by Air Seychelles. Of all the islands, it has the most romantic associations with the world of pirates and hidden treasure. Some relics on the island suggest that it was a refuge for pirates in the 17th and 18th centuries. Ian Fleming, who created James Bond, was persuaded from ancient maps he discovered here, that a treasure was hidden somewhere on the island. More obvious treasures are the abundant flora and fauna. Frégate is the stronghold of the critically endangered Seychelles magpie-robin (less than 200 birds in the world), saved from extinction by the intervention of BirdLife International. Recently the Ministry of Environment established successfully on Frégate another highly threatened endemic bird, the Seychelles white-eye (500 individuals in the world). The island boasts the world’s only population of giant tenebrionid beetle, as well as numerous giant tortoises. Despite the abundance of exotic vegetation and planted coconut palms, tens of thousands of native trees have been propagated and replanted since 1995, totaling several dozens of hectares restored. There are superb beaches, such as Anse Victorin, which some say is the prettiest in Seychelles. It is also a walker’s paradise, with wooded paths leading through plantations and groves. With the five-star Frégate Island Private Resort, the island is a holiday preserve for guests.

Frégate, la plus isolée des îles granitiques est à 12 minutes de Mahé par un vol Air Seychelles. De toutes les îles, c’est celle qui est le plus souvent associée au monde des pirates et des trésors cachés au cours des dix-septième et dix-huitième siècles. Ian Fleming, le créateur de James Bond, était convaincu, au vu d’anciennes cartes qu’il avait découvertes ici, que l’île cachait un trésor quelque part. Mais les trésors visibles à l’œil nu sont la flore et la faune de l’île. Frégate est le bastion du Dyal ou Pie chanteuse des Seychelles (environ 200 individus dans le monde), qui après avoir frôlé l’extinction se multiplie grâce aux efforts de BirdLife International. Récemment, le ministère de l’Environnement y a implanté avec succès une autre espèce gravement menacée, l’Oiseau-lunettes des Seychelles (environ 500 individus dans le monde). Frégate abrite également toute la population mondiale d’un scarabée ténébrionide endémique, et possède de nombreuses Tortues géantes à l’état sauvage. Malgré une abondante végétation exotique et la persistance d’une vaste cocoteraie, des dizaines de milliers d’arbres natives y ont été multipliés et replantés depuis 1995, totalisant plusieurs dizaines d’hectares restaurés. Il y a de superbes plages, comme Anse Victorin, considérée par certains comme la plus belle du pays. C’est aussi le paradis du promeneur, avec un réseau de sentiers traversant forêts, cultures et vergers. L’île est réservée depuis 1999 aux clients de Frégate Island Private, un luxueux hôtel 5 étoiles.

36 • Silhouette • Vol 24 No 2 •

Vallée de Mai I

Photos © Christopher kaiser-Bunbury, Bårbel Koch and Aurelien Brusini. Seychelles Islands Foundation.

The Legendary

by Adrian Skerrett.

n March 2013, almost 30 years to the day from the designation of Vallée de Mai as the second World Heritage Site of Seychelles, President James Michel welcomed the arrival of Air Seychelles’ second Airbus A330-200 at Seychelles International Airport. Also named ‘Vallée de Mai’, this was a proud milestone in the history of the national airline. Likewise, the Vallée de Mai on Praslin, is a source of pride for every Seychellois as an emblem of the unique environment of Seychelles.

Most visitors to Seychelles are drawn by the spell of famous beaches and clear azure seas, or by dreams of magical islands fringed with sighing palms; so it is perhaps a little ironic that the nation’s number one visitor attraction is in the centre of the second largest island, far from the sound and sight of the ocean. Yet if there is one place to which a pilgrimage is almost mandatory for every visitor it is the Vallée de Mai, a spellbinding and quite unique World Heritage Site which is unlike anywhere else on earth. You could think of the Vallée de Mai as a secret valley left behind when the rest of the world moved on: part of earth’s dim, distant, mythic memory. The atmosphere within has hypnotized visitors since its discovery. Horne, visiting in 1870 wrote, “I can conceive of no more antediluvian place in the world than that ravine.” Athol Thomas agreed. “There was an atmosphere about the place. The stream had been tinkling across the stones for centuries while the coco de mer trees grew silently inch by inch. How many thousands of years had it been like this?” General Gordon felt he had the answer. “I found I think Eden in the Seychelles Islands and the two trees of life and knowledge, both very wonderful’’ he wrote. Gordon was fervently religious but had a scientific mind. He was a friend of T.H. Huxley, who was undismayed by Darwin’s theory of the origin of species and yet a firm believer in biblical

truths. In 1881, he was sent to Seychelles at the request of the British Government to advise upon the defence of the islands. Within a short time of his arrival at Mahe he concluded that land defences would be absurd. Seychelles could only be protected by sea power. Job done, Gordon set off to explore Praslin, where he had heard a mysterious tree grew in a mysterious valley. Could this be the legendary Garden of Eden? Gordon believed it was. The Old Testament taught him that shapes and objects had spiritual meaning. He believed there was a special significance to the coco de mer trees of Vallée de Mai. Writing to Sir William Thiselton-Dyer at Kew Gardens he said, “The fruit is shaped like the human heart, the bud or stem which attached it to the branch is like the male organ of generation. When the husk is taken off, the inner double nut is like the belly or thigh of a woman….In a word, its lines are those of the male and female organs of generation.” Gordon remarked upon the presence in the Vallée de Mai of breadfruit, the tree of life, (unaware this was introduced to Seychelles) and of a species of snake. In his design for a Seychelles coat of arms he showed a snake ascending a coco de mer tree to fetch a fruit from the tree of knowledge. He drew a map to illustrate his theory that “the Indian Ocean was once a continent before flood” and the Vallée de Mai was man’s lost Paradise. Apart from an enduring legend which suitably befitted the enigmatic beauty of Seychelles, Gordon’s Garden of Eden theory had another more immediate impact. The Governor of Seychelles, impressed by Gordon’s passion, wrote to Lord Kimberley, the Colonial Secretary urging that the Vallée de Mai be preserved and proposing that a learned society raise the funds with “…which the coco de mer valley in the possession of the old Scotch sailor Campbell might be bought.”

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Seychelles, despite its small size, is the only country on earth that donates the entire income from its number one visitor attraction to nature conservation. Left: Vallée de Mai Visitor Centre opened in 2010 by President James Michel.

Today, the learned society charged with custodianship of Vallée de Mai is Seychelles Islands Foundation. SIF is a public trust established by law to protect the nation’s two World Heritage Sites, Aldabra and Vallée de Mai and the President of Seychelles is it’s patron. Aldabra is itself a remarkable and world-renowned natural treasure house but its isolation means it has few visitors and therefore lacks a source of regular income. Fortunately the Vallée de Mai provides sufficient revenue to support the conservation and research at both locations. In turn, the scientific techniques and skills learned by SIF staff at Aldabra are transferred back to the Vallée de Mai. Current keystone research includes intensive black parrot breeding season monitoring, a study of the pollination and genetics of the coco de mer and a European Union funded project to tackle the threat to the Vallée de Mai posed by invasive species such as the crazy ant.

that the international visitors who come to the Vallée de Mai will leave impressed by what they have seen and learnt, and inspired to get involved in conservation at home.”

The valley lies at the heart of the island of Praslin, midway between Grande Anse and Baie St Anne and is open daily from 8am to 5.30pm. At the entrance there is a Visitor Centre, opened in 2010 by the patron President Michel. This is the base from which a visit to Vallée de Mai begins. Education is an important part of the mission of SIF and an Education and Outreach Project Officer is on hand to share the secrets of Seychelles’ natural environment with visitors. “We want the Vallée de Mai Visitor Centre to be a stepping stone not just to the incredible ecology of the Vallée, but to a better understanding of conservation in general”, says SIF Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Frauke Fleischer-Dogley. “We hope

There are signs that this strong investment in environmental education in Seychelles is paying dividends. A recent study by Imperial College London provided the first ever evidence from anywhere in the world that environmental education can be transferred between generations and affect behaviour. In other words, teach the kids to respect the environment and they will teach their parents to do the same. “School children in the Seychelles are fortunate to have a curriculum that emphasises the teaching of environmental concepts across a broad range of subjects,” said lead author of the study, Peter Damerell of Imperial’s Department of Life Sciences.

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The education room is also the base for the ‘Friends of the Vallée de Mai’, a grouping of conservation clubs established in Praslin schools to educate and engage with the next generation. “We do a lot of work with schools, especially on Praslin,” explains Frauke Fleischer- Dogley, “because we believe it is essential that young people grow up with an understanding of the importance of environmental protection and conservation, of the need for sustainable resource use, and an awareness that the environment, and especially the Vallée de Mai, is central to culture, employment, community and society on Praslin.”

About a quarter of the trees in the valley are coco de mer palms and almost half the remainder are other palms found only in Seychelles. The coco de mer produces the longest leaves and the heaviest seeds in the plant kingdom, the latter weighing 20 kilos or more. In keeping with the slow pace of life of the valley, palms take 15 to 50 years to reach maturity and bear fruits which may take up to 9 months to germinate. The male coco de mer grows to about 15 metres (but can be considerably higher) and the female to 9.5 metres. This size difference may aid wind pollination and also, a smaller female tree, heavily laden with perhaps a dozen coco de mer nuts may be less susceptible to being felled by high winds. Trees may live for 200 years or more and legends tell of even greater longevity, though two centuries is quite remarkable for a palm without any need for exaggeration. According to Seychelles folklore, on stormy nights the male trees uproot themselves and engage in passionate love-making with the female palms. Some say that witnesses to this orgy are certain to die.

Other endemic palms found here include thief palm (latannyen fey), with its broad, undivided leaves which got its English name from the fact that the first specimen sent to Europe was stolen from Kew Botanical Gardens. Millipede palm (latannyen milpat) has divided leaves, reminiscent of the legs of a millipede. Palmiste (palmis) is a splendid, tall palm with a green edible shoot near its tip. This was the source of millionaires’ salad, so called because an entire tree had to be sacrificed to obtain it and the species became endangered. It is now protected and today the palmiste on the menu of some restaurants comes from the shoots of coconut trees. Finally, the latannyen oban, the baby of the group has a slender trunk and is of diminutive stature.

Photos © Camerapix

Once inside the valley, you become a time-traveller. Almost instinctively, most visitors begin to whisper, as though they are wandering down the aisles of a great cathedral. The enormous leaves of the coco de mer palms tower high above you like green Gothic vaulting. Even if you have no interest in plants at all, this is an awe-inspiring place. The dry leaf-litter, feet thick, rustles as geckos scuttle by. Somewhere invisible streams tinkle, and the giant leaves clatter in breezes that do not reach the shaded forest floor. Otherwise the silence is broken only by the whistle of the Seychelles Black Parrot, the national bird of Seychelles.

prices high. Fortunately, somehow, the Vallée de Mai survived.

Seychelles Black Parrot nests in holes in rotten trees and walking along the nature trail you may see artificial nest boxes, made from hollowed out coconut palms, which have been erected by SIF. Other endemic birds to be seen include the Seychelles Blue Pigeon and Seychelles Bulbul while from the viewpoint on the trail, the Seychelles Swiftlet can be seen hawking for insects above the trees. The preservation of Vallée de Mai for future generations is no small achievement. Seychelles, despite its small size, is the only country on earth that donates the entire income from its number one visitor attraction to nature conservation. “SIF is responsible for the management, conservation and research of the Vallée de Mai,” says Frauke Dogley “But we are quite clear that our role is that of a custodian. The Vallée de Mai belongs to all the people of Seychelles and the world and we want to spread this sense of ownership – and the responsibilities that come with it – as widely as possible.” $

Photo © Robert Harding

SIF’s work to ensure visitor satisfaction was also recognised in 2012 with the award of a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, after the Vallée de Mai consistently achieved high scores from visitors, placing it in the top 10 per cent of global tourist attractions rated by the website.

Before the discovery of Seychelles, a few coco de mer nuts were washed up on Indian Ocean shorelines and so the myth was created that this ‘coconut of the sea’ came from a tree which grew on the sea bed. The suggestive two-lobed form of the nut, which resembles the female pelvis, then gave rise to the belief that it had powers as an aphrodisiac. For centuries the nuts commanded high prices because no one knew where to find them. Only in the 18th century, when the islands were mapped and settled, was the secret of the source of the nuts revealed. The market was quickly flooded so that one trader, Charles Casulo, set fire to the forest in an attempt to keep his

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Destination

Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI An Array of Experiences Build it and they will come. And so they did. And so they have - in rapidly escalating numbers. Glenn A. Baker explains ….

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Photos courtesy of Abudhabi/Dubai Tourism

Forbes and CNN have both declared Abu Dhabi to be the richest in the world.

hat has been built in Abu Dhabi is a hotel on the scale of the Palace of Versailles, a Formula 1 race circuit, an international tennis complex, skyscrapers, museums and galleries (with an actual Guggenheim and Louvre to come), African and domestic game parks, golf courses, shopping malls, a Ferrari amusement park, a ‘fun city’, scattered outdoor artworks, a heritage village, gardens, a camel market and a zoo. There seems to be something new, something imaginative and innovative every time one looks at the horizon. For many years Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, provided the wealth and steadying hand for the Dubai miracle, content to watch from a brief distance as it dazzled the world. But then it emerged from self-imposed shadows, determined to shift some of the global focus to itself. The establishment and incredible rise of Etihad Airlines ensured that they did come – agog tourists and those whose transfer hub was no longer automatically the traditional Asian Ports. Coming a little from behind, as it did, Abu Dhabi had a big sell to accomplish. The perception of this part of the world has long been desert dunes, empty quarters,

desolation, unremitting heat and sparseness. Bahrain and Dubai have gone a long way to erasing that particular mosaic, leaving Abu Dhabi to surge as a thoroughly 21st Century destination – modern, sleek and enticing. One that exercises the imagination. Well, exercises its visitors certainly. For those who do come tend not to sit still for long. Abu Dhabi is not a destination for wallflowers or sloths. Here you strap yourself in and soar, swoop, glide, bump and behold. If you’re not gazing upon arresting artworks or catching festival film screenings then it’s a fair bet that you’re out of your plush hotel, dune bashing in four wheel drives, hot air ballooning, sand boarding and skiing, desert camping, biking, catching camel and horse races, slicing about on catamarans, snorkeling and kayaking, subjecting your limbs to henna art, going on helicopter excursions, riding a Big Bus or becoming acquainted with the ancient and noble tradition of falconing.

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Tradition and history can be a rewarding pursuit in this Persian Gulf nation. The temptation, when you are in Abu Dhabi, is to shoot up to bustling Dubai because of its proximity – just a 90-minute drive on a wide highway. Fewer visitors think of taking a journey out to one of the 200 islands that are an essential part of the emirate, A group of them have been linked together as the ‘multi-experimental’ Desert Islands, some 240 kilometres off the mainland, a half hour small jet flight away. At the heart is the largest, Sir Bani Yas. The title has nothing at all to do with some old English gentleman but refers to the Bani Yas tribe who took up residence on the ancient island thousands of years ago – an island that has been featuring in European literature for centuries. Here surprises await – more than you might have reasonably expected. The island is home to the only discovered Christian monastery in the UAE, dating back almost 1500 years, Discovered during excavations 20 years ago, it is open to the public. So too is the Arabian Wildlife Park and bird sanctuary, a touch of Africa in the Middle East established in 1971 by the UAE founder Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nayhan as part of his ‘Greening of the Desert’ programme and now run by his son, the current ruler, it boasts more than 10,000 free-roaming animals and occupies a good half of the island. The most dramatic shapes in the landscape belong to seven giraffes but there are also ostrich, hyenas, oryx, gazelles, antelopes, urial and barbary sheep and a couple of cheetah. In the seas – a protected marine park - can be spotted dolphin and sea turtles. Now opulence is almost an Abu Dhabi motif, as anyone who has moved across the lobby of the extraordinary Emirates Palace Hotel holding their jaw shut can attest. So it seems almost proper to arrive at the Desert Islands Resort & Spa after you have been collected from the small airport. The Anantara hotel group, which also operates the impressive Eastern Mangroves Hotel in Abu Dhabi proper, has moved into the Emirate in a big way. Their vehicles make it possible for you to range across the Arabian Wildlife Park with an experienced guide, as well as hike into the world’s oldest salt-dome mountains, investigate the island’s well-stocked stables and then participate in riding, archery and a snorkeling across a quite reasonable reef. The restaurants and creature comforts have you wondering for a moment if you have actually left ever-evolving Abu Dhabi city. It doesn’t take long to understand just what drives that evolution and the spectacular growth you see all around you from the moment your Etihad flight touches down. Forbes and CNN have both declared Abu Dhabi (which means Father of Deer) to be the richest city in the world and when money is really no obstacle then possibilities, if not exactly unlimited, are within far easier grasp. $

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Seychelles Offshore banking

Barclays Bank (Seychelles) Limited, part of the global Barclays Group, offer retail and commercial banking products and services, including merchant services and offshore banking. Barclays Bank (Seychelles) Limited is regulated by The Financial Services Authority in UK and the Central Bank of Seychelles. Registered Office: Independence Avenue, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles

Photos © Benjamin Thompson

Superlative

Silhouette Silhouette Island is remarkably unrecognised relative to many other Seychelles islands. Most notably, it is a biodiversity ark – one of the last great island wildernesses of the Indian Ocean – where conservation is at the dawn of a new era with the declaration of 93 per cent of the island as a National Park, and the recent opening of Silhouette Island Conservation Centre, writes Benjamin Thompson.

espite the imposing cloud-crowned façade, Silhouette is fairly unassuming when compared to its inner-island counterparts which gladly flaunt their national parks, beach awards, and exclusivity. A late arrival to the portfolio of paradises on offer to the Seychelles tourist, the island’s allure is not so well established. It is even unfamiliar to some Seychellois, many of whom gaze across the seascape from northern Mahé, pondering the veracity of Silhouette’s illustrious ghost stories, such as the baby ghost of Eva Dauban which resides on the top floor of the family’s colonial plantation house, Grann Kaz. Grann Kaz is a national monument; an archetype of creole architecture that greets all who emerge from the island’s jetty. In 1860, the Dauban family became the first sole owners of Silhouette, allegedly purchasing one portion in exchange for a violin. Head of the family, Auguste Dauban, had the enterprising vision of growing coconut and other plantations, from which natural produce could be exported to neighbouring islands. Cinnamon, vanilla, rubber, and a number of tropical fruit trees were all attempted, but the mountainous topography prevented the business from flourishing. After more than a century of ownership, financial difficulties proved insurmountable and the island was sold, eventually passing to the Islands Development Company – a parastatal company. Grann Kaz is the focal point of La Passe, now the only major village on the island, which is spread along the eastern plateau. This plateau is also home to the 5-star eco-conscious Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort and Spa: the only resort on the island, with 111 spacious villas to accommodate holidaymakers along a stunning stretch of palm-fringed white sand. Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort and Spa offers a pizzeria and five restaurants that collectively provide guests with epicurean delight. Asian fusions are offered at Sakura; while at Portobello, Italian fare can be relished in the outlandish setting of the restaurant’s wine cellar. Perhaps the most prestigious eatery is Tepanyaki: a

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Having attained national park status in 2010, and with an environmentally focused foundation entrusted with its welfare, Silhouette’s future is in safe hands.

Opposite top: Grand Barbe beach and Mount Dauban.

Below: A pitcher plant atop Mount Pot-a-Eau. Below right: A Sheath-tailed bat roost housing 28 individuals the largest single population in the world.

charming circular pagoda, intimately marooned in the wetland that flows through the middle of the resort. Expert chefs prepare an array of Japanese specialities before one’s eager eyes, after which the results of their hard work are devoured. The Tepanyaki experience can only be rivalled by the Creole banquets served on the veranda of the Dauban family’s former home, at Grann Kaz. From a refreshing smoked marlin and mango salad, to the attention-grabbing breadfruit fries, it offers the ultimate Seychelles dining experience. Furthermore, as twilight arrives, the talented mixologists at Lo Brizan conjure up luscious potions, that are to be sipped within a fire-kissed milieu, and accompanied by the soothing sound of lapping waves. Further sensory pleasures can be unearthed at the resort’s award winning Silhouette Spa – uniquely set amidst a boulder-rich forest, creating a stunning aesthetic, innate serenity, and concealing spacious treatment rooms built on stilts. Here, mollycoddled individuals can indulge from an exclusive and voguish spa menu, with holistic treatment experiences from Li’tya. Meanwhile, the Degrees area provides a tranquil grotto setting among endemic palms, where guests can unwind from the jacuzzi, plunge pool or lounger, beneath orbiting fruit bats and darting sunbirds. The presence of the resort and its guests has in no way diluted the character of La Passe village. Most residents have retained their pre-existing professions, evident by sights of machete-wielding, tree-ascending fruit collectors. At low tide the machetes are exchanged for spears, as octopuses are sought from the hard-coral shallows. Meanwhile, an occasional tractor towing fallen palm leaves, roams the island’s only road, and is a symbol of the community’s determination to maintain

the upkeep of their home. La Passe boasts a beautiful long beach, warm local spirit, and six resident tortoises. However, it is what lies on the western side of Silhouette that is the island’s best-kept secret. The seldom-visited Grand Barbe plateau runs almost parallel to La Passe, along Silhouette’s northwest coast. It is undoubtedly the most captivating part of the island, benefiting from the grandiose backdrop of Mount Dauban, the second highest peak in the country at 740 m (metres). Grand Barbe also exhibits one of the largest wetlands in Seychelles: a sprawling mangrove forest that provides an important refuge for an abundance of aquatic life. Likewise, a stunning stretch of sand extends along the shore and provides the most important turtlenesting beach on Silhouette. It is not just the natural setting, but also the social history that makes Grand Barbe so distinctive. Once said to be bustling with some 60 residents, today a population of just three occupies those buildings that remain standing. The trio is outnumbered by five wild tortoises, which help control invasive vegetation. As such, the contrasting appearance of dilapidated buildings set amongst grazed greenery and well-kept communal spaces leaves ambitious trekkers with a sense of surrealism. Fringed by a barrier reef creating a rebellious sea, and with Four kilometres of mountainous terrain separating it from La Passe, setting foot on Grand Barbe does not come easy. The rolling waves make mooring a boat challenging, and the only trail across the island is physically demanding. Trekking from La Passe to Grand Barbe involves crossing diverse environments: along the way exists a small shrine with a statue of the Virgin Mary, curiously positioned in the middle of the forest, whilst later, a gruelling, sun-laden descent

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along baking slabs of rock must be negotiated to reach the plateau. However, adventurers are well rewarded for their efforts, sharing an empty beach paradise with hawksbill turtles, and meeting a tiny community consisting predominantly of tortoises. An alternative hiking option is to visit Silhouette’s congregation of the famed coco-de-mer – with their supersized seeds – at Jardin Marron. The trail retains an inspiring back story, having initially been trodden by slaves that fled La Passe in the 19th century. Sitting in a dip between two larger peaks, Jardin Marron further hosts a cornucopia of some of the most enigmatic reptiles and amphibians in Seychelles. As dusk approaches, a whistling crescendo of frog calls rings out. Some of these may be coming from Seychellophryne gardineri, one of the smallest frogs on earth, with adults easily fitting onto one’s little fingernail. Equally elusive are the tiger chameleons (Archaius tigris), occasionally seen swaying along branches of guava and thief palm. This charismatic reptile possesses yellowgreen body colouration with faint orange stripes or dots concentrated along the spine. Males have a whitish-light blue throat, while that of females is green with light coloration reduced to around the mouth, sometimes like an alluring bluish ‘lipstick’. It may even turn out that the Silhouette chameleons are so genetically different from those on Mahé and Praslin, that they are classified as a new species or subspecies – pending on-going scientific analysis of their DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). Regardless, from their highly specialised, strong, sticky tongue that darts from the mouth with remarkable precision, to their mimetic capabilities, and independently oscillating eyes, these lizards offer a huge thrill to fortuitous hikers. Additionally, one critter that will certainly be noticed is the innocuous giant millipede (Sechelleptus seychellarum), as it unhurriedly places hundreds of feet in front of hundreds more, along damp rocks and the forest floor.

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Evolution intensifies on remote islands, often incorporating the phenomenon of ‘island gigantism’; hereby emphasised by Silhouette’s millipedes, tortoises and coco-de-mer palms. The Seychelles islands are the oldest mid-oceanic islands in the world, with the rocks on most of the inner islands having been dated to around 750 million years old. Silhouette however, is an unusual exception – being the eroded remains of a volcano that was created as the Seychelles microcontinent rifted apart from India, some 65 million years ago. The exact geophysical processes are not well understood, but it is theorised that the volcano was born from a rapid and unpredictable eruption akin to that of Mount St Helens (USA) in 1980. The actual volcano would once have towered above Mount Seychellois (the tallest peak in the country at 960m, located on Mahé). However, as time progressed, erosion showed no mercy. Nowadays, the best indicator of this ancient volcanism is the jagged outcrop at Ramasse Tout, a short walk southeast of La Passe. Ultimately, its comparatively recent birth renders Silhouette one of the youngest major islands in the country. Furthermore, unlike other members of the archipelago, it is not made out of granite, but the compositionally different igneous rock, syenite. Today covering 20 square kilometres, Silhouette is one of the country’s largest island destinations, but it is one that has remained quietly exclusive because of its limited development. Construction has been restricted thanks to good land management, a scarcity of flat land, and an awkward island topography that diverts much rainwater away from the catchment that feeds La Passe – inhibiting a larger village population. This lack of development and low anthropogenic impact has fortuitously benefitted a plethora of biodiversity, totalling some 2,000 species. Silhouette provides a final stronghold to an astonishing assortment of the archipelago’s rarest fauna and flora.

FURTHER INFORMATION The wellbeing of Silhouette Island is spearheaded by the ‘Silhouette Foundation’: a registered society that brings together a diverse group of interests. Members include environmental representatives from local NGO, ICS; the Ministry of Environment; Seychelles National Parks Authority; and worldwide conservation authority, IUCN. Seychelles Heritage Foundation and the local community represent cultural and historical interests. Conservation work is carried out by ICS and funded by the Government parastatal, Islands Development Company, and by Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa; both of which are also represented on the Silhouette Foundation board, aiding the island to prosper as a praiseworthy tourist destination. Silhouette is located 19 kilometres northwest of Mahé reachable via a 45-minute boat journey. Day visits can be arranged through the ‘Silhouette Experience’ package featuring return boat transfers from Bel Ombre jetty, National Park access courtesy of IDC, a 2-3 hour nature walk with ICS, three-course meal at Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa, with time to enjoy La Passe beach, the resort’s pool, and Lo Brizan bar. For booking enquiries, contact Silhouette Pavilion: 429 39 49.

Opposite top: A dilapidated house at Grand Barbe village. Opposite bottom: An ICS field scientist examines a tiger chameleon at Jardin Marron.

Confined to the equatorial mist forests atop Mount Pot-a-Eau, is the carnivorous pitcher plant, Nepenthes pervillei. This cunning species lures naïve insects, with sugary nectar that is spread on the rim. With one ill-fated step, unfortunate victims slip into the bellshaped chamber and perish within its viscous liquid. N. pervillei is a range-restricted plant, but fortunately lives among one of the most inaccessible locations on the island. One of the first animals to be sighted by eager-eyed visitors is the giant fruit bat, which has one of the largest wingspans on the island, and soars both high and low, even during the day. The giant fruit bat is thriving. However, this species is one of two species of bat present on the island. The status of the second species, the (much smaller) sheath-tailed bat (Coleura seychellensis), couldn’t be more contrasting: it is critically endangered, with a known global population of fewer than 100 individuals, and is among the rarest mammals of the world. Twenty-eight of these individuals survive on Silhouette within the sanctuary of a small boulder cave system; the location of which is justifiably classified.

The sheath-tailed bat cave is only visited by the Island Conservation Society (ICS), a resident team of conservationists that are responsible for promoting the natural integrity of Silhouette. The ICS team make a monthly roost count, employ predation deterring methods, and observe the species’ foraging behaviour. Further to this work, ICS perform a number of monitoring activities, for example, making daily turtle patrols along Silhouette’s beaches. The organisation works particularly closely with Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort and Spa, offering a weekly nature talk to guests, and responding to turtles nesting outside guest villas. ICS have a conservation centre located adjacent to Grann Kaz, and welcome visitors who want more information on the island’s wildlife. Having attained national park status in 2010, and with an environmentally focused foundation entrusted with its welfare, Silhouette’s future is in safe hands. It is one of the archipelago’s most biodiverse hubs and understated utopias, where paranormal whispers still linger in the air. Some 65 million years on from its volcanic uprising, today, Silhouette oozes individualism, offering a superlative – yet unsung – Seychelles destination. $

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ffFishing Where Time Stands Still

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Never has there been a better time to enjoy the thrill and challenge of a lifetime, fishing in Seychelles’ pristine waters where, in the words of a local author … ‘We still don’t have an inventory of exactly what lurks in the secret depths of these legendary isle,’ writes Glynn Burridge.

Photos © Francis Cushion

The practice of ‘tag and release’ - when a fish is caught and then released alive back into the water - has been widely adopted in order to safeguard local fish stocks.

s a brand, Seychelles resonates powerfully as a unique collection of islands blessed with surreal, natural beauty, a near-perfect climate and a tiny population (88,000) enjoying the quintessential island lifestyle in almost perfect harmony. And all this because some 150 million years ago the planet’s crust fractured and what we know today as the continents were formed, leaving a handful of island splinters to drift across a universe of azure water to finally occupy a secluded corner of the western Indian Ocean, some 1,852 kilometres (1,000 miles) off the east coast of Africa. On a planet sorely damaged by Man’s depredations, Seychelles’ 115 islands (41 granitic and 74 coral) have remained wonderfully untouched as, even now, they stir from their slumber of ages to provide us with a glimpse of Earth in its first innocence. Seychelles is fast earning a reputation for providing a range of extraordinary, authentic experiences to the discerning traveller in search of something special: eco-tourism, diving and snorkelling, sailing, golf, spa and wellness, honeymoons ... and fishing! Unfathomed, azure depths of open ocean; dappled sapphire and turquoise lagoons where few have still ventured; shimmering sand flats just made for the fly-fisherman; remote outer islands where the only mast in sight is yours and where the only footprints around are your own...this is the stuff that fishing in Seychelles is made of. When you combine that with one million square miles of exclusive economic zone and the fact that Seychelles currently receives a mere 200,000 visitors, you start to get an idea of the extraordinary possibilities for year-round angling in this secret corner of the planet. Increasingly, Seychelles is becoming a Mecca for sports fishermen the world over in search of a last frontier where one of the finest mixed-bag catches can be found: wahoo, sailfish, barracuda, trevally, dorado, tuna, swordfish, shortbill spearfish, amberjack, rainbow runner and such sought-after trophies as the mighty blue, black and striped marlin, all of which combine to propose the game fishing experience of a lifetime. With a legacy of artisanal fishing stretching back over more than 200 years, the fishing scene in Seychelles has evolved to accommodate world-class trolling, jigging, popping, bottom-fishing, fly-fishing and blue-water fly-fishing and the chance to challenge the record books in virgin waters which have already yielded world records for bonefish, bonito, dogtooth tuna, wahoo, rainbow runner, giant guitarfish, moustache grouper and trevally, barracuda and wrasse. The traditional fishing method of bottom-fishing produces an equally impressive catch, rewarding you with some of the finest tasting fish on the planet: groupers weighing in excess of 30 kilogrammes as well as massive trevally, kingfish, greater barracuda, snapper, coral tout, sea bass, emperor and bream. More recently, Seychelles has also become renowned for its salt-water fly-fishing and casting your lines on the magnificent, little-visited flats of the Outer Islands will provide prizes of feisty silver bonefish, giant trevally, permit, triggerfish, milkfish and sailfish. Bluewater fly-fishing is also gaining popularity for the ultimate challenge of landing large pelagic fish on light tackle.

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The Inner Islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue and their satellites, some with peaks rising nearly 1,000 metres high, offer a wide variety of fishing grounds easily reached by Seychelles’ fleet of modern fishing craft whose crews each have their choice spots where to introduce both fishing aficionado and novice to the thrills of deep-sea and bottom-fishing. Interestingly, there are also two low-lying coral islands, namely Denis Island and Bird Island within the Inner Islands. The Inner Islands are convenient for both full and half-day fishing excursions and offer exciting fishing opportunities for spectacular - and tasty - catches. Fishing grounds are some 44 kilometres (24 miles) from the main Island of Mahé with a sharp drop off from 50 metres to 2,000 metres. Inner Island trips can take fishermen as far north as Bird and Denis Islands (100 kilometres), where the ocean floor also plummets to great depths. Similarly, the islands of Frégate to the east, North Island and Mahé’s lofty neighbour, Silhouette, all possess fertile fishing grounds and offer the opportunity to catch a great range of fish.

Seychelles’ dazzling chain of Outer Islands and their seldom-visited fishing grounds present unique opportunities for the intrepid fisherman to battle with the heavyweights. In particular, the resorts of Desroches Island in the Amirantes group and Alphonse Island offer convenient bases for forays into areas legendary for their great fishing where big-game, fly and bottom fishermen alike can test their skills to the limit. Further afield, sparsely populated islands such as Providence, Farquhar and Cosmoledo, accessible only on long-range fishing expeditions, present the ultimate challenge to the fisherman in search of truly exceptional experiences. Arguably, what has made the greatest difference in raising the profile and success of fishing in Seychelles is the fleet of new, state-of-the-art fishing boats available from 9 metres (30 feet) upwards, most of which cruise in excess of 25 knots with a top speed of 35 knots and are equipped with the most modern fishing tackle and accessories. Today, these are in the hands of a new, adventurous breed of skipper and mate adept at employing the very latest technologies and joining forces with the older generation

Increasingly, Seychelles is becoming a Mecca for sports fishermen the world over in search of a last frontier where one of the finest mixed-bag catches can be found.

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of experienced fishermen, they are proving to be a formidable combination. The fleet is further complemented by a number of excellent marinas (Eden Island, the Wharf and Angel Fish) that have sprung up over recent years to provide a full suite of first-rate facilities to leisure boaters. Several new fishing tackle outlets now offer the latest equipment for trolling, jigging, bottom-fishing and popping and although each charter operator will cater for the needs of their individual fishing charter, anglers are still advised to bring along an adequate supply of favourite tackle and to check equipment availability with their fishing trip operator prior to booking. Seychelles is proud of its long-standing, enlightened conservation policies, adopted to ensure protection of fish stocks through best practice in the fishing arena and the practice of ‘tag and release’ - when a fish is caught and then released alive back into the water - has been widely adopted in order to safeguard local fish stocks. Seychelles’ Sports Fishing Club, started by local sports fishing enthusiasts, has now grown to over 400 members, which is becoming a natural hub of the local Seychelles fishing scene. The islands even have their very own SeaLife magazine, launched in late 2011 and published biannually which gives great coverage of fishing in Seychelles. $ Contact Details PO Box 1000, Mahé, Seychelles. Email: ssfcmail@gmail.com Face book page: Seychelles Sports Fishing Club, http://www.facebook.com/groups/seychellesfishing Further information is available on the Seychelles Tourism Board website: http://www.seychelles.travel/en/home/fishing.php

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in Hong Kong

ellent golf Hong Kong boasts a number of exc y Smart. courses, to suit all tastes, says Ton

olf in Hong Kong is a story of the old and the new, the private and the public. The game can trace its origins on the island to the creation of the Royal Hong Kong Golf Club on 10 May 1889 by “thirteen golfing enthusiasts” as the club’s history states. The ‘Royal’ title was dropped just before the handover of Hong Kong from the British to the Chinese back in 1997. Other golf clubs have opened on the island and in the adjacent New Territories - Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club in 1982 and Discovery Bay Golf Club in 1983. Like the Hong Kong Golf Club, both are private clubs and it wasn’t until 1995 that Hong Kong gained its first public courses at the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau: two 18-hole courses, the North and South, designed by legendary golfer Gary Player. A third public course at Kau Sai Chau, the East, created by renowned Hong Kong design firm Nelson & Haworth, opened to rave reviews in 2011. But let’s begin at the beginning. No one seems to know who those “thirteen golfing enthusiasts” were, although it’s highly likely they were British as the Brits were busy spreading golf around the world at that time

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and Hong Kong was a British colony. Initially the group had difficulty in finding any open land suitable for golf, but eventually obtained permission to play at Happy Valley on the main Hong Kong island, not far from where the club has a nine-hole course today at Deep Water Bay. Back in the late 19th century the area was used for football, polo, hockey and military parades, so the golfers had to take their turn at using the ground. Due to the other uses they were not permitted to construct bunkers, greens and tees but golfing ingenuity quickly overcame this problem by putting down nets for bunkers and using granite setts for holes. After all, what’s one more challenge to those who’ve chosen to play the most challenging game of all. Within two years the club had grown to over 100 members and was using a small shed as a clubhouse. Looking for an additional site to build a proper golf course, club officials identified Deep Water Bay as a great site for a small course and this opened for play in 1898, with members sailing in boats or riding horses over Wong Nei Chong Gap to reach the course.

Photos © Tony Smart Photo © www.zimbio.com/pictures

It is now known as the UBS Hong Kong Open and is a regular cosanctioned tournament at the European and Asian Tours, with a prize fund of over €1.5 million. Michelle Wie

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Photo © www.ruthlessgolf.com

However a viable site for a full size golf course was still needed and, after lengthy negotiations with the government, the current Fanling site was acquired by the club in 1911 and the Old Course laid out. A further parcel of land at Fanling was bought in the late 1920s and the RHKGC opened its second golf course, the New, there in November 1931. The Japanese occupation during World War Two left the club almost bankrupt and with all the courses at Fanling and Deep Water Bay in very poor condition. However, with strong support from members and sponsors, the club overcame these problems and became so successful that it was able to build a third course, the Eden, at Fanling in 1970. It’s success brought with it international recognition and in 1984 the Eisenhower and Espirito Santo Trophies, effectively the world amateur championships for men and women, were staged at Fanling, as was the first Johnnie Walker Classic tournament, won by Nick Faldo in 1990. By that time the club already had its ‘jewel in the crown’ in terms of golf tournaments as it had been staging the Hong Kong Open every year since its inception back in 1959 when it became Hong Kong’s first professional sports event. The tournament was created when one of the club’s members, Kim Hall, wrote to an Australian professional, Eric Cremin, in 1958 asking if any of the Australian professionals taking part in the 1959 Philippines Open would be interested in coming to Hong Kong afterwards for

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another tournament. Cremin wrote back, enquiring about the prize money on offer, so Hall approached the South China Morning Post about sponsoring a professional golf tournament at Fanling and the newspaper agreed to provide £1,000 in prize money. Thus the Hong Kong Open became a reality and has been played at Fanling ever since. It is now known as the UBS Hong Kong Open and is a regular co-sanctioned tournament on the European and Asian Tours, with a prize fund of over €1.5 million, that numbers such golfing greats as Tom Watson, Greg Norman, Bernhard Langer, Jose Maria Olazabal, and Rory McIlroy as past winners. Now, with its three superb 18-hole courses at Fanling and nine-hole par three course at Deep Water Bay, along with its swimming pools, tennis courts, excellent restaurants and top class accommodation, the Hong Kong Golf Club has become one of the premier golf complexes to be found anywhere. Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club on the mainland was the second golf club to open in Hong Kong, almost 100 years after the RHKGC. Officially opened on 16 December 1982 the stunning 18-hole course set on Clear Water Bay Peninsula in the New Territories, comprising the Ocean and Highland nines, was designed by Japanese

Photo © www.ruthlessgolf.com

With its swimming pools, tennis courts, excellent restaurants and top class accommodation, the Hong Kong Golf Club has become one of the premier golf complexes to be found anywhere.

architects T. Sawai and A. Furukawa. As their names suggest the Ocean nine plays close to the sea whilst the Highland nine rises up into the mountains beyond. Both nines have breathtaking views from most holes of the ocean and islands of Clear Water Bay. It’s a beautiful golf course to play, challenging yet rewarding, and the greens are excellent putting surfaces. Complementing the club’s golf facilities, which also includes an executive nine-hole par three course, are swimming pools, tennis, badminton and squash courts, a gym, luxury spa, marina, and several first class restaurants. Opened less than one year later was the Discovery Bay Golf Club on the east coast of Lantau Island, one of Hong Kong’s many islands. The club is located on a mountain above the upscale community of Discovery Bay, conveniently located within 25 minutes of the central financial district and 20 minutes from Hong Kong International Airport. Discovery Bay offers 27 holes, the Diamond, Jade and Ruby nines. The original 18-hole course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., is both spectacular and difficult offering a challenge to golfers of all skill levels. An additional nine holes were constructed and opened

for play in June 1992. Much of the course is located on mountainous terrain and features spectacular views of Big Mist Mountain, Silvermine Bay, Discovery Bay, Kowloon and Hong Kong. The Diamond nine is generally considered to be the toughest, featuring dramatic elevation changes and very quick undulating greens, whilst the Ruby nine is a little more forgiving from the tee. These two nines comprise the original 18-hole championship course. The Jade nine is shorter than the other two, measuring just under 3,000 yards, and is home to a number of sharp dogleg holes and features more water than the other two nines. But whichever two nines you choose to make up your 18 you’ll have a great time here. After your round, the clubhouse offers a wide range of other facilities to entertain you including fine Chinese and Western dining facilities, spike bar, swimming pool, tennis courts, deluxe private function room with karaoke system, mahjong rooms and guestroom accommodation. Twelve years after the opening of Discovery Bay Hong Kong gained its first public golf courses at the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau on Kau Sai Chau island. The courses were created with funds donated by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, hence the name, to meet the growing demand for golf in the region. Located along the rugged coastline of Kau Sai Chau, within the scenic port shelter area, the three courses offer challenging golf in a spectacular setting with sweeping views of the Sai Kung hills on the mainland and the South China Sea. The North and East courses are both full-length, par 72 championship courses whilst the South is somewhat shorter, measuring just over 5,900 yards, par 69. Yet all three are great fun to play and will test golfers of all skill levels. In keeping with its modern image Kau Sai Chau has also become an environmental sanctuary. Golfers share its 250 hectares with eagles, egrets, and pond herons, as well as the occasional barking deer. The Golf Course has been recognised for its efforts in environmental stewardship through certification as a ‘Certified Audubon Co-operative Sanctuary for Wildlife’, an important award in golf’s environmental movement. And in addition to the golf courses Kau Sai Chau offers superb golf instruction and practice facilities including a 60-bay floodlit driving range and short game practice area, a golf shop, and good catering facilities. In 2007, another public golf course opened in Hong Kong, right beside the new airport. Nine Eagles golf course is only a short nine-hole facility with seven par threes and two short par fours so it’s unlikely to interest serious golfers. But it is floodlit and is ideal for a quick nine holes before or after a flight if you’re desperate to get your golf fix. $

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The inhabitants of Cascade have protected and cherished their beloved religious monument which this year celebrates its 100th anniversary.

the splendid to y a w te a g It is the as well as é h a M f o t s a southern co y f water. Ton o e rc u o s s u a precio ry ugh a centu ro th s e d a w Mathiot s history to discover t’ of the distric ant, and also s a le p ’s e d Casca tragic, past …

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f 1782.

on map o Cascade

e middle

lark in th

adin C Mgr Bern

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Photos Courtesy of Tony Mathiot

here is nothing particularly distinctive about the place, besides Long ago, before the advent of washing machines, our laundry was the conspicuous parish church of St. Andrew overlooking the done in rivers, and many women earned their livelihood working as winding coastal road that leads towards the south of Mahé. washerwomen. As with all the other districts of Mahé, Cascade had to There is no apparent historical feature or site that compels conform to regulations made by the Central Board of Health, since the you to stop on your way to the island’s most resplendent beaches. rivers of the colony were also the sole source of water for domestic And yet the humdrum character of the place belies a lot of purposes. Today, Cascade is one of the few districts where one can still interesting history. Indeed, the forested hills of Cascade once provided see washerwomen at work. cinnamon and patchouli for the confectionaries and pharmaceutical With the volume of water that the river of Cascade produces, it is not industries of Europe. A variety of botanical treasures, including many surprising that since the late 1940s the Government decided that this endemic species like the Bwa Sagay, was discovered in the highlands of valuable source of water should be properly exploited for the advantage Cascade. From orchids, skinks and snails to flowering plants, the wooded of the Cascade residents. In 1951, the Public Works Department mountains of Cascade fascinated botanists as long ago as the late 19th undertook the Cascade Water Scheme. A barrage was constructed just century, such as when the jelly fish plant was discovered at the top of above the falls, about 152 metres (500 feet) above sea level. With six Mont Sebert by John Horne in 1874. tributaries supplying the river, the minimum recorded flow was about Cascade, which is located eight kilometres south of Victoria, was 1,363,827 litres (300,000 gallons) a day. The barrage had storage of up named for the tributaries that cascade into the larger river running into to 2,273,045 litres (500,000 gallons), and water was piped to residents the sea. It appears on a map of Mahé of 1782. of Brilliant to Pointe La Rue. The waterfall of Cascade fascinated many In 1959, when a general survey of water foreign residents who discovered the place supplies for Mahé was conducted, the Cascade during their sojourn in Seychelles. Henry Water Catchment was deemed to be an important Whatley Estridge, an Englishman who arrived in source of water that could be developed into a the Seychelles in 1879 to work as tax collector major scheme – not just for the Cascade areas but was delighted. “The greatest volume of water”. for the Victoria district as well. He wrote. “is about six miles on the south side The Cascade waterworks project began in 1969 of the town, at a place called Cascade - from, and was inaugurated on 12 December 1975 by the I presume, the natural one, about 457 or 549 then Prime Minister, James Mancham. metres (500 or 600 yards) from the road up the For a century now, the inhabitants of Cascade hills. The cascade itself is about 6 metres (20 have protected and cherished their beloved feet) broad, and the pool and its surroundings religious monument which this year celebrates its make it a pleasant spot for picnics…” 100th anniversary. At the beginning of the 20th century Cascade Indeed, the story of Ste. Andre church at Cascade church in the early 1950’s. was basically a fishing village and it was a Cascade began in the penultimate decade of the common sight to see dozens of pirogues moored 19th century, in 1882, when the Catholic Mission along the coast or in palm-thatched sheds. in Seychelles was in charge of the Capuchin priests of Savoyard. Father In 1901, a chaussée was constructed at Anse Talbot. This required Edmond Dardel, having just arrived the year before, decided to build a heightening the causeway in the sea and the construction of a beaching chapel for the 350 inhabitants of Cascade. This humble little house of place for boats. In November of that same year, The Fisheries Ordinance, worship, which was made of timber with a roof of pandanus leaves, was 1901 came into force. Among the measures was the establishment of built on a piece of land that was donated to the Catholic Church. The landing stations where fish were authorised to be landed. Anse Cascade Parish of Cascade was established in 1884. A more substantial church was among the 38 landing stations that were declared on Mahé. was soon needed and eventually, on 15th March 1913 the beautiful At that time, the Cascade road was also being constructed. This was church of St Andrew stood in all its splendour and glory. basically a bridle path that gave inhabitants of Cascade a convenient In 1997, the church underwent extensive renovations, with the entire and alternative access to the town of Victoria, besides travelling by roof being replaced and the whole building replastered. pirogues. There was a wooden bridge at Cap MaGeorgine which gave Like all other districts on Mahé, Cascade has known its moments of joy access by land. Tarmac surface roads were completed in the early 1950s. and jubilation as well as its moments of tragedy. One particular event By 1891, there were two Roman Catholic Schools at Cascade, one that gripped the entire community of Cascade, and the population of for boys and one for girls, and both were under the management of the Seychelles in general, was the tragic death of Father Theophile Dumas Sisters of St. Joseph. In 1925, a new building of stone was constructed, in 1925. He was 29 years old. The enduring impact that it had on the and for many decades this elementary school provided rudiments of psyche of the inhabitants was such that, even today, having heard the sad learning to Cascade pupils, until 1964 when a new building consisting of tale from their grandparents, the young generation of Cascadiens is still two blocks of six classrooms and other facilities, was opened. intrigued by the occurrence that took place so many decades ago. Was it Cascade had a police station as far back as 1903, when one corporal an accident ... or a crime … a murder? It is a heart-rending story … and four constables were allocated to the district. The station occupied In April 1925, during the Easter holidays, Father Theophile went to a building on the site where the District Administration building is now Cascade to spend a couple of days with the parish priest, Father Jeremie located. The station was transferred to Anse Talbot in the early 1950s, Luisier, intending to return to La Misere just in time to celebrate Sunday by which time there were 16 police stations in Seychelles. mass at the chapel of the Sacred Heart.

When you glance up at the backdrop of the glaucous greenery and grey granite you will be reminded of some chapters of Cascade’s past ....

Accompanied by Father Jeremie’s domestic servant, Father Theophile set out on the return journey in the blazing sun. He wore his soutane over long khaki trousers and a white shirt. He wore a helmet and he carried an umbrella. The items he had in his pockets were a handkerchief, a Swiss knife, a pipe, a mass book, and a few coins. His rosary was attached to a cord of his soutane. When they crossed the river, Father Theophile told the servant that he could go back because the forest trail would be easy for him to follow as far as La Misere. The domestic servant went back and left the priest, who seemed to be in robust health, to continue on his own. However, Father Theophile never reached La Misere. Early next morning Father Jeremie was informed of the news by a resident of Mont Fleuri who had gone over to Cascade to inquire if Father Theophile was still there. An anxious Father Jeremie informed the police, whereupon a search party was organised to look for the priest. The party made a thorough exploration of the area in the woods where a few persons affirmed that they had seen Father Theophile on Saturday afternoon, following the footpath to La Misere. The party reached the cinnamon forests of Whernside, but found nothing that indicated that the priest had passed that way. By nightfall, when they still hadn’t found the priest, the men went back. The next day the entire catholic community of Seychelles was in a state of consternation. Never before had a priest ever disappeared like that! Some inhabitants began to suspect foul-play. More men joined the party to continue the search. But once again it proved frustratingly unsuccessful.

Cascade on map of 1986 .

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Cascade church as it looks presently.

On the Tuesday more people swarmed out into the rugged highlands of Cascade. The population was in a turmoil. Many were convinced that sorcerers were behind the disappearance of Father Theophile, given the fact that during the short time that he had arrived in the colony, his bold exhortations against witchcraft, superstitions and sorcery had incurred the animosity of those who supposedly practiced the black art. At around 1 pm, the body of Father Theophile was discovered in a precipice at Whernside. The priest was lying on his back in the bracken with his legs bent beneath him. His head, with his helmet still on, was inclined slightly backwards with his mouth open. His left hand was open and the right one was half clenched. Both arms were curved to the side of the body. His soutane was hitched up to his knees and his umbrella was lying on the bracken about 61 centimetres (2 feet) from his left hand. All the items that he had been carrying on him were found in his pockets. The precipice was about 3 metres (10 feet) deep, surrounded by a mass of stones. It appeared that Father Theophile had wandered off the path to the edge of the precipice where he accidentally stepped over the side, and fell down 9 metres (30 feet) or so off the overhanging face of cliff and broke his neck. So the next time you are travelling south, either on the main coastal road or the east coast Highway, when you glance up at the backdrop of the glaucous greenery and grey granite you will be reminded of some chapters of Cascade’s past… $

Destination

Mauritius

THE MAURITIUS REGATTA

Following the outstanding success of the first three editions of the Seychelles Regatta, the organizers of the prestigious event are holding this year’s Regatta on the beautiful island of Mauritius, writes Peter Holthusen.

he first edition of the Mauritius Regatta is being held in the breathtaking Black River area from 18th-25th May 2013. The event’s principal sponsor is La Balise Marina, a property development company with the first residential marina development on the island; with the support of corporate sponsorship partners Air Mauritius, the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) and Yacht Management. The organisers are also planning to make the event their flagship for the island’s first Sea Carnival which will be held in August 2013.

Today’s ocean racers sail advanced multihulled yachts and are aided by such modern technology as sophisticated communication devices and satelitegenerated weather reports.

The Mauritius Regatta has adopted the same racing concept of the previous three editions: a rigorous seven day sailing competition through the island’s most exclusive resorts in a relaxed atmosphere conducive to trade. It starts in the heart of the Rivière-Noire (Black River) region and its spectacular landscapes. Nicolas Feuillatte Champagnes, the Hotel 20˚Sud, and Le Suffren Hotel & Marina have also jumped onboard for the adventure. Participants in the competition are companies who each comprise a crew of four to eight members with a professional skipper on a boat in the colours of their sponsors. For the 2013 edition, the number of teams has been limited to 10. This splendid sporting event attracted an exceptional line-up of competitors, including the only double-winner of the Vendée Globe, Michel Desjoyeaux, the Route du Rhum double-winner Roland Jourdain, the indefatigable Round Britain and Ireland speed record holder Samantha Davies and the renowned Romain Attanasio. The only two skippers to have completed a solo round-the-world race on board a monohull in less than 80 days are also participating in the Mauritius Regatta. François Gabart and Armel Le Cléac’h, respectively first and second in the Vendée Globe 2012-2013, have been the stars of an incredible round the world Regatta in a close fought battle. So close in fact, that the gap between the two skippers was only 3 hours and 17 minutes after 78 days at sea! This exciting battle plays out again amongst the crews entered in the Mauritius Regatta as the race course leads the fleet around the most exclusive parts of this beautiful island.

This year’s Regatta is exclusively open to catamarans, and the ranking is such that the spinnaker is compulsory in order for each boat to have at least two head-sails.

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Photos by Jean-Marie Liot via Peter Holthusen

became the first person to circumnavigate the globe singlehanded in 1967, making only one stop in Sydney, Australia; a year later non-stop round-the-world solo sailing was initiated in a race called the Golden Globe. Today’s ocean racers sail advanced multihulled yachts and are aided by such modern technology as sophisticated communication devices and satellite-generated weather reports. Sailboat racing has also been part of the Olympic Games since 1990. Sailing, traditionally a sport of the wealthy, has been opened to wider participation by modern methods of boatbuilding and now a variety of annual Regattas take place at numerous venues throughout the world.

Although sailing as a means of transportation predates history, sport sailing – or yachting – seems to have originated in the 17th century in Holland. From there it was introduced into England around 1660 by Charles II, and eventually spread to the American colonies. Then, as now, it was common for sport sailors to join together for social and recreational purposes in groups known as yacht clubs. The world’s first such club was founded in 1720 at Cork, Ireland. The oldest continuously existing club in the United States is the New York Yacht Club (NYYC) founded in 1844. In 1851 members of the NYYC raced the schooner America against British competitors around England’s Isle of Wight. Victorious, they deeded their trophy to the NYYC. It became known as the ‘America’s Cup’, giving its name to the oldest and most prestigious event in international sailboat racing. The United States won every ‘America’s Cup’ (the event is irregularly held) between 1851 and 1983, when it was won by Australia. Since the 1980s radical changes in boat design, lawsuits involving Cup teams, and even charges of espionage and sabotage have transformed and clouded Cup competition. The United States regained the ‘America’s Cup’ in 1987, then lost it to New Zealand in 1995. New Zealand lost it to Switzerland in 2003; the United States won it back in 2010. Ocean racing, an arduous and dangerous sport, especially in long-distance solo events, has enjoyed a massive resurgence in recent years. Major ocean racing events now include the Newport-Bermuda Race, the Transpacific Race, the Volvo Ocean Race, the Vendée Globe, and the Velux 5 Oceans. Sir Francis Chichester

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Photo © Vincent Curutchet via Peter Holthusen

The Regatta Committee is made up of Patrick Destailleur, Alain Comyn and Anne Comyn. All three judges are recognised internationally and members of the French Sailing Federation (FFV). This year’s Regatta is exclusively open to catamarans, and the ranking is such that the spinnaker is compulsory in order for each boat to have at least two head-sails. A handicap will be given to each boat based on the total sail area, its weight and its size.

Above: François Gabart confirmed his status as an accomplished yachtsman by creating the sensation of winning the Vendée Globe 2012-2013 at only 29 years of age. Above left: Twice winner of the Solitaire du Figaro, and frequenting podiums on major races such as the Vendée Globe, Armel Le Cléac’h will be one of the worldclass skippers competing in the Regatta.

FURTHER INFORMATION The Mauritius Regatta 2013 www.themauritiusregatta.com Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority www.tourism-mauritius.mu

Mauritius is justly proud of its association with the sport of competitive sailing. The Regatta tradition started in the south of the island in the 19th century, thanks to the initiative of local sailing enthusiasts. The first races were so popular that special trains were organised to allow the public to attend the event. All Mauritian fishermen consider competitive sailing a must to attend. Mahébourg and Grand Gaube were two major sites for the lovers of sailing according to local traditions. The participants met at these sites, not only to be part of the competition, but also to meet with other fellow seamen and share a typical fisherman’s meal while recalling the best boat stories and sea anecdotes. In the past the Regatta involved mainly the traditional local pirogue, a boat that has evolved from the 18th century French chaloupe. The pirogues are usually made of woods known for their resistance to splitting. The sail was more often made of unbleached woven cotton, but in recent years, these are tinted with vivid colours, while fibreglass is gradually winning over wood for the hulls. Nowadays, the same passion prevails and the inaugural Mauritius Regatta is certain to be an event that will be seized for popular gatherings, ending with mouth-watering local seafood and vibrant Séga tunes. Should you find yourself in the vicinity of the Rivière-Noire, head for the beach, for you’ll be well rewarded for attending! $

A small hotel with a big heart

The Coco D’or Hotel, is built on 3 hectares of lush tropical land, on the north west coast of Mahé. The hotel is a mere four minutes walk from Beau Vallon, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. The Coco D’or sets itself apart from other hotels in Seychelles by virtue of its location, amenities and unparalled service philosophy. 27 appointed rooms and suites, each with a private bath, balcony, terrace and/or living room are divided into two categories:Standard room Deluxe suites

24 rooms with a verandah and tropical garden, 6 rooms with a terrace and 2 with a lounge. 3 rooms with a private patio terrace and mountain and garden view, two bathrooms, a kitchenette and a separate living room.

Coco D’or Hotel & Restaurant • T/A Nalini R. Properties (Pty) Ltd Beau Vallon, Mahé, Seychelles • P.O. Box 526 Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles Phone: +248 4247331 • Fax: +248 4247454 • E-mail: cocodor@seychelles.sc

Seychelles

A Marathon Runner’s Paradise

apphire seas, cobalt skies and a meandering road ahead, sandwiched between lush forests, largely untouched since the dawn of time and the lapping of the Indian Ocean against magnificent silver sands … I adjust my sunglasses to fend off the bright morning sunlight of the place many call ‘the land of perpetual summer’ because the temperature of this magnificent archipelago of 115 islands is almost always somewhere in the 20s Celsius range. I am running the Seychelles Eco-Friendly Marathon, an annual event held over the last weekend of February and arranged in collaboration with the energetic Mr. Jeong, Seychelles’ Honorary Consul in South Korea and the Seychelles Tourist Office there. The event is made possible by sponsors and firm supporters such as the national carrier Air Seychelles who have given a total of eight tickets to members of the international press travelling to the islands to cover the event. The 2013 line-up for the various races is an especially impressive one that shows a big increase over previous years, pointing to the growing popularity of the Seychelles’ marathon. Other than the full marathon, the event features the half-marathon (21.1 kilimetres) running, 10km (kilometres) running, 10km walking and 5.5km running. Contesting the men’s and women’s 42.2km marathon for the sixth Seychelles Eco-Friendly Marathon was German grandmother Sigrid Eichner, who has completed over 1,600 marathons worldwide and

64 • Silhouette • Vol 24 No 2 •

Jack White participates in the Seychelles Marathon and forecasts a golden future for the event.

compatriot Lutz Sproessig who was attempting his 100th race. My course snakes around the main island of Mahé which measures 29 km (18 miles) by 8 km (5 miles) and whose imposing granite peaks tower above virgin forests harbouring some of the rarest species of flora and fauna on the planet. I am in good company: the 2013 edition of the marathon boasts over 1,000 competitors from all over the globe, greatly reinforcing Seychelles’ position on the international marathon circuit. I find myself adjusting my pace to escape the attentions of a small, household dog as I negotiate a road leading from the capital, Victoria, surely the tiniest on the planet, towards the north of the island with verdant mountains to my left and the ocean to my right. There is only one ‘highway’ in the entire country, with the rest of the road network little changed since colonial times. I find myself reflecting that in our modern world with its relentless, frantic tempo, I seem to have found one place which is truly ‘far from the madding crowd’ and with a pace of life very much its own. Perhaps this is what makes marathon running in Seychelles so very pleasant: the fact that one’s effort in striding for the finish line takes place against the backdrop of such incredible tranquillity and breathtaking natural beauty. This Eco-Friendly Marathon is an eloquent epithet, echoing my sentiments that there is something innately holistic about running here and hugely energising as well, in a primeval kind of way. A while back, a group of bystanders parted obligingly as I ran towards them and I was immediately struck by the great ethnic diversity of the population which

Photos courtesy of Air Seychelles

stands at barely 90,000. I find myself seeking confirmation of it as I follow my route, noticing how people of obviously African origin blend harmoniously with their Chinese and Indian-looking countrymen. I have been told that Seychelles has remained a true melting-pot of cultures since the time it was first settled by a handful of French colonists with their retainers and black, African slaves. One does not have to look far to see that this grand diversity of ethnicity has given birth to a real sense of harmony which has become the bedrock - and way of life - of this tranquil, yet vibrant island nation. This striking diversity is apparent everywhere. It is echoed in the architecture I see as I continue northwards along a road bordered by picturesque Seychellois houses with their corrugated iron roofs, a brightly-painted Indian Temple, buildings constructed in the British colonial style and Creole houses with their wide verandas and roofs specially designed to catch the island breezes.

L to R: Josie Michaud-Payet-Communications Manager, Valerie Lebon-Marketing Executive, Nick Baldwin, Sabrina Agathine-Head Marketing.

AIR SEYCHELLES SUPPORTS SEYCHELLOIS TRI-ATHLETE CHAMPION Air Seychelles has forged a partnership with Nick Baldwin, a 24-yearold champion triathlete hailing from Grand Anse Praslin. The airline will be the main travel sponsor for the 24-year-old athlete as he participates in triathlons around the world in 2013. The national airline’s logo will be featured on Nick’s sporting gear throughout his competitions worldwide. Nick’s rise to the top of his sport began in 2007 with his first triathlon, a local sprint, in which he may not have excelled in terms of his overall times but which served to get the young athlete hooked on the sport and inspire him to greater things in the years ahead.

Nick Baldwiní racing in South Africa. Rounding North-East point, I briefly find myself facing a cluster of Inner Islands which comprise the Ste. Anne Marine Park, reminding me that even with its limited landmass of just over 400 sq. km, Seychelles has nonetheless reserved almost half of that for national parks and marine reserves. The islands’ conservation credentials are strong and have been so for many years and Seychelles boasts two UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Sites: the Vallée de Mai, home to the legendary Coco-de-mer, and Aldabra, the World’s largest, raised coral atoll. I watch as triangles of brightly-coloured sail drift across the waters separating the islands, testament to the fact that the islands are a premier sailing destination which almost seems to have been created with the sailor in mind. Snorkelling, diving and fishing are popular pastimes here as well, along with walks and trails, spa and wellness holidays and golf. In this year’s event, altogether there were 1,066 runners – 585 males and 481 females - with Simon Labiche winning the men’s race in just over 3 hours 2 minutes. The 2013 women’s title went to South African Monica Vorster who clocked 3h33:44 to replace her compatriot Monica Neuling who won last year’s race in 3h36:41. As I head due north, along the scenic coast road I cannot help but reflect on the golden future of marathon running in this uniquely beautiful place with its laid-back lifestyle and refreshing, island-style ways. This is indeed a place to live – and run – as Nature intended. $

Now, with no less than eight Ironman finishes under his belt including three finishes in the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii, Nick is leaving a profound mark on the sport he loves. Since 2010 when he finished 10th in the rankings, he moved up to 2nd in the 2011 and 2012 seasons in the 18-24 age group category. Nick really started to pick up the pace during the 2012 season when he won his age group six times, along with a second and third place finish. He targeted some of the biggest triathlon events on the calendar including the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon, the Ironman 70.3 World Championships and the Ironman World Championships and considers himself fortunate to have spent half of the year training full-time in the US in Boulder, Colorado and in Tucson and Phoenix in Arizona to see whether he had what it takes to turn professional. The road has not always been easy and Nick has even had to weather the challenge of being hit by a car, separating his shoulder and the rigours of a 20-25 hour per week training schedule. With his degree in Business Economics and French, Nick has considered entering the corporate world but the success he has been enjoying in his chosen sport has spurred him on to achieve even greater things as a professional tri-athlete. With a sporting background in rugby, cricket, tennis, squash and golf, Nick has already been voted 2012 tri-athlete of the year by triathlon web publishers Beyond Going Long as he pursues the challenges of the 2013 season as a professional. His first race of the 2013 season was at the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon Event where he achieved victory in the 18-24 age group, winning 11th place overall. His next big test was the Ironman South Africa on 14th April before going on to compete in races due to be held in the UK and across the U.S.A. Nick aspires to represent the Seychelles in the Olympics.

• Silhouette • Vol 24 No 2 • 65

66 • Silhouette • Vol 24 No 2 •

Seychelles Plus Joins Etihad Guests Loyalty Programme We are pleased to announce improved benefits, services and flexibility for our valued and loyal travellers. Since 16 june 2012, the Air Seychelles Plus Programme has been fully integrated into Etihad Guests, the award winning loyalty programme of Etihad Airways. All members of the Air Seychelles Plus Programme have automatically become new Etihad Guest members, earning eight Etihad Guest Miles for every Seychelles Plus point in their account as at 15 June 2012. Their current Seychelles Plus tier level has been carried over to their new Etihad Guest membership. For example, Air Seychelles Plus Gold Members have automatically been enrolled as Etihad Guest Gold members. On becoming an Etihad Guest member, they now enjoy more benefits and rewards, including: • Immediate rewards - with the 1 MileRedemption feature, fly once and enjoy instant rewards. • No blackout periods - GuestSeats are available on all flights, and if a seat is available, the guests can book it. • Anytime availability - all seats on a flight, including the very last seat, are available at any time. Redeem OpenSeats at a mileage

•

cost equivalent to the commercial price of the seat. The widest choice - redeem for flights, products or services using the exclusive Etihad Guest Reward Shop. Expanded network - redeem and earn points on over 3000 routes worldwide, with Etihad Airways and its partner airlines, including Air Berlin, Virgin Australia and American Airlines. Also, as Etihad Guest members, our Guests can automatically earn and redeem Etihad Guest Miles with the entire Etihad Guest Partner network worldwide, which includes international hotel chains, car hire companies and retailers as well as 1 5 airline partners.

Guest Programme This level enables the member to enjoy permanent membership to the programme after earning 500 miles. Guest Enjoys • Earn Etihad Guest Tier Miles for journey • Redeem Etihad Guest Miles for journey/Upgrades / kilos • Seat selection upon availability

Silver Tier Guest Enjoys • Waitlist priority • 10 kg excess baggage • Earn Etihad Guest Tier Miles for journey • Redeem Etihad Guest Miles for journey/Upgrades/kilos • Seat selection upon availability • 25% Tier Bonus Miles Gold Tier Guest Enjoys • Priority Check-in • Lounge Access • Priority Boarding • 50% Tier Bonus • Earn Etihad Guest Tier Miles for journey • Redeem Etihad Guest Miles for journey/Upgrades/kilos • Seat selection upon availability • 15 kg excess baggage Gold Elite Tier Guest Enjoys • Priority Check-in • Lounge Access • Priority Boarding • 50% Tier Bonus • Earn Etihad Guest Tier Miles for journey • Redeem Etihad Guest Miles for journey/Upgrades • Seat selection upon availability • 20 kg excess baggage

For more information call us on +248 4391069 / 4381016 / 4391366 / www.airseychelles.com/guest

John David Turner

1167 2695 6467

Valid Thru 05/2012

Air Seychelles Plus rejoint le programme de fidélisation Etihad Guest Nous sommes heureux d’annoncer une amélioration de prestations, de nos services et de la flexibilité pour notre fidèle clientèle. Depuis le 16 juin 2012, le programme Air Seychelles Plus a été entièrement intégré dans celui d’Etihad Guest, le programme de fidélisation primé d’Etihad Airways. Tous les membres du programme d’Air Seychelles Plus deviennent automatiquement des nouveaux membres d Etihad Guest, obtenant huit miles d’Etihad Guest pour chaque point sur leur compte au 15 Juin 2012. Les membres d’Air Seychelles Plus conserveront le même statut dans le nouveau programme d’Etihad Guest. Par exemple, les membres Gold d’Air Seychelles ont été automatiquement inscrits comme membres d’Etihad Guest Gold. En devenant membre d’Etihad Guest, ils vont maintenant bénéficier de plus d’avantages et de récompenses, y compris: • Des récompenses immédiates – avec la formule 1MileRedemption, voyagez une fois et de profitez des récompenses immédiatement. • Aucune période d’interdiction – les GuestSeats sont disponibles sur tous les vols, et si un siège est disponible, les clients pourront le réserver. • Disponibilité à tout instant - tous les sièges sur un vol, y compris le dernier, sont

•

disponibles à tout moment. Échangez vos miles pour les OpenSeats à un coût équivalent au prix commercial du siège par kilométrique. Le plus grand choix – échangez vos miles contre des billets d’avion, des produits ou services en utilisant la boutique exclusive Etihad Guest Reward Shop. Un réseau étendu - échangez et accumulez des points sur plus de 3000 destinations à travers le monde, avec Etihad Airways et ses partenaires, dont Air Berlin, Virgin Australia et American Airlines. Par ailleurs, en tant que membres d’Etihad Guest, nos clients peuvent obtenir automatiquement et échanger leurs milles avec l’ensemble de ses partenaires à travers son réseau mondial qui comprend des chaînes hôtelières internationales, les compagnies de location de voitures et les boutiques, ainsi que 15 compagnies aériennes.

Guest Programme Ce statut permet de devenir membre permanent du programme après avoir obtenu 500 miles. Avantages • Optenez des miles pour chaque voyage • Echanges de miles contre des billets d’avion/surclassement /kilos

Silver Avantages • Liste d’attente prioritaire • 10 kg d’excédent de bagages • La sélection de sièges selon disponibilité • 25% de bonus sur les miles • Gagnez des miles pour chaque voyage • Echanges de miles contre des billets d’avion/ surclassement /kilos Gold Avantages • Priorité au Check-In • Accès au Salon • Embarquement prioritaire • 50% de bonus sur les miles • Gagnez des miles pour chaque voyage • Echanges de miles contre des billets d’avion/ surclassement /kilos • Sélection de siège selon la disponibilité • 15 kg d’excédent de bagages Gold Elite Avantages • Priorité au Check-In • Accès au Salon • Embarquement prioritaire • 50% de bonus sur les miles • Gagnez des miles pour chaque voyage • Echanges de miles contre des billets d’avion/surclassement /kilos • Sélection de siège selon la disponibilité • 20 kg d’excédent de bagages

Pour plus d’informations appelez-nous au +248 4391069/4381016/4391366 / www.airseychelles.com/guest

H e a l t h y Tr a v e l l i n g

These gentle exercises, which you can carry out easily during your flight, will help blood circulation and reduce any tiredness or stiffness that may result from sitting in one place for several hours. Check with your doctor first if you have any health conditions which might be adversely affected by exercise. Foot pumps: Start with both heels on the floor and point feet upward as high as you can. Then put both feet flat on the floor. Then lift heels high, keeping the balls of your feet on the floor. Continue cycle in 30-second intervals.

Knee lifts: Lift leg with knees bent while contracting your thigh muscles. Alternate legs. Repeat 20 to 30 times for each leg.

Forward flex: With both feet on the floor and stomach held in, slowly bend forward and walk your hands down the front of your legs towards your ankles. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds and slowly sit back up.

Shoulder roll: Hunch shoulders forward, then upward, then backward, then downward, using a gentle, circular motion.

Overhead stretch: Raise both hands straight up over your head. With one hand, grasp the wrist of the opposite hand and gently pull to one side. Hold stretch for 15 seconds. Repeat on the other side.

Shoulder stretch: Reach right hand over left shoulder. Place left hand behind right elbow and gently press elbow toward shoulder. Hold stretch for 15 seconds. Repeat on the other side.

Arm curl: Start with arms held at a 90-degree angle: elbows down, hands out in front. Raise hands up to chest and back down, alternating hands. Do this exercise in 30-second intervals.

• For your own comfort try and travel light. • Wear loose clothing and elasticated stockings made of natural fibre.

Knee to chest: Bend forward slightly. Clasp hands around the left knee and hug it to your chest. Hold stretch for 15 seconds. Keeping hands around knee, slowly let it down. Alternate legs. Repeat 10 times.

OTHER TIPS FOR A COMFORTABLE FLIGHT

Ankle circles: Lift feet off the floor, draw a circle with the toes, simultaneously moving one foot clockwise and the other foot counterclockwise. Reverse circles. Do each direction for 15 seconds. Repeat if desired.

Neck roll: With shoulders relaxed, drop ear to shoulder and gently roll neck forward and to the other side, holding each position about five seconds. Repeat five times.

• Increase your normal intake of water and only if need be, drink alcohol but in moderation. • Use moisturising cream to keep your skin from drying out. • Take off shoes in the plane to prevent your feet from swelling up or wear shoes that will cope with expanding ankles. • Avoid heavy meals during the flight. • Short walks once every two hours are excellent for circulation. • Try to touch your toes when waiting in the aisle to stretch your hamstrings. • On arrival at your destination, have a hot shower or a relaxing bath. • On arrival a quick jog, brisk walk, or a vigorous scrub will help stimulate your circulation.

Air Seychelles disclaim any responsibility in the unlikely event that you may suffer an injury as a direct result of these gently exercises.

International Route Map NOTE: Graphics representation only. Not to scale. The actual flight paths may vary.

AIR SEYCHELLES LTD (Head Office) • PO Box 386, Mahé, Seychelles • Telephone: (248) 4391000 Fax: (248) 4224305 • E-mail: info@airseychelles.com • www.airseychelles.com

Fleet Airbus A320

Wet-leased from Etihad Airways Business Class seats: 16 Economy seats: 120 Mauritius route only

Airbus A330-200 (Vallée de Mai, Aldabra) Aircrafts: 2 Cruise speed: 870 k/hr Business Class seats: 18 Economy seats: 236 Wing span: 197 ft 10 inches Length: 191ft 5.5 inches Maximum range: 4200 nm at maximum payload

Maximum Takeoff weight: 233,000 kgs Maximum Landing Weight: 182,000 kgs Fuel Capacity: 139,000 lts Engine thrust: 71,100 lbf Seat Configuration Two aisle passenger cabin Pearl class: 2-2-2 six abreast Economy: 2-4-2 eight abreast

Bird Island

Denis Island

Praslin Island

Fregate Island

Mahé Island

Air seychelles

Domestic Route Network

D´Arros Island Desroches Island Alphonse Island

SHORTS 360-300 Aircraft: 1 • Seat Capacity: Total 36 Max. Gross Weight: Take Off, 12,292 kgs Range: 630 nautical miles (1,165.5 km) Engines: Pratt and Witney PT 6A-67R Sea Level Thrust: SHP 1281

DHC-6 (TWIN OTTER) Aircraft: 4 • Seat Capacity: Total 19 Max. Gross Weight: Take Off, 5,669 kgs; Range: 490 nautical miles ( 907.5 km) Engines: Pratt and Witney PT 6A-27 Sea Level Thrust: SHP 680

Online Offices

South Africa

Capital: Pretoria Languages: English, Afrikaans Currency: Rand Area: 1,221,037 km2 Population: 45,919,000 Air Seychelles destination: Johannesburg Lu Dowell Representations

Mauritius

Rogers & Company Ltd Rogers House 5, President John Kennedy Street PO Box 60, Port Louis Tel: (00230) 202 6671 Fax: (00230) 208 3540 Sita: mrurrhm Email: info-mu@airseychelles.com

Capital: Port Louis Languages: French, English, Creole Currency: Rupees Area: 2,040 km2 Population: 1,243,000

United Arab Emirates

Capital: Abu Dhabi Languages: Arabic, English Currency: Emirati Dirham (AED) Area: 83,600 km2 Population: 8, 264,070 Air Seychelles destination: Abu Dhabi

HongKong

Greenstone Hill Office Park Emerald Boulevard, Building 1, Unit F4. Modderfontein, Edenvale South Africa Tel: (0027-11)-452-0244 Fax: 0866578741 or (0027-11) 781-2144 Email: airseychelles@ludowell.co.za

OmeirTravel Agency, Shk. Khalifa Street Po Box 267,Abu Dhabi Tel: (00971 2) 612 3470 Fax: (00971 2) 622 6799 Email: Info-Abu@Airseychelles.Com

Capital: Hongkong Walshe Group Suite 906, Orient Tower, 33 Lockhart Road, Wan chai, Hong Kong. Tel 00852 3979 3488 or 00852 3979 3489 Email: info@walshegroup.com

Wo r l d w i d e O f f i c e s Air Seychelles Head OfficeSeychelles International Po Box 386 Victoria, Mahé Tel: (00248) 439 10 00 Fax: (00248) 439 10 05 (Head Office) Fax: (00248) 432 41 94 (Marketing & Sales) Email: Info@Airseychelles.Com Fax: (00248) 422 59 33 (Sales & Reservations) Email: Marketing@Airseychelles.Com Baltic Countries Katusepapi Street 6, Tallinn 11412, Estonia Tel: (00372) 6681 009 Fax: (00372) 6228 115 Email: Airseychelles@Airlinemanagement.Eu

China Beijing Jinzhihong Aviation Service Co. Ltd Boc Group 1/F, Qinglan Plaza, No.24, Dongsi Shitiao, Beijing, Prc 100007 Tel: +8610- 84042096 Fax: +8610-64022093 Email: Nicole.Li@Bocgroupe.Com Contact Person: Nicole Li

FINLAND AIR TOUCH Eerikinkatu 27,FI 00180 HELSINKI Email: Pekka.makinen@airtouch.fi Contact Person: Pekka Makinen- Manager Contact Number: + 358 40 57 06 760

Czech Republic Aviareps Czech Republic Na Rybnícku 5/1329, 120 00 Praha 2, Tel: (00 420) 296 368 273 Fax: (00 420) 224 233 412 Email: Info@Airseychelles.Cz

GERMANY Aviareps Airline Management Group AG Josephspitalstrasse 15 8033 Munich Tel: (0049 89) 552 53338 Fax: (0049 89) 545 06855 Email: info-de@airseychelles.com Website: www.airseychelles.de

Australia Sky Air Services, Level 7, 24 Albert Road, South Melbourne 3205 Tel: (0061 3) 9699 9355 Fax: (0061 3) 9699 9388 Email: Info-Mel@Airseychelles.Com

Chennai Chennai Global Aviation Services Pvt Ltd 733, Anna Salai, Chennai 600006 Tel: +91 44 4295 9600, 4203 6220 Tel: +91 44 4295 9696 Extn: 632 Fax: +91 44 42959656 Sophia.Tallent@Globalaviationindia.Com Jitesh.Grover@Globalaviationindia.Com

Austria Aviareps, Airline Management Service Gmbh Argentinierstrasse 2/4 A - 1040,Vienna, Austria Tel: (0043 1) 585 3631 55 Fax: (0043 1) 585 3630 88 Email: Airseychelles@Aviareps.Com Info-At@Airseychelles.Com Website: Www.Airseychelles.De

Comores Ario Ltd, Route Magoudjou Bp 1285, Moroni Tel: (00269) 733 144 Tel: (00269) 733 820- Airport Tel: (00269) 732 388- Reservations Fax: (00269) 730 719 Email: Info-Km@Airseychelles.Com Email: Ario.Comores@Snpt.Km

HUNGARY Aviareps Magyarorszag Kft Capital Square/First Clients Offices Vaci ut 76, 1133 Budapest, Hungary Tel: (0036 1) 4113880 Fax: (0036 1) 411 3881 Email: jvaradi@aviareps.com Website: www.aviareps.com Contact Person: Janos Varadi- General Manager Contact Number: + 36 70 529 8507

Bahrain Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo W11 Al Khalifa Road, Building 302 Block 304 Po Box 45, Manama Tel: (00973) 17 220 800 Fax: (00973) 17 213 458 Email: Info-Bh@Airseychelles.Com

DENMARK Discover the world Marketing Trommesalen 5, DK – 1614 Copenhangen V Tel: (0045) - 88 30 66 10 Fax: (0045) 33252586 Email: sales@airseychelles.dk

INDONESIA Aviation Services co. Ltd Menara bdn, 9th floor, Jl.Mh thamrin no.5 Jakarta 10340 Tel: (0062 11) 392 9949 Fax: (0062 11) 392 9948 Email: avs@aviatioindonesia.com

Belgium/Luxembourg Kales Airline Services, Park Hill, Mommaertslaan 18A B –1831, Diegem, Brussels. Tel: (0032 2) 716 00 64 Fax: (0032 2) 716 00 86 Email: Info-Be@Airseychelles.Com

DUBAI Asian Air Travel and Tours Agency PO Box 65006 Dubai, UAE Tel: (00971 4) 286 8008 Fax: (00971 4) 283 2115 Email: info-ae@airseychelles.com

INDIA Ahmedabad Office 202-203 Olive Arcade, Off C. G. Road, Sardar Patel Nagar Road, Ellis Bridge, Ahmedabad - 380 006 Tel: 079 - 4021 6599 Email: maitreyee@globalaviationindia.com

Canada Aviareps, 130 Spadina Ave Ste 606 Toronto, On M5v 2L4 Tel: +1 416 561 8243 Fax: +1 416 363 9608 Email: Rkieda@Aviareps.Com

ESTONIA Airline Management Katusepapi Street 6,Tallinn 11412, Estonia Tel: +372 6681 009 Fax: +372 6228 115 Email: AirSeychelles@airlinemanagement.eu

GREECE Intermodal Air 25 Filellinon Str, 105 57 Athens Tel: (0030 1) 371 6357/3249300 Fax: (0030 1) 324 9152 Sita: athgdco Email: info-gr@airseychelles.com

Bangalore Office C4/ C5, 1st Floor, Devatha Plaza, 131 / 132 Residency Rd, Bangalore - 560025. Tel: +91 80 22222920 / 22222947 Email: kishore.rao@globalaviationindia.com

Chennai Ticketing and Reservation Office Email: amar.patro@globalaviationindia.com Contact Person: Mr. Amar Kumar Patro Contact Number: +044 4295 9632 Coimbatore Office Vincents Bldg., Door No.1420-A, T richy Rd., Coimbatore -641018. Tel: 0422 - 2302 265 / 272 Email: vijaya.b@globalaviationindia.com Delhi Office 303 - 304, Prakash Deep Bldg., 3rd Floor, 7, Tolstoy Marg, New Delhi – 110 001 Tel: 011 - 23737471 / +011 23737473 Email: del@globalaviationindia.com Global Air Transport Services Pvt. Ltd. (Southern India) Global House, 733 Anna Salai, Chennai – 600 006. Tel: +044 4295 9632 / 9696 Email: vasumathi@globalaviationindia.com / amar.patro@globalaviationindia.com Contact Person: Mrs.Vasumathi Jayaraman (Regional Director- South India), Mr. Amar Kumar Patro (Manager- passenger sales) Goa Office Alcon Chambers, First Floor,Office No. 2, D. B. Marg, Panjim,Goa - 403 001 Tel: 0832-2220364 / 2426584 Email: domnic.noronha@globalaviationindia.com Crescent Tower, 2nd Floor, 229, A.J.C.B. Road, Calcutta – 700020 Tel: +91 33 22872550 / 22871230 / 2550 Email: mazumdar.p@globalaviationindia.com Head Office Global AirTransport Services Private Limited N.K.M.International House, 6th Floor, 178, Backbay Reclamation,B.M.Chinai Marg, Mumbai-400020 Tel: 091 022 6620 5600 / 2282 9003 Fax: 091 022 6620 5656 Email: mailto:padmaja@globalaviationindia.com Website: www.globalaviationindia.com Contact Person: Mrs. Padmaja Ashar – Marketing Head

Wo e fOf ifcf iecse s Wo r l dr lwd iwd ied O Hyderabad Office Gupta Estate, 5-9-58/A/203, 2nd Floor, Basheer Bagh, Hyderabad – 500001. Tel: 040-6661 3450 / 2324 1586 Email: suchitra.c@globalaviationindia.com

IRELAND Aviareps plc Commercial Office, 11 The Anchorage, Charlotte Quay, Dublin 4, Ireland Tel: (00353 1) 6319604 Fax: (00353 1) 6674228 Email: hmsupport@aereps.ie Website: www.aereps.ie

Jaipur Office 114-115, Jaipur Tower, Opposite All India Radio, M.I. Road, Jaipur – 302001 (Rajasthan - India). Tel: 0141-237 7752 / 7753 Email: devendra.bhatt@globalaviationindia.com

ISRAEL Open Sky Limited 23 Ben Yehuda Street, Tel Aviv 63805 Tel: (00972 3) 795 1333 Fax: (00972 3) 795 1330 Email: info-il@airseychelles.com

Jalandhar Office 204, Prestige Chambers, 1st Floor, Opp Narinder Cinema, G. T. Road, Jalandhar–144 001 Tel: 0181-508 2071 / 2072 Email: rajnish.sharma@globalaviationindia.com

ITALY (NORTH) Sima International Via Albricci, 8, 20122 Milano (Mi) Tel: (0039 02) 89096106 Fax: (0039 02) 316180 Email: info-mi@airseychelles.com

Kochi Office K.G.Oxford Business Centre, Office No.2A, 2nd Floor, Sreekandath Road, Ernakulam, Kochi - 682 016. Tel: 0484-2350544 / 2351091 Email: latha.vinod@globalaviationindia.com Kolkata (Calcutta) Office Crescent Tower, 2nd Floor, 229, .J.C.B. Road, Calcutta – 700020 Tel: +91 33 22872550 / 22871230 / 2550 Email: mazumdar.p@globalaviationindia.com Mumbai Ticketing and Reservation Office PIL Court - G.A. (front),111, Maharshi Karve Road Churchgate, Mumbai - 400020. Tel: (022) 6621 3800/3811 Fax: (022) 6621 3818 Email: ajay.udeshi@globalaviationindia.com Contact Person: Mr. Ajay Udeshi- General Manager, Passenger Nagpur Office Shop 1 & 2 Pitambar Building , Atrey Layout Ring Road, Ranapratap Nagar, Nagpur - 440 001 Tel: 0712 - 2283385 Email: prasad.v@globalaviationindia.com Pune Office Hermes Kunj, 5,6,7 & 7A Mangaldas Road, Pune – 411011. Tel: 020 - 41052208 - 22 Email: janhavee.t@globalaviationindia.com Thiruvanthapuram Office 2nd Floor,T.C. No. 26 / 699, Krishna Commercial Complex, Bakery Junction,Thiruvanthapuram – 695001. Tel: 0471-233 3237 Email: meenakshi.nair@globalaviationindia.com Vadodara Office FF- 5, First Floor, Panorama Bldg., R. C. Dutt Road, Alkapuri, Vadodara – 390005 Tel: 0265 – 2355 542/ 547 Email: anil.bharwani@globalaviationindia.com Global Air Transport Services Pvt. Ltd. N.K.M.International House,6th Floor, 178 Backbay Reclamation,B.M.Chinai Marg, Mumbai -400 020 (India) Tel : (+91 022) 22829000/66205600 Fax: (+91 022) 22829004/66205656 Email: info-in@airseychelles.com Email: padmaja@globalaviationindia.com Reservations and Ticketing Tel: (+91 022) 6621 3807 / 3811 Fax: (+91 022) 6621 3818 Email: deepak@globalaviationindia.com Ahmedabad: Tel: 079 - 4021 6599 Email: dharmesh.rami@globalaviationindia.com Bangalore Tel: (080) 22275091/22275416 Email: kishore.rao@globalaviationindia.com Kolkata(Calcutta) Tel: (033) 22806336 /22872550 Email: mazumdar.p@globalaviationindia.com Delhi Tel: (011) 23737471/3 Email: brij@globalaviationindia.com Hyderabad Tel: (040) 66613450 / 23241586 Email Suchitra.c@globalaviationindia.com INDONESIA Aviation Services co.ltd Menara bdn, 9th floor Jl. Mh thamrin no. 5 Jakarta 10340 Tel: +6221- 392 9949 Fax: +6221- 392 9948 Email: avs@aviationindonesia.com

JAPAN Air Solution Service Ltd 5F, Eagle Hamamatsucho Building , 2-7-17, Hamamatsucho, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0013 Japan Tel: +81 80 5379 8908 Email: pax-sales@air-sos.co.jp KENYA Safari Travel Kenya Ltd, 2nd Avenue, Parklands PO Box 58716-00200 GPO Tel: (254 20) 3747276, 3521872 Fax: (254 20) 3747286 Email: info-ke@airseychelles.com KOREA INOCEAN M&C 411, Doosan We’ve Pavillion 58 Susong-dong Jongno-gu Seoul Tel: +82-2-737-3235, Fax: +82-2-737-3236 Email: sey@seychellestour.co.kr KUWAIT Pan Arab Travels Co PO Box 2842, Safat Pc 13029 Tel: (00965) 241 5554/241 5556, Fax: (00965) 241 0873 Email: info-kw@airseychelles.com/ patravel@qualitynet.net MALAYSIA Worldwide Aviation Sales SDN BHD CP12, suite 1303, 13th floor, Central Plaza, 34 Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur Tel: 603 - 2142 1199 / 603 – 2143 3755 Fax: 603 - 2141 4433 / 603 – 2148 8499 Email: chew@avs-worldwide.com.my Contact Person: Ms Chew Gake Yong MALDIVES Universal Travel Department 39 Orchid Magu, Malé 20-02 Republic of Maldives Tel: (00 960) 3334 004/3314910 , Fax: (00 960) 3316 156 Email: info-mv@airseychelles.com/ airlines@utsmaldives.com MAYOTTE Air Moyotte 21 place MAriage, 97600 Momoudzou, Tel: (00 269) 623 100 Fax: (00 269) 623 118 Email: info-may@airseychelles.com NETHERLANDS Kales Airlines Services B.V Building:Triport 1, E. V.d Beekstraat 46 1118 CL Schiphol Airport Tel: (0031 20) 655 3670 Fax: (0031 20) 655 3651 Email: info-nl@airseychelles.com peter.kales@kales.com johan.six@kales.com NORWAY Flyservice AS Fr. Nansens pl 8 0160 Oslo Tel: +47- 24 14 87 54 Fax: +47- 24 14 87 51 Email: info-no@airseychelles.com / fly@flyservice.no/ gonzalo.peluffo@flyservice.no Contact Person: Gonzalo Peluffo OMAN United Travels Llc PO Box 599, Muttrah Postal Code 114 Sultanate of Oman Tel: (00968) 247 80057/61 Fax: (00968) 247 80094 Email: info-om@airseychelles.com PAKISTAN Seypak Aviation (Pvt) Ltd 4 J.C.H.S. Main Sharea Faisal Karachi 75350 Tel: (0092 21) 454 5912/ 4536348/ 4543044 Fax: (0092 21) 454 5905/ +92 - 21 454 8809 Email: info-pak@airseychelles.com/ seypak@khi.compol.com PHILIPPINES MC Travel Corporation, UGL-A Grand Hamptons Tower 31st Street corner 2nd Avenue Bonifacio Global City Taguig City, Metro Manila Philippines 1630 Tel: (0063 2) 856-2336 Tel: (0063 2) 856-2808 Email: cecile@quevenco.com POLAND UI. Sienna 72, Apt. 3 00-833 Warszawa, Poland Tel: (0048 22) 6323205 Fax: (0048 22) 6324046 Email: info-pl@airseychelles.com

PORTUGAL Select Aviation Portugal Campo Grande, 220 B 1700-094 Lisbon Tel: + 351 (21) 35 84 450 Email: airseychelles@acro QATAR Qatar Tours PO Box 1683, Doha Tel: (00974) 441 1414/443 6002/441 9753 Fax: (00974) 4433 197, 4351926 Email: info-qa@airseychelles.com/ qatartours@dtco-qatar.com REUNION Air France 7 Avenue De La Victoire, BP 845 F-97477 Saint Denis Cedex Tel: (00262) 262 40 38 38 Fax: (00262) 262 40 38 40 Email: info-run@airseychelles.com ROMANIA Aviareps Magyarorszag Kft Capital Square/First Clients Offices Vaci ut 76, 1133 Budapest, Hungary Tel: (0036 1) 411 3880 Fax: (0036 1) 411 3881 jvaradi@aviareps.com RUSSIA Aviareps, Moscow, Prospect Mira, 39 BLDG 2 129110 Moscow Tel: (007 495) 937 5950 Fax: (007 495) 937 5951 Email: info-rus@airseychelles.com/airseychelles@aviareps.co.ru SAUDI ARABIA Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo - Central Province Kanoo Building One block off king Abdul Aiz road P.o.Box 753 Riyadh 11421 Tel: +9661 - 477 2228 ext.288/305 Fax: +9661 - 283 3041 Email: info-sa-c@airseychelles.com / othergsa@ruh. kanoosa.com Yusuf Bin Ahmed kanoo - Eastern Province Air Seychelles, Airline Center PO Box 1878 Al Khobar 31952, Saudi Arabia Tel: (00966 3) 8355832 Fax: (00966 3) 835573 Email: info-sa-e@airseychelles.com Central Province Air Seychelles, Kanoo Building, One Block off King Abdul Aiz Road, PO Box 753 Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia Tel: (009661) 4772228 Ext 288/305 Fax: (009661) 2833041 Email: info-sa-c@airseychelles.com Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo - Western Province Air Seychelles Kanoo Center, Kilo ‘7’ Madinah Road PO Box 812, Jeddah 21421, Saudi Arabia Tel: (009662) 2632959 Ext 121/108 Fax: (009662) 2632948 Email: info-sa-w@airseychelles.com

SEYCHELLES Head Office Air Seychelles Ltd Head Office International Airport P.O.Box 386 Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles Tel: +248 4 39 10 00 Fax: +248 4 39 13 50 (marketing & sales) Email: info@airseychelles.com / airseyrr@airseychelles.com / marketing@airseychelles.com Website: www.airseychelles.com

SINGAPORE Aviation Services (Gsa) Pte Ltd 100 Tras Street #13-01 Amara Corporate Tower Singapore 079027 Tel: +65 - 6 324 8006 Fax: + 65 - 6 225 6315 / +65 - 6 221 8810 Email: info-sg@airseychelles.com SOUTH AFRICA Lu Dowell Representations Border Air 280 Oak Avenue Randburg 2125 Tel: +011 326 4440/4443/4388 Fax: +011 781 2215 Email: reservations@border-air.co.za / airlinesres@ border-air.co.za / Airseychelles@border-air.co.za SPAIN Air Marketing Representatives S.A.-amr-C/Monte Esquinza, 30 Oficina 5 28010 Madrid Tel: +34 - 91 319 5189 / +34 - 91 310 1907 Fax: +34 - 91 310 5098 Email: info-es@airseychelles.com / airmart@amr-sa.com / airseychelles.es@amr-sa.com SRI LANKA North South Lines Pvt Ltd 400 Deans Road Colombo 10 Sri Lanka Tel: +94 11 4740760 Fax: +94 11 4740765 Email: info-lk2@airseychelles.com Website: www.hayley.com

SWEDEN Riddargatan 17, 114 57 Stockholm, Sweden Tel Direct: (0046 8) 545 259 42 Fax: (0046 8) 241 888 Email: HMRes.Scan@aviareps.com/info-se@ airseychelles.com Contact Person: Paul Riddez (General Manager) SWITZERLAND Airpass Services Switzerland Ltd, Schaffhauserstrasse 115 Airport City CH-8302 Kloten Switzerland Tel: +41 (44) 220 19 20 Fax: +41 (44) 220 19 15 Email: airseychelles@airpass.ch Website: www.airseychelles.ch TAIWAN Aviation Travel Services Co Ltd 10F, No. 19, Sec 3 Nan Jing E. Road Taipei Taiwan R.O.C. Tel: +886- 2 2567 8956 Fax: +886- 2 2563 7596 Email: info-ta@airseychelles.com THAILAND TT Aviation Co. Ltd, 140/19 ITF tower, 11th floor Silom Road, Suriyawongse Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Tel: (00662) 235 8282 Fax: (00662) 231 6488 Email: info-th@airseychelles.com TAIWAN Aviation Travel Services Co Ltd 10F, No. 19, Sec 3 Nan Jing E. Road Taipei , Taiwan R.O.C. Tel: +886- 2 2567 8956 Fax: +886- 2 2563 7596 General email: info-ta@airseychelles.com Email: mckoy@atstpe.com.tw UKRAINE Aviareps AG9/2, Chervonoarmijska str. of.4 01004Kiev Tel: +38 044 490 65 01 Email: HM.Ukraine@aviareps.com Website: www.aviareps.com Contact Person: Natalya Ilyashova (Country Manager) UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Asian Air Travel and Tourism, P.o.Box 65006 Dubai Tel: +971 - 4 286 8008 Fax: +971 - 4 283 2115 Email: info-ae@airseychelles.com / airseychelles@ emirates.net.ae / asttrvl@eim.ae Omeir Travel Agency Shk. Khalifa Street P.o.Box 267 Abu Dhabi Tel: +971 2 6118640 Fax: +971 2 6225653 Email: mubarak@omeir.com / marketing@omeir.ae UNITED KINGDOM Aviareps Plc Aviareps House Gatwick Road Crawley West Sussex rh10 9rb Tel: +44 - 01293 596655 Fax: +44 - 1293 596 658 Email: info-uk@airseychelles.com / airseychelles@aviareps-group.com Website: www.airseychelles.co.uk Contact Person: Sarah Gilmore- Reservations department Contact Number: +44-1293 596 656 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Chicago Office 101, N.Wacker Dr Suite 350 Chicago, IL 60606 Tel: +1- 877 359 7392 Fax: 312-269-0222 Email: chi@aviaworldna.com Houston Office 350 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 1320 Houston TX 77056 Tel: +1- 877 359 7392 Fax: (713) 626 1905 Email: hou@aviaworldna.com Los Angeles Office 16250, Ventura Blvd Suite 101 Encino, CA 91436 Tel: +1- 877 359 7392 Fax: (818) 501-2098 Email: lax@aviaworldna.com New York Office 1, Penn Plaza, Suite 1416 New York, NY 10119 Tel: +1- 877 359 7392 Fax: (212) 279 6602 Email: nyc@aviaworldna.com VIETNAM Worldwide Agency 127-129 Nguyen Hue Street, District1 1 HoChiMinh City, Vietnam Tel: (0084) 3915 2264 Fax: (0084) 3915 2265 Email: grace@itlavs.com

Tr a v e l Fa c t s

Currency

Language

The Seychelles Rupee (SCR1 = 100 cents). Notes SCR 10, 25, 50, 100 and 500. Coins SCR 1, 5 and Cents 1, 5, 10, 25. Most credit cards and travellers’ cheques are accepted. There is no restriction on the import and export of domestic and foreign currency in the country. Banks and Bureaux de Change are authorised dealers in foreign currency. For rates of exchange contact authorised dealers for which information can be otained on Central Bank’s website at www.cbs.sc

Creole, English and French are the official languages of the Seychelles.

Credit Cards American Express, Mastercard, Diners Club and Visa cards are widely accepted.

Time Seychelles is four hours ahead of GMT and three hours ahead of Central European Time.

Public Holidays New Year January 1-2 Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday March 29, 31 & April1 Labour Day May 1 Liberation Day June 5 Corpus Christi May 30 National Day June 18 Independence Day June 29 Assumption Day, (festival on La Digue) August 15 All Saints Day November 1 Immaculate Conception December 8 Christmas December 25

Climate 26°-29° C all year round. Annual rainfall totals approximately 90 inches, with heavy showers between November and February. As the Islands lie beyond the cyclone belt, high winds and thunderstorms are rare.

Electricity

Tipping Restaurant bills normally include a service charge. Although not widely expected, tips are warmly received for personal service.

Clothes Very casual. For men, shorts and T-shirts during the day, and slacks for evening. Jackets and ties are rarely worn. For women, cotton wrap-arounds or shorts for daytime, cool dresses for evening wear.

Transport: An efficient bus service operates on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue between 0530-1900. Taxis are available and cars can also be hired on Mahé and Praslin and bicycles on La Digue. A valid international license is required for self-driving. Air Seychelles operates flights between Mahé and Praslin throughout the day. Charter flights are also operated to other islands. An inter-island ferry service operates daily between the islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. L’Air Dezil operates a shuttle service between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue and other islands.

Customs Duty Free items are permitted for up to: - 200 millilitres of Perfume and Eau de Toilette. - 2 litres of beverages with less than 16% alcohol i.e beer, wine. - 2 litres of beverages with more than 16% alcohol i.e whisky, gin, rum etc. - 250 grammes of tobacco or 200 cigarettes. - Personal goods worth SCR 5000 for adults and SCR 3000 for under 18 years. For more information visit www.src.gov.sc

Accommodation

Tourist Information

Seychelles offers a variety of accommodation, from international resorts and medium-sized hotels with all facilities to guest houses, lodges and chalets on the smaller islands. Camping is not allowed.

The Seychelles Tourist Office is located in Independence House, Victoria, Mahé.

Sports and Watersports

240 volts AC 50 Hz. Adaptors are provided by hotels.

Emergency Services The Emergency number for fire, police or ambulance is 999. Victoria Hospital: 4388000.

Medical Services Victoria has a large and efficient hospital and most islands have health clinics. Some hotels provide duty nurses. Private doctors are available on call at all hotels – contact reception.

Many hotels have excellent facilities for watersports centres offering a wide range of activities. Some also have dive centres and tennis courts. There is an 18-hole golf course at Lemuria Resort on Praslin and Seychelles Golf Course, a 9-hole golf course at Anse aux Pins, Mahé.

Museums and Libraries

The central office in Victoria is open from 0800-1600 Monday-Friday and 0800-1200 Saturday.

The History Museum is situated on Francis Rachel Street, Victoria in the National Library Building. The Natural History Museum is situated on Independence Avenue, Victoria near to the Post Office. Kenwyn House directly opposite the main entrance to the National Library on Francis Rachel Street is one of the best preserved 19th century buildings of Victoria, renovated in 2005.

Telecommunications

Shopping

Post Office

Cable & Wireless Seychelles (CWS), the islands leading communications provider, is the operator of choice across mobile (3G+), broadband and fixed services. As a subsidiary of Cable & Wireless Communications PLC (listed on the LSE), the company delivers first rate business and consumer solutions including turnkey solutions for major international investors. CWS’ mission is “To provide world class communication services and solutions wherever and whenever people work, play and have fun”. No one knows Seychelles better. Telecom (Sey) Ltd, AIRTEL. Provider of Mobile GSM Telecom Services with 3G & Edge Network, Mobile broadband Data Services for High Speed Internet Access. Roaming with over 200 operators worldwide. Prepaid starter kits & recharge options available at Airtel Centres in Victoria, Providence, Praslin & selected retail outlets on main islands. Coverage on Mahè, Praslin, La Digue, Inner Islands, Fregate & Coetivy.

Local handicrafts include basketware, table-mats, hats, jewellery and paintings. Shops are open from 0800-1700 hours Monday-Friday and 0800-1200 hours Saturday. Some open Sunday morning.

Restaurants A range of cuisine is also available, from traditional Creole and French cuisine to Chinese. In addition to hotels and restaurants, several take-away outlets can be found in Victoria.

Nightlife Most hotels offer programmes for evening entertainment ranging from barbecues and dinner dances to folk singing. There are two cinemas in Victoria. Theatrical productions are sometimes staged in Creole, English and French.

Informations Utiles

Devise

Une roupie seychelloise = 100 sous. Il existe des billets de 10, 25, 50 , 100 et 500. Il existe de la monnaie à 1 et 5 roupies, 1, 5, 10 et 25 sous. La majorité des cartes de crédit et des chèques de voyage sont acceptés. Il n’y a pas de restriction sur l’importation et l’exportation de devises étrangères et locales dans le pays. Les banques et les bureaux de change sont autorisés pour toutes les transactions en devises étrangères. En ce qui concerne les taux d’échange, prenez contact avec les courtiers autorisés qui obtiennent leurs informations de la Banque Centrale ; site web : www.cbs.sc

Cartes de crédit Les cartes American Express, Mastercard, Diners Club et Visa sont généralement acceptées.

Décalage horaire Les Seychelles ont trois heures d’avance sur Paris.

Jours fériés

Nouvel An 1 et 2 janvier Vendredi saint, Dimanche de Pâques 29, 31 mars & 1 avril Fête du travail 1 mai Jour de la Libération 5 juin Fête Dieu 30 mai Fête Nationale 18 juin Fête de l’Indépendance 29 juin Fête de l’Assomption (La Digue) 15 août Toussaint 1 novembre Immaculée Conception 8 décembre Noël 25 décembre

Climat Entre 26 et 29 degrés Celcius, tout au long de l’année. Saison des pluies entre novembre et février (env. 200mm de précipitation). Les Seychelles étant hors de la zone des cyclones, les tempêtes sont rares.

Electricité Courant alternatif 240 volts. Les hôtels mettent des adaptateurs à disposition.

Information Touristique

Langues Le créole, l’anglais et le français sont les langues officielles des Seychelles.

Pourboires Le service est compris dans la plupart des restaurants. Bien qu’ils ne soient pas obligatoires, les pourboires sont toujours reçus avec un grand sourire.

Tenue vestimentaire Décontractée. Pour les hommes le port du short et du T-shirt la journée et du pantalon le soir. Pour les dames le port du short ou d’une jupe en coton la journée et robe légère le soir.

Transport : Un service de bus efficace fonctionne sur Mahé, Praslin et La Digue entre 5h.30 et 19 heures. Des taxis et des voitures en location sont aussi disponibles sur Mahé et sur Praslin et des bicyclettes peuvent être louées sur La Digue.Un permis valable de conduite international est exigé en cas de location de voiture sans chauffeur. Air Seychelles fournit des vols entre Mahé et Praslin durant la journée. Des vols charter sont aussi organisés vers les autres îles. Un service de ferry interîles fonctionne aussi entre les îles de Mahé, Praslin et La Digue. L’ »Air Dezil » propose aussi une navette entre Mahé, Praslin, La Digue et d’autres îles.

Les produits hors-taxe sont limités à : - 200 ml de parfum et eau de toilette - 2 litres de boisson contenant moins de 16% d’alcool, par ex. la bière, le vin. - 2 litres de boisson contenant plus de 16% d’alcool, par ex. le whisky, le gin, le rhum etc. - 250 grammes de tabac ou 200 cigarettes. - des biens personnels pour une valeur de 5.000 Rs par adulte et de 3.000 Rs pour les jeunes de moins de 18 ans. Pour plus d’informations, visitez notre site: www.src.gov.sc

Hébergement Les Seychelles disposent d’une grande diversité d’hébergement – allant des hôtels de grande, moyenne et petite capacité aux “lodges”, chalets et bungalows sur les plus petites îles.

Sports et sports nautiques

Urgences

Beaucoup d’hôtels ont d’excellents centres de sports nautiques offrant une large gamme d’activités. Certains ont également des clubs de plongée et des courts de tennis. Il y a un golf de18 trous à l’hôtel Lémuria à Praslin, et le Seychelles Golf Course, un neuf trous à Anse aux Pins, à Mahé.

Pour toutes urgences (ambulance, police, pompiers), il faut composer le 999. Victoria Hôpital: 4388000.

Museums et librairies

L’office du tourisme est situé à L’Independence House à Mahé.

Services médicaux Victoria est dotée d’un hôpital tandis que la plupart des îles possèdent une clinique. Certains grands hôtels ont un service d’infirmerie.

Bureau de poste Les heures d’ouverture du bureau de poste à Victoria sont: de 8:00h à 16:00h, du lundi au vendredi et de 8:00h à 12:00h le samedi.

Télécommunications

Cable & Wireless Seychelles (CWS), le principal opérateur de télécommunications de l’archipel, propose des services de téléphonie fixe, mobile (3G+) et internet (ADSL). En tant que filiale du Groupe Cable & Wireless Communications PLC (coté à la bourse de Londres), la société offre des prestations innovantes pour les entreprises et les particuliers, ainsi que des solutions intégrées pour les grands comptes internationaux. Notre mission est “de fournir des solutions et services parmi les meilleurs au monde, partout et pour chaque instant de la vie”. Personne ne connaît mieux les Seychelles que nous. Telecom (Sey) Ltd, Airtel propose des Réseaux GSM, 3G, et Edge avec couverture intérieure/extérieur dans les îles de Mahè, Praslin, La Digue, Frégate et Coetivy. Des cartes de téléphone cellulaires sont disponibles dans les bureaux d’Airtel et des locaux spécifiques. L’accès au réseau ‘roaming‘ avec plus de 200 opérateurs internationales.

Le Musée d’Histoire est situé dans la rue Francis Rachel, à Victoria, dans le bâtiment de la Bibliothèque Nationale. Le Museum d’Histoire Naturelle est situé dans la rue de l’indépendance, à Victoria, près du bureau de Poste. Kenwyn House, en face de l’entrée principale de la Bibliothèque Nationale dans la rue Francis Rachel, est l’un des bâtiments du 19ème siècle les mieux préservés à Victoria. Il fut rénové en 2005.

Shopping L’artisanat local offre des travaux en fibre (chapeaux, paniers etc.) en coquillages, en nacre ou encore en or (bijoux et objets décoratifs) ainsi que des œuvres d’artistes locaux. Les heures d’ouverture des magasins sont de 8:00h à 17:00h du lundi au vendredi et de 8:00h à 12:00h le samedi. Certains commerces restent ouverts le dimanche matin.

Restaurants Les Seychelles offrent une cuisine variée: créole et internationale. En dehors des établissements hôteliers et des restaurants, des services traiteurs sont à votre disposition à Mahé (Victoria) ainsi qu’à Praslin.

Vie nocturne La plupart des hôtels organisent des spectacles nocturnes: danses traditionnelles, dîners dansant ou barbecues sur la plage. Il y a deux cinémas à Victoria. Régulièrement, des pièces de théâtre en français, en anglais et en créole sont à l’affiche. Il existe aussi des boîtes de nuit à Victoria et Beau Vallon ainsi qu’à Praslin.

Dining Out

RESTAURANTS – MAHÉ A LA CARTE Al Mare Restaurant

Beau Vallon Tel: +248 462 02 40 / 251 21 17 / 251 21 13 Fax: +248 462 02 42 E-mail: almare@email.sc

CREOLE

Anse Soleil Cafe

Anse Soleil, Mahé Tel: +248 436 10 85 / 436 17 00 / 251 12 12

Boat House

Address: Beau Vallon Mahé Tel: +248 424 78 98 E-mail: davejoubert@yahoo.com

Cap Lazare

Tel: +248 428 01 00 / 252 46 42 Fax: +248 422 58 17 E-mail: info@creoletravelservices.com

Chez Batista Restaurant

Takamaka, Mahé Tel: +248 436 63 00 Fax: +248 436 65 09 E-mail: batistas@seychelles.net

Domaine Du Soleil Restaurant Tel: +248 428 55 55 Fax: +248 424 72 24 E-mail: sun@seychelles.net

Katiolo

Anse Faure Tel: +248 4375 453

Le Marinier Restaurant

Inter Island Quay Victoria, Mahé Tel: +248 422 49 37

Le Reduit Restaurant

Tel: +248 436 61 16 / 436 62 25 E-mail: lereduit@seychelles.net

Marie Antoinette Restaurant Serret Road St Louis Tel: +248 426 62 22

News Cafe

1st floor, Trinity House Victoria, Mahé Tel: +248 432 29 99

CHINESE

Le Canton Chinese Restaurant

Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Beach Resort & Casino Tel: +248 428 72 87 Fax: +248 424 79 43 E-mail: bhrseysm@berjayaseychelles.com

The Wok Chinese Restaurant Coco D’Or Hotel Tel: +248 424 73 31 Fax: +248 424 74 54 E-mail: cocodor@seychelles.sc

GOURMET

Cyann “Signature Cousine” Constance Ephilia Resort Tel: +248 4395 001

Maia Restaurant

Luxury Resort Spa Tel: +248 4390 000 E-mail: reservations@southernsun.sc

Chilli Bar & Steakhouse La Louise Tel: +248 4344 155

Zez Restaurant

Four Seasons Resort Tel: +248 4393 000 ext. 1902 E-mail: Restaurants-Reservation.SEY@ fourseasons.com

INDIAN

Mahék Indian Restaurant

Coral Strand Hotel Tel: +248 462 10 00, Fax: +248 424 75 17 E-mail: info@coralstrand.sc

Berjaye Beau Vallou

La Scala Restaurant

Tel: +248 424 75 35 Fax: +248 424 79 02 E-mail: silscala@seychelles.net

The Sea Shell

Tel: +248 428 72 87

Port Launay Tel: +248 4324026/2523968

SOUTH ASIAN

Uncle Will’s Pizzeria

Kannel

Four Seasons Resort Tel: +248 4393 000 ext. 1902 E-mail: Restaurants-Reservation.SEY@ fourseasons.com

JAPANESE Teppanyaki

Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Beach Resort & Casino Tel: +248 428 72 87 , Fax: +248 424 79 43 E-mail: bhrseysm@berjayaseychelles.com

INTERNATIONAL/CREOLE Anchor Cafe

Anse a la Mouche, Mahé Tel: +248 437 12 89, Fax: +248 437 17 53 E-mail: keith@seychelles.net

Au Jardin D’Epices

Banyan Tree Seychelles Tel: +248 438 35 00, Fax: +248 438 36 00 E-mail: reservations@banyantree.com

Aubergine Restaurant

The Wharf Hotel & Marina Providence, Mahé Tel: +248 467 07 00, Fax: +248 460 17 00 E-mail: thewharf@seychelles.net

Coco D’Or Hotel Tel: +248 424 73 31 Fax: +248 424 74 54 E-mail: cocodor@seychelles.sc

Lounge 8

Vista bay Glacis, Mahe Mobile: +248 2746808

Fairyland Restaurant

Pointe au Sel, Mahé Tel: +248 437 17 00 Fax: +248 437 16 10 E-mail: fairylan@seychelles.net

Green Valley

Anse aux Pins Tel: +248 437 1670

The Hilltop Restaurant

Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa PO Tel: +248 429 90 00 Fax: +248 429 90 03 E-mail: reservations@thenortholmehotel.com

Jolie Rose 2 Restaurant

Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market Tel: +248 422 54 51

Le Jardin du Roi

Domaine de L’enfoncement Anse Royale Tel: +248 437 13 13 Fax: +248 437 13 66 E-mail: brymich@seychelles.net

Le Mangrovia Restaurant

Le Meridien Barbarons Tel: +248 467 30 00 Fax: +248 467 33 80 E-mail: reservation.barbarons@lemeridien.sc

Le Rendez-vous Restaurant

1st Floor, Victoria House Victoria, Mahé Tel: +248 432 35 56 Fax: +248 432 32 16 E-mail: patti@seychelles.net

Le Surmer Restaurant

Le Surmer Hotel Pointe Conan, Mahé Tel: +248 424 18 11 Fax: +248 424 15 27 E-mail: lesurmer@seychelles.net

Les Cocotiers Restaurant

Tel: +248 429 90 00 Fax: +248 429 90 01 E-mail: reservations@thenortholmehotel.com

Maia

Luxury Resort & Spa Tel: +248 4390 000 E-mail: reservations@southernsun.sc

Manresa Restaurant Manresa Small Hotel Tel: +248 424 13 88 Fax: +248 424 13 88

Montezuma Restaurant

Beau Vallon, Mahé Tel: +248 424 71 67 / 258 38 68

Anse Royale Mahé Tel: +248 436 16 80 E-mail: chefinparadise@hotmail.com

Mahé Beach Resort Port Glaud Mahé Tel: +248 438 53 85 Fax: +248 437 81 17 E-mail: bmbsm@seychelles.net

Beach Side Bistro

La Cocoteraie Restaurant

The Parrot

Baobab Pizzeria Restaurant

Coral Strand Hotel PO Tel: +248 462 10 00, Fax: +248 424 75 17 E-mail: info@coralstrand.sc

Bel Air Restaurant

Hotel Bel Air Bel Air, Mahé Tel: +248 422 44 16, Fax: +248 422 49 23 E-mail: belair@seychelles.net

Bravo

Eden Island Tel: +248 4346 020 bravo@seychelles.net

Carefree Guesthouse & Restaurant Anse Aux Pins Mahé Tel: +248 437 52 37, Fax: +248 437 56 54 E-mail: honey@seychelles.net

Chez Plume Resturant

Kaz Kreol Restaurant

Le Meridien Barbarons Hotel Tel: +248 467 30 00 Fax: +248 467 33 80 E-mail: reservation.barbarons@lemeridien.sc

Berjaya Beau Vallon Tel: +248 428 72 87 E-mail: bhrseysm@berjayaseychelles.com

La Palma Restaurant

Eden Island Tel: +248 443 63 03

Coco D’Or Hotel PO Tel: +248 424 73 31 Fax: +248 424 74 54 E-mail: cocodor@seychelles.sc

Tel: +248 422 50 01 Fax: +248 422 44 50 E-mail: pirates@seychelles.sc

La Plage Restaurant

Pizzeria Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay

Tel: +248 432010

Beau Vallon Beach Tel: +248 4620290

La Perle Noire Restaurant

Beau Vallon Tel: +248 462 02 20, Fax: +248 462 02 01 perlnoir@seychelles.net

Docklands Pizzeria

La Voliere

Doubleclick Seychelles

Lazare Picault Restaurant

Maison La-Rosiere Palm Street Tel: +248 461 05 90, Fax: +248 461 05 91 E-mail: bureau@seychelles.net

Helios Restaurant

Constance Ephilia Resort Tel: +248 4395 001 info@ephiliaresort.com

Kaz Zenana

Revolution Avenue Tel: +248 4324150

Konoba Restaurant Bar Launge

Angel Fish Bayside Marina Tel: +248 4345 400, contact@konoba.sc

Pirates Arms

La Plaine St Andre

Tel: +248 435 50 50, Fax: 248 435 50 33 E-mail: plume@seychelles.net New Port -Victoria Tel: +248 4610 888

The Board Walk Lounge & Bar

Mahé Beach Resort Tel: +248 438 53 85, Fax: +248 437 81 17 E-mail: bmbsm@seychelles.net Lazare Picault Hotel Tel: +248 436 11 11, Fax: +248 436 11 77 E-mail: lazarpco@seychelles.net

Le Bourgeois Restaurant

(Fisherman’s Cove) c/o Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove Tel: +248 467 70 00 Fax: +248 462 09 00 / 01 E-mail: reservations@lemeridien.sc

Le Cardinal Restaurant

c/o Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove Tel: +248 467 70 00 Fax: +248 462 09 00 / 01 E-mail: reservations@lemeridien.sc

Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino Tel: +248 28 472 87 Fax: +248 424 79 43 E-mail: bhrseysm@berjayaseychelles.com

Saffron

Banyan Tree Seychelles Tel: +248 438 35 00 Fax: +248 438 36 00 E-mail: reservations@banyantree.com

Sam’s Pizzeria

Francis Rachel Street, Victoria, Mahé Tel: +248 432 24 99 / 32 34 95 Fax: + 248 432 43 59 E-mail: sulemane@seychelles.net

Seselwa Bar

Constance Ephilia Resort Tel: +248 4395 001 info@ephiliaresort.com

Sea View Restaurant Coral Strand Tel: 248 421000 Mail@coralstrand.sc

Diner a l Extérieur

Silhouette Restaurant

Sunset Beach Resort Tel: +248 426 11 11 , Fax: +248 426 12 21 E-mail: sunset@seychelles.net

Skychef LTD

Seychelles International Airport Tel: +248 438 17 50 Fax: +248 437 34 56 E-mail: skychef@seychelles.net

Sundown Restaurant Port Glaud, Mahé Tel: +248 437 83 52 Fax: +248 437 83 52

Surfers beach restaurant Anse Parnell Tel: +248 278 3703

Takamaka Restaurant

Takamaka Residence Tel: +248 436 60 49 Fax: +248 436 63 03 E-mail: infobox@seychelleshotel.com

The Sea Shell

Port Launay Tel: +248 4324026/ 2523968

Black Parrot Restaurant

Black Parrot Suites Anse Bois de Rose, Praslin Tel: +248 429 05 55 Fax: +248 429 04 40 E-mail: cocodeme@seychelles.net

Bonbon Plume

Anse Lazio, Praslin Tel: +248 423 21 36 Fax: +248 423 22 77

Bonm Ange

Hotel L’Archipel Anse Gouvernement, Praslin Tel: +248 428 47 00, Fax: +248 423 20 72 E-mail: archipel@seychelles.net

Britannia Restaurant

Britannia Hotel Grand Anse, Praslin Tel: +248 423 32 15 / 423 39 15 Fax: +248 423 39 44 E-mail: britania@seychelles.net

Chateau de Feuilles

Pointe Cabris, Praslin Tel: +248 429 00 00 Fax: +248 429 00 29 E-mail: info@chateaudefeuilles.com

Feuille d’Or Tyfoo Restaurant

La Plaine St. Andre Au cap, Mahé Tel: +248 437 14 85

Vye Marmit

Domaine de Val de Pres Au Cap, Mahé Tel: +248 437 61 55 / 437 61 00 Fax: +248 437 61 18

Zez Lounge

Hotel L’Archipel Anse Gouvernement, Praslin Tel: +248 428 47 00 Fax: +248 423 20 72 E-mail: archipel@seychelles.net

The Fregate

Berjaya Praslin Beach Hotel Anse Volbert, Praslin Tel: +248 428 62 86, Fax: +248 423 22 44 E-mail: bpbres@berjayaseychelles.com

Four Seasons Resort Tel+248 4393222 Email: Restaurants-Reservation.SEY@ fourseasons.com

The Britania

RESTAURANTS – PRASLIN CREOLE

Coco de Mer Hotel Anse Bois de Rose, Praslin Tel: +248 429 05 55 , Fax: +248 429 04 40 E-mail: cocodeme@seychelles.net

Capricorn Restaurant

Islanders Guesthouse Anse Kerlan, Praslin Tel: +248 423 32 24 Fax: +248 423 31 54 E-mail: islander@seychelles.net

Coco Rouge

Baie Ste Anne, Praslin Tel: +248 423 22 28

Le Chevalier Bay Restaurant

Anse Lazio, Praslin Tel: +248 423 23 22 , Fax: +248 423 23 22 E-mail: chevalierbay@seychelles.sc

Les Lauriers Restaurant

Les Lauriers Petit Hotel Cote d’Or, Praslin Tel: +248 423 22 41 Fax: +248 423 23 62 E-mail: laurier@seychelles.net

INTERNATIONAL/CREOLE Acajou Hotel Restaurant

Cote d’Or Praslin Tel: +248 423 24 00, Fax: +248 423 24 01 E-mail: acajou@seychelles.net

Beach Bar and Grill

Lemuria Resort Anse Kerlan, Praslin Tel: +248 428 10 91, Fax: +248 428 10 01 E-mail: fnbmgr@lemuriaresort.com

Beach Bar Restaurant

Acajou Hotel Cote d’Or, Praslin Tel: +248 423 24 00, Fax: +248 423 24 01 E-mail: acajou@seychelles.net

Grand Anse Tel: +248 423 32 15

Hibiscus Restaurant

Indian Ocean Lodge

Grand Anse, Praslin Tel: +248 423 33 24 / 23 34 57 Fax: +248 423 39 11 E-mail: iol@seychelles.net

The Jetty Restaurant

La Reserve Hotel Anse Petite Cour, Praslin Tel: +248 429 80 00, Fax: +248 423 21 66 E-mail: resa@lareserve.sc

The Jetty Restaurant

La Reserve Hotel Anse Petite Cour, Praslin Tel: +248 429 80 00, Fax: +248 423 21 66 E-mail: resa@lareserve.sc

Kannel restaurant

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles Tel+248 4393222 Email: Restaurants-Reservation.SEY@ fourseasons.com

Le Beach Restaurant

Paradise Sun Hotel Anse Volbert, Praslin Tel: +248 429 32 93 Fax: +248 423 20 19 E-mail: paradise@seychelles.net

Le Dauphin

Hotel Le Duc de Praslin Baie Ste. Anne, Praslin Tel: +248 423 22 52 Fax: +248 423 23 55 E-mail: leduc@seychelles.net

Le Kato Noir

Palm Beach Hotel Grande Anse, Praslin Tel: +248 429 02 90/429 02 92 Fax: +248 423 30 90 E-mail: palmbeach@seychelles.sc

Legend Restaurant

Lemuria Resort Anse Kerlan, Praslin Tel: +248 428 10 88 Fax: +248 428 10 01 E-mail: fnbmgr@lemuriaresort.com

Octopus Diving Center Berjaya Praslin Beach Hotel Anse Volbert, Praslin Tel/Fax: +248 423 26 02 Tel Hotel: +248 423 22 22 Mobile: +248 271 54 41 E-mail: bpbfc@seychelles.net

Pool Deck Restaurant

Lemuria Resort Anse Kerlan, Praslin Tel: +248 428 10 88, Fax: +248 428 10 01 E-mail: fnbmgr@lemuriaresort.com

Pool Grill Restaurant

La Reserve Anse Petit Cour, Praslin Tel: +248 429 80 00 Fax: +248 423 21 66 E-mail: resa@lareserve.sc

Port Side Cafe

Address: Baie Ste. Anne Jetty, Praslin Tel: +248 271 28 00 / 276 64 00

Sea Horse Restaurant & Bar

Lemuria Resort Anse Kerlan, Praslin Tel: +248 428 12 43 Fax: +248 428 10 01 E-mail: resa@lemuriaresort.com

Tante Mimi Restaurant

Cote d’Or, Praslin Tel: +248 423 25 00 Fax: +248 423 25 03 E-mail: desisles@seychelles.net

Touchdown Restaurant Amitie Airport Praslin Tel: +248 423 36 55 Fax: +248 423 35 66

Village de Pecheur Praslin Tel: +248 423 20 00

RESTAURANTS LA DIGUE CREOLE Bernique

Anse Reunion Tel: +248 423 42 29

Patatran Restaurant

Patatran Village Anse Patates, La Digue Tel: +248 429 43 00, Fax: +248 429 43 90 E-mail: patatran@seychelles.net

Tournesol

Tournesol Guesthouse La Passe, La Digue Tel: +248 423 41 55 , Fax: +248 423 43 64 E-mail: tournesol@seychelles.sc

Villa Authentique Restaurant & Bar Villa Authentique La Passe, La Digue Tel: +248 423 44 13,Fax: +248 423 44 13

Villa Mon Reve

Anse Reunion, La Digue Tel: +248 423 42 18 , Fax: +248 423 42 18 E-mail: vmonreve@hotmail.com

Zerof Restaurant

Anse Reunion, La Digue Tel: +248 423 44 39, Fax: +248 423 40 67

INTERNATIONAL/CREOLE Cafe Le Monde

Grand Anse Tel: +248 274 22 65/ 278 11 21

Cafe Le Monde

Baie St Anne Tel: +248 423 21 11

Chateau St Cloud

La Passe, La Digue Tel: +248 423 43 46, Fax: +248 423 45 45 E-mail: stcloud@seychelles.net

La Vanille

Anse La Blague Tel: +248 423 21 78

La Digue Island Lodge Anse Reunion Tel: +248 429 25 25

L’Ocean

Anse Patates Tel: +248 423 43 33

Pool Side Restaurant

La Digue Island Lodge Anse Reunion, La Digue Tel: +248 429 25 25 Fax: +248 423 41 32 E-mail: reservation@ladigue.sc

Pecheur Restaurant

La Digue Island Lodge Anse Reunion, La Digue Tel: +248 429 25 25, Fax: +248 423 41 32 E-mail: reservation@ladigue.sc

Restaurant Le Dauphin C/o Le de Praslin Hotel Tel: +248 429 48 00

Restaurant Patatran

Hotel L’Ocean Anse Patates, La Digue Tel: +248 423 41 80, Fax: +248 423 43 08 E-mail: hocean@seychelles.net

Tarosa Restaurant

La Passe, La Digue Tel: +248 423 44 07, Fax: +248 423 43 44 E-mail: patatran@seychelles.net

PIZZERIA/CAFE-BAR Gregoire’s comples Tel: +248 429 25 25

SEA FOOD

Cafe Des Arts

Cote d’Or Tel: +248 423 21 70

RESTAURANTS OTHER ISLANDS CREOLE Jolly Roger’s

Moyenne Island Tel: +248 429 70 00, Fax: +248 422 58 17 E-mail: info@creoletravelservices.sc

INTERNATIONAL/CREOLE L’habitation Restaurant

Tel: +248 432 31 11, Fax: +248 432 13 08 E-mail: habicerf@seychelles.net

Please send updated information to Creative@camerapix.co.ke

English- Creole

Hello How are you? I am well Thank you Very much Goodbye Hotel Room Bed Food Coffee Beer Cold Hot Tea Meat Fish Bread Butter Sugar Salt Bad Today Tomorrow Now Quickly Slowly Hospital Police Mr. Mrs. Miss. I

Bonzour Konman Sava? Byen Mersi Mersi Mersi bokou orevwar Lotel Lasanm Lili Manze Kafe Labyer Fre So Dite Lavyan Pwason Dipen Diber Disik Disel Pa bon Ozordi Demen Konmela Vitman Dousman Lopital Gard Msye Madanm Manmzel Mon

You’re welcome Where do you come from I come from....... What is your name? My name is.... Can you speak Kreol? Only a little I would like to learn more How do you find Seychelles? I like it here The weather is hot, isn’t it? Where are you going? I am going to... Please stop here How much? Wait a minute I have to get change Excuse me Where is the toilet? In the back Where may I get a drink?

You He, She We They What? Who? Where? When? How? Why? Which? Yes No To eat To drink To sleep To bathe To come To go To stop To buy To sell Street/road Airport Shop Money Cent One Two Three Four Five Six

Pa dekwa Kote ou sorti? Mon sorti...... Ki mannyer ou apele? Mon apel..... Ou kabab koz Kreol? Zis en pe Mon oule apran ankor Ki mannyer ou war Sesel? Mon kontan isi Sesel Letan i so, wi? Kote ou pe ale? Mon pe al...... Aret isi silvouple Konbyen? Esper mwan en pti moman Fodre mon ganny larzan sanze Ekskize Kote kabinen i ete sivouple? Deryer lakour Kote mon kapab ganny en keksoz pou bwar?

Ou Li Nou Zot Kwa? /Ki? Ki? /Lekel? Kote? Kan? Ki mannyer? Akoz? Lekel? Wi Non Manze Bwar Dormir Bennyen/Naze Vini Ale Arete Aste Vann Lari/Semen Erport Laboutik Larzan Sou Enn De Trwa Kat Senk Sis

Seven Eight Nine Ten Eleven Twelve Thirteen Fourteen Fifteen Sixteen Seventeen Eighteen Nineteen Twenty Twenty-one Twenty-two Twenty-three Twenty-four Twenty-five Thirty Forty Fifty Sixty Seventy Eighty Ninety One hundred Where is the hotel? Good morning Good afternoon Good evening Please come in Please sit down

How much does this cost? That’s quite expensive Help! No, thanks Please You’re welcome No problem Ok That’s right! A little bit Is everything ok? Not now Attention/watch out! We are looking for... I’m very thirsty I am hungry Where are we? How old are you? What do you need? What do they call that in Creole? How do they say... in creole?

Set Wit Nef Dis Onz Douz Trez Katorz Kenz Sez Diset Dizwit Diznef Ven Venteen Vennde Venntwa Vennkat Vennsenk Trant Karant Senkant Swasant Swasanndis Katreven Katrevendis San Kote lotel i ete silvouple? Bonzour Bonnapremidi Bonswar Antre silvouple Asize silvouple

Konbyen i vann? I ase ser Ed mwan! / O Sekour! Non, mersi Silvouple Pa-de-kwa Napa problenm oke Wi i bien! Piti piti Tou keksoz i oke? Pa kounye-a Atansyon! Nou pe rod Mon swaf Mon lafen Kote nou ete? Ki laz ou anan? Ki ou bezwen? Koman zot dir sa an Kreol? Koman zot dir an Kreol ?

K i d s Co r n e r

BRER SOUNGOULA

Up to his Tricks

nce, two good friends, Brer Soungoula and Black Parrot decided to open a supermarket where they wanted to sell prawns. But to get their prawns they had to go to Coetivy Island. How could they get there? They thought and thought and at last Brer Soungoula worked out the answer. “We’ll go to Victoria Market” he said, “and buy the biggest pumpkin. Then we’ll cut it in two and scrape out the flesh. We’ll make a boat out of one half and put it on the sea.” “Yes,” said the parrot. “We can use my wings as ails and your tail as an oar.” When the boat was ready, they set sail. After sailing for miles, Brer Soungoula felt hungry. He cut off a part of the boat and ate it. The parrot said, “Brer Soungoula, be careful or the boat will sink. I have wings and can fly. But you can’t fly, and you can’t swim so you will go right to the bottom of the sea!” Brer Soungoula only laughed. “Don’t be afraid! The boat is very strong,” he said. On and on they sailed but soon Brer Soungoula was hungry again. He took another bite. The boat began to sink and the parrot flew away to its home in the Vallee de Mai on Praslin. “A-yo-yo!” shouted Brer Soungoula. “You were right, Black Parrot. The boat is sinking.” Down to the bottom of the sea went the pumpkin and Brer Soungoula went with it. While he was trying to swim, a big Carangue fish swam by. Brer Soungoula called her, “Hey, friend, if you carry me to the shore, I’l give you plenty of sardines and mackerel to eat. Do you agree?” “Yes, I do,” said the Carangue fish. “Climb on my back.” So she swam up and continued on the surface of the sea. “This is a fine ride you are giving me!” Brer Soungoula said as they passed near Bird Island. “Do you think so?” asked the Carangue. “Well, how do you like this?” and she dived into the water. “Oh don’t!” cried Brer Soungoula, as he went under the water. He was afraid to let go as he did not know what to do under the water. When the Carangue came up, Brer Soungoula spluttered and coughed. “Why did you take me under the water?” he asked. “I wanted you to enjoy your ride,” the Carangue answered and she swam ashore. When they reached the beach, Brer Sougoula told the

Carangue to wait for a few minutes. “I’ll go and get your sardines and mackerel,” said Brer Soungoula. The Carangue waited patiently for Brer Soungoula, while Brer Soungoula ran to his house. He came back carrying a big bag. At the bottom of it were a few mackerel but a lot of flat stones. Brer Soungoula shook the bag and came into the water. He opened the bag and said to the Carangue, “Come, my friend, come and count your mackerel and sardines.” The Carangue thought there were a lot of small fish in the bag. Excitedly, she got inside the bag. Brer Sougoula quickly closed the top and walked out of the water. Then he started to laugh. The Carangue could not breathe so she died. Brer Soungoula carried the Carangue across the village shouting, “Carangue, nice fresh carangue for sale!” A woman wanted to buy some of the fish but she had no money. She said, “I am poor. I have no money to buy the carangue. If you give me some, I will prepare a nice hot lunch for you.” Brer Soungoula gave her a piece of the Carangue and said, “If you prepare it with curry, rice and chutney, we will share it.” When the food was ready, Brer Soungoula told the woman, “Its time to share the food.” But the woman said, “I must wait for my son who has gone for some wood up the mountain.” Brer Soungoula was not pleased. He went into the yard and climbed a coconut tree. He looked towards the mountain and shouted, “Poor boy, they will kill him! Go to your son quickly. They are beating him up.” The woman ran up the mountain as fast as she could. Brer Soungoula came down from the tree, ate the rice, the curried Carangue and the chutney. Then he filled the pot with water, covered it and ran off. The woman met her son coming down the mountain carrying a bundle of sticks. “Oh my dear boy,” she said. “Are you all right? Who was beating you up?” “Oh mother,” answered the boy, “I’m alright. There was no one on the mountain with me. Let’s go home.” When they arrived home, they went into the kitchen and found that Brer Soungoula had eaten all the food. “Oh that naughty Brer Soungoula,” cried the woman. “He has eaten all the food.” She was very upset. “Let’s go and find him,” said the boy. But even though they searched for him he was already far, far away. Brer Soungoula had played another trick on his friends.

Crossword & Sudoku

Take time and relax ... have some fun testing your wit!

8 10

16 20

21 22 26

30 31

32 33

Clues down

Answers down 1. Raffia 2. Shames 3. Alas 4. Perched 5. Bigot 6. Skull 8. Part 9. Pep 12. Rod 13. Lease 15. Vowed 18. Nadir 19. Cox 20. Wed 21. Mastiff 22. Ten 23. Topper 24. Eyes 25. Muster 26. Aglow 27. Dared 28. Jim 30. Paws Answers across 1. Russia 7. Limerick 8. Papa 10. Flames 11. Scroll 14. Rep 16. Hotel 17. Ants 19. Cowed 21. Mowed 22. Taxed 23. Teem 26. Aides 28. Joy 29. Grants 30. Pipers 31. Amps 32. Overflow 33. Surfer

1. A tangled affair is good for weaving (6) 2. A bad smash around the east – it disgraces one (6) 3. Curtailed salad in reverse, sadly (4) 4. Fish and journalist sit together on resting place (7) 5. Intolerant person with large part of the Bible? (5) 6. To row, it sounds like, but it’s in one’s head (5) 8. Not whole, but an actor needs one (4) 9. Either way, it’s vigour! (3) 12. Used by anglers, take a ring from the back door (3) 13. Eastern sale produces legal document (5) 15. Uttered an oath, but not rude! (5) 18. From Edna directly came the lowest point (5) 19. Company, unknown, in a rowing boat (3) 20. A day to get married (3) 21. Mother’s quarrel with this dog (7) 22. The net result on countback is X (3) 23. This hat is super! (6) 24. Looks at these organs (4) 25. Call together America in broken term (6) 26. Silver down but shining (5) 27. Left-wing US lawyer took risks (5) 28. He goes to work out by the sound of it (3) 30. Swap around these doggy feet (4)

Clues across 1. US airs make a country (6) 7. Comic verse from Ireland, apparently (8) 8. Parent from two fathers? (4) 10. One thousand fleas assorted– they’re hot! (6) 11. Short Scrooge added two lines in roll of parchment (6) 14. Within a metre perhaps is an agent (3) 16. Untidy hole with tea, initially, is place to stay (5) 17. Remnant sold containing insects (4) 19. Frightened by an animal? (5) 21. Little Maureen got married and cut the grass (5) 22. Experienced difficulty, and paid dues (5) 23. Meet around and empty out (4) 26. Upset Sadie provides assistants (5) 28. She sounds happy! (3) 29. A type of gazelle makes gifts in aid (6) 30. If you pay them, you can call the tune (6) 31. Stamps without good person are current units (4) 32. V.O. flower moved to spill out (8) 33. One on the internet or in the sea perhaps (6)

Sudoku Place a number from 1 to 9 in every empty cell so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains all the numbers from 1 to 9. No number can appear twice in a row, column or 3x3 box. Do not guess – you can work it out by a process of elimination. Good luck!

3 4

5 8

9 3 5 1

8 5

8 6 7

2 9 6

4 1 3

1 7 8 7 3

WE WANT YOUR VIEWS!

We aim to keep Silhouette as interesting and informative as possible to a wide cross-section of readers. Please let us have your views on the contents of this magazine. What do you like about it? Is there anything that you do not like? Are there any topics that you would like to see more of? With your feedback we can make the magazine even better in future.

Please drop a line to the publishers: Camerapix Magazines Ltd. Email: rukhsana@camerapix.co.ke or camerapixuk@btinternet.com Thank you. Rukhsana Haq, Editorial Director

3 5 4

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