SEYCHELLES T R A V E L
G U I D E
WELCOME TO PARADISE SUSTAINABLE
B U S I N E S S
M A G A Z I N E
A GUIDE TO TRAVELING IN SEYCHELLES. IMPORTANT INFORMATION. WHERE TO STAY. WHAT TO DO & SEE. PLUS MUCH MORE. SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE
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TRAVEL GUIDE: SEYCHELLES
WELCOME TO
PARADISE
Welcome to this special Seychelles Travel Guide, a partnership between the Seychelles Tourism Board and Sustainable Business Magazine. The Seychelles Tourism Board is a public/ private sector organization whose primary mandate is to promote Seychelles as one of the most desirable destinations in the world. Seychelles is a 115-island archipelago in the Indian Ocean, known for its ecologically diverse nature reserves, coral reefs, and unique wildlife. We have year-round sun, crystal clear seas, and beautiful white sand. But the thing that 2 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE
really makes us different is our environmental conservation. We are all about sustainability and being green in Seychelles, and we now have over 50% of our landmass and 30% of our water territory under conservation. As Seychelles is made up of many islands, the region is, in fact, many destinations in one. And, as no two are the same, we recommend island hopping to all our visitors. Low-laying (low-lying) islands tend to have
a greater variety of vegetation, including various shrubs and coconut trees, whereas granite islands can feature dense rainforest. Some islands are mountainous and perfect for hiking and climbing, while some are purely for conserving the indigenous flora and fauna that lives there. The island of Praslin is the only place you can find the coco de mer tree growing in its natural state, and is also home to the VallĂŠe de
Mai forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On Aldabra, one of the largest colonies of giant land tortoises in the world lives in its natural state. We know that one thing that is deeply affecting our environment is plastic waste, so the government has already banned the importation of single-use plastics, including cups, cutlery, Styrofoam boxes, plastic bags, and plastic straws. It’s a never-ending journey, and there is always something new we can do to make ourselves and our country even better at protecting the environment. We really want our international visitors to be
involved in this journey, too. We want tourists to participate, become ambassadors, and be transformed, so that when they go back home they can educate and encourage others about the need for green and sustainable practices. This also includes supporting the local communities, because that is an essential component of sustainability. At the very least, we expect visitors to help us preserve the natural environment while exploring, hiking, or snorkelling, and to leave the environment the way they found it. Even small disruptions can have an impact on the natural ecosystem, and then
it will not be sustainable anymore. Tourism remains the main economic pillar for Seychelles, and for the industry to continue to grow, it has to be sustainable. This is why it is important that environmentalism remains the cornerstone of our tourism industry. In Seychelles we always have something new up our sleeves when it comes to nature conservation. We want to make sure Seychelles is visible in the world of tourism, but in doing that, communicate our core values in terms of sustainability, environmental protection, and our core socioeconomic principles. SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE
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TRAVEL GUIDE: SEYCHELLES
WHERE TO START
SEYCHELLES FACTS
YOUR ADVENTURE Capital:
Victoria
Population:
96,762
Language(s):
French, English, Seselwa
Major resort areas: Mahé, Preslin, La Dihue, Silhouhette Island, Victoria Tourist season:
April-May, October-November
Annual visitors:
384,204
Annual tourism earnings:
$520 million
Currency:
Seychellois Rupee
Avg. temperature: 79-82 °F Highest point:
Morne Seychellois (2,969 feet [905 metres])
Time zone:
GMT +4:00
Dialling code:
+248
KEY ATTRACTIONS Conservation Centre
Cousin Island
Eden Art Space
Diving
Botanical Gardens
Veuve Reserve
Coral Reef
Snorkeling
Coconut plantation
Tropical Birds
Beach
Vallée de Mai
Giant Tortoise
Fine Dining
Bike Routes
Mount Dauban
Hiking
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KEY REGIONS Praslin Mahé La Digue Silhouette Island Outer Islands
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TRAVEL GUIDE: SEYCHELLES
WHAT TO DO IN... PRASLIN EXPLORE THE VALLÉE DE MAI The Vallée de Mai, or “Heart of Praslin”, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that has been protected since 1966. It is home to the original palm jungles of the Seychelles, and one of only two places—the other being Curieuse—to feature the endangered Coco de Mer tree. The Vallée de Mai is also home to rare indigenous birds, including the Seychellois bulbul and black parrot. The Glacis Noire, a signposted trail, runs through the palm forest and is suitable for wheelchair users. BIRDWATCH AT COUSIN ISLAND This small island is just off the West coast of Praslin and has been a nature reserve since 1968. It’s an internationally owned conservation area managed by local NGO, Nature Seychelles. BirdLife International, a global group of conservation groups, has declared the island an area of particular significance as it provides a home to the indigenous Seychelles magpie-robin, warbler, and the
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fody, among many other avian creatures. The island also provides a nesting site for hawksbill turtles, and between 30 and 100 animals lay their eggs there every year. ALSO IN PRASLIN: - Snorkel at Pierre Island, on the edge of the diverse Curieuse Marine National Park. - Visit the Anse Lazio beach, considered by many to be the very best in Seychelles. - Experience local, organic, Creole fine dining at Takamaka Bay’s La Grande Maison.
A local hotel makes its mark...
T
he Acajou Beach Resort ticks many of the boxes that tourists look for in an island escape holiday on the island of Praslin in Seychelles. A stunning white-sand beach just steps away from the guest rooms. Renowned local cuisine. A modern pool. And a convenient location nearby the island's best attractions. The one thing the hotel prides itself on most, however, can’t be found on that list. Since its re-launch in 2015 after a oneyear renovation, the Acajou Beach Resort has poured vast amounts of energy and finances in its campaign toward sustainable tourism and a reduced footprint of its operations. “As a Seychellois-owned hotel, we have an extra responsibility to safeguard the environment,” Acajou General Manager Joanise Doway says. “It's a constant learning process as technology advances and allows us to improve our practices and invest in long-term, more sustainable solutions.” During the renovation, several key initiatives were launched, including a photo-voltaic solar array that accounts for about 50 percent of the hotel’s electricity consumption, with subsequent phases expected to increase capacity toward a complete conversion to solar power. An energy management system, energy-efficient LED lighting, and a
...by trying not to leave one.
sewage treatment plant that dramatically reduces water consumption, all formed part of capital investments into more environmentally friendly operations. But beyond the investments, the drive for sustainability has become an ethos. “It’s become such a part of our brand and our team’s culture that it goes hand in hand with our approach to hospitality,” Doway says. “We challenge each other to a s k i f t h e r e ’s a b e t t e r w a y t o d o something, and we are often surprised to learn that some of the new measures we put into place are good for the environment and good for our bottom line, too.” This evolving approach saw the Acajou Beach Resort awarded the Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label (SSTL) in 2016, and re-certified in 2019 with a significant increase in its total score. “The SSTL process provides us with a lot of motivation to continue improving in areas that we’re not as familiar with,” Doways says. “Since our first certification, we’ve been able to increase our capacity and implement better protocols to reduce wastage in the kitchen, and widen our guest and staff educational programmes.” In this way, the Acajou Beach Resort aims for its business to give back to the local environment, rather than detract from it, Doway says. “For us, tourism should be an enabling factor to preserve the natural beauty of our islands.”
From top: Acajou’s famous octopus curry; beachside dining on Acajou’s stretch of Cote D’Or beach; Deluxe Room with ocean views; Acajou’s modern pool and restaurant
Acajou Beach Resort Cote D’Or, Praslin, Seychelles T: +248 4 385 300 | F: +248 4 385 301 www.acajouseychelles.com
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TRAVEL GUIDE: SEYCHELLES
RELAX ON THE BEACH Anse Lazio isn’t the only idyllic beach in the Seychelles, and Southern La Digue’s Anse Marron is home to natural pools and an extremely secluded bay. The sea pools are crystal clear and protected by more Seychelles granite. It’s a challenging hike to Anse Marron, and the Seychelles Tourism Board recommends making the trip with a local tour guide. Alternatively, on the west coast of La Digue is the stunning Anse Source d’Argentone—one of the most photographed beaches in the whole world. ALSO IN LA DIGUE - Stay in a family run guest house and experience relaxed, traditional village life. - Rent a bicycle and cruise along quiet roads and gentle slopes. Perfect for beginners. - Visit L’Union’s coconut plantation for an insight into La Digue’s colonial history.
LA DIGUE EXPLORE THE VEUVE RESERVE This reserve is one of the last refuges of the black paradise flycatcher, which locals call the “vèv”, or widow. This small, central, forested reserve is home to more than a dozen pairs of the rare bird. There is a small 8 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE
information centre, and local experts can be requested for guided tours. Rangers monitor the park to preserve the flycatchers and its various other avian inhabitants, including swiftlets and common land birds. Tread carefully, and enjoy the wildlife.
MAHÉ EXPERIENCE VICTORIA The self-styled “Creole capital of the world” is one of the world’s smallest capitals. The bustling, provincial city of 27,000 people has African, Malagasy, Indian, Chinese, French, and British history. It has a diverse demography and rich culture, and several striking buildings of worship. Visitors can explore the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, or visit The Boardwalk for coffee, food, or local cocktails, depending on the time of day.
ALSO IN MAHÉ - Visit the National Botanical Gardens, which promote conservation and eco-tourism. - Support the Eden Art Space, or notable artist George Camille’s Kaz Zanana gallery. - Attend Festival Kreol, arguably the most important cultural event in the Seychelles.
HIKE UNSPOILED LANDSCAPES Mahé is home to the Morne Seychelles National Park, which actually covers 20% of the island’s land area. According to the Seychelles Tourist Board, over 50 percent of the archipelago’s total landmass—and 26 percent of its sea territory—is protected. Visitors can also hike the Copolia and Morne Blanc trails for stunning panoramic views of the island, multitudes of unique flora and fauna, and the stunning granite foundation of the island.
L UX URY
Call. +248 4 233 533
UND E R T H E S UN
oasisresort.sc
Set in Praslin in the Grand Anse Region, 3.4 km from Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve, Oasis Hotel Restaurant & Spa features an attractive Outdoor Pool and views of the pool. The hotel has a terrace and Spa Centre, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant.
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TRAVEL GUIDE: SEYCHELLES SILHOUETTE ISLAND SEYCHELLES CONSERVATION CENTRE Over 92 percent of Silhouette Island has now been designated a protected area, to preserve its extraordinary biodiversity. It is home to the critically endangered sheathtailed bat, one of the rarest mammals in the in the world. Visitors can learn about Seychelles giant tortoises, and the conservation centre itself may even be safeguarding baby turtles. The island conservation society also monitors the rare flora present on Silhouette, including the critically endangered Impatiens Gordonii—a white flowered relative of the garden variety Busy Lizzie. EXPLORE PROTECTED WATERS In addition to the protection of Silhouette Island itself, in 1987 the surrounding waters were declared a marine national park. Diving equipment can be easily rented from local vendors, and confident visitors can explore the pristine waters surrounding the island. Sheer granite cliffs and stunning coral make for colourful, spectacular dives. Lucky divers may spot blue-spotted rays, white-tip sharks, parrotfish hawksbill turtles, grey snappers, and even batfish. ALSO IN SILHOUETTE ISLAND - Climb Mount Dauban to view the stunning, untouched rainforest from above. - Take a guided night dive in the safe, warm waters that surround the island. - Explore some of the most secluded, tranquil beaches Seychelles has to offer.
OUTER ISLANDS EXPLORE ALDABRA ATOLL This area is made up of four large - Grande Terre, Malabar, Polymnie, and Picard - and several small islands. These are all part of a large atoll coral reef surrounding an enormous lagoon. It is home to the single largest colony of wild giant tortoises in the world -a group of over 100,000 individuals. Flying foxes are also present on the island, while drift-divers can see doctor fish, black-tip sharks, manatees, and dolphins, all of whom inhabit the diverse marine environment.
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VIEW DENIS AND BIRD ISLANDS On Denis Island the small roads are perfect for gentle cycling, while while Bird Island is named after the millions of local sea birds that call the island home. The sooty tern, an abundant tropical bird, thrives on Bird Island thanks to a total ban on predatory animals. Visitors may also spot white fairy terns, lesser noddys, Seychelles sunbirds, common mynas, and Madagascan red fodies. Bird Island is also home to Esmerelda, who is possibly the
oldest giant tortoise in the world. Snorkelling, wind surfing, diving, kayaking, and swimming are all welcome.
ALSO IN THE AREA - Relax on the stunning Anse Maquereau beach on Fregate Island. - Watch the sunset from Felicite, Bird, or “Sunset Rocks” at Anse Kerlan beach. - Visit the broad, forested coral atoll of Île Platte and the nearby Coëtivy.
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TRAVEL GUIDE: SEYCHELLES
PROTECTING PARADISE The Seychelles is synonymous with white sands and warm seas. But it is also famous for its rich greenery, dense rainforest, rare animals, and protected ecosystems – both terrestrial and marine. Home to sheer granite, striking beaches, and coral atolls, more than 50 percent of the archipelago’s total landmass and 26 percent of its sea territory is now protected. All this helps to make the Seychelles one of the most ecologically diverse and idyllic tourist destinations in the world. So here are some of the very best locations, activities, and hidden gems from the sunsoaked archipelago, and how to enjoy them in a sustainable, environmentally conscious way. In the Seychelles, the beauty of the natural environment is at the forefront of everything. So for island visitors, hiking, cycling, kayaking, and diving can all be sustainable ways of exploring the ecologically rich, protected areas of the Seychelles. The diverse Vallée de Mai on Praslin and the Morne Seychelles National Park on Mahé are both perfectly suitable for on-foot exploration. The Veuve Reserve is also home to some particularly rare creatures, and visitors must tread carefully to preserve the area. Hiking is a low-impact, environmentally-conscious way to see the Seychelles in all its beauty, as is cycling. 12 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE
On the gentle slopes of La Digue, visitors can rent bicycles and explore on two wheels. Sticking to paths and roads helps to minimize both land erosion and reduce stressors for the ever-present wildlife. When exploring the water, use sailing or electric boats where possible—as opposed to diesel—to help preserve the marine environment too. These vehicles and diving equipment can be rented from local vendors. It is also important to be mindful of the coral islands, and supporting reef-friendly businesses is an easy way to support both the local economy and environment. Kayaking is a particularly eco-friendly means of exploration, and it enables visitors to glide over the rich marine landscapes without interrupting the many creatures who live there. Silhouette and Pierre islands both provide some spectacular swimming spots, perfect for snorkelling and deeper dives. Pierre sits on the very edge of Curieuse Marine National Park, and fortunate marine
explorers may spot sharks, rays, turtles, and rare fish in the area. Currently, the Seychelles Tourism Board is working on The Pristine Seychelles Campaign along with a local NGO, the Seychelles Sustainability in Tourism Foundation. This campaign is focused on educating visitors on local green initiatives and encouraging them to participate themselves. As tourists, it is important to take responsibility for supporting the sustainability of regions like the Seychelles. In addition to wildlife, Seychelles is home to bustling bars and restaurants. Victoria is one of the smallest capital cities in the world, with diverse markets, local cuisine, and the Seychellois Creole culture. Mahé and Praslin are also home to the annual Festival Kreol—an important cultural event for the region, celebrating music, dance, and arts from the Seychelles. Visitors can experience street performances, fashion shows, and live music. c
VISIT THE SEYCHELLES &
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SEYCHELLES T R A V E L
G U I D E
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