Five things to do in the Seychelles
The Vallee-de-Mai is well-preserved palm forest featuring various palm species endemic to the island.
Beau Vallon beach on Mahé island, Seychelles. Picture: iStock
The jungles, mountainous terrain and unique culture make for some great tourist attractions and things to do during your stay.
Hiking: Seychelles is home to some of the world’s most beautiful hiking trails that cater to hikers of all expert levels. Notable hiking routes include Dans Gallas, the Copolia trail, the Glacis Trois Freres and the Casse Dent, and can take anywhere from 25 minutes to six hours.
Anse major trail, hiking on nature trail of Mahe, Seychelles
Vallee-de-Mai Nature Reserve: This Unesco World Heritage Site combines a bit of a hike with a tour of the island’s most indigenous flora and a lot of knowledge about a seed that has become a de facto mascot for the island – the Coco De Mer. Although the full tour through the nature reserve can be a very physical one, there is a part of the tour that has been made accessible to differently abled people, some of whom may be in wheelchairs.
This is a noteworthy consideration as a lot of the island’s activities do not cater to the differently abled. The Vallee-de-Mai is well-preserved palm forest featuring various palm species endemic to the island. The reserve’s flagship species bear fruit containing the coco de mer, which currently holds the world record for being the largest seed of any plant in the world.
Trois Freres Distillery: Situated next door to La Grand Maison at La Plaine St André, The Trois Freres Distillery (also known as the Takamaka Rum Distillery) is home to some of the cheapest alcohol on the island, Takamaka Rum, as it is one of the few alcohol products produced on the island. Everything else is imported and subject to import tax. Founded in 2001 by two Seychellois brothers who had moved back to the island after a stint living in South Africa, Takamaka is described as the tranquil spirit of the paradise distilled and bottled.
Sir Selwin Selwyn-Clarke Market: The market is just one of many stops one can make through the colonial centre of Victoria to get a first-hand experience of the island’s people, culture and food. Various fresh fish are on display at the market alongside fruits, vegetables, spices, teas and local delicacies. It would be advisable to carry some Seychelles rupees with you but some stalls also accept euros and dollars.
Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles – December 16, 2015: Sellers offer fresh fruits in the Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market. Built in 1840 and renovated in 1999, it remains the bustling heart of the capital and definitely the best place to buy fresh fruits, fish, vegetables and spices.
Diving and snorkelling: Much like the island’s hiking trails, Seychelles has an unbelievable number of diving and snorkelling locations. Those who do not want to dive and are more familiar with the art of snorkelling only need their masks and a great location like the waters at Anse Lazio beach as well as locations such as Cerf island, Meridien Fisherman’s Cove Hotel and the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, to name a few.
Picture: Supplied
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