INTRODUCTION TO THE SEYCHELLES

“ Treasure every moment”

The Seychelles are the jewels of the Indian Ocean, a necklace of a hundred granitic and coral islands scattered in lagoon-blue seas, each with sparkling white beaches, and its own charm. These islands boast a dozen unique species of birds, and many rare plants. Praslin is the home of the COCO DE MER Palm, found only in the lush Vallee de Mai forests.

Seychelles offers excellent water sports and diving facilities. The following programme provides you with an unforgettable holiday.

UNIQUE FEATURES OF SEYCHELLES

• The Seychelles consists of over 90 islands scattered over 150,000 square miles, and are divided into two distinct groups : - the granitic and the coralline islands.
  
  
• The granitic ore of continental rock rated to be 600,000,000 years old.
  
  
• The Seychelles are outside the cyclone belt.
  
  
• There is no Malaria, Yellow Fever or Typhoid in the Seychelles.
  
  
• There are no poisonous snakes.
  
  
• Seychelles, for its size, has comparatively more areas designated to National Parks and Special Reserves than any other country in the world.
  
  
• The Seychelles’ economic zone is a protected area for Whales, Dolphins, Dugong and Turtles.
• Spear fishing is prohibited in the Seychelles.
  
  
• The Seychelles were first settled by man a mere 200 years ago.
  
  
• The Aldabra Atoll is the biggest tropical lagoon in the world.
  
  
• Seychelles has the largest population of giant tortoises in the world. They number about 180,000.
  
  
• “Esmerelda” of Bird Island, is the oldest, largest and heaviest living tortoise in the world.
  
  
• Bird Island, Seychelles, is considered the best fishing ground for the Bonefish, world -wide. The Bonefish is the hardest fighting fish for its size.
  
  
• There are 81 species of endemic plants in the Seychelles: The most famous is the COCO DE MER PALM (Lodoicea Maldivica) which is endemic to Praslin. The trees grow to an age of 800 years.
  
  
• Seychelles has 17 species of unique birds.
  
  
• There are 950 recorded species of fish in the Seychelles. Up to 200 species co-exist in 1,000 square miles of reef.

GENERAL INFORMATION ON SEYCHELLES

• WEATHER:
  The annual rainfall is high during the months of November - February. The sunniest months are between May - October, when the SE Trade winds blow.
  
  
• ELECTRICITY:
  The current on the Islands is 240 volts AC.
  
  
• TIME:
  The Seychelles Islands are 1 hour ahead of Kenyan time.
  
  
• LANGUAGE:
  Official languages are Creole, French and English.
  
  
• VISA AND HEALTH DOCUMENTS:
  All visitors require a valid passport and return ticket. On arrival, visitors are granted a Visitor’s Visa for 1 month. From Kenya - a Yellow Fever certificate is mandatory.
  
  
• DEPARTURE TAX:
  There is a departure tax of USD 40.00 per person (payable in Seychelles in foreign currency only) levied by the Seychelles Government. Children under 12 years are exempted.
  
  
• SHOPPING HOURS:
  Monday - Friday 08:00 - 17:00: Saturday 08:00 - 12:00 : Main Market Day - Saturday.
  
  
• DRIVING:
  A valid national or international driving licence is required.
  
  
• CREDIT CARDS:
  American Express, Diners Club and Visa Cards are accepted by most establishments.
  
  
• EXCHANGE RESTRICTIONS:
  There are practically no exchange control restrictions. Money can be changed at any bank and Bureau de Change at the airport.
  
  
• BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE:
  Pearl and economy Class Passengers are allowed 30 and 23 kgs respectively and 40 and 33 kgs respectively for passengers departing from Seychelles.
  
  
• EXPORT OF FAUNA AND FLORA:
  The Seychelles authorities restrict the export of Coco de Mer, live shells, fish, tortoise and birds.