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For Your ideal Roaming experience

Dear Guest,

Welcome on board our four-star airline.

My team and I are delighted to serve you and offer you the best possible experience on your carrier of choice to the destination of your dreams.

We promised to launch new routes on modern new aircraft in our pursuit to be the best airline in the Indian Ocean. We’ve delivered on that promise.

In July 2014, we recommenced flights to Paris, Charles de Gaulle, after a gap of two and a half years. The route is operated twice weekly by our Airbus A330-200 aircraft, offering 18 lie-flat seats in Business Class and 236 seats in Economy Class. Together with our equity partner, Etihad Airways, we now provide you with a choice of 18 connections per week between Paris and our archipelago. The new Air Seychelles Paris flight schedule, which has a brief stopover in Abu Dhabi, has been designed to provide easy access to the Seychelles from more than 40 cities across Europe, and will offer Seychelles tourism 52,000 more seats annually out of Paris.

Also in July 2014, we took delivery of two brand-new Twin Otter DHC6-400 aircraft, which we have named Isle of Bird and Isle of La Digue. A third will arrive in 2015. The aircraft offer enhanced levels of comfort on your journeys between the islands of Seychelles and if you haven’t had a chance to experience our domestic service, I highly recommend that you give it a try.

It also gives me great pleasure to report that in December 2014, we will acquire our first Airbus A320 aircraft, heralding a new and enhanced international flight schedule, with more seats to and from Mauritius and additional frequencies between Seychelles and Abu Dhabi. We will also soon announce exciting new destinations within the region. With these additional flights we will increase connectivity to key markets that are important for Seychelles tourism. In August 2014, we concluded a codeshare partnership with Alitalia, Italy’s leading airline. The deal allows guests from both airlines to fly between Rome, Milan and Venice to Seychelles, via Abu Dhabi, with just one ticket for their entire journey. Italy is Seychelles’ third largest tourism market after Germany and France, and the partnership will deliver more choice and connectivity for visitors, especially to Seychelles’ second largest island, Praslin, now served with new aircraft. I am thrilled to add the romantic city of Venice to our codeshare network, a new and exciting European destination for you to explore.

So thank you for choosing Air Seychelles and for your continued loyalty. We renew our pledge to continually improve our travel offer to you and make your flight a memorable one. We look forward to welcoming you on board again soon.

Cher Client,

Bienvenue à bord de notre compagnie aérienne quatre étoiles!

Nous sommes ravis, mon équipe et moi, de vous servir et de vous offrir la meilleure expérience de voyage vers la destination de vos rêves à bord de votre compagnie préférée.

Nous avions promis de nouvelles dessertes, de prendre livraison de nouveaux appareils et de développer de nouveaux partenariats conformément à notre ambition de devenir la meilleure ligne aérienne de l’Océan Indien. Nous avons tenu cette promesse!

Depuis juillet 2014 nous avons repris nos vols vers Paris, Charles de Gaulle après une interruption de deux ans et demi. Cette desserte est assurée par notre appareil airbus A330-200 qui offre 18 sièges-lit en Classe Affaires et 236 sièges en Classe Économique. Nous vous proposons maintenant, conjointement avec notre partenaire Etihad Airways, un choix de 18 connections hebdomadaires entre Paris et notre archipel. Le nouvel horaire de vol d’Air Seychelles sur Paris avec une brève escale à Abu Dhabi, a été conçu pour permettre un accès facile aux Seychelles à partir de 40 villes à travers l’Europe et offrira 52,000 sièges supplémentaires annuellement au tourisme seychellois au départ de Paris.

De plus, en juillet 2014, nous avons pris livraison de deux avions Twin Otter DHC6-400 flambant-neufs qui portent les noms de Isle of Bird et Isle of La Digue. Un troisième appareil sera livré en 2015. Ces avions offriront un meilleur niveau de confort durant les voyages inter-iles et si vous n’avez pas encore eu l’occasion de profiter de notre service domestique, nous vous recommandons fortement de l’essayer.

J’ai aussi le très grand plaisir de vous annoncer qu’en décembre 2014 nous allons faire l’acquisition de notre premier Airbus A320 en offrant un nouvel horaire de vol international qui augmentera le nombre de sièges vers l’ile Maurice et qui va accroitre la fréquence entre les Seychelles et Abu Dhabi. Nous allons bientôt annoncer la desserte de nouvelles destinations intéressantes dans la région. Grace à ces vols additionnels nous allons étendre notre connectivité aux marchés importants pour le tourisme aux Seychelles. En août 2014, nous avons conclu un accord de partage de code avec Alitalia, la première compagnie aérienne italienne. Ce nouvel accord permettra aux voyageurs sur nos deux lignes d’effectuer le trajet entre Rome, Milan et Venise vers les Seychelles via Abu Dhabi avec un seul billet. L’Italie est le troisième grand marché touristique pour les Seychelles après la France et l’Allemagne. Ce partenariat va offrir un meilleur choix de voyage à nos visiteurs surtout vers Praslin, la deuxième plus grande ile des Seychelles à bord de nouveaux avions. Je me réjouis de vous annoncer que nous ajoutons la ville romantique de Venise à notre réseau en partage de code - une destination européenne très prisée que vous prendrez plaisir à découvrir!

Cher client, Je vous remercie d’avoir choisi Air Seychelles et d’être fidèle à notre compagnie. Nous renouvelons notre engagement de n’épargner aucun effort afin de toujours vous offrir un plus vaste choix de voyages et de rendre votre vol inoubliable.

Nous espérons bientôt vous revoir à bord.

Bon VoyageManoj Papa

Chief Executive OfficerDirecteur Général

We renew our pledge to continually improve our travel offer to you and make your flight a memorable one.

Nous renouvelons notre engagement de n’épargner aucun effort afin de toujours vous offrir un plus vaste choix de voyages et

de rendre votre vol inoubliable.

Silhouette Vol 25 No 3 | 1

CEO’s FOrEwOrD

2 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3

• 1 CEO’s Foreword

• 14 Events Calendar

• 16 Discover Seychelles

• 65 Healthy Travelling

• 68 Frequent Flier page

• 70 News

• 73 Map of Mahé

• 74 Welcome Aboard

• 76 International Route Map

• 78 Worldwide Offices

• 79 English - Creole

• 80 Travel Facts

• 82 Dining Out

• 84 Crossword

Founding Publisher: Mohamed AminEditorial Director: Rukhsana HaqEditor: Roger BarnardEditorial Assistant: Cecilia WanjikuCreative Designer: Charles KamauProduction Manager: Azra Chaudhry, LondonProduction Assistants: Rachel Musyimi, Rose Judha Editorial Board: Rukhsana Haq Adrian Skerrett

Silhouette is published three times a year for Air Seychelles PO Box 386, Mahé, SeychellesTelephone: (+248) 4391000 Fax: (+248) 4224305E-mail: [email protected]

By Camerapix Magazines Limited,PO Box 45048, 00100, GPO Nairobi, KenyaTelephone: +254 (20) 4448923/4/5 Fax: +254 (20) 4448818E-mail: [email protected]

Editorial and Advertising Office:Camerapix Magazines (UK) Limited,32 Friars Walk, Southgate, London N14 5LPTelephone: +44 (20) 8361 2942 Mobile: +44 79411 21458E-mail: [email protected]

Correspondence on editorial and advertising matters may be sent to either of the above addresses.

Printed in: Dubai

© 2014 CAMERAPIX MAGAZINES LTD.

All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the publisher.

Re g u l a r s

Cover: The Eiffel Tower pictured here at night, is the most iconic symbol of Paris.

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C o n t e n t s

6 Paris City for all seasons.

48 The Lodge at world’s Edge Enjoy one of the planet’s purest experiences of nature.

52. Karine Dupouy Meet the young, upcoming, Seychellois fashion designer.

54. seychelles on a Plate The large selection of tangy, sweet, rich and spicy combination makes the Seychellois cuisine a

tourist attraction in itself.

56. The Art of the Desert Bedouin Jewellery is tremendously exciting; its techniques and styles bear striking resemblance to those

of civilisations long dead.

60. Those Charming Creole Houses of Auld Lang syne Those old photographs exude a nostalgic fragrance as they remind us of our priceless Creole heritage.

62. Craned into Action What is the significance of the white crane in the realm of kung fu?

66 . Our National Bird The Seychelles Black Parrot is an often used mascot and icon in a nation that is proud of their

wildlife and heritage.

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Destination

Like a phosphorescent dream, a midsummer moon casts a nocturnal glow of pink over the Eiffel Tower and Paris skyline, pictured here from the air.


I love Paris every moment – every moment of the year. This is just one of the many

songs celebrating Paris. City of Light, City of Love – it’s enough to make anyone feel

that they could be missing out on something if they haven’t seen the view from

the Eiffel Tower, or strolled along a boulevard with an independent air . . .

So what is it that makes so many people

fall in love with France’s capital city? The

riverside vistas, perhaps, spanned by

those graceful bridges – but rivers much

bigger than the Seine flow through

plenty of capitals. And yet it was ‘Under

the Bridges of Paris’ that became a world

hit. It could be the soaring Gothic, neo-

classical and 18th century architecture

that so lifts the spirits. It has world-class

museums, high culture, formal gardens

STORy By KATE NIVISON/PHOTOS © PETER HOLTHUSEN

and leafy parks, broad avenues lined

with glamorous department stores and

boutiques. Or maybe it’s the whiff of

naughtiness forever surrounding the

Moulin Rouge theatre shows (Nicole

Kidman was memorable in the film

named after it) – the pavement cafés

and starred restaurants. But what Paris

has is élan – that indefinable mix of style,

chic and flair that has coined its own

adjective – Parisian.


EiffEl TowEr

Of course, the view from Paris’s best loved

icon, the Eiffel Tower, is memorable at any

time of year, but even those Parisians who

claim to dislike it would agree that it is much

improved by a fine sunset, spotlights or a

pretty powdering of snow. If it’s a little windy

at the top, there is always the second-floor

Restaurant Jules Verne – booking essential.

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Paris: ciTy for all sEasons

siGHTs & soUnDsCITySCAPE

A major face-lift in the best known arrondissements (districts) saw centuries of grime

pressure-hosed away, followed by an extensive restoration and re-gilding programme

for major public buildings to rejuvenate this elegant old lady. The main landmarks and

boulevards truly sparkle, not just in the sunlight, but on dark winter evenings, thanks

to innovative floodlighting. The beautification process wisely included tree planting

and a big increase in underground parking along the main tourist trails. The Champs

Elysées at Christmas must now rank among the most beautiful streets in the world.

Its avenues of winter-bare trees are festooned with tiny lights, while illuminated

facades and tastefully dressed shop windows twinkle as far as the neon colours and

sky-probing laser beams of the modernistic La Défense complex.

noTrE-DamE

The white domes of Sacre-Coeur stand out

whatever the weather, marking the artists’

quarter of Montmartre. But it is Sacre-

Coeur’s much older sister, the cathedral of

Notre-Dame-de-Paris that has benefited

most from the clean-up programme. With

the grime of all that history removed, the

Place (courtyard or square) outside the great

west door is now somewhere for friends to

meet and the young to hang out. Where

once there was a maze of sometimes sinister

alleys, artists and buskers entertain in style

well into the evening.

Notre-Dame is not only France’s premier

cathedral, it also stars in a book (and several

films based on it) by the great French writer,

Victor Hugo, about the Hunchback of Notre-

Dame and other colourful fictitious characters

of the Ile de la Cité, the photogenic island in

the Seine on which it stands. After nearly

nine centuries its ancient bells continue to

ring out, and within its massively buttressed

walls the brilliant mediaeval stained glass

windows come alive in the sunlight. It’s a real

bonus to catch a music recital in progress

or perhaps an organist rehearsing a piece by

Bach and let your gaze rise with the chords

to the delicate fan-vaulted ceiling. Fans of

Gothic architecture might also like to visit

the nearby Sainte-Chapelle, where the

intense colours on every surface are a

reminder of what mediaeval churches once

looked like before tastes changed to a simpler

look. Go there and feel yourself drifting back

into Europe’s past.

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Above left: River Seine cruises on the ‘Bateaux-Mouches’ and ‘vedettes’ pleasure boats operate along the main sightseeing reaches of the historic river, taking in many of the city’s famous monuments.

Paris is a delight for anyone in love with the little luxuries of life – haute couture, amazing jewellery,

accessories, perfume – and real essentials such as chocolate . . .

The perfect schedule bringing together love and paradise. Travel to either the city of love, Paris or the island of Paradise, Seychelles with our twice weekly flights operated in partnership with our equity partner, Etihad Airways.

Fly with us on our brightly-coloured Airbus A330-200 aircraft offering a relaxing journey with our 18 lie-flat seats in business and 236 seats in economy whilst experiencing a truly Creole warmth moment.

Flights between Seychelles & Paris

The information above is correct at the time of printing. However, changes after publication might occur and will affect the accuracy of the content.

Departs Dept. Time Arrives Arr. Time Frequency

Seychelles 20:35 Paris 07:45 (+1) Tues, Thurs

Paris 21:50 Seychelles 13:25 (+1) Wed

Paris 21:50 Seychelles 12:55 (+1) Fri

For booking enquires, please contact your nearest travel agentor visit www.airseychelles.com

HM Paris Schedule Advert sihouette.indd 1 8/13/2014 11:10:17 AM


EXPEriEncEART

As for the vast royal palace of the Louvre, it now hosts one of the world’s greatest

museums and fine art collections combined, but only the French would have dared

to put ‘that Pyramid’ in the midst of so much stately architecture. Love it or hate it, the

Pyramid is simply a glass-paned roof for the underground entrance, and it has speeded

up the queues for seemingly endless corridors and salons filled with treasures from all

over the world. In summer there’s always a scrum to get close to the Venus de Milo

or Mona Lisa, but it never gets too crowded downstairs where the gorgeous turquoise

glazed tiles from the walls of ancient Persepolis and flashes of Middle Eastern gold

make it well worth the foot-slog. Outside, the Tuileries Gardens with their fountains

are a great place for a sit-down and a picnic in the warmer months.

cUisinE

For something more leisurely with

French cuisine included, book a

lunch cruise. And a very good lunch

it is too – sample menu: a choice

of starter, followed by duck, lamb

or whole roast sea bass, topped

off with a cheese selection and

Gateau-mouche (their chocolate

cake special). Accordion music and

a commentary are included, and the

company has its own white wine

vineyard. For an evening dinner

cruise some dressing up is expected,

both for Bateaux-Mouches and also

for Bateaux Parisiens which offers

a similar service with even more

extensive menus.

sHoPPinG

Paris is a delight for anyone in love

with the little luxuries of life – haute

couture, amazing jewellery, accessories,

perfume – and real essentials such as

chocolate . . . It’s one of the few places

where the stores themselves, especially

the enchanting Galeries Lafayette,

are worth visiting because they are so

gorgeous. But then, as the song says,

that’s what makes Paris Paree.

DisnEylanD Paris

If you’re visiting Paris with a family, be

sure to visit Disneyland Paris (originally

Euro Disney Resort) located in Marne-

la-Vallee which is 32 kilometres east

of the capital. This is the most visited

attraction in Europe, receiving around

12 million visitors a year. It covers some

4,800 acres, encompassing two theme

parks, several resort hotels, a shopping,

dining, and entertainment complex,

a golf course, and several additional

recreational and entertainment venues.

The theme park’s top five attractions

are It’s a Small World, Space Mountain:

Mission 2, Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates

of the Caribbean, and Buzz Lightyear Laser

Blast.

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Left: The artists’ quarter of Montmartre has been a mecca for artists, writers, poets and their disciples since the 17th century, yet the village atmosphere remains remarkably intact with an abundance of restaurants and intimate cafés.

Below: The famous silhouette of the Moulin Rouge nightclub, birthplace of the ‘Can Can’ where the wild and colourful dance shows were immortalised in the posters and drawings of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

So what is it that makes so many people fall in love with France’s capital city?



So if you want more than a passing glimpse of landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Place de la Concorde ... walking from a Metro stop or taking the hop-on-hop-off guided bus tour are useful options.

GETTinG aroUnD

Many of the most famous sights are

within walking distance of each other or

linked by good Metro and bus services.

With Paris, this is just as well, because

driving here is not for the faint-hearted –

in fact many drivers don’t seem to have

a heart at all. In any case it’s impossible

to stop for a photo if you are in a car,

let alone park near most of the main

attractions. So if you want more than a

passing glimpse of landmarks such as

the Arc de Triomphe, the Place de la

Concorde where the notorious guillotine

once stood or Les Invalides (for

Napoleon Bonaparte’s tomb), walking

from a Metro stop or taking the hop-

on-hop-off guided bus tour are useful

options.

The Metropolitain, to give it its full name,

is the subway or underground railway

system after which all other ‘metros’ are

named, and is marked by graceful Art

Deco ironwork signs. The ticket system

is simplicity itself. Single-price tickets (or

books of 10) can be bought at stations

or tobacconists. One ticket per journey,

validated in a stamping machine before

travel, and that’s it. Buses have the

advantage of being able to see the view,

but are much slower than the Metro.

wHEn To VisiT

Then there’s its knack of looking good

and feeling welcoming at any time of

year. Paris is very definitely a northern-

latitude capital with its own strong

seasonal rhythms. Spring and autumn

here are not always balmy, in spite of all

those songs about Paris in the spring and

the glowing colours as ‘autumn leaves

start to fall’. Staying attractive during the

cooler months is what gives it an edge

that visitors love.

While the Metro is undoubtedly

indispensable, it is best used in

conjunction with Paris’s other major

artery, the River Seine. A number of

companies run various kinds of boat

trips. The Bateaux-Mouches service

runs all year with boats leaving every

half hour from April to October (five

departures a day in winter) from the

north/right bank side of the Pont de

l’Alma, (Metro station, Alma-Marceau).

The standard one-hour, non-stop trip

costs 11.5 Euros. It goes up-river to sail

round the Ile de la Cité and Notre-Dame,

then downstream to a mini version of

the original Statue of Liberty (France’s

best-known export to the USA after

champagne) and back, with views of

famous landmarks all the way.

Also very good value is Batobus – a hop-

on-hop-off river-bus with eight famous

stops, including the Musée d’Orsay

(Monet’s beautiful water-lily paintings

are here, among other Impressionist art),

St-Germain-des-Pres for the intellectual

atmosphere of the Left Bank, Jardin des

Plantes, Hotel de Ville for the Pompidou

Centre, and of course, the Eiffel Tower,

Notre-Dame, Louvre and Champs

Elysées. A day pass costs 15 Euros, and

how many times you stop off and walk

will depend on how your feet are holding

up over Paris’s famous cobble stones.

Stamina is also needed to get the most

out of the Paris Pass, available online

before arrival. This may seem pricey (a

2-day adult Paris Pass costs 105 Euros

with 4 and 6-day options). But Paris

doesn’t come cheap, and one day of

the hop-on-hop-off bus, a Metro card

(zones 1-3), over 50 attractions and a

good guide book are included. Best of

all, you can jump the queues.

Getting there:Fly Air Seychelles to Paris, France two times a week.For more information visit: www.airseychelles.com

Above left: The imposing Arc de Triomphe, pictured here from the Champs-Elysées, is one of the most famous monuments in Paris, and its construction was ordered by Napoleon to mark his greatest victory, the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805.


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sUBios – sEycHEllEs’ fEsTiVal of THE sEa

21 - 23 NOVEMBER 2014

SUBIOS – Seychelles’ Festival of the Sea is

a celebration of Seychelles’ extraordinary

marine heritage and the many ways that

locals and visitors alike interact with the

ocean that surrounds them.

www.subios.com

in SeychelleS

Tricks anD TrEaTs wiTH a DisnEy TwisT in DisnEylanD, Paris

1 OCTOBER – 2 NOVEMBER 2014

This autumn the magic takes an unexpected twist: Disneyland Paris is bewitched as Disney

Characters sneak about in kooky costumes along playful pumpkin-peppered streets. All in the

year’s sweetest Halloween treat!

www.disneylandparis.co.uk/seasons-and-events/halloween.html

maUriTiUs

DECEMBER 2014

This year’s MCB Tour Championship

takes place over the Legend Course

at Constance Belle Mare Plage

from December 12-14, when Paul

Wesselingh will defend his title.

www.europeantour.com/seniortour/

season

JoHannEsBUrGNOVEMBER 2014

Good Food and Wine Show - mid-November,

staged in the Coca-Cola Dome in Johannesburg.

This is South Africa’s major food, wine and

lifestyle event and attracts thousands of

food lovers, chefs and other food and wine

professionals each year.

www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za

HonG konG inTErnaTional liTErary fEsTiVal

31 OCTOBER– 9 NOVEMBER 2014

This is an important event in the cultural calendar, offering

10 days of literary talks, readings, debates and workshops.

In the past it has attracted the literati from around the

world, including Nobel prize laureate Seamus Heaney,

former Poet Laureate Andrew Motion, award-winning

Indian author Amtiav Ghosh, and notable Chinese expats

Ma Jian and Jung Chang.

www.festival.org.hk

aBU DHaBiyas marina circUiT

20-23 NOVEMBER 2014

Entering its 6th year, the 2014

FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAyS ABU

DHABI GRAND PRIX is back this 21-23

November 2014. With more choice than

ever before, Middle East’s biggest event

is set to be the standout sporting event of

the year. With a range of new packages

available, the Grand Prix weekend offers

an unparalleled social and sporting

experience.

www.etihad.com

OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2014

eventsCalendar

Etihad Airways, the World’s Leading Airline*, is proud of its strategic partnership with Air Seychelles, Seychelles premier international airline, extending Etihad Airways’ network to include Praslin and Hong Kong (operated by Air Seychelles). Together, the partnership offers guests easy access to over 103 destinations. Guests will also benefit from a fully integrated frequent flyer programme that allows members of Etihad Guest to earn and redeem miles across both airlines.

*2013 World Travel Awards

airseychelles.com etihad.com

NOW YOU'REBETTER CONNECTED

12250_EY SEZ Ad_285x216.indd 1 4/2/14 2:13 PMsil.indd 2 8/8/14 9:51 AM


Découvrez les SeychellesDiscover Seychelles Lorsque Air Seychelles descend vers ces grains minuscules de terres verdoyantes

sertis sur les eaux scintillantes de l’océan Indien, préparez-vous à découvrir une

terre décrite à juste titre comme “unique par un millier de miles”. Les maisons

s’accrochent aux pentes inférieures des majestueuses montagnes tapissées de

velours vert, la forêt dont la couleur sombre est adoucie par de spectaculaires

affleurements et blocs rocheux de granit et des plages de sable blanc, fusionne

avec une mer turquoise peu profonde.

Les Seychellois sont un mélange de peuples, les différentes races à l’aise les

unes avec les autres se métissent et se marient entre elles. Beaucoup sont des

descendants des premiers colons français et de leurs esclaves de Madagascar

et d’Afrique. Plus tard sont venus des ouvriers chinois, des marchands indiens et

diverses autres nationalités.

Les premiers propriétaires de plantations et leurs esclaves ont conçu un français

simplifié pour la communication. C’est le créole, une langue pleine d’entrain qui

aujourd’hui absorbe volontiers de nouvelles expressions et nouveaux vocabulaires,

surtout de l’anglais. Le créole a une grammaire simple et un effort symbolique

de parler quelques mots de créole est apprécié, mais il est facile de s’en sortir en

anglais et la plupart des Seychellois parlent couramment l’anglais et le français.

When Air Seychelles descends towards these tiny specks of verdant

green land set in the glittering waters of the Indian Ocean, get ready

to discover a land aptly described as “unique by a thousand miles”.

Houses cling to the lower slopes of majestic mountains swathed in

green velvet, the dark forest broken by spectacular granite outcrops

and boulders and white beaches merge with shallow turquoise

seas.

The Seychellois are a mixture of peoples, the different races at ease

with each other mixing and inter-marrying. Many are descended

from the original French settlers and their slaves from Madagascar

and Africa. Later came Chinese labourers, Indian merchants and a

scattering of other nationalities.

The first plantation owners and their slaves devised a simplified

form of French for communications. This is Creole, a lively language

which happily absorbs new phrases and vocabulary, especially

nowadays from English. Creole has a simple grammar and a token

effort at a few words in Creole are appreciated, but it is easy to get

by in English and most Seychellois are fluent in English and French.


MiNi-HisTOry OF sEyCHELLEs

Around 200 million years ago the southern supercontinent of Gondwana began to break up. India together with Madagascar and Seychelles broke from Africa, Madagascar later becoming an island then about 65 million years ago the Seychelles Archipelago became isolated between the two, the world’s oldest oceanic islands and the only ones made up of continental granite rocks.

By contrast with its geological history, the human history of the islands is very short. Arabic texts suggest they had knowledge of the islands and Polynesians en route to Madagascar may have visited. Portuguese navigator Juan de Nova was the first European to sight Seychelles in 1501. On early Portuguese maps, Seychelles appeared as the Sete Irmas or Seven Sisters but it was not until 1609 that the first landing was recorded, by seamen from a vessel of the English East India Company. In the late 17th century pirates probably used Seychelles as a base.

In 1742 and 1744, French expeditions visited Mahé and in 1756 a possession stone, was laid claiming the island

L’HisTOirE DEs sEyCHELLEs EN résuMé

Il y a environ 200 millions d’années le super continent du sud appelé Gondwana a commencé à se fracturer. L’Inde, Madagascar et les Seychelles se sont séparés de l’Afrique, Madagascar est plus tard devenu une île; ensuite il y a environ 65 millions d’années l’archipel des Seychelles s’est retrouvé isolé entre les deux, devenant un ensemble d’îles océaniques les plus anciennes au monde et les seules composées de rochers de granit continentaux.

Contrairement à son histoire géologique, l’histoire humaine de ces îles est très récente. Les textes arabes laissent entendre que les arabes connaissaient ces îles et que les Polynésiens en route vers Madagascar pourraient y avoir accosté. Le navigateur portugais Juan de Nova a été le premier européen à apercevoir les Seychelles en 1501. Sur les premières cartes portugaises, les Seychelles apparaissent comme les Sete Irmas ou les sept sœurs, mais ce n’est qu’en 1609 que le premier débarquement par les marins d’un navire de l’escadron de l’English East India Company fut documenté. A la fin du 17ème siècle les Seychelles ont probablement servi de base pour des pirates.

En 1742 et 1744, des expéditions françaises ont visité Mahé, qui a été colonisée pour la première fois en 1770 alors qu’en 1756

Discover seychelles A la Découverte des les

for France, which were first settled in 1770. Soon there was war between France and Britain. The colonists capitulated several times, Seychelles finally becoming a British colony under the Treaty of Paris in 1814.

Despite the years as a British colony few British settled here, but nevertheless Seychellois society has British undertones. The greatest change in Seychelles society came with the mass influx of ‘liberated Africans’ in the 19th century, which altered the nature of the population and increased the population to 19,000 by the turn of the 20th century.

Seychelles was administered from Mauritius until 1903 when it became an independent Crown Colony. The World Wars caused great hardship in Seychelles due to isolation, many Seychellois serving with the British Army. In 1967, universal adult suffrage was introduced and in 1976 Seychelles became an independent republic. Tourism increased dramatically with the opening of the international airport on Mahé in 1971 and is today the main economic activity of Seychelles.

une pierre revendiquant l’île pour la France avait été posée. Bientôt, la guerre a éclaté entre la France et la Grande-Bretagne. Les colons ont capitulé à plusieurs reprises, les Seychelles devenant finalement une colonie britannique en vertu du traité de Paris de 1814.

Malgré les années passées comme colonie britannique, peu de britanniques s’y sont installés, pourtant la société Seychelloise présente des traces britanniques. Le plus grand changement dans la société des Seychelles fut l’afflux massif d’”Africains libérés” au 19ème siècle, qui a changé la composition de la population dont les effectifs ont augmenté pour atteindre 19.000 à la fin du 20 ème siècle.

Les Seychelles étaient administrées de Maurice jusqu’en 1903 lorsqu’elles sont devenues une colonie de la couronne indépendante. Les deux guerres mondiales ont été très éprouvantes pour les Seychelles en raison de son isolement, et beaucoup de Seychellois ont servi dans l’armée britannique. En 1967, le suffrage universel des adultes fut introduit et en 1976 les Seychelles devinrent une république indépendante. Le tourisme a progressé de façon spectaculaire avec l’ouverture de l’aéroport international de Mahé en 1971 et représente aujourd’hui la principale activité économique des Seychelles.

Panoramic Perspective by SunseekerThe Sunseeker 28 Metre Yacht

Sunseeker Seychelles Ltd: Eden Island Marina, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles.Tel. +248 252 34 34 Fax. +248 434 61 66 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.sunseeker-seychelles.net

Sunseeker Africa Ltd – JOHANNESBURG: 126 Sandton Isle, CNR Rivonia & Linden, Sandton - Johannesburg 2196, South Africa.Tel. +27 (0) 11 301 7100 Fax. +27 (0) 11 301 7029 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.sunseeker-africa.net

Sunseeker Africa Ltd – CAPE TOWN: Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, CNR Dock Road & Breakwater Blvd, Cape Town 8002, South Africa.Tel. +27 (0) 21 425 2016 Fax. +27 (0) 21 425 2008 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.sunseeker-africa.net

23214 Air Seychelles ad prod_28MY.indd 1 23/07/2012 17:25sil.indd 2 7/16/14 12:56 PM


Getting around: Victoria is the capital and the island is well served by a network of good roads that circle and crisscross the island. To explore Mahé, you should rent a car for atleast one day. Buses are inexpensive, but tied to local needs. Taxis are fairly good but expensive and more difficult to find after dark.

island Excursions: Departure point for many of the excursions is the Marine Charter Association wharf, next to the yacht Club. Ferries to Praslin depart from the Inter-island Quay.

where to stay: There is a sophisticated tourist infrastructure. All tourist premises are licensed by law. Options include from five star to three star hotels and small guest houses. There are many others of varying degrees of comfort and quality.

what to see and do: Victoria, the national capital with a population of around 20,000, is spread around a large bay at the foot of Trois Frères. It is the islands’ economic and administrative hub.

The clock tower in the city centre is a replica of the clock in central London

THE islE of aBUnDancE

Mahé is the main island of the Seychelles and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and impressive in the world. It is the largest and highest island covering an area of 158 square kilometres and rising to 905 metres at Morne Seychellois. The island measures 27 kilometres in length and seven kilometres wide.

About 90 percent of the population lives on Mahé, concentrated in the north around Victoria and on the flat reclaimed land of the east coast. Beau Vallon is the busiest beach in Seychelles though still relatively uncrowded compared to other destinations. Away from the bustling capital and hotels there is still extraordinary peace and beauty to be found along the coast, particulary in the south and in the grandeur of the mountains.

Getting there: Mahé is served by air and sea. Mahé International Airport is south of Victoria and serves many regular flights from Europe, Africa, the Gulf and Asia. There are no regular passenger services by sea but cruise liners occasionally visit Victoria and many yachts and smaller mercantile craft make it a regular port of call.

at the junction of Vauxhall Bridge Road and Victoria Street. Erected as a memorial to Queen Victoria in 1903, the Seychelles clock tower is today more readily associated with the declaration that same year of Seychelles as a Crown Colony separate from Mauritius.

The Bicentennial Monument outside the old town centre represents the three continents. There are three national museums, the National History Museum in the National Archives building on Francis Rachel Street and State House Avenue, home to historical items, one of them being the original ‘stone of possession, ‘ laid in 1756 to declare France’s claim to the islands. Also on Francis Rachel Street is the Seychelles Peoples’ United Party Museum displaying photography and weaponry chronicling the party’s history. The Natural History Museum on Independence Avenue celebrates the unique flora and fauna of the islands. The Botanical Gardens are on the Mont Fleuri Road, next to the hospital.

shopping: There are clusters of shops and boutiques near the traffic lights and taxi rank, and in the arcade on Francis Rachel Street. The newly renovated Sir

Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market is noted for its colourful atmosphere. The new shopping plaza at Eden island is worth a visit for clothing, groceries and a variety of restaurants.

Beaches: These are the glory of Seychelles. 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. The east coast has long beaches such as Anse Marie-Louise, but there are also many small beaches. Anse Intendence is on the south coast. Most beaches are perfectly safe but it is advisable to check on local conditions. Some of the popular beaches are Anse a la Mouche, Barbarons, Port Glaud, and Port Launay Marine National Park. There are strong currents off Anse Takamaka. Slightly north is Baie Lazare, with its dramatic granite backdrop.

The king of the beaches is Beau Vallon in the north of the island which is full of life at all times. This is lined up with hotels which offer watersports and diving facilities. Many local eating places are also around this area.

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Vauxhall Bridge et de la rue Victoria. Érigée comme un monument commémoratif de la reine Victoria en 1903, la tour de l’horloge des Seychelles est aujourd’hui plus naturellement associée à la déclaration des Seychelles comme colonie de la couronne distincte de Maurice, au cours de la même année.

Le Monument bicentenaire en dehors du centre de la vieille ville représente les trois continents. Il y a trois musées nationaux, le Musée national d’histoire dans les bâtiments des archives nationales sur la rue Francis Rachel Street et l’avenue State House, qui abrite des objets historiques, l’un d’eux étant l’original de la “pierre commémorant la prise de l’île,” posée en 1756 en signe de revendication des îles par la France. Sur la rue Francis Rachel se trouve également le Musée du Parti uni du peuple des Seychelles où sont exposées des photographies et des armes retraçant l’histoire du parti. Le Musée d’histoire naturelle sur Independence Avenue célèbre l’exceptionnelle flore et faune de l’archipel. Les jardins botaniques sont sur la rue Mont Fleuri, à côté de l’hôpital.

Courses: Il y a des groupes de magasins et de boutiques près des feux de circulation et de la station des taxis, ainsi que dans la galerie sur la rue Francis Rachel. Le marché récemment rénové de Sir Selwyn Clarke est renommé pour son ambiance colorée. Le nouveau centre commercial à l’île d’Eden vaut une visite pour des vêtements, des articles d’épicerie et d’une variété de restaurants.

Plages: Elles représentent la splendeur des Seychelles. Chacune de ses 70 plages a des particularités différentes, les formations rocheuses à l’arrière-plan créent un contraste spectaculaire et une magnifique toile de fond pour l’élégance architecturale des hôtels. La côte Est possède de longues plages comme Anse Marie-Louise, mais il y a aussi de nombreuses petites plages. Anse Intendence se trouve sur la côte Sud. La sécurité sur la plupart des plages est bien assurée, mais il est prudent de vérifier les conditions locales. Certaines des plages populaires sont Anse à la Mouche, Barbarons, Port Glaud et le Parc national marin de Port Launay. Les courants sont forts au large d’Anse des Takamaka. Légèrement au Nord se trouve Baie Lazare, avec son spectaculaire granite en toile de fond.

Le roi des plages est Beau Vallon au Nord de l’île, qui est toujours pleine de vie. Elle est bordée d’hôtels qui offrent des sports nautiques et équipements de plongée sous-marine. Cette zone compte également plusieurs restaurants locaux.

MAHÉ

Mahé est la principale île des Seychelles et sans aucun doute l’une des îles les plus belles et les plus imposantes du monde. C’est la plus grande et la plus haute île couvrant une superficie de 158 km2 et s’élevant à 905 mètres à Morne Seychellois. Elle mesure 27 km de long et 7 km de large.

Environ 90% de la population seychelloise vit à Mahé, concentrée au Nord autour de Victoria la capitale et sur les terres plates gagnées sur la mer à la côte Est. Beau Vallon est la plage la plus fréquentée des Seychelles bien qu’encore relativement peu encombrée par rapport à d’autres destinations. Loin de la capitale et des hôtels animés existe toujours une paix et une beauté extraordinaires qu’on trouve le long de la côte et dans la grandeur des montagnes.

Pour vous y rendre: Mahé est desservi par voie aérienne et maritime. L’Aéroport international de Mahé est au Sud de Victoria et accueille de nombreux vols réguliers en provenance d’Europe, d’Afrique, du Golfe et d’Asie. Il n’existe aucun transport régulier de passagers par mer, mais des navires de croisière visitent Victoria occasionnellement et de nombreux yachts et petites embarcations marchandes y font régulièrement escale.

Déplacement: Victoria est la capitale et l’île est bien desservie par un bon réseau routier qui l’encercle et la sillonne. Pour explorer Mahé, il est recommandé de louer une voiture pour au moins une journée. Les bus sont peu coûteux, mais plutôt destinés à la circulation locale. Les taxis sont assez bons mais chers.

Excursions sur l’île: Le point de départ pour de nombreuses excursions est le quai de la Marine Charter Association, à côté du Yacht Club. Les bacs de Praslin partent d’Inter-island Quay.

Hébergement: L’ile dispose d’une infrastructure touristique sophistiquée. Tous les établissements touristiques sont autorisés par la loi. Les visiteurs ont plusieurs options allant des hôtels 5 étoiles à de petites auberges en passant par des hôtels 3 étoiles. Il en existe beaucoup d’autres offrant divers degrés de confort et de qualité.

Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: Victoria, la capitale nationale avec une population d’environ 20 000 personnes, s’étale autour d’une grande baie au pied de Trois Frères. Elle est le centre économique et administratif de l’île.

La tour de l’horloge au centre-ville est une réplique de l’horloge dans le centre de Londres au carrefour de l’avenue

A la Découverte des les


isLAND OF suN AND sHADOw

La Digue is the third-largest island in terms of population and fourth-largest granite island of Seychelles. It lies 50 kilometres from Mahé and four-and-a-half kilometres from Praslin and has an area of 10 square kilometres.

The relaxed rhythm of local life and the beautiful, well preserved colonial-style houses surrounded by palms and the other tropical greenery, tell of a more gracious and gentler age one that can still be enjoyed on this island that time seems to have passed by.

Getting there: There is no airport on La Digue; to get there from a different country, one first has to fly to Mahé and travel to Victoria. A ferry operates once per day from the Inter Island Quay direct to La Digue. Alternatively, a more frequent ferry from Mahé to Praslin links with a regular service from there to La Digue. helicopter charter is also available.

Getting around: There are a few motor vehicles on the roads where bicycles and ox carts are still the main forms of transport. There is a limited taxi service.

island Excursion: One can go on a boat trip or a diving trip around La Digue for one day or half a day. Several licensed tour guides offer tours taking in panoramic views, forest trails and spectacular beaches.

what to do and see: La Digue is known for its beaches, especially Anse Source d’Argent and Grand Anse. The Seychelles paradise fly-catcher is the symbol of La Digue and the Veuve Reserve at La Passe is one of the best places to see this beautiful bird (entrance is free). A visitor’s centre at the reserve entrance provides information on the birds and the warden can give useful pointers as to where you can find them. Inland from the reserve is Chateau St Cloud, a grand house built at the height of the Napoleonic wars and once at the heart of a vanilla plantation. It is now a small hotel. Towards the end of the 19th century vanilla was the most profitable Seychelles export and La Digue was the centre of production.

where to stay: There are a number of guesthouses small hotels and a few restaurants to give the visitor the flavour of authentic Seychellois Creole food.

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Anse Banane

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ÎLE DE sOLEiL ET D’OMBrE

La Digue est la troisième des îles les plus grandes en termes de population et la quatrième des plus grandes îles granitiques des Seychelles. Elle se trouve à 50 km de Mahé et à 4,5 km de Praslin, avec une superficie de 10 km2.

La douceur de la vie locale et les belles maisons de style colonial bien préservées entourées de palmiers et d’autres types de verdure tropicale, racontent l’histoire d’une époque meilleure et agréable qui peut encore être appréciée sur cette île où le temps a semblé filé rapidement.

Pour vous y rendre: Il n’y a pas d’aéroport sur La Digue. Pour y arriver à partir d’un autre pays, il faut tout d’abord transiter par Mahé puis aller à Victoria. Un ferry fait une navette directe d’Inter Island Quay à La Digue une fois par jour. Sinon, un ferry plus fréquent entre Mahé et Praslin est relayé par un service régulier entre Praslin et La Digue. Un service d’hélicoptère est également disponible.

Déplacement: On voit quelques automobiles sur les routes mais les bicyclettes et charettes à bœufs restent les principaux modes de transports. Le service de taxi est limité.

Excursion sur l’île: Le visiteur peut faire une promenade en bateau ou une plongée sous-marine autour de La Digue pour une journée ou une demi-journée. Plusieurs guides autorisés proposent des randonnées pour admirer des vues panoramiques, des sentiers en forêt et des plages spectaculaires.

Ce qu’il y a à faire et à voir: La Digue est renommée pour ses plages, Anse Source d’Argent et Grand Anse en particulier. Le Tchitrec des Seychelles est le symbole de La Digue et Veuve Natural Reserve à La Passe est l’un des meilleurs endroits pour observer ce bel oiseau (l’entrée est libre). Un centre d’accueil à l’entrée de la réserve fournit des informations aux visiteurs sur les oiseaux et le préposé donne des conseils utiles quant à l’endroit où on peut les trouver. A l’intérieur de la réserve se trouve Château St Cloud, une maison majestueuse construite au plus fort des guerres napoléoniennes et située, à une certaine époque, au cœur d’une plantation de vanille. Elle est maintenant un petit hôtel. Vers la fin du 19 ème siècle la vanille était le produit d’exportation le plus rentable des Seychelles et La Digue en était le centre de production.

Hébergement: Il y a un certain nombre d’auberges, petits hôtels et quelques restaurants qui permettent au visiteur de déguster la saveur de la cuisine seychelloise créole authentique.


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l’îlE EncHanTéE

La beauté immaculée de Silhouette démontre que la nature s’efforce de protéger ses merveilles. Silhouette est située à 20 kilomètres au Nord-Ouest de Mahé. C’est la troisième grande île granitique, avec une superficie de 20 km2. Mont Dauban s’élève à 740 mètres et Silhouette est la deuxième île la plus haute des Seychelles.

Pour vous y rendre: Il y a des ferrys entre Mahé et l’Ile Silhouette, exploités par le Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa. Ils font trois allers-retours tous les jours. Une jetée a été construite à La Passe et reste le seul point de débarquement sur l’île à ce jour.

Hébergement: Le Hilton Seychelles Labriz est le seul hôtel de villégiature sur l’île. Il surplombe les montagnes, la forêt et l’océan Indien. L’hôtel est situé sur 1,5 km de belle plage de sable blanc et entouré de sommets vertigineux à la végétation luxuriante et de montagnes recouvertes d’une forêt tropicale, fournissant un havre idéal pour les amoureux de la nature.

Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: La seule agglomération de Silhouette est le village de La Passe, sur la côte Ouest de l’île. L’île a des sentiers bien entretenus, permettant aux visiteurs d’explorer les plages et certaines des forêts tropicales. Près du domaine de la Grande Case se trouve un mausolée, la dernière demeure de plusieurs membres de la famille Dauban, anciens propriétaires de Silhouette. Il y a un parc national marin, qui est consacré à la protection de l’environnement où on peut admirer la biodiversité spectaculaire et vivre l’expérience de la nature avec des plantes endémiques et des montagnes majestueuses. La Société pour la conservation de l’ile gère un centre qui assure la protection de la flore et la faune, et organise des excursions dans la nature. La plupart des 75 plantes endémiques des îles granitiques se trouvent à Silhouette. Vous pouvez également croiser les tortues géantes des Seychelles à la ferme d’élevage pour la conservation. Vous y trouverez des sentiers de randonnée pédestre et vous pouvez vous essayer aux passionnants sports nautiques comme le kayak et la plongée sous-marine au centre de plongée sous-marine Eco-Concept PADI de l’hôtel Hilton Labriz. Si vous êtes friand de pêche, essayez la pêche sportive, un sport populaire.

THE EncHanTED islE

The pristine beauty of Silhouette testifies that nature strives to be protective of its wonders. Silhouette lies 20 kilometres northwest of Mahé. It is the third largest granitic island, with an area of 20 square kilometres. Mount Dauban rises to 740 metres and Silhouette is the second highest island in Seychelles.

Getting there: There are ferries between Mahé and Silhouette Island, operated by the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa. Ferries make three round trips every day. A jetty was built at La Passe and remains the only landing point on the island to this day.

where to stay: Hilton Seychelles Labriz is the only resort on the island. It overlooks mountains, forest and the Indian Ocean. The resort is located on two and a half kilometres of beautiful, white sandy beach and framed by towering peaks of lush, rainforest clad mountains, providing a secluded haven ideal for nature lovers.

what to see and do: Silhouette’s only settlement is the village of La Passe, on the island’s western coast. The island has well maintained trails, allowing visitors to explore beaches and some of the rainforest. Near the Grande Case grounds lies a mausoleum, the final resting place of several of the Dauban family members, the former owners of Silhouette. There is a Marine National Park, which is dedicated to environmental protection where you can admire the spectacular biodiversity


and nature experiences with endemic plants and impressive mountains. The Island Conservation Society runs a centre on the island, protecting the flora and fauna and conducting nature tours. Most of the 75 endemic plants of the granitic islands are found on Silhouette. you can also meet Seychelles giant tortoises at the conservation-breeding farm. There are hiking trails and you can try exciting watersports including kayaking and diving at Hilton Labriz Eco-Concept PADI diving centre. If you are fond of fishing then try game fishing, a popular sport.

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SILHOUETTE ISLAND SPECIAL RESERVE

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Hilton Labriz

Silhouette Island | Mahe | SEYCHELLES

©2014 Hilton Worldwide

COME FOR THE RATES.STAY FOR THE EXPERIENCE.

Book Bed & Breakfast in advance with Hilton and receive a free upgrade to Half Board at Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort and Spa!

A luxurious mountainous beach hideaway sandwiched between dazzling long white beaches, turquoise sea and tropical forest. With 7 restaurants Hilton Seychelles

Labriz Resort & Spa boasts a vibrant array of culinary options for everyone`s taste.

Terms & Conditions:Valid for stays of 3 nights or more, must book at least 1 day in advance, 50% non-

refundable deposit at time of booking.

For room reservations please visit seychelleslabriz.hilton.comor call for free 8000 20000 11 or email us [email protected]

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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 Ste Anne Marine National Park and is the only island of the group open to day visitors.

what to do and see: 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 also has a population of more than 2,000 birds, 100 giant tortoises and about 20 hawksbill turtles that 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.

Getting there: The island is 20 minutes by boat from Mahé.

lE Parc naTional DE l’ilE moyEnnE

Avec une superficie de 9 hectares, l’Ile Moyenne est probablement le plus petit parc national au monde. Propriété de Moyenne Foundation, une ONG privée, elle se trouve au Parc national marin de Ste Anne et est la seule île du groupe ouverte aux visiteurs venus pour la journée.

Ce qu’il y a à faire et à voir: Malgré sa taille minuscule, l’île est un trésor écologique. Environ 40 plantes endémiques sont représentées, plus de la moitié étant uniques aux îles granitiques. Moyenne est le seul endroit au monde autre que Vallée de Mai où tous les six palmiers uniques aux Seychelles peuvent être observés. Moyenne a également une population de plus de 2 000 oiseaux, 100 tortues géantes et chaque année environ 20 tortues imbriquées se hissent sur la rive à Pirates Cove. Les pirates étaient peut-être les premiers habitants humains de l’île et des tombes d’origine mystérieuse dateraient de cette époque. Il y a aussi des contes de fantômes qui frappent sur les fenêtres et les portes ou se traînent du cimetière aux environs de minuit, éloquemment contées dans le livre A Grain of Sand.

Pour vous y rendre: L’île est à 20 minutes de Mahé en bateau.

EDEn islanD

Eden Island is a private residential marina development situated just off the coast of Mahé. It features a range of 580 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.

The over 56 hectares of land and private waterways hosts a myriad of upmarket facilities. These include a full service deep water 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, child friendly play areas and a world class shopping centre. There are several restaurants offering a variety of Indian, international and local cuisine.

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

Getting there: A bridge joins the island to the mainland of Mahé.

l’îlE oUVErTE

La luxuriante Île au Cerf est située sur la côte Nord, à la périphérie du parc marin. Elle est de plus de 1,5 km de long et d’environ 1 km de large. Elle a un superbe récif de corail, idéal pour la plongée libre ou la plongée sous-marine. L’intérieur accueille des tortues géantes et des chauves-souris frugivores. Les restaurants servent une excellente cuisine créole et offrent d’excellentes tartinades à la sauce barbecue pour les excursionnistes.

Pour vous y rendre: L’île est à 15 minutes de Mahé en bateau.

l’îlE D’EDEn

L’Ile d’Eden est un aménagement d’un port de plaisance unique situé juste au large de la côte de Mahé.

Composé d’une propriété résidentielle privée qui consiste en 580 appartements de luxe, maisons spacieuses et villas privées, toutes avec leur propre mur d’amarrage, les propriétaires sont éligibles à la résidence des Seychelles. La propriété a quatre plages privées, une salle de gym et une cour de tennis avec un syndicat de location pleinement opérationnel.

Sur une étendue de 56 hectares de terres et de voies navigables, l’Ile d’Eden offre tellement plus. Elle abrite une marina internationale capable d’accueillir de grands yachts mesurant jusqu’à 100m de long avec tous les services et équipements d’une installation de niveau international.

Eden Plaza, avec sa variété de magasins, de restaurants, un casino et un grand supermarché, offre des installations médicales, des banques, un centre thermal de beauté et beaucoup, beaucoup plus. L’hôtel et centre de conférence Eden Bleu, dont l’ouverture est prévue pour novembre 2014, est un hôtel ultra moderne situé au cœur de l’Ile d’Eden.

Une visite aux Seychelles n’est pas complète sans une visite à l’île d’Eden. Visiter www.edenisland.sc

Pour vous y rendre: Un pont relie l’île au continent de Mahé

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The lush Cerf Island is on the north coast, at the edge of the marine park. It is more than one-and-a-half kilometres long and almost one kilometre wide. It has a superb coral reef, ideal for snorkeling or scuba diving. The interior is home to giant tortoises and fruit bats. Restaurants serve excellent Créole food and offer excellent barbecue spreads for day-trippers.

Getting there: The island is 15 minutes by boat from Mahé.

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la résErVE naTUrEllE DE l’îlE D’ariDE

L’île d’Aride est la plus nordique des îles granitiques, à 10 kilomètres au Nord de Praslin avec 68 hectares de superficie. C’est une réserve naturelle, propriété de la Société pour la conservation de l’ile des Seychelles. Compte tenu de sa superficie et de son isolement, il faut une excursion d’une journée entière, mais cela veut aussi dire que, par rapport aux randonnées sur d’autres îles, il y a moins de personnes et plus de temps pour savourer la beauté du site, prendre des photos, nager, faire de la plongée libre, explorer ou se détendre.

Pour vous y rendre: L’Ile d’Aride est ouverte aux visiteurs du lundi au vendredi. Des visites les samedis et dimanches sont possibles par arrangement préalable avec la direction de l’île. Beaucoup des grands hôtels de Praslin et des propriétaires de bateaux privés offrent des excursions sur Aride. Le site internet de l’Ile d’Aride présente une liste complète d’opérateurs (www.arideisland.com). Les visites peuvent aussi se faire par auto-voilier ou par hélicoptère privé affrété.

Quand y aller: Aride est ouverte aux visiteurs du lundi au vendredi toute l’année. Il est parfois difficile d’atterrir particulièrement pendant les mois de mai à septembre. En cas de doute, appeler le gérant de l’île pour vérifier les conditions locales (tél: 2719778).

Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: Aride a la plus grande population au monde de trois espèces d’oiseaux tropicaux, le puffin, le noddy marianne et la fauvette des Seychelles. Elle abrite plus d’espèces d’oiseaux de mer que les quarante autres îles granitiques des Seychelles combinées et cinq des douze oiseaux terrestres endémiques des Seychelles, tandis que parmi les plantes on y trouve le beau gardénia de Wright un arbrisseau parfumé et fleurissant qui n’existe nulle part ailleurs au monde à l’état naturel. Les amoureux de l’histoire peuvent admirer les quelques maisons de la plantation de l’île qui existent encore et une pirogue traditionnelle (c’était le principal moyen de transport inter-îles à une certaine époque). Un sentier naturel passe à travers une petite plantation puis vire en montée. La vue depuis le sommet est époustouflante. Nulle part ailleurs est-il possible d’admirer d’en haut des milliers de frégatidés perchés, et des raies, des tortues et des dauphins dans les eaux turquoises en bas.

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ariDE islanD naTUrE rEsErVE

Aride Island is the most northerly of the granitic islands, 10 kilometres north of Praslin and 68 hectares in area. It is a nature reserve, owned by Island Conservation Society of Seychelles. Its size and relative isolation means that a full day trip is required but this also means, compared to other island trips, fewer people and more time to savour the beauty of the place, take photographs, swim, snorkel, explore or relax.

Getting there: Aride Island is open to visitors Monday-Friday. Visits on Saturday and Sunday are possible by prior arrangement with the Island Manager. Many of the large Praslin hotels and private boat owners offer excursions to Aride. The Aride Island website features a comprehensive list of operators (www.arideisland.com). Visits can also be made by self-sail boat or by private helicopter charter.

when to go: Aride is open to visitors Monday to Friday year round.

Sometimes it is difficult to land especially during May to September. If in doubt, call the Island Manager to check local conditions (tel: 2719778).

what to see and do: Aride has the world’s largest population of three bird species; tropical shearwater, lesser noddy and Seychelles warbler. It has more seabirds of more species than the other 40 granite islands of Seychelles combined and five of the twelve endemic land birds of Seychelles, while plants include the beautiful fragrant-flowering shrub Wright’s gardenia, found naturally nowhere else on earth. Historical interest includes one of the few remaining island plantation houses and a traditional pirogue (once the main form of inter-island transport). A nature trail leads through a small plantation area then turns uphill. The view from the summit is stunning. Nowhere else is it possible to look down upon thousands of roosting frigatebirds, while in the clear turquoise waters below, rays, turtles and dolphins may be seen.


THE oncE anD fUTUrE islanD

Cousin Island has been a nature reserve since 1968, when it was bought by the Royal Society for Nature Conservation. In 2003, ownership was transferred to BirdLife International and today it is managed by their local partner, Nature Seychelles. It is a haven for seabirds and unique land birds including endangered species.

Getting there: This is the most popular island trip for tourists staying at Praslin, with tours offered by many hotels, guesthouses and private boat operators.

when to go: The island is open to visitors Monday to Friday excluding Public Holidays from 0930 until 1230.

l’îlE D’HiEr ET D’aUJoUrD’HUi

L’île Cousin a été une réserve naturelle depuis 1968, lorsqu’il fut acheté par la Royal Society for Nature Conservation. En 2003, la propriété a été transférée à BirdLife International et aujourd’hui, elle est gérée par son partenaire local, Nature Seychelles. C’est un paradis pour les oiseaux marins et terrestres uniques y compris des espèces menacées d’extinction.

Pour vous y rendre: C’est la plus populaire randonnée vers une île pour les touristes séjournant à Praslin, avec des excursions offertes par de nombreux hôtels, auberges et opérateurs de bateaux privés.

Quand y aller: L’île est ouverte aux visiteurs du lundi au vendredi sauf les jours fériés de 09h30 jusqu’à 12h30.

Ce qu’il y a à faire et à voir: C’est un lieu de pèlerinage pour les ornithologues dévoués et excursionnistes occasionnels : ils peuvent y trouver la fauvette des Seychelles, le shama des Seychelles et le foudy des Seychelles, qu’on ne trouve ailleurs que sur une poignée d’îles dératisées. Les tourterelles de Madagascar (y compris probablement la forme endémique avec la tête rouge) et les souimanga des Seychelles sont aussi présents. Les oiseaux abondent sur Cousin, plus de 250 000 oiseaux venant y nicher chaque année. Ces sont les noddi bruns, les noddi mariannes, les puffins fouquets, les puffins tropicaux, les sternes bridées, ainsi que les sternes néréis, l’un des symboles des Seychelles, illustré sur la livrée d’Air Seychelles. Il y a aussi des geckos intéressants, des tortues géantes introduites d’Aldabra, et des tortues imbriquées qui pondent leurs œufs au-delà de la ligne de marée de la plage.

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what to do and see: It is a place of pilgrimage for both dedicated ornithologists and casual day-trippers: 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, tropical 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 tide line of the beach.



sTE annE anD iTs marinE naTional Park

Five kilometres from Mahé, Ste Anne covers more than two square kilometres. The Ste Anne Marine National Park includes the reef area surrounding six granite islands covering 14 kilometres. Unfortunately large sections of coral have suffered from a rise in sea temperatures (attributed partly to an exceptional El Nino event in 1998), although some are showing signs of recovery.

what to see and do: Constituted in 1973, the Ste Anne Marine National Park was one of the first Marine National Parks in the Indian Ocean. It protects well over 150 types of fish and other marine life. Naturally, fishing is forbidden, as is collecting shells and coral. As the notice says, “Take away nothing but photographs and memories.” It is probably the main breeding site for hawksbill turtle in Seychelles.

Getting there: Half day and full trips are arranged from Mahé. 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.

where to stay: Sainte Anne Resort, (managed by the International Company Beachcomber) is the only hotel on the island. The National Park is also accessible by day trips from Mahé.

sTE annE ET sonParc naTional marin

A cinq kilomètres de Mahé, Ste Anne couvre plus que deux kilomètres carrés. Le Parc national marin de Ste Anne comprend la zone de récifs qui entourent six îles granitiques sur quatorze kilomètres. Malheureusement de larges sections du corail ont souffert d’une hausse de température de la mer (attribuée en partie à El Nino, un événement exceptionnel de 1998), bien que certains montrent des signes de rétablissement.

Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: Créée en 1973, le Parc national marin de Ste Anne était l’un des premiers parcs nationaux marins de l’océan Indien. Il protège bien plus de 150 types de poissons et autres espèces marines. Naturellement, la pêche y est interdite, ainsi que la cueillette de coquillages et de coraux. Comme l’indique l’avis “N’emportez rien d’autre que des photographies et des souvenirs.” C’est probablement le principal site de reproduction de la tortue imbriquée des Seychelles.

Pour vous y rendre: Des excursions d’une demi-journée et d’une journée sont organisées à partir de Mahé. La meilleure façon d’apprécier les merveilles de l’océan est de faire le voyage en bateau à fond de verre, à travers lequel vous pouvez voir des bancs de poissons colorés.

Hébergement: Sainte Anne Resort, (géré par International Company Beachcomber) est le seul hôtel de l’île. Le Parc national est également accessible par des excursions d’un jour à partir de Mahé.

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roUnD islanD Praslin

Round Island Praslin lies just a short distance off Baie Ste Anne, Praslin. Round Island is accesible by helicopter or by boat. Only twenty guest can stay here at the same time. The small Round Island Resort merges with the forest and the hillside, comprising just one large main house and three luxurious villas. A boardwalk skirts the edge of the hill and climbs to the summit where there is a spectacular view of the islands.

l’îlE ronDE DE Praslin

L’île Ronde de Praslin se trouve à une courte distance de Baie Ste Anne, Praslin. Round Island est accesible par hélicoptère oupar bateau. Seulement vingt vous pourrez rester ici en même temps. La petite station balnéaire fusionne avec la forêt et le flanc de la colline, comprenant juste une seule grande maison principale et trois villas. Une promenade longe le bord de la colline et grimpe au sommet où il y a une vue spectaculaire sur les îles.


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cUrioUs BUT DEliGHTfUl

Curieuse Island is a small granitic island about two kilometres northeast of Praslin and about three kilometres in length. It was once known as Ile Rouge on account of its bare red earth. It is managed by the Seychelles National Marine Parks Auhority (SNPA).

Getting there: Through an organised trip from hotels on Praslin or local tour operators. Private yachts are also allowed. An entry fee is payable to SNPA(included in the cost of oganised tours).

when to go: Open daily including public holidays. The ranger base is open from 8.00am to 5.00 pm.

what to see and do: Tours usually include a barbeque lunch and possibilities for snorkeling, birdwatching and hiking. There is a well-marked nature trail from Baie Laraie to Anse Jose and a trail to Anse Badamier. The mangrove swamp bordering Baie Laraie holds six of the seven species of mangroves known to Seychelles. A boardwalk built on piling goes through the swamp, allowing access even at high tide. The ruins of a former leper colony can be seen at Anse Jose where the doctor’s house has been converted into

cUriEUsE mais cHarmanTE

Curieuse est une petite île granitique à près de deux kilomètres au Nord-Est de Praslin, d’environ trois kilomètres de longueur. Elle était une fois connue sous le nom d’île Rouge en raison de sa terre rouge nue. Elle est gérée par la Seychelles National Marine Parks Auhority (SNPA).

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a museum. Hundreds of giant tortoises were introduced between 1978 and 1982 and there is a tortoise nursery where tortoises are nurtured until they are five years old, before being released into the wild. Curiuese is the only other natural home (apart from Praslin) of the legendary coco de mer.

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Pour vous y rendre: Grâce à une excursion organisée à partir d’hôtels sur l’île de Praslin ou avec des voyagistes locaux. Les yachts privés sont également autorisés. Un droit d’entrée est payable à la SNPA (inclus dans le coût des visites organisés).

Quand y aller: Ouvert tous les jours y compris les jours fériés. La base des garde-forestiers est ouverte de 8h00 à 17h00.

Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: Les visites comprennent généralement un déjeuner barbecue et des possibilités pour faire de snorkeling, de l’observation d’oiseaux et de la randonnée. Il y a un sentier naturel bien-marqué de Baie Laraie à Anse Jose et une piste à Anse Badamier. Le marais de mangrove qui borde Baie Laraie contient six des sept espèces de mangroves connus à Seychelles. Une promenade construite sur pilotis passe à travers le marais, permettant l’accès même à marée haute. Les ruines d’une ancienne colonie de lépreux peuvent être vues à Anse Jose où la maison du médecin a été transformée en musée. Des centaines de tortues géantes ont été introduites entre 1978 et 1982 et il y a une nourricerie où les tortues sont élevées jusqu’à l’âge de cinq ans avant d’être relâchées dans la nature. Curieuse est le seul autre habitat naturel (en dehors de Praslin) du légendaire coco de mer.


ParaDisE

Cousine Island is a small grantic island , 25 hectares in size and six kilometres west of Praslin. There are very few islands anywhere in the world that have survived intact as Cousine has done and it is one of the biggest conservation success stories of the Indian Ocean.

Getting there: Guests of the exclusive resort on the island arrive by boat or 15 minutes flight by helicopter from Mahé, and five minutes from Praslin.

what to see and do: The island has a profusion of wildlife including a systematic rehabilitation programme which was introduced to restore the island including the planting of thousands of native trees, the protection of the huge seabird colonies and the reintroduction of endemic birds. Relax at the lodge or take a nature walk with a resident ecologist or go on a guided snorkeling expedition and observe teeming schools of tropical fish.

where to stay: Cousine Island Resort and Spa is a small luxury resort, with three villas catering to a maximum of eight people.

sTricTly for THE BirDs

Bird Island is the northernmost island in the Seychelles archipelago and is a nature lover’s paradise. From the air you get the first stunning impressions of this 70 hectares coral cay.

Getting there: A 30 minutes flight from Mahé by light aircraft operates daily.

what to see and do: 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. The island offers some of the best game fishing in the country. Dolphins are regularly observed in the surrounding waters. Close to one million pairs of Sooty

sTricTEmEnT PoUr lEs oisEaUX

L’île aux Oiseaux se situe à l’extrême Nord de l’archipel des Seychelles et c’est un paradis pour les amoureux de la nature. Une vue aérienne vous donne les premières impressions fantastiques de ces 70 hectares de sable de corail.

Pour vous y rendre: Il y a un vol quotidien de 30 minutes à partir de Mahé par avion léger.

Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: L’Est et le Sud de l’île sont entourés d’une barrière de corail, foyer de nombreuses variétés de poissons colorés; le reste étant une superbe plage ouverte où l’on peut se baigner en toute sécurité. L’île offre certains des meilleurs jeux de pêche du pays. Les dauphins sont régulièrement observés dans les eaux environnantes. Près d’un million couples de sternes fuligineuses venues du Nord de l’île pour se reproduire, présentes principalement de mars à septembre, et une population permanente d’anous et de sternes néréis, c’est une île de rêve pour les ornithologues. De nombreux oiseaux migrateurs rares sont enregistrés, en particulier pendant les mois d’octobre à décembre. L’île aux Oiseaux est aussi le domicile d’Esmeralda, ancienne titulaire d’un record du monde Guinness, elle serait la tortue géante Aldabra la plus lourde au monde vivant létat sauvage.

Hébergement: Bird Island Lodge offre à ses clients un choix de 24 bungalows spacieux et confortables. Un vrai refuge pour s’échapper du monde mouvementé d’aujourd’hui, il n’y a ni téléphones ni télévisions et l’accent est mis sur la détente et la communion avec la nature autour de vous.

Terns coming to the northern end of the island to breed present mainly March to September, and a resident population of Noddy and Fairy Terns, the island is an ornithologists dream. Many rare migrant birds are recorded, especially during October to December. Bird Island is also home to former Guinness World Record holder Esmeralda, said to be the heaviest Aldabra giant tortoise in the world living in the wild.

where to stay: Bird Island Lodge 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.

ParaDis récUPéré

Cousine est une petite île granitique de vingt-cinq hectares, située à six kilomètres à l’Ouest de Praslin. Il y a très peu d’îles au monde ayant survécu intactes à l’instar de Cousine et c’est l’un des plus grands succès de conservation dans l’océan Indien.

Pour vous y rendre: Les clients du complexe exclusif de l’île arrivent par bateau ou par hélicoptère sur un vol de 15 minutes à partir de Mahé, et de 5 minutes à partir de Praslin.

Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: L’île a une diversité de faune, et un programme systématique de réhabilitation a été mis en place pour restaurer l’île, qui consiste en la plantation de milliers d’arbres indigènes, la protection d’immenses colonies d’oiseaux de mer et la réintroduction d’oiseaux endémiques. Vous pourrez vous détendre à l’hôtel ou aller en promenade dans la nature avec un écologue résident ou faire une plongée guidée et observer des bancs de poissons tropicaux.

Hébergement: Cousine Island Resort and Spa est un petit complexe hôtelier de luxe, avec trois villas accueillant un maximum de huit personnes.


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An experience to remember!Distinctly Seychellois

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Un corail JoyaU DE l’océan inDiEn

Découvert en 1773, ce refuge en corail en forme de croissant de 152 hectares est un petit bijou vert incrusté sur la berge Nord-Est des Seychelles. L’Ile de Denis est à soixante kilomètres au Nord de Mahé.

Pour vous y rendre: L’île est accessible par un vol de 30 minutes de Mahé.

Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: Des plages idylliques de sable blanc entourent l’île; sa lagune abritée fournit des opportunités de natation sans égal et les eaux cristallines hébergent des tortues et autres espèces marines exotiques, le récif est parfait pour le snorkeling. Les eaux profondes en dehors du récif permettent d’excellentes plongées et une pêche sportive, de fond et à la mouche.

Plus de 50 hectares de forêt ont été remises en état et la dense forêt intérieure est un paradis pour les espèces aviaires endémiques menacées récemment introduites telles que le foudy des Seychelles, la fauvette des Seychelles, le shama des Seychelles et plus récemment le tchitrec des Seychelles qu’on ne trouvait auparavant qu’uniquement à La Digue. Le founingo rougecap des Seychelles y abonde également. Les jardins potagers et la ferme de bétail de l’île ainsi que les mers environnantes approvisionnent suffisamment la cuisine de l’hôtel.

Hébergement: Il y a un complexe privé avec vingt-cinq pavillons raffinés, élégants et isolés chacun avec sa propre plage privée.

maGic laGoons, lonEly Horizons

A tiny, triangle shaped island, Alphonse is 400 kilometres southwest of Mahé. 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.

Getting there: One hour flight from Mahé. There is just one flight per week operating during the seven month fly-fishing season (October to April).

what to see and do: The hotel specialises in fly-fishing. Other 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. A short stretch of ocean, ominously named as Canal de

Discover seychelles

Mort, separates Alphonse from picture perfect Bijoutier and the lagoon of St. Francois. A feature of St. Francois is the number of shipwrecks, standing as grim reminders of the perils of the sea. Both are very popular for fly-fishing.

where to stay: Alphonse Island Resort is the only hotel on the island.

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Une île minuscule triangulaire, Alphonse est à 400 kilomètres au Sud-Ouest de Mahé. Autrefois une plantation productive de noix de coco, très peu reste de cette époque à part quelques vieux bâtiments et le cimetière de l’île près de Pointe Huto. La conservation est une grande priorité et une équipe de

scientifiques et de gardes forestiers de la Société pour la conservation de l’ile sont employés à plein temps pour la réhabilitation et les programmes de surveillance.

Pour vous y rendre: Une heure de vol à partir de Mahé . Il n’y a qu’un seul vol par semaine au cours de la saison de pêche à la mouche qui dure sept mois (octobre à avril).

Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: L’hôtel se spécialise en pêche à la mouche. D’autres attractions sont la meilleure plongée dans l’océan Indien, avec des forêts de gorgones ou éventails de mer, d’énormes bancs de poissons pélagiques et beaucoup de poissons multicolores de récifs. Un court tronçon de l’océan, sinistrement nommé Canal de Mort, sépare Alphonse de la photogénique Île Bijoutier et du lagon de St François. Une caractéristique de St. François est le nombre d’épaves, sombres souvenirs des périls de la mer. Les deux sont très populaires pour la pêche à la mouche.

Hébergement: Alphonse Island Resort est le seul hôtel de l’île.

coral JEwEl of THE inDian ocEan

Discovered in 1773, this croissant shaped coral hideaway of 152 hectares is a small green jewel perched on the northeasterly edge of the Seychelles bank. Denis Island is 60 kilometres north of Mahé.

Getting there: The Island is accessible by a 30-minute flight from Mahé.

what to see and do: 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 reef is perfect for snorkeling. The deep waters outside the reef allow for excellent diving, game, bottom and fly-fishing.

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 Seychelles fody, Seychelles warbler, Seychelles magpie robin and most recently Seychelles paradise flycatcher previously only found on La Digue. Seychelles blue pigeon also abound. The island’s vegetable and livestock farm and surrounding seas supply the hotel kitchen’s requirements.

where to stay: There is a private resort with 25 tasteful, elegant and secluded cottages each with its own private beachfront.

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lEs îlEs DE l’amiral

L’Île Desroches est la plus grande des îles Amirantes, et fait partie des îles périphériques des Seychelles. Elle est située à 230 kilomètres au Sud-Ouest de Mahé. Elle mesure 6 km de long et a une superficie de 3 km2. Les programmes de conservation sont gérés par la Société pour la conservation de l’île.

Pour vous y rendre: 45 minutes par avion de Mahé.

Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: Les visiteurs peuvent faire de la voile, du cyclisme, du canoë, de la planche à voile, de la plongée

islanDs of THE aDmiral

Desroches Island is the largest island of the Amirantes, part of the Outer Islands of the Seychelles. It is located 230 kilometres southwest of Mahé. It is six kilometres long and has an area of around three kilometres squares. Conservation programmes are managed by Island Conservation Society.

Getting there: 45 minutes by air from Mahé.

what to see and do: Guests can enjoy sailing, cycling, canoeing, windsurfing, snorkeling deep-sea fishing and diving.

A la Découverte des les

en apnée, de la pêche en haute mer et de la plongée sous-marine. Desroches est célèbre pour Desroches Drop avec ses fantastiques grottes qui peuvent être explorées sous la supervision d’un PADI Divemaster. Il y a aussi une petite colonie, avec une plantation qui couvre une bonne partie des besoins de l’île. Depuis 2009, une équipe à plein temps de scientifiques et garde-forestiers de la Société pour la conservation de l’île est employée pour contrôler et protéger la vie terrestre et marine.

Hébergement: Luxurious Desroches Island Lodge est le seul hôtel de l’île.

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, where there is a plantation providing much of the island’s requirements. 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.

where to stay: Luxurious Desroches island Lodge is the only hotel on the island.

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a special licence alongside paintings, jewellery and sculptures.

Beaches: Praslin’s beaches are of legendary beauty: golden sanded Anse Volbert, or Cote d’Or on the east coast; Anse Boudin and Anse Kerlan; Anse Lazio at the island’s northern most tip considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in the world and excellent for both swimming and snorkelling and Grand Anse, on the west coast. Baie Pasquiere, Anse Volbert and Baie St. Anne all have natural harbours.

Praslin

Located 40 kilometres north of Mahé, Praslin is Seychelles’ second largest island and is also home to the archipelago’s second largest population of around 7,000. Apart from its sublimely beautiful beaches, some of which are regularly ranked among the best in the world, Praslin is perhaps best known for its Vallée de Mai, one of Seychelles’ two UNESCO World Heritage Sites where the legendary double-lobed coconut, the coco-de-mer grows on towering palms in an ancient, hidden glade.

Thirty-seven square kilometres in size, Praslin measures 11 kilometres in length and five-and-a-half across at its widest. The island is a mere 15 minute’s flight from Mahé via Air Seychelles’ domestic airline and one hour by fast, inter-island catamaran ferry. Helicopters are also available for charter through Zil Air. A ferry operates throughout the day between Praslin and neighbouring La Digue

Getting around: There are several different types of car hires available and a taxi rank at the airport. A bus service runs between 0530 and 1900 hours with a special Sunday service.

island Excursions: There are regular boat excursions to Praslin’s neigh-bouring islands such as St. Pierre, a tiny rock island popular for its spectacular coral reef and rich marine life and biodiversity hotspots Curieuse Island, Cousine and Aride.

where to stay: Praslin boasts several excellent 5-Star hotels as well as a rich assortment of smaller hotels, island-style beach villas, guesthouses and self-caterings to give the visitor a flavour of the Seychellois Creole way of life.

what to see and do: The island is well served by roads especially along the northern, south and south-western coasts and also by frequent ferries to La Digue. The island is criss-crossed by a network of footpaths of which the most beautiful of all is through the Vallée de Mai, managed by Seychelles Islands Foundation and open from 0830 to 1630 hours. The entrance and Visitors Centre can be found on the road from Grand Anse to Baie St. Anne. Paths are well maintained and clearly marked, and nature trails lead you to all the interesting botanical species. Praslin is also home to the endemic Seychelles black parrot, the national bird of Seychelles, as well as to the beautiful Seychelles blue pigeon, among others.

shopping: you can find a range of souvenirs in Praslin’s nooks and crannies as well as in the main town of Baie Ste. Anne, the airport and at the larger hotels. These include the fabulous coco de mer whose exportation requires

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

Coco D’or Hotel & Restaurant • T/A Nalini R. Properties (Pty) LtdBeau Vallon, Mahé, Seychelles • P.O. Box 526 Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles

Phone: +248 4247331 • Fax: +248 4247454 • E-mail: [email protected]


Praslin

Située à quarante kilomètres au Nord de Mahé, Praslin est la deuxième plus grande île des Seychelles et abrite la deuxième plus grande population de l’archipel, soit environ 7000 âmes. Hormis ses plages paradisiaques, dont certaines sont régulièrement classées parmi les meilleures au monde, Praslin est peut-être mieux connue pour sa Vallée de Mai, l’un des deux sites des Seychelles classés au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO où la légendaire noix de coco bilobée, le coco de mer, croit sur des palmiers imposants dans une ancienne clairière cachée.

Avec 37 km2 de superficie, Praslin mesure 11 km de long et 5,5 km de large. L’île n’est qu’à quinze minutes de vol de Mahé sur un vol intérieur d’Air Seychelles et à une heure par ferry catamaran rapide inter-îles. Les hélicoptères sont aussi disponibles pour affrètement auprès de Zil Air. Un ferry opère tout au long de la journée entre Praslin et La Digue voisine.

Déplacement: Il y a plusieurs types de voitures de location disponibles et une station de taxis à l’aéroport. Un service de bus effectue la liaison entre 5h30 et 19h, avec un service spécial le dimanche.

Excursions sur l’île: Il y a des excursions régulières en bateau aux îles avoisinant Praslin comme St. Pierre, une petite île de rocher populaire pour son récif de

corail spectaculaire et la richesse de son milieu marin et ses zones les plus riches en biodiversité, à savoir: les îles Curieuse, Cousine et Aride.

Hébergement: Praslin possède plusieurs excellents hôtels 5 étoiles, ainsi qu’un riche assortiment de petits hôtels, villas de plage de style des îles, auberges avec leurs propres installations de restauration pour donner au visiteur un parfum du mode de vie créole Seychellois.

Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: L’île est bien desservie par un réseau routier en particulier le long des côtes du Nord, du Sud et du Sud-Ouest et également par des ferrys fréquents vers La Digue. L’île est sillonnée par un réseau de sentiers dont le plus beau passe par la Vallée de Mai, géré par la Seychelles Islands Foundation et ouvert de 08h30 à 16h30. L’entrée et le centre d’accueil aux visiteurs se trouvent sur la route de Grand Anse à Baie St. Anne. Les chemins sont bien entretenus et clairement marqués, les sentiers de nature vous mènent à toutes les espèces botaniques intéressantes. Praslin abrite aussi l’endémique perroquet noir des Seychelles, l’oiseau national des Seychelles, ainsi que de le beau founingo rougecap des Seychelles, entre autres.

Courses: Le visiteur peut trouver une gamme de souvenirs dans les coins et recoins de Praslin de même que dans la ville P

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principale de Baie St. Anne, à l’aéroport et dans les plus grands hôtels. La gamme comprend le fabuleux coco de mer dont l’exportation nécessite un permis spécial à côté de peintures, sculptures et bijoux.

Plages: Les plages de Praslin sont d’une beauté légendaire: Anse Volbert au sable doré, ou Côte d’Or sur la côte Est; Anse Boudin et Anse Kerlan ; Anse Lazio à la pointe Nord de l’île que d’aucuns considèrent comme la plus belle plage au monde, excellente tant pour la natation que le snorkelling, et Grand Anse, sur la côte Ouest. Baie Pasquiere, Anse Volbert et Baie St. Anne ont toutes des ports naturels.


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autre oiseau endémique extrêmement menacé, le Zostérops des Seychelles (500 individus dans le monde). L’île abrite la seule population de scarabées ténébrionides géantes, ainsi qu’environ 2 000 tortues géantes vivant en liberté. Des dizaines de milliers d’arbres indigènes ont été propagés et replantés depuis 1995, totalisant plusieurs dizaines d’hectares restaurés. Il y a des plages superbes, comme Anse Victorin, considérées par certains comme la plus jolie des Seychelles. C’est aussi un paradis pour les promeneurs, avec des coursives en bois qui mènent à travers plantations et bosquets. Il y a également un port privé et Yacht Club avec un centre de plongée PADI.

Hébergement: Frégate Island Private Resort, des vacances sous le thème de la conservation pour les clients. Il y a 16 grandes résidences (400-700 m2) avec piscines privées et la possibilité de location exclusive de l’île entière existe également.

a worlD all iTs own

Frégate is the most isolated of the granite islands. It has romantic associations with the world of pirates and hidden treasure. Today, it is home to an exclusive upmarket resort and conservation programmes have been implemented to restore the splendor of this beautiful island.

Getting there: 12 minutes from Mahé by Air Seychelles.

what to see and do: With over 10 kilometres of roads and trails, the island is easy to explore on foot or by electric buggy. 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 and Island Conservation Society 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 about 2,000 free-range giant tortoises. 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. There is also a private harbour & yacht Club with a PADI Dive Centre.

where to stay: Frégate Island Private Resort, a holiday preserve for guests. There are 16 large residences (400-700 square metres) with private pools and exclusive whole island rental also available.

Un monDE à ParT

Frégate est la plus isolée des îles de granit. Elle a des associations romantiques avec le monde des pirates et trésor caché. Aujourd’hui elle abrite une station balnéaire exclusive haut de gamme et des programmes de conservation ont été mis en œuvre pour restaurer la splendeur de cette magnifique île.

Pour vous y rendre: 12 Minutes de Mahé par Air Seychelles.

Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: Avec plus de 10 kilomètres de routes et de pistes, l’île est facile à explorer à pied ou en voiturette électrique. Frégate est le bastion du shama des Seychelles gravement menacé d’extinction (moins de 200 oiseaux dans le monde), sauvé de l’extinction par l’intervention de BirdLife International. Récemment le ministère de l’environnement et la Société pour la conservation de l’île ont établi avec succès sur Frégate un

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By Glynn Burridge

ADVENTURE: BIRD ISLAND P

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sapphire ocean; sublime swimming and

snorkelling; a lush interior crisscrossed

by meandering, leafy, island pathways

and, of course if you turn up at the right

time of year, the spectacular experience

of one of the most important seabird

colonies on earth - to the tune of close

to a million nesting Sooty Terns.

Perched on the northernmost tip of

the Seychelles plateau where the

ocean floor slips away to a depth of

2,000 metres, Bird Island’s history is

equally spectacular. First sighted by

the master of the Eagle cruiser in 1771,

he remarked on the great number of

birds and also Dugongs or sea cows

which gave Bird its early name of Ile

aux Vaches. Bird’s next encounter with

the outside world came in 1808, when

the French privateer, Hirondelle, with

100 passengers aboard en route from

the Red Sea became wrecked on the

island’s northeast coast. The survivors

lived on the island for 22 days before

sailing to Mahé, 161 kilometres (100

miles) distant, on a makeshift raft. The

end of that century saw the island used

as a base for salting fish and birds and

also for the mining of phosphate which,

at one point, saw the island population

swell to around 100 people. One

particularly intriguing story is of the two

Savy brothers who went to Bird in the

late 19th century to harvest bird eggs.

I first came to Bird Island in 1978,

shortly after settling in Seychelles

and, immediately, was captured by

its astonishing beauty which has

remained for me the benchmark against

which I have judged the many islands of

the archipelago I have visited since.

Today, 36 years later, I am visiting

again, as I have many times over the

intervening years, and it is as clear to

me as ever that Seychelles’ islands, in

the context of a planet which is sadly

becoming grimmer by the day, are

increasingly special for the beauty,

tranquillity and lifestyle they continue

to offer. If this is the case, then among

them, Bird Island is truly unique.

Bird’s uniqueness has many facets

and one of them is its size. Where the

sheer mass of many islands makes

them difficult to navigate, and to

enjoy, Bird comes in one delicious,

bite-sized chunk. you can walk around

in about an hour, savouring every

aspect of its beauty as you do so: raw

nature at its best; shimmering sands

of world-ranking beaches rolling into a

They experienced a problem with their

boat which broke down and they drifted

to the shore of the Arabian Peninsula

where they became separated, with

one brother being enslaved for a time

by the Bedouin. They both eventually

made it back to Seychelles, one arriving

shortly after the other.

By the mid-1950’s, human activity

on the island had greatly damaged

the environment and caused the bird

population to plummet from over a

million to only 65,000 pairs. It was only

after the island was sold to its present

owner in 1967 that the task of winning

back the island was commenced,

largely through a sensitive and broad

conservation programme and by

opening the island to ‘gentle’ tourism.

Today, the island’s 26 chalets remain

a firm favourite with tourists in search

of a’ genuine ecotourism experience’

for which the island was named as the

seventh best destination in the world

by the BBC Wildlife Magazine in 2006,

alongside numerous, top, international

awards.

Uniqueness remains at the very heart

of Bird Island’s appeal. Against a

backdrop of islands surrendering their

timeless beauty, character and every

identity to accommodate levels of

development that can only be described

as deforming, Bird has stuck to its guns

and to a simple formula which, after 40

years, is still working. Its evolution into

a soulful and much sought-after eco-

tourism product has been guided by

the same conservationist principle that

was adopted at the very beginning of its

journey: the requirements of the island

and its nature come first. They are king

here and everything else follows suit.


This is another unique facet of Bird: that

there is a well-studied and very practical

philosophy at work here that guides it

and steers it clear of the temptation to

succumb to the latest fad or trade in

its very soul to appease some trending

consumer expectation of what the

island should offer its clientele.

Another great attribute of Bird is the

continuity that it has been blessed with

for nearly half a century. In a world

where nothing seems to last for long,

Guy Savy has been guiding Bird since

he purchased the island in 1967 and

remains very much at the wheel today,

surrounded by a team, several of whom

have been with him since the very

beginning. This continuity has provided

the island with a very particular identity,

most refreshing in this changing world

of ours, and one that is unmistakably

Creole. Where so many other hotels

have gone the route of employing

a foreign worker, Bird employs only

Seychellois and all aspects of life on Bird

have a distinctly Creole flavour. Bird is

the embodiment of Creoleness and

of the time-honoured traditions of the

Ilois, or island settler, dating back to the

earliest days of settlement. Sadly, today,

it is arguably the last place where the

Creole way of life in the old time island

community can still be experienced.

And yet the island is not content to live

in the past, and the management is

even now tweaking its formula to cater

for, but not be governed by, modernity.

Ingenious, low-tech methods of waste

disposal are being looked at the same

time that the island farm is being

Common and Lesser Noddies and

Tropic Birds and recent years have seen

the introduction of the magnificent Blue

Pigeon and Sunbird, adding to Bird’s

impressive kaleidoscope of birdlife.

In the waters surrounding the island,

turtles are everywhere and visitors are

able to swim with both the Green and

Hawksbill varieties inside the reef which

was not the case 40 years ago, helped

along by a conservation programme

that identifies and secures turtle nests,

so ensuring a greater survival rate

among hatchlings.

Forty years on, Bird Island continues

to evolve along its own special path

that has already rescued its previously

damaged ecosystem and set it on the

road to full recovery. Today, the island

enjoys a popular following among

nature lovers the world over and an

enviably high percentage of returning

guests in search of one of the planet’s

purest experiences of nature.

yet Bird has preserved far more than

just its ecology. Here at the world’s

edge, where life is still governed by

the rhythms of nature, an entire way

of life has been preserved: that of the

Seychellois Islander and the true soul of

traditional, Seychellois island living.

Today, the island enjoys a popular following among nature lovers the world over and

an enviably high percentage of returning guests in search of one of the planet’s purest experiences of nature.

revamped to supply the lodge with fresh

produce. A major reorganisation of the

kitchen is also underway to streamline

food preparation and broaden its

culinary traditions of offering the very

best food harvested from nature. The

island is even resuming the extraction

of coconut oil in response to the

rediscovery of the medicinal benefits of

the coconut.

As its very name suggests, Bird

Island’s wildlife remains one of its main

attractions and one that is going from

strength to strength with the Sooty Tern

population rising from a mere 20,000

pairs in 1967 to almost a million today.

The island is even pioneering the use

of GPS locators on certain Sooty Terns

and the data from this experiment will

greatly assist in our understanding of

the movements of this extraordinary

species which lives its life almost

entirely on the wing. There are also

significant populations of Fairy Terns,

Above: A fairy tern, the world’s only pure white tern, mirrors the pure white sands of Marie Louise.

Below: More than a million sooty terns make their home on Bird Island.

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ADVENTURE: BIRD ISLAND


art and design. However, after five

years spent abroad in education and

on placements, Karine wanted to

return to the Seychelles and to the

island lifestyle she knew and loved,

with a hope to contribute to the

development of the fashion world

of the islands.

The fashion scene in the Seychelles

islands is small, but it is starting

to grow. The increasing reach of

modern media and communications

has led to greater interest and

awareness amongst Seychellois.

Whilst this is something Karine

hopes to take advantage of, she is

also passionate about Kankan’s

boutiques reflecting Seychelles’

own essence and culture rather

than simply following international

trends. “It’s all about balance,” she

explains, and balance is certainly

key to Kankan’s overall aims. The

boutiques offer a wide range of styles

and sizes and Karine’s designs cater

to any and all occasions. Where

some brands aim to be different for

the sake of being different, Kankan’s

feel is one of timeless subtlety and

sophistication. “Fashion is about

identity and expression, feeling

beautiful for you and not to please

others,” Karine explains, and for

her, nothing is more important than

the moment when a customer tries

something on; she revels seeing

someone transformed through the

sheer excitement of feeling beautiful

when they step out in something

she has designed.

Whilst managing the business side

of running her own fashion brand

takes up much of her time, Karine’s

favourite aspect of running Kankan

remains the creative process.

Inspiration for her collections comes

from everywhere, with mood-

boards reflecting an eclectic mix

of bold pattern, colour, European

fashion and the Seychelles islands

themselves. Colour is often the

starting point for Karine’s ideas, MEE

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It’s about just feeling the

most beautiful person you

can be,’ Karine Dupouy says

of her uniquely Seychelles

fashion brand, ‘Kankan’. Born

in Mauritius and raised in the

Seychelles, Karine’s flare for fashion

and creativity started early with

dressing-up games for herself and

her dolls, graduating into sketches

and dressmaking and a strong

focus towards art in her studies.

Hard work and passion were

eventually rewarded when Karine

was accepted to study fashion –

majoring in womenswear – at the

prestigious Central Saint Martins

University in London, a world-

renowned centre for education in

karine Dupouy produces the finest

collections, reflecting Seychelles’ own essence

and culture. malinda skerrett paid a visit to karine.

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her current direction is inspired,

like the rest of her new collection,

by tropical flowers and creative

prints, she is also aware that, as a

one-off piece, she has the creative

freedom to step back without an

entire collection being affected. “I

enjoy the Miss World work because

of that,” she says, explaining how

her dream is to be able to expand

to do more custom-design work,

designing and dressing individuals.

Fashion is about identity and expression,

feeling beautiful for

you and not to please others.

though detail and refinement are

key to her collections overall as

she mixes bold identity with classic

style. “The idea of a dress is to make

the person look good,” she says of

her approach, once more returning

to the concept of balance as being

key to the Kankan brand. The

designers who inspire her are known

for both elegance and detail and

she admires in particular designers

such as Tony Ward and Elie Saab,

whose collections represent to her

a more classic beauty. However, it

is the influence of the Seychelles

themselves which is perhaps most

obvious throughout Kankan’s rails,

with colours and prints all inspired by

the beautiful, tropical surroundings.

For her next collection, Karine has

drawn particular inspiration from

tropical flowers, and she hopes that

this theme will give her a chance to

explore greater detail in her designs,

using more beading and embroidery

alongside her signature bold colour

splashes and hand-painted prints.

It is also the fabric itself which

Karine often turns to for inspiration,

with her creative process always

beginning with the fabric in mind;

knowing what colours, patterns and

shapes will work for a certain fabric

before starting to look for wider

inspiration for a dress or collection.

Karine has travelled extensively,

and continues to seek out the finest

fabrics for her designs. Kankan’s

collections are all made from the

purest quality fabrics from India,

Italy and Turkey and great care is

taken to ensure that every item sold

is made from materials that are of

high quality, and which will last, and

linen and silk are the key materials

of much of Kankan’s collections.

The Kankan brand continues

to expand in Seychelles, with

boutiques open at Ephelia Resort

and Seychelles International Airport,

and, another shop being opened in

Victoria by the end of the year. Since

2013, Kankan has also become the

chosen brand for Miss Seychelles

for the annual Miss World

competition, and Karine is currently

in the midst of designing a one-off

piece for this year’s contestant. “In

a way it’s better because I enjoy the

freedom I’m given to just create,”

she says when talking about the

challenge. In-keeping with her ideas

for Kankan’s latest collection Karine

hopes to create something bold

and colourful for the pageant this

year, though she admits she does

enjoy having the luxury of being

able to change her mind. Although

specifically chosen to compliment

the clothing collections. Once again,

Karine’s focus is on simple elegance

rather than showy, statement

pieces, with an emphasis on the

tropical, casual feel which is key to

island life. Similarly, classic, casual

bags are also available, made from

a mix of raffia and leather, always

keeping the Seychelles in mind in

terms of both style and practicality.

For Karine, this is the key aspect

of her Kankan brand; ‘It has to be

ready-to-wear, with a nice finish

but always high quality.’

Ultimately, Karine sees her Kankan

customers as needing quality and

comfort, a balance which appeals

to people from all walks of life in

equal measure, and for that reason

Kankan’s boutiques do stand out

as being something quite unusual.

‘It’s all about having something

that will last,’ she explains. ‘It feels

nice to support people expressing

themselves,’ Karine states as she

reflects on what she hopes her

brand’s impact will be on Seychelles

fashion. And indeed, ultimately,

the Kankan brand is a reflection of

Karine’s own self-expression, with

its delightful mixture of creativity,

individuality and the colour and

beauty of island life.

Of course, stepping inside a Kankan

store, it’s easy to see that Karine is

already doing a good job of styling

her customers. Not only does

Kankan provide three key categories

of clothing – casualwear, cocktail

attire and beachwear – but also

Karine has ensured that accessories

are available to perfectly compliment

her collections. Jewellery is a

key component, and necklaces

and bracelets sold in stories are


Seychelles has always enjoyed

world-class local seafood as

well as a wide array of tropical

produce from its land, but in

the past, local chefs (especially those

with a European background) were

reluctant to showcase them. In fact,

as often as not, they preferred to fly in

fresh and frozen foods from as far afield

as South Africa or Mauritius (even

fish!)

In recent years, a number of like-

minded chefs joined together to form

an initiative to encourage local food

growers and suppliers to work together

with the restaurants. They would

produce the goods, and the chefs

would provide the market. Of course,

many of the growers and suppliers were

already doing this, but there is now

a much closer bond between them.

Many traditional dishes are back on the

menu, such as Bouillon de Tec-Tec, that

celebrated Seychellois delicacy.

The eating habits of the Seychellois

inevitably reflect the ethnic diversity of

its people. The cuisine that is unique to

the archipelago is actually a fusion of

The Seychelles has witnessed a remarkable culinary revolution over the last few years, thanks in large part to the resurgence in local agriculture, the development of high-quality speciality produce and an abundance of Creole restaurants right here on our beautiful islands, reports Peter Holthusen.

FOOD

SEyCHELLES ON A PLATE

BouiLLonde TEC-TEC

sweet, rich and spicy combinations

makes the Seychellois cuisine a tourist

attraction in itself. With hundreds of

such flavours, Seychellois cuisine and

beverages have a unique place in the

world of cooking.

Most Seychellois cooking is naturally

based on seafood and chillies. With very

little local transportation of produce, the

ingredients are super fresh and often

directly from a garden or fishing boat. But

should you ever find yourself on one of

Seychelles’ pristine beaches at low tide

then you will undoubtedly happen across

a small group of people harvesting Tec-

Tec, a small white shellfish that forms the

nucleus of a delectable soup and famous

Creole delicacy.

Marine molluscs in the Seychelles are

well represented by about 450 species

of endemic bivalves, gastropods (snails)

and nudibranchs. Giant clams, Tridacna,

are some of the most conspicuous

bivalves but there are many smaller

species in tropical waters. These

include Donax which are small, wedge-

shaped mussels that actively burrow on

sandy shores. They are favoured by the

Seychellois for Tec-Tec soup.

flavours from African, French, Chinese,

Indian and English cooking. Over the

centuries, a treasure trove of aromatic

herbs and exotic spices such as

cinnamon, cloves, garlic, mint, ginger,

cayenne, cardamom and nutmeg have

been combined to create a single

flavour. The large selection of tangy,


PHOTOS © PETER HOLTHUSEN

The large selection of tangy, sweet, rich and spicy combinations makes the Seychellois

cuisine a tourist attraction in itself.

Archaeological evidence suggests that

molluscs were consumed from the dawn

of humanity. Easy to collect, nourishing

and tasty to eat, these versatile ‘fruits of

the sea’ were consumed raw, or cooked

and preserved, with the recipes varying

according to place and taste. The

harvesting and consuming of seafoods

are ancient practices that date back to

at least the beginning of the Paleolithic

period about 40,000 years ago.

Isotopic analysis of the skeletal remains

of Tianyuan man, a 40,000 year old

modern human from eastern Asia, has

shown that he regularly consumed

freshwater fish. Moreover, archaeology

features such as ‘shell middens’,

discarded fish bones and cave paintings

French explorer, Lazare Picault, who

landed at Anse Boileau on Mahé

reported seeing islanders “combing

the beaches in search of a clam they

made into a bouillon which was said

to be délicieux.

Curiously, the majority of these small

white shellfish are harvested very

early in the morning, especially when

the tide is out and the sun is low on

the horizon. The collecting of these

petite little molluscs has become

something of a tradition among the

Seychellois, particularly on the more

secluded beaches of Mahé, Praslin and

La Digue where they can be found in

considerable numbers.

inGrEDiEnTs • 1 kg pipis (clams)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 450 grams chopped tin tomatoes

• 350 grams fresh pumpkin

• 1 teaspoon crushed garlic

• 1 teaspoon crushed ginger

• 1 medium sized onion, finely chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon chopped thyme

• Optional: red chillies finely chopped

• 3 cups water

• 2 cups chicken stock

• 3 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves

mETHoD1. Wash pipis. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt in 3 litres of

water at room temperature. Soak pipis in salt water for

2 hours.

2. Pour out salt water. Rinse pipis and immediately place

into 3 litres of warm water to make the shells open.

3. Carefully clean and scrub the pipis, remove the veins

and any intestinal tubes. Leave meat attached to shells.

4. Heat oil in deep saucepan over a medium heat. Add

chopped onions, chopped thyme, garlic and ginger. Stir-

fry until onions become transparent.

5. Add chopped tomatoes and pumpkin, stir and allow to

simmer until a thick well blended sauce is formed. Add

a little water if necessary to avoid burning.

6. Add chicken stock and 2 cups of water (or more if

extra bouillon is required). Add half of the chopped

coriander leaves, chillies, salt and pepper to taste.

Allow to simmer for half an hour.

7. Immerse the pipis and allow to simmer for 15 to 20

minutes.

8. Remove from the pan and place in a serving dish.

Sprinkle the remainder of the coriander on the bouillon.

Serving suggestion: Ideal as a mouth watering entrée.

BoUillon de TEc-TEc

show that seafoods were important for

survival and consumed in significant

quantities.

During this period, most people

lived a ‘hunter-gatherer’ lifestyle and

were, of necessity, constantly on the

move. However, where there are early

examples of permanent settlements

(though not necessarily permanently

occupied) such as those of Lepenski Vir,

an important Mesolithic archaeological

site located in Serbia, they are almost

always associated with fishing and

shellfish harvesting as a major source

of food.

Vasco da Gama, the celebrated

Portuguese explorer and navigator

who sailed through the Amirantes

group in 1503 enroute from the

Malabar coast of India to East Africa,

is reputed to have stopped in the

archipelago to replenish his ships with

this bountiful harvest as sustenance

for his crew. In 1742, on an expedition

of discovery in the Indian Ocean, the

The beaches you are most likely to see

Tec-Tec harvested on Mahé are Anse

Takamaka, Petite Anse, Anse Major,

Beau Vallon, Glacis and the northern

strand of Anse Parnel. On Praslin,

the best beaches are Anse Volbert,

Baie Chevalier, Anse Kerlan and Anse

Consolation, while on the neighbouring

island of La Digue, you will find them

on Anse Banane, Anse Cocos and Anse

Gaulettes.

Should you be unable to visit one of

these pristine beaches while they are

harvesting the mollusc then you will

be well rewarded for paying a visit to

Mahé’s vibrant and colourful Sir Selwyn

Selwyn Clarke Market in the centre of

Victoria, which is the ideal way to get a

feel for the Seychellois and their unique

way of life. Built in 1840 and renovated in

1999, it remains the bustling heart of the

capital and definitely the best place to

buy fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, spices

and – if you’re lucky – the venerable Tec-

Tec, for to sample this exquisite delicacy

is truly Seychelles on a Plate !


There are very few natural or manmade creations on earth that share the unique personal image that the word

‘jewellery’ brings to the mind’s eye. The adornment of jewellery symbolises the essence of personal decoration. It symbolises the artistry of skilled craftsmen. It is the giving of beauty. It is the very fabric of Arabian culture.

If the discovery of oil has fuelled the economic advances of the Middle East, then it has also brought major changes in the traditional lifestyle of the region. Where in the past the majority of its people were wandering herdsmen, forever travelling time-honoured routes to provide water and food for their animals. Today, many have found employment in the various industries that have sprung up in the oil and rapidly expanding tourism industry, and urbanisation has become the norm rather than the exception.

However, there are still a few thousand or so herdsmen and their families who roam the Arabian desert in much the same manner as their grandfathers, even down to the use of camels rather than fuel-guzzling, four-wheel-drive vehicles, and living in traditional tents. While many of their old traditions, such as their famed hospitality and ceremonial folk dances have become an integral part of modern Arabian culture, their crafts have severely been neglected, and their meanings lost along the road to modernism.

This is no more evident than in the manufacture and traditions of Bedouin jewellery. Rock face carvings that have been discovered throughout the Middle East show human forms lavishly adorned with bracelets, anklets, earrings, pendants and ornate veils. Although many of these carvings are over 7,000 years old they bear a distinctive resemblance to the designs of today’s Bedouin jewellery.

While most of the pieces seen today are scarcely more than 50 years old, their origins are deeply rooted in ancient times. Egyptian pharaohs, Phoenicians, ancient Persians, the Greek, Roman and Byzantine empires, as well as the Ottoman sultans, were all sources of inspiration for the exotic and beautifully ornate jewellery in the Bedouin range.

Written records of tributes and gifts taken by north Arabian Bedouin chiefs to Mesopotamian and Assyrian kings reveal that the Arabian Bedouin have worked for both gold and silver for well over 8,000 years. Further evidence of the long history of body adornment in the Middle East was found in a remarkable pre-Islamic tomb excavated in Jawan, north of Qatif in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia in 1952, and at Qaryat al-Faw, an ancient town on the western ridge of the vast Rub’al-Khali, or Empty Quarter (northeast of Najran) in 1979 – one of the most remote and inhospitable places in the Kingdom.

FEATurE

THE arT of THE DEsErT

BeDouin JeweLLery

No silver ornaments survived, except small pieces of purplish metal which may have been fragments of finger-rings. A purplish discolouration on clay in several parts of the tomb proved to be silver chloride, from which it was deduced that silver head and breast ornaments had been worn. The gold jewellery is elaborate and finely crafted. F.S. “Rick” Vidal, the eminent American archaeologist and anthropologist responsible for the excavation, describes some unstrung beads retrieved from the neck of a body: “The position of the beads indicated that the girl had been wearing a necklace made of a variety of stones: emerald, garnet, turquoise, carnelian, amethyst, onyx and pearls, and a few small gold beads in a variety of shapes: bulbar, annular, cylindrical, mace-shaped and two shaped like cowrie shells”.

Although silver jewellery may have been worn as much as gold in the ancient world, all but a few pieces have perished because silver tarnishes when exposed to sulphur compounds in the air and the oxidation process ultimately destroys the metal. Gold, by contrast, is remarkably stable and impervious to the ordinary processes of corrosion and decay; thus ancient gold body ornaments are available for study.

Bedouin silver jewellery is tremendously exciting because its techniques and styles bear striking resemblance to those of civilisations long dead. For example, the traditional mace-shaped terminal bead of today’s Bedouin necklaces is identical to that of the Jawan necklace which was dated at about 100 AD, matching also, in both design and period, a necklace from the Tillya Tepe hoard, the famous archaeological site in northern Afghanistan, excavated in 1978. Fortunately, the early beads were made of gold and therefore survived to provide this evidence.

Traditionally Bedouin jewellery is made of silver, often studded with amber, coral,

Bedouin silver jewellery is

tremendously exciting because its techniques and

styles bear striking resemblance to those of civilisations long dead.

Although the Jawan tomb was robbed in antiquity, a considerable amount of gold jewellery and beads remained. Accurate dating of the burial chamber was difficult because water had entered the tomb, but artefacts present set the date at about 500 years before Islam. The occupants of the original tomb were apparently members of an important family and their possessions show that they were in contact with India, Parthia and the Romano-Hellenic worlds.


The sweet scent of burning sandalwood perfumes the desert air at a Bedouin camp near the Saudi Arabian border with Iraq, where tribal leaders meet at the tent of a prominent sheikh to share a campfire, break bread, swap stories, and debate the news of the day.

TEXT & PHOTOS © PETER HOLTHUSEN


TEXT & PHOTOS © PETER HOLTHUSEN

agate, carnelian, pearls or turquoise, each having its own special meaning. The pieces are generally large and dramatic, necklaces and pendants often featuring intricate chain-mail mesh, silver bells and balls, coloured balls and coins. Bracelets and anklets can often weigh as much as 200 grams, their surfaces embossed with calligraphy, usually inspired by the teachings of the Qur’an.

Bedouin women receive their jewellery as a wedding present, part of the dowry the bridegroom pays being used by the father of the bride to buy suitable jewellery for his daughter. This is in fact a kind of insurance policy, for under Islamic law any jewellery bestowed upon the bride in this nuptial agreement is solely her own property, untouchable by her husband or anyone else. Such is the close affinity between a Bedouin woman and her personal jewellery that when she dies it is either sold or melted down, for it would be unseemly for a new bride to possess jewellery that had belonged to another.

While the nomadic tribes rarely included a silversmith within their group, most

FEATURE: BEDOUIN JEWELLERy

their place, for today they turn to more lucrative trades. Added to this is the readily available, and increasingly more fashionable, gold jewellery. Ironically, it is the Westerners living in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states, with their appreciation of hand-crafted items, who are helping to keep the craft alive.

Sadly too, the quality of traditional workmanship has diminished in recent years. Not only is the silver content increasingly adulterated with cheaper base metals such as copper, tin and zinc, but fake gems are substituted for real stones. Devalued as these pieces might be though, they still must be fashioned by the skilled hands of a professional artisan, for modern manufacturing methods cannot successfully duplicate the intricate filigree and fine detailing of the traditional designs.

Though there is little reliable documentation about the Bedouin lifestyle – most folktales passed down to new generations being embellished with romantic fantasy – it is imperative that their artistic traditions are encouraged to survive. For without them, an important root of Arabian culture could be lost forever.

parts of the jewellery and also to incorporate gemstones and beads.

Each semi-precious gemstone is traditionally associated with specific virtues and beliefs, though many today would treat these with a grain of salt. Red stones, whether carnelian, agate, garnet or coral, are the most favoured. Agate is said to make the wearer a more agreeable person, while coral is for wisdom, and garnet has the power to alleviate illnesses characterised by bleeding and inflammation. The sapphire, rarely found in Bedouin jewellery settings, is an emblem of

skilled jewellers were to be found at regularly visited oases. Although they plied their trade to anyone who would buy, they would often align themselves to a particular Bedouin group and cater specifically to their needs, even though they weren’t considered as part of the tribal structure. By varying the degrees of silver content they could duplicate fashionable jewellery for even the humblest of families. yet for all their great ability rarely did these skilled artisans personally mark their creations. Those that were marked are now highly prized by Middle Eastern and overseas collectors.

In those days silversmiths squatting over their anvils fashioning metal into jewellery were a common sight in the souks. Heating the metal over a fire in a process called annealing; as it is softened and cooled it could be bent into shape or hammered flat. Embossing and engraving with decorative patterns was carried out after the metal was annealed. Large objects such as hollow bracelets and large balls were made in two halves and then soldered together, a method used to assemble the basic

chastity, and green stones such as emeralds were believed by the ancients to prevent diseases. While amber, coral and turquoise have been the most common stones used in Arabian jewellery for over 2,000 years, turquoise has a special quality – it is said to glow when the wearer is happy and lose its lustre if they’re sad.

Although Bedouin jewellery is still being made, as the old craftsmen retire or die there are fewer youngsters willing to take

Below: On the Arabian Peninsula, bracelets and anklets can often weigh as much as 200 grams, their surfaces embossed with calligraphy, usually inspired by the teachings of the Qur’an.

Left: Traditionally Bedouin jewellery is made of silver, often studded with amber, coral, agate, carnelian, pearls or turquoise, each having its own special meaning.

Above left: The Arabian Peninsula yields some exquisite examples of Bedouin jewellery which suggest influences from neighbouring Africa or India, such as this silver amulet, or ‘hirz’, which typically contain a verse from the Qur’an.


Once upon a time the houses of the Creole inhabitants of Seychelles were completely different from those of today. Tony maTHioT ventures back to those early years when those rustic dwellings were beautiful homes for many families.

HISTORy

When you come across an old sepia photograph of one

of those early 20th century Creole houses, you’re apt

to feel a spasm of nostalgic romanticism – because it

evokes tender images of the perfect tropical idyll you

wished you had experienced, but sadly does not exist any more.

Only a 100 years ago those quaint houses were actually the homes

of Seychelles families – our great grandparents.

Today, our homes consist of multi-storied apartment blocks

of concrete, glass and steel, with photovoltaic panels and CCT

apparatus, and potted plants on balconies, and nondescript

masonry buildings surrounded by manicured lawns, enclosed

by high iron fencing, with remotely operated gates and burglar

alarm systems. Life in the 21st century makes it imperative that

our modern habitations are constructed thus and equipped

with modern amenities for convenience and luxury. It cannot be

otherwise. So, how can we not envy our ancestors?

Traditionally, each Creole house had its own distinctive and

endearing character although common features like a loft or garret,

and a verandah with raffia blinds were compulsory concessions to

our architectural heritage. Indeed, our traditionally Creole dwellings

date back to the early 19th century. It is legitimately assumed that

the French settlers who arrived in Seychelles from Ile Bourbon

(Reunion) introduced the Creole architecture in our islands as

they did elsewhere in other French Colonies such as Martinique,

Mauritius and Haiti. The forests of Mahé abounded with hardwood

timber like Capucin, bois rouge and albizzia, whilst the coastal

plateau produced a sufficient supply of takamaka wood. For at

least a century, as the population gradually increased, a plentiful


supply of planks (called madriye in

Creole) and beams were obtainable for

the construction of houses. From the

modest timber cottage with thatched

roof to the largest and loftiest plantation

house, the rustic beauty and the pastoral

sublimity of those structures rendered

them all picturesquely quaint. They were

all architectural icons that testified to the

subtleties of our Creole workmanship.

As much as we put a premium on

the comfort and well-being that our

modern homes offer, we still hanker for

one of those vanished Creole houses

and all the arcadian pleasures and

rustic contentment that it conjours up:

the quadrangular structure resting on

masonry plinths in a stretch of clear land

at the foot of wooded hills; the hand-

hewed casuarina beams that support the

ceiling; the ridgepole, rafters and struts,

fastened and secured with mortise and

tenon (obtained from hardwood trees

that must have been mere saplings the

year that Seychelles capitulated to the

British for the first time – 1793).

The artistry involved in the vernacular

design of the roofing arouses

admiration. The pitched roof of

corrugated iron, the rusty finials, the

little windows set vertically in small

gables projecting from the sloping roof

inclines one to think that the carpenter

had inadvertently exercised the art of

origami when creating the roof – but,

of course such design was widely used,

albeit in variations, in Creole dwellings

in our archipelago and throughout the

Indian Ocean. The steps of limestone

coral where so many hours of childhood

enjoyment must have taken place …

five stones … Enid Blyton paperbacks,

perhaps also Ludo.

The kitchen is an outbuilding: log walls

with a stone-flagged floor, the lingering

smell of wood smoke, an ash-filled wood

stove, cooking pots. A swing hangs from

the branch of the mango tree, a brook

chuckles as it sweeps by nearby. Leaves

skitter across the ground … the distant

smell of chicken manure … the shouting

voices of workers in the distance … the

barking of a dog.

How common such a Creole scene must

have been, just half a century ago. The

sight of one of those houses – even


PHOTOS © TONy MATHIOT

the male population, most of which

worked as labourers on the vast coconut

estates and cinnamon plantations of the

colony, there were quite a few who had

acquired expert knowledge in carpentry

and had also inherited the tools of the

trade from their grandparents. Perhaps

we owe a lot of our Creole homes to

those talented unknowns who have

enriched the memory of our cultural

heritage.

By the 1960s, those old Creole houses

were homes to the third generation

of families who certainly must have

done some renovations and minimum

modifications for the sake of space and

comfort, and in the latter case, running

water and electricity must have been

essential amenities. At that time most of

the new houses were being constructed

of cement blocks with windows of glass

louvres, and equipped with waterborne

sanitation.

During the post-independence period

the progress of modern development

and the requirements of a new society

must have rendered the rustic comforts

of the old Creole dwelling houses

obsolete. Those that had not already

crumbled into ruins were, without

regrets, demolished and replaced with

masonry buildings. These products

of civil engineering are, of course,

in stark contrast to the exquisite

geometry of those early 20th century

creations by builders who hardly went

to school. Fascinating, isn’t it?

In the light of the need for modern

construction it is difficult to imagine

how we could have possibly held on to

those rafters of bodamyen and those

capucin ridgepoles … those casuarinas

beams … those limestone plinths.

The forests of hardwood are there,

builders with skills and competence

are plentiful … and there are those old

photographs. They at least exude a

nostalgic fragrance as they remind us

of our priceless Creole heritage.

Legislative Council on 2 August, 1902.

By then, some timber houses which had

been built many decades earlier were

not only in the last stages of dilapidation

but could also pose dangers to life and

limb.

Regulations for the building of dwelling

houses in Victoria were particularly

severe. Section 13 included the words:

‘… shall not be lawful to erect any house

or building whatsoever, covered or lined

with straw, leaves, or thatch, or to cover

or line with straw, leaves, or thatch, or

to add any straw, leaves or thatch to any

house or building already erected within

the boundaries of the Town of Victoria

…’

Clearly, the law prohibited the use of

flammable materials in order to avoid

a conflagration that could destroy the

entire town. After this law came into

force, the inhabitants of Victoria began

to use corrugated iron sheets for roofing

houses instead of pandanus leaves

(which were not unlawful to use in

construction in the suburbs of Victoria

and in the districts). However, by the

end of the first decade of the 20th

century, thatched roofs went out of

vogue when more solid structures with

elaborate architecture sprouted up. By

then, the population of Seychelles had

reached about 25,000 inhabitants and

our country earned its revenue from a

thriving agricultural economy. Among


in a photograph – can produce such

sentimentalism and romantic idealism.

yet, once upon a time, these cultural

treasures were common and ordinary

features of residential accommodation

for the Seychellois inhabitants. Certainly,

they must have impressed those foreign

visitors who arrived on our shores

aboard ships of the British India Steam

Navigation Company.

During the 19th century there were

practically no regulations or restrictions

governing the construction of residential

dwellings in Seychelles. Houses could be

built on hillsides, perched precariously

on four piles of stones, or on concrete

pillars near river banks. On the 12th

October 1862, many houses in the

township of Victoria were washed away

in the raging torrents of mud and water

when a massive landslide occurred

after many days of torrential rain. Most

of these were humble little thatched

dwellings made of lathing or wood. A

few decades after that unprecedented

calamity, houses reflected the economic

status of their owners – according to

their sizes and architecture. This became

evident as our agricultural industry

gradually began to generate wealth for

those landowners who had coconut and

vanilla plantations, and later, cinnamon

plantations. So the estate building

would invariably reflect an image of

‘Plantation Aristocracy’. These fairly

large houses of rustic magnificence,

which numbered over a dozen, were

erected on estates on Mahé and on a

few inner islands. Fortunately, five or six

of those colonial gems have managed to

survive to their centennial year and, after

undergoing extensive renovations, have

been declared national monuments –

although of course, they serve a different

function from their original purpose.

It was in 1902, during the time of

administrator Ernest Bickham Sweet

Escott, that the construction of houses

was subjected to various regulations.

The Building Ordinance 1902, which

had 47 sections, was passed by the


FITNESS

CranedBruce Lee may have epitomised kung fu as a way to fight the bad guys, but in

China, at its most primordial, it is a form of meditation, and almost a way of life, writes Yuanchang Wang.

Into Action

Master Zhou is just coming back after a whole morning’s Wushu practice.


you can chain my body, but

you will never chain my

warrior spirit!”, says the

animated Master Crane in

the immensely popular Kung Fu Panda 2.

Ever wondered why the white crane is

part of the Furious Five? On my journey

to a remote wushu village in yongchun

County, I managed to uncover the

significance of the white crane in the

realm of kung fu.

an UnlikEly foUnTainHEaDMy drive to yongchun County was

scenic, mountainous and shrouded

in mist. There, as planned, I was to

meet with the secretary of the village,

Zhou Jinsheng, at the White Crane

Historic Museum. When I got there

55-year-old Mr. Zhou, looking much

younger than his years, greeted me

with a wide smile. We stepped into the

museum composing a square-shaped

yard and a line of ancient-style single-

storey buildings. A high longan tree

stood heavy with juicy fruit, and their

fragrance was challenging my appetite.

A small group of people in martial-arts

uniforms were practicing Kung fu — a

form believed to have originated in

the Fujian province in China centuries

ago (and therefore often called Fujian

kung fu). I could clearly feel the earth

shaking every time their feet touched

the ground, and hear the sharp

whipping sound every time their swords

whooshed through the air. Having never

stood so close to wushu practitioners,

I was amazed at the intensity of the

power. Mr. Zhou told me that the

essence of White Crane kung fu was

in the ability to draw in power from

nature itself, much like the story behind

its creation. According to local legend,

centuries ago, a martial artist named

Fang Qi Niang found inspiration in the

graceful yet deliberate movements of

a white crane and was so inspired by

them, that she eventually developed a

PHOTOS © yUANCHANG WANG

style of fighting that came to be known

as White Crane kung fu.

Later, Mr. Zhou invited me for lunch,

where I relished a braised duck soup

with rice wine, plum, candies and

medlar, among other things. “This

nutritious soup, a kind of diet therapy for

local people, is helpful for engendering

nourishment to the stomach”, he

said. Post lunch, we headed towards

the Wenggongci Martial Gym, where

another White Crane master was

based.

sEnsE anD incEnsEThrough the half-open gate I could see

a grey-haired man, dressed in white,

kneeling and bowing with a faded yellow

book on his knees. The air was peaceful

and my soft knocks on the old wooden

gates stirred him out of his apparent

meditation. I asked him about the book.

Master Pan Chengmiao said, “This is

the yongchun Quan manuscript. It has

been passed down from my father who

was a prestigious master of yongchun

Kung fu (another name for White Crane

kung fu) in Fujian and also one of the

founders of this gym. My father handed

it over to me and enjoined me to take

good care of the manuscript. Every

illustration tells of an action and skill

of yongchun Quan. However, without a

strong foundation in the basics of Kung

fu, it is difficult to grasp its real essence.”

At this point, a wave of fragrance

aroused my curiosity. Master Pan

explained, “That is the incense for

salutation. It is called Bai Bai Xiang (Bai

Bai scent), a kind of incense produced

here. Our yongchun County is a base

of incense production, research and

creation. So far, there are about 300

kinds of incense produced here and

most of them are exported. The spices

are imported from Asian countries

like Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Incense has the capacity to keep people

happy and release mental and physical

“ tension. In China, it also possesses a

strong historical context. From ancient

times till today, we all obey the time

regulation for burning incense. In

ancient times it was used for timing and

generally lasted from 30 to 60 minutes.

I was reminded of an old saying: Burning

of incense is divided into three drinks

of tea. In Chinese culture, tea plays an

essential role. Master Pan made both

of us a new cup of tea and continued

to speak. “For me and all martial artists,

lighting incense and drinking a cup

of fresh tea are indispensable. Tea,

nourished by nature, comes from the

high mountains, far away from people

and pollution. A cup of tea a day is good

for health and longevity. Moreover, tea

and Kung fu are different aspects of the

same philosophy. Drinking tea can help

keep the mind peaceful, regardless of

what we gain or lose.”

an EnDUrinG lEGacyWhile exploring the traditionally

decorated hall of the Weng Gong Ci

Martial Gym, I saw that it was full of

ancient pieces of furniture and by the

wall stood a statue of Fang Qiniang—

the esteemed founder of White Crane

kung fu. “Qi Niang was really a beautiful

lady” I said, before I paid my respects

to her. Her vivid facial expression

and slim figure, though elegant,

were overshadowed by the incisive

expression of her eyes. Master Pan

filled me in on the history of the gym.

“The Wenggongci Martial Gym was

officially set up in 1928. My ancestors

established the Gym together with

other masters for the sole purpose of

exchanging skills and ideas. This place

still upholds their original intention and

carries on its social public function -

that of an ashram for groups of wushu

masters and students. Sometimes we

go abroad to perform on invitation;

meanwhile large numbers of foreign

wushu artists and amateurs come here

for theoretical and practical study from


qigong – a Chinese system of physical

and breathing exercises. At the post-

demonstration tea Master Pan said, “I

am 74 years old. I need more disciples

to inherit White Crane kung fu. It is a

great cultural treasure of China.”

I followed him into the backyard and

saw some dried herbs placed on a table.

He explained, “Herbal medicines are

often used as bone medicine. Being a

martial artist, bone injuries are frequent,

so each one of us has to master some

basic knowledge of medicine. My

grand-uncle Pan Zhentuan and my

Germany, the USA, Russia, Italy, Japan,

Korea, Spain, Malaysia, Israel, France

and some African countries.”

Master Pan went on to explain the

difference between students – those

who train occasionally, and disciples –

those who take up wushu as a way of

life. “Up to now, I mostly have students

who come and study yongchun Kung

fu for recreational or health purposes.

It is difficult to find disciples who have

a mastery of martial skills and a deep

understanding of the art and spirit of

wushu.” I asked for a demonstration

and a total of six members obliged.

Though their mesmerising actions

appeared easy and graceful, I was told

the grace was acquired after years of

CRANED INTO ACTION

TEA is THE BEsT wAy TO TurN swOrDs iNTO PLOuGHsHArEs

As an ancient saying goes: “Go

and find the best tea in Shaolin”.

Shaolin Kung fu tea is said to be

originated by Master Dharma. The

Buddhists believe that inspiration

leads to conversion; therefore

some people practice Buddhism

without becoming monks. The tea-

making process includes observing,

smelling and tasting, which needs

patience and meditation.

Anxi County is the famous

producing region of Tie Guan yin

tea. The tea liquor smells a little

of orchids, has a clear, golden

colour, and feels smooth and soft,

full-bodied and leaves a lasting

fragrance in the mouth. As one

romantic wrote: “To have an Anxi

tea, is like having a date with a

lover.”

Kung fu tea originated in Quanzhou

and now is prevalent in southern

cities of China and some other

countries.

In Quanzhou, tea is also used as

a good way to resolve conflicts

between villagers and friends.

When disputes arise, the elders

make a “Tea Talk”, with both parties

sitting together to discuss their

problems and turn hostility into

friendship.

Above: A candid photograph of a Kung fu fan, who is shadowboxing in the East Lake Park, Licheng District, Quanzhou City.

Below: Zheng Qingyong, the curator of White Crane Historic Museum, is instructing a group of pupils in White Crane Kung fu.

Above right: The majestic East and West Pagodas in Kaiyuan Temple are the tallest and best preserved stone pagodas in China, having erected there for 1,300 years as a symbol and the pride of the Quanzhou City.

PHOTOS © yUANCHANG WANG

A moment that impressed me most was between an old man and his grandson — they were practicing

Kung fu with one another, which to me implied a decided victory of the spirit of wushu.

father Pan Xiaode were also reputable

bone doctors. My father once told

me about the time he went to the

mountains to pick herbs. On the way,

a tiger rushed out from the forest.

Without any fear, my father waved his

fists and managed to beat down the

tiger. Soon the news spread around

yongchun and neighbouring places,

and since then my father has been well-

known as the ‘Hero who beat the tiger’.

My father is my Sifu (teacher), and his

Sifu is my grand-uncle. They not only

treat themselves but also take care of

villagers for free. Those who suffer from

bone disease are given treatments with

herbal medicine and Qigong massages.”

Just as I was leaving, Master Pan made

a friendly philosophical exhortation:

“Never be curious or impetuous; never

be compelling or compelled. Let it be!”

Later, walking around in the parks and

squares of Quanzhou, I often noticed

groups of people practicing Kung fu. A

moment that impressed me most was

between an old man and his grandson

— they were practicing Kung fu with

one another, which to me implied a

decided victory of the spirit of wushu.

HEALTHY TRAvELLING

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

OTHEr TiPs FOr A COMFOrTABLE FLiGHT

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.

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

• Foryourowncomforttry

and travel light.

• Wearlooseclothingand

elasticated stockings made

of natural fibre.

• Increaseyournormalintake

of water and only if need

be, drink alcohol but in

moderation.

• Usemoisturisingcream

to keep your skin from

drying out.

• Takeoffshoesinthe

plane to prevent your feet

from swelling up or wear

shoes that will cope with

expanding ankles.

• Avoidheavymealsduring

the flight.

• Shortwalksonceevery

two hours are excellent

for circulation.

• Trytotouchyourtoes

when waiting in the aisle to

stretch your hamstrings.

• Onarrivalatyour

destination, have a hot

shower or a relaxing bath.

• Onarrivalaquickjog,brisk

walk, or a vigorous scrub

will help stimulate your

circulation.


GREEN CORNER

The unique and charismatic seychelles Black Parrot is finally recognised as a distinct species.

The unique and charismatic seychelles Black Parrot is finally recognised as a distinct species.

THE SEyCHELLES BLACK PARROT OUR NATIONAL BIRDTHE SEyCHELLES BLACK PARROT OUR NATIONAL BIRD

As the national bird of Seychelles the Black Parrot

is an often used mascot and icon in a nation that

is proud of their wildlife and heritage. One of

the flagship species of the prehistoric Vallée de

Mai palm forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site managed

by Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF), the Seychelles Black

Parrot (Coracopsis barklyi) was only recently classified as a

distinct native species. After five years of intensive research

SIF announced that the parrot could be added to the list of

Seychelles endemic birds, bringing the total to 13 species.

PH

OTO

© G

ERA

RD L

ARO

SE


UNDER THREAT

The Seychelles Black Parrot occurs

on only one island making it highly

vulnerable to external pressures that

could impact on the survival of this

treasured species. The parrots need

high quality native palm forest to survive,

but this habitat is at risk. Forest fires,

poaching of Coco de Mer nuts and land

development can damage the healthy

native palm forest that the parrots are

so dependent on for food and breeding.

Invasive species such as Mynah Birds,

rats and the Ring-necked Parakeet also

have the potential to reduce the Black

Parrot population. Measures are being

taken by SIF to minimise these threats

including the implementation of an

education and awareness programme.

By reaching out to the local communities

and engaging them in the protection of

this bird and the Vallée de Mai, the future

is looking brighter.

The new status of the Seychelles Black

Parrot is a huge step forward for the

protection and conservation of this bird.

One of the many natural wonders that can

be found on a visit to the Vallée de Mai,

with the support and determination of SIF

, this parrot will continue to enchant and

entertain visitors for many years to come.

A CHARMING BIRD

Melodious whistles float through the canopy of the

dense palm forest as visitors to the Vallée de Mai try

to catch a glimpse of this unique bird. The Seychelles

Black Parrot is the only native parrot species remaining

in Seychelles and is resident only on Praslin Island.

What this grey-brown parrot lacks in colour it certainly

makes up for in charm, and with a population of

520–900 birds there are many opportunities to see

this acrobat of the trees. The charismatic parrots eat

a variety of fruits and seeds and can often be seen

gorging on the fruits of some of Seychelles’ endemic

palm trees. In fact, scientific research has found that the

parrots prefer to feed on these endemic palms rather

than other introduced tropical fruits such as Starfruit

and Papaya. This has increased the importance of the

protection of the Vallée de Mai palm forest, where all

six of Seychelles’ endemic palms can be found.

NEW DISCOVERIES

Dedicated to the protection and

management of the Vallée de Mai,

SIF initiated an intensive research

programme on the Seychelles Black

Parrot five years ago. This research has

yielded many interesting discoveries of

the feeding and breeding habits of this

special bird. Some of these findings

were that each female parrot has an

individual breeding call, and that only

the mother cares directly for the chicks

although several males may bring food

to her to feed the young. Key pieces

of information such as this will assist

in the development of a long-term

conservation strategy for the species.

To find out more:•DownloadourValléedeMaiapp

through iTunes or Google Play•JoinourFacebookpage-‘Seychelles

Islands Foundation – SIF’•Visitourwebsiteandsignupforour

e-newsletter – www.sif.sc

PH

OTO

© H

RIC

HA

RDS

PH

OTO

© J

LA

BISK

O

PH

OTO

© P

VIL

LARD

PH

OTO

© S

IF

Left: Feeding on the fruits of an endemic palm tree.

Left: Ongoing scientific research is crucial to their protection.

Middle right: Vallée de Mai ranger, Terence Payet, ambassador for the Seychelles Black Parrot.

Right: It takes up to 43 days for the chicks to leave the nest.

Air Seychelles Plus rejoint le programme de fidélisation Etihad Guest

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

SeychellesPlusJoinsEtihadGuestsLoyaltyProgramme

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.

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 1 Mile Redemption, voyagez une fois et de profitez des récompenses immédiatement.

• Anytime availability - all seats on aflight, including the very last seat, are available at any time. Redeem open seats at a mileage cost equivalent to the commercial price of the seat on any Etihad flights.

• Thewidest choice - redeem for flights,products or services using the exclusive Etihad Guest Reward Shop.

• Expanded network - redeem and earnpoints 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, ourGuests can automatically earn and redeem Etihad Guest Miles with the entire Etihad Guest Partner networkworldwide, which includes international hotel chains, car hire companies and retailers as well as 15 airline partners.

Guest ProgrammeThis level enables the member to enjoy permanent membership to the programme after earning 500 miles.

John David Turner

1167 2695 6467

Valid Thru 05/2014

John David Turner

1167 2695 6467

Valid Thru 05/2014

John David Turner

1167 2695 6467

Valid Thru 05/2014

John David Turner1167 2695 6467

Valid Thru 05/2014

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

Guest Enjoys• EarnEtihadGuest/TierMilesforjourney• RedeemEtihadGuestMilesforjourney/

upgrades/excesskilos• Seatselectionuponavailability• Redeem open seats at a mileage cost

equivalent to the commercial price of the seat on any Etihad flights

Silver TierGuest Enjoys• Waitlistpriority• Loungeaccess• 10kgsexcessbaggage• EarnEtihadGuest/TierMilesforjourney• RedeemEtihadGuestMilesforjourney/

Upgrades/excesskilos• SeatSelectionuponavailability• 25%TierBonusMiles

Gold TierGuest Enjoys• 15kgsexcessbaggage• PriorityCheck-in• LoungeAccess

• Disponibilité à tout instant - tous lessièges sur un vol, y compris le dernier, sont disponibles à tout moment.Échangez vos miles pour les open seats àuncoûtequivalentauprixcommercialdusiegeparkilométriquesurn’importequels vols Etihad Airways.

• Leplusgrandchoix–échangezvosmilescontre des billets d’avion, des produits ou services en utilisant la boutique exclusive Etihad Guest Reward Shop.

• Un réseau étendu – échangez etaccumulez des points sur plus de 3000 destinations à travers le monde, avecEtihad Airways et ses partenaires, dont Air Berlin, Virgin Australia et American Airlines.

• Par ailleurs, en tant que membresd’Etihad Guest, nos clients peuvent obtenir automatiquement et échanger leurs milles avec l’ensemble de ses partenairesàtraverssonréseaumondialqui comprend des chaînes hôtelières internationales, les compagnies de location de voitures et les boutiques, ainsi que 15 compagnies aériennes.

Guest ProgrammeCe statut permet de devenir membrepermanent du programme après avoir obtenu 500 miles.

Avantages• Optenezdesmilespourchaquevoyage• Echanges de miles contre des billets

d’avion/surclassement/ excédent debagages

• Échangezvosmilespourlesopenseatsàuncoûtequivalentauprixcommercialdusiegeparkilométriquesurn’importequelsvols Etihad Airways.

Silver Avantages• Listed’attenteprioritaire• Accésausalon• 10kgsd’excédentdebagages• Lasélectiondesiègesselondisponibilité• 25%debonussurlesmiles• Gagnezdesmilespourchaquevoyage• Echanges de miles contre des billets

d’avion/surclassement/ excédent debagages

• PriorityBoarding•Fasttrackimmigration/baggage• 50%TierBonus• EarnEtihadGuest/TierMilesforjourney• RedeemEtihadGuestMilesforjourney/

Upgrades/excesskilos• Seatselectionuponavailability• ThirdPartynominations

Gold Elite TierGuest Enjoys• 20kgsexcessbaggage• PriorityCheck-in• LoungeAccess• PriorityBoarding• Fasttrackimmigration/baggage• 75%TierBonus• EarnEtihadGuest/TierMilesforjourney• RedeemEtihadGuestMilesforjourney/

Upgrades/excesskilos• Seatselectionuponavailability• ThirdPartynominations• GoldDiscretionaryNomination

Gold Tier Avantages• 15kgsd’excédentdebagages• PrioritéauCheck-In• AccèsauSalon• Embarquementprioritaire• Tracerapideimmigration/bagage• 50%debonussurlesmiles• Gagnezdesmilespourchaquevoyage• Echanges de miles contre des billets d’avion/

surclassement/excédentdebagagess• Sélectiondesiègeselonladisponibilité• Tierscandidatures

Gold Elite Tier Avantages• 20kgsd’excédentdebagages• PrioritéauCheck-In• AccèsauSalon• Embarquementprioritaire• Tracerapideimmigration/bagage• 75%debonussurlesmiles• Gagnezdesmilespourchaquevoyage• Echanges de miles contre des billets d’avion/

surclassement/excédentdebagages• Sélectiondesiègeselonladisponibilité• Tierscandidatures• Nominationdiscrétionnairepourlestatut‘Gold’


From left to right: James Michel, President of the Republic of Seychelles is presented with an Air Seychelles Twin Otter model aircraft by Manoj Papa,

Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles.

AIRBUS A320 TO ENHANCE FLIGHT SCHEDULES AND INCREASE FREQUENCIES

PRESIDENT JAMES MICHEL WELCOMES AIR SEyCHELLES’ TWO NEW TWIN OTTERS

AIR SEyCHELLES PARTNERS WITH ALITALIAAbu Dhabi, and on 10 connecting flights to Milan via Rome, and 12 connecting flights to Venice via Rome. Alitalia in turn will place its AZ code on seven of Air Seychelles’ return flights between Abu Dhabi and Seychelles, and on 47 flights per week to and from Seychelles’ second largest island, Praslin, permitting stopovers on the main island of Mahé.

James Michel, President of the Republic of Seychelles, welcomed Air Seychelles’ two new DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft – named Isle of Bird and Isle of La Digue – at a special ceremony at Seychelles International Airport. The aircraft, delivered from Canada’s Viking Air Limited, now operate between Seychelles International Airport and Praslin, as well as other islands in the archipelago, including Bird, Denis and Frégate. President Michel said: “This is a proud milestone in the history of Air Seychelles and on behalf of the people of Seychelles, I feel particularly proud of the Seychellois crew members and staff who have worked so hard and come so far to create a new and revitalised Air Seychelles. These two aircraft will no doubt brighten our

Air Seychelles will take delivery of its first Airbus A320 aircraft in December 2014, heralding significant enhancements to its international flight schedule at the same time. The changes include increased weekly frequencies between Seychelles and Abu Dhabi, more capacity on flights to Mauritius and revised schedules for routes to and from Johannesburg, Mauritius, and Paris. Air Seychelles’ Chief Executive Officer, Manoj Papa, said: “The addition of a two-cabin Airbus A320 aircraft to our fleet, configured with 16 seats in Business Class and 120 in Economy Class, forms an essential component of our plan to establish Air Seychelles as the carrier of choice in the Indian Ocean region. “The aircraft, a wet lease from partner Etihad Airways, will allow Air Seychelles to extend the depth and breadth of its network, increase its regional brand presence, and crucially deliver more revenue which will be used to further develop Air Seychelles’ expanding services.”

skies as well as enhance our domestic services.” Manoj Papa, Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles, added: “The Twin Otters have renewed our domestic fleet and their early delivery is a clear demonstration that we are on the right track with our business. We intend to grow our domestic operations further, and we have the right tools now in place to better serve the growing demand for more access to and from the various islands that make up this beautiful archipelago. “Our customers will experience better onboard comfort, pilots will fly new technology, and Air Seychelles will remain the vital link that connects businesses, families, friends and visitors with the very best of what Seychelles has to offer.”

From December 2014, Mauritius services will move to a morning departure from Seychelles, operating on Monday, Friday and Saturday, with the Saturday service flown by the island carrier’s Airbus A330-200 aircraft, providing 29 percent more seat capacity. Paris services operated by Air Seychelles’ Airbus A330-200 wide-body aircraft will depart Paris Charles de Gaulle airport on Wednesday and Saturday respectively, arriving in Seychelles on Thursday and Sunday. Similarly, flights to Paris will depart Seychelles on Tuesday and Friday, arriving in Paris the following day. Johannesburg’s three weekly wide-body services will operate on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, offering a convenient new weekend option for guests. Air Seychelles’ services between Abu Dhabi and Seychelles will increase from 14 to 18 flights per week, while partner Etihad Airways will continue to operate three return services per week on the same route, offering customers a choice of 24 weekly flights between Seychelles and Abu Dhabi.

Air Seychelles has signed a codeshare agreement with Alitalia, Italy’s leading airline. The new deal will allow customers from both airlines to fly between Rome, Milan and Venice to Seychelles via Abu Dhabi, with just one ticket for their entire journey. Air Seychelles’ HM flight code will be placed on Alitalia’s five weekly return non-stop flights between Rome and

Mr. David C. Curtis (right), Viking Air President and Chief Executive Officer, officially delivered the aircraft to Manoj Papa (left), Air Seychelles Chief Executive Officer.

NEws


Air Seychelles hosted a dinner of appreciation recently for Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and travel agents in recognition of their loyalty and support during a record-breaking 2013.

Air Seychelles’ Chief Executive Officer, Manoj Papa, presented awards to the top performers. Top performing travel agent was Mason’s Air Travel, followed by Seashell Travel. Mason’s Travel also secured top performing DMC honours with 7 Degrees South clinching second place.

From left to right: Air Seychelles Chief Executive Officer Manoj Papa, Seychelles Minister for Home Affairs and Transport and Air Seychelles Board Chairman

Joel Morgan, and Air Seychelles Vice Chairman Kevin Knight, mark the arrival of the airline’s return to Paris with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Air Seychelles’ Chief Executive Officer, Manoj Papa and commercial staff in group photo with the trade partners.

Greeted by a traditional water cannon salute on arrival, inaugural flight HM018 touched down on schedule at the French capital’s Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport.

AIR SEyCHELLES’PROUD RETURN TO PARIS

AIR SEyCHELLES CELEBRATES yEAR OF ACHIEVEMENT WITH TRADE PARTNERS

STRONG FIRST QUARTER PERFORMANCE Cargo tonnage for the period rose 126.8 percent to 1,602 tonnes, driven by strong demand from Paris, Hong Kong, and Johannesburg, enhancements to Air Seychelles’ on-ground cargo handling capability in Mahé, and the launch of Seychelles domestic cargo services.

At the end of Q1 2014, Air Seychelles’ combined passenger and cargo network stood at five destinations in the Seychelles, Africa, Europe and Asia. The airline also has codeshare partnerships with airberlin, Cathay Pacific Airways, Etihad Airways, and South African Airways, extending its network to 39 cities around the world.

Air Seychelles has recommenced flights to Paris from its home base in the Seychelles after a gap of two-and-a-half years.

Greeted by a traditional water cannon salute on arrival, inaugural flight HM018 touched down on schedule at the French capital’s Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport at 7:45am on 2 July2014.

The airline is deploying its brightly-coloured Airbus A330-200 aircraft twice weekly on the new route, offering 18 lie-flat seats in Business Class and 236 seats in Economy Class. The flights

operate with a brief stopover in Abu Dhabi.

Speaking in Paris, Joel Morgan, Seychelles Minister for Home Affairs and Transport and Air Seychelles Board Chairman, said: “The Seychelles’ connection to France stretches back 270 years and is symbolised through shared elements of language, culture, traditions and growing trade and tourism ties.

Accounting for a quarter of visitors from Europe to the Seychelles every year, France has always been a strategically important market for our airline.”

Mr. Manoj Papa with award recipients flanked by Air Seychelles’ commercial staff.

Air Seychelles recorded strong 2014 first quarter results with a 38.2 percent increase in passenger numbers to 95,372, compared to the same period in 2013 (69,009 passengers).

Passenger numbers on the airline’s international network increased 77.3 percent to 58,971, a result of more traffic between the Seychelles and Abu Dhabi, Mauritius, Johannesburg and Hong Kong.

A 66 percent increase in revenue was attributable to improved connectivity with codeshare partner, Etihad Airways’ global network, and enhanced cargo services.


SAFETySafety is our first priority. Please watch attentively the safety video or safety demonstration given by the flight attendantsandreadtheSafetyInstructionCardlocatedintheseatpocketinfrontofyou.Seatbeltsmustbefastenedfortakeoffand landing and when the seat belt sign is illuminated during the flight.

SEATINGWhilst your seat is adjustable, it has to be intheuprightposition,withthefoot-restandtraytablestowed,fortake-offandlanding. Each seat has an individual reading light, enabling you to read at night without disturbing your neighbour.

COMFORTForyourcomfort,blankets,pillows,socksand eyeshades are available on all overnight flights.

PERSONALBELONGINGSBefore leaving the aircraft, please ensure that you have all your personal belongings withyou,rememberingtochecktheoverheadlockersaswellastheseatingareas.

LABOUTIkDUTyFREESALES:Sales of duty free goods are conducted on all international flights, time permitting. PleaseconsulttheLaboutikDutyFreeBrochureintheseatpocketinfrontofyou.This brochure details the range available and the currencies and credit cards that are accepted.

ELECTRONICEqUIPMENTPassengersarerequestednottomakeuseof any electronic equipment that could interfere with the navigational equipment onboardtheaircraft.PleaseasktheCabinCrewforassistance.

SPRAyINGHealth regulations at Seychelles InternationalAirportrequirethattheaircraft 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-FLIGhTSERvICEOur 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 drinksonallourflights.

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

Welcome Aboard

IMPORTANTFor your information, use of the following equipment on board is strictly prohibited under any circumstances:

•FM/AM/Tvtransmittersor receivers•CitizensBandTransceivers•FullsizeComputerPrinters•PortableTelephones,(notpartof the approved aircraft installation)•RemoteControlToys•SatelliteReceivers•Scanners•WalkieTalkies• Wireless Microphones

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

HAND BAGGAGEPlease note that one piece of hand baggage, in addition to a handbag and smallcamera,maybetakenonboard.For your own safety, you must place your hand baggage either in the overhead storage compartment or under the seat infrontofyou.TheCabinCrewwillremove hand baggage from passengers seated in exit row areas and this will bereturnedaftertake-offshoulditberequiredin-flight.Pleaseensurethatthecontents do not include any prohibited goods and also ensure contents do not spill out, to avoid injuries to you and your fellow passengers.

INFANTSANDChILDRENCabinCrewwillassistinpreparingbabyfoods. When possible, baby cots are available for infants.

SPECIALMEALSAir Seychelles offers a selection of special meals to suit the dietary and religious needs of passengers provided they are requested prior to the flight, preferablyatthetimeofbooking.Ifyouwish to order a special meal for your returnflight,pleasemakeyourrequestwhenyoure-confirmyourflight.Specialmeals are also available for children, if requested in the same way.

SMOkINGSmokingisnotpermittedonallAirSeychelles flights.

UNRULy/DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOUR ONBOARD AIR SEyCHELLES’ OWNED/OPERATED AIRCRAFT

IntermsofInternationalCivilAviationlegislationandregulations,itisanoffenceforany person to:

•Constituteanyactionthatjeopardisesormayjeopardisethesafetyofanaircraft,passengerand/orcrew

•Disobeyvalidinstructionfromacrewmember(safetyofficer)*

•Interferewiththenormaloperationoftheaircraft

•Assaultorwilfullyinterferewithanymemberofthecrewoftheaircraftintheperformanceofhis/herduties

•Ignorewarningsignsand/orsafetysignswithinthecabinoftheaircraft

•Wilfullycausedamagetoanaircraftwhichrendersitincapableofflightorwhichislikelytoendangeritssafetyinflight

•Communicateanyinformationwhichhe/sheknowstobefalse,therebyendangeringthe safety of an aircraft in service

•Commitanynuisanceoranydisorderlyorindecentactortobeinastateofintoxication 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.

IntermsofSeychelleslegislationitisanoffencetosmokeonanySeychellesregisteredaircraft.Smokinginthetoiletcompartmentsofanaircraftisdeemedasafetyriskandis lawfully punishable.

Any person committing any of these offences while on board an Air Seychelles flight maybearrestedathis/herpointofarrivalandprosecutedinaccordancewiththeapplicableCivilAviationlegislation.Suchprosecutionmayresultintheimpositionofafineand/orimprisonment.

ItisthepolicyofAirSeychelles,intheinterestofthesafetyofthetravellingpublicandour employees, to lay the necessary criminal charges against unruly passengers and to aggressively pursue the successful prosecution of such persons.

PLEASE NOTE:IntermsofInternationalCivilAviationlegislation,theCommander(Captain)oftheaircraftisauthorised/empoweredtotakeanyactiondeemednecessary,includingrestraint, of any person who jeopardises the safety of the aircraft or of persons or propertyonboard.Intermsofthisauthoritythecommandermayrequestand/orauthorise any member of the crew to render assistance in terms of restraint or action against such offenders.

IntermsofAirSeychelles’rightofrefusalofcarriage,AirSeychellesreservestheright to refuse boarding to any person who is intoxicated or who, under reasonable grounds,isbelievedtoposeapotentialdangertothesafetyand/orgoodorderanddiscipline 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 intermsofInternationalCivilAviationregulations.

Air Seychelles is pleased to welcome you aboard this flight and hopes that you will enjoy our services.yourcabincrewwilldoeverythingpossibletomakeyourjourneypleasant.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.


AirSeychellesestheureusedevousaccueilliràbordetespèrequevousserezsatisfaits de nos services. Notre équipage de bord fera son possible pour rendre

votrevoyageagréable.Pourtoutrenseignementouaide,n’hésitezpasàappelerlesmembres de l’équipage en pressant le bouton situé sur l’accoudoir de votre siège.

Bienvenue á bord

IMPORTANTPour votre information, l’usage des équipe-mentssuivantsestformellementinterditàbord sous aucun prétexte:•EmetteursourécepteursFM/AM/Tv•Emetteur-récepteurdelacitizenband•Imprimantes•Téléphonemobile•Jouetstélécommandés•Récepteurssatellitaires•Scanneurs•Talkies-walkies•Microsansfil

Ildevientdeplusenplusévidentquecesap-pareils créent des interférences qui peuvent atteindre les réseaux de navigation et de contrôle de l’avion.

BAGAGEENCABINEUnseulbagageàmain,enplusd’unsacàmain et un petit appareil photo, est autorisé àbord.Pourvotreconfortetvotresécurité,ildoitêtreplacésoitdanslecompartimentàbagages soit sous le siège juste en face de vous. Les membres de l’équipage s’occuperont des bagages des passagers assis près des portesdesorties.Ilsleurserontrestituésaprès le décollage ou pendant le vol en cas de besoin. Veuillez vous assurer que votre bagage àmainnecontientpasdemarchandisesinterdites susceptibles de présenter un danger pour vous ou les autres passagers.

BÉBÉS ET ENFANTS EN BAS âGEUne hôtesse vous assiste pour la préparation des repas pour bébé et installe un berceau selonladisponibilitéàbord.

REPASAir Seychelles vous propose une sélection de menusconvenantàvotrerégimealimentaire(ex.régimevégétarien)àconditionquevousen 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.

INTERDICTIONDEFUMERTouslesvolsAirSeychellessontnon-fumeurs.

MESURES DE SûRETÉvotresûretéestnotrepriorité.Nousvousconseillons de suivre bien attentivement la vidéo sur nos écrans ainsi la démonstration de sécurité effectuée par notre personnel de bordavantledécollage.Ilvousestégalementconseillé 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,lorsquelepetitvoyant,situéau-dessusdevotre siège, est allumé.

SIèGESVous pouvez ajuster la position de votre siège en appuyant sur le bouton situé sur l’accoudoir.Cependant,lorsdudécollageet de l’atterrissage, votre siège doit être obligatoirementredressé,lerepose-piedsetlatabletteenfacedevous,relevés.Chaquesiège est pourvu d’un éclairage individuel qui vous permet de lire la nuit sans déranger votre voisin.

CONFORTPour votre confort, une couverture, un oreiller, deschaussettesetunmasquesontmisàvotre disposition.

EFFETS PERSONNELSAvantdedébarquer,assurez-vousquevous êtes bien en possession de tous vos effets personnels en vérifiant notamment le compartimentàbagagesetvotresiège.

LESBOUTIqUESDEvENTEhORSTAxES:Les marchandises exemptes de droits existent sur tous les vols internationaux, si le temps le permet.Consultez,s’ilvousplait,labrochureconcernée qui se trouve dans la pochette dusiègequivousfaitface.Cettebrochuredonne des détails sur le choix des produits disponibles, les devises et les cartes de crédit qui sont acceptées.

UTILISATIOND’APPAREILSÉLECTRONIqUESLes passagers sont priés de ne pas utiliser d’appareils électroniques susceptibles d’interférer avec les appareils de navigation aérienneàbord.Pourtoutrenseignement,veuillez vous adresser au personnel de cabine.

DÉSINSECTISATIONLe 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 BORDNosmenusvousferontdécouvrirenavant-garde les saveurs uniques des îles Seychelles. Selon la durée de vol, un ou deux repas seront servisàbord.Pendanttouteladuréeduvol,le service bar vous propose gratuitement des boissons fraîches.

PRÉvENTIONDESCOMPORTEMENTSPERTURBATEURSETDESINDISCIPLINESÀBORDDESAÉRONEFSAPPARTENANTÀAIRSEyChELLESOUExPLOITÉSPARAIRSEyChELLES. D’aprèslesrèglementsdel’AviationCivileInternationale(OACI),toute personne qui:

• Entreprenduneactionquimetouestsusceptibledemettreendanger lespassagers,l’équipageet/oul’appareil

• Refusedeseconformeràuneinjonctiond’unmembredel’équipage(officier de sécurité)

• Perturbeledéroulementnormalduvol

• Agresseunmembred’équipage

• Perturbesciemmentletravaildel’équipage

• Netientpascomptedesconsignesdesécurité,dessignauxlumineuxencabine ou des instructions verbales de l’équipage

• Causevolontairementdesdommagesàl’appareilquilerendentinexploitable ouquimettentàrisquelasécuritéduvol

• Communiquesciemmentdesinformationsfausses,mettantainsiendangerunvol,sonéquipage et ses passagers

• Auncomportementgênant,perturbateur,indécent,faitpreuvedeviolenceàl’égardd’autres personnes, profère des insultes ou des obscénités

COMMETUNEINFRACTIONPASSIBLEDEPOURSUITESLerèglementdel’AviationCivileSeychelloisestipulequ’ilestinterditdefumerà bord de tout avion immatriculé aux Seychelles. Fumer dans les toilettes constitue un risque pour la sécurité et est puni par la loi.

quiconquecommettral’uneouplusieursdecesinfractionsseraarrêtéàdestinationetpoursuivi en vertu des règles de l’aviation civile concernée et du règlement du transporteur. Cespoursuitespeuventconduireàuneamendeouunepeinedeprison,voirelesdeux.

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.

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

vEUILLEzÉGALEMENTNOTERqUE:D’aprèslesrèglesdel’AviationCivileInternationale(OACI),leCommandantdeBordest 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 cadredesesfonctions,leCommandantdeBordpeutdemanderàunouplusieursmembres d’équipage de l’assister dans cette tâche, voire la déléguer pour neutraliser ceux qui commettraient des infractions.

AirSeychelless’octroieégalementledroit,conformémentàsesconditionsgénéralesdetransportderefuserl’embarquementàtoutepersonnequiseraitsousl’emprisedeladrogueet/oudel’alcool,ouquireprésenteundangerpourlasécurité,l’ordreetladisciplineàbord. Lapremièrefonctiondesnavigantsestd’agircomme«officierdesécurité»àbord.Tous les membres d’ équipages d’Air Seychelles sont formés et certifiés «officier de sécurité»ausensdesrèglementsdel’OrganisationInternationaleel’AviationCivile.

International Route Map

Airbus A320 Wet-leased from Etihad AirwaysBusiness Class seats: 16Economy seats: 120

Mauritius route only

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

Fleet

Maximum Takeoff weight: 233,000 kgsMaximum Landing Weight: 182,000 kgsFuel Capacity: 139,000 ltsEngine thrust: 71,100 lbf

Two aisle passenger cabin Pearl class: 2-2-2 six abreastEconomy: 2-4-2 eight abreast

Mahé Island

Praslin Island

Bird Island Denis Island

Fregate Island

Alphonse Island

Desroches Island

D’Arros Island

I N D I A N O C E A N

Domestic Route MapRoute Network

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

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

Codeshare Route Network

Rome

Venice


O n l i n e O ff i c e s

WO r l d W i d e O ff i c e s

South Africa

Mauritius

United Arab Emirates

hongkong

France

Capital:Port LouisLanguages:French,English,CreoleCurrency:RupeesArea:2,040km2

Population: 1,243,000Air Seychelles destination: Plaisance Airport

Capital:Abu DhabiLanguages: Arabic, EnglishCurrency:EmiratiDirham(AED)Area:83,600km2

Population:8,264,070Air Seychelles destination: Abu Dhabi

Capital: hongkongLanguages:Cantonese,EnglishCurrency:hongkongDollar(hkD)Area:1,104km2Population:7,173,900AirSeychellesdestination:hongkong

Capital: ParisLanguages: French Currency:EuroArea:543,965km2Air Seychelles destination: Paris

hEADOFFICESeychellesAir Seychelles LtdInternationalAirportP.o.Box386victoria,Mahé SeychellesTel:+248-391000/Fax:+248-391350Fax:+248-225933(salesandreservations)Email: [email protected]:[email protected]: [email protected] Web: www.airseychelles.com

EUROPEFranceAir Seychelles Ltd Paris Office 27ruedeBerri75008PARISWeb: www.airseychelles.frContact:Mrs.ChristineOzouf–BusinessDevelopmentManager | EuropeDirectTel:+33171703321E-mail:[email protected]

Abu DhabiLisieAgripineSalesExecutiveInternational/CommercialDivisionTel:+97126177739/Fax:+9712621761M+971506624230Email: [email protected]

Taiwan GoldenFoundationToursCorp.Suite502,No.142,Sec.4,Chung-hsiaoEastRoad,Taipei,TaiwanTel:+886-227733266/Fax:+886-227765704Email: [email protected]:DaisyChangMobile:+886-932136326Email: [email protected]:ReservationsandTicketingMs. Anne TsaiEmail: [email protected]

hongkongThe Walshe Group Ltd.Suite906,9/F,AsiaOrientTower,33LockhartRoad,WanChai,hongkongTel:+85239793488/Fax:+85239793499Email:[email protected]:StephenLeung

Walshe Group Suite906,OrientTower33LockhartRoadWanchaihongkongTel:0085239793488or0085239793489Email:[email protected]

Rogers&CompanyLtd,Rogershouse5PresidentJohnkennedyStreetPO Box 60, Port Louis, MauritiusTel:(00230)2026671Fax:(00230)2083540Email:[email protected]

Capital: PretoriaLanguages:English,AfrikaansCurrency:RandArea:1,221,037km2

Population:45,919,000Air Seychelles destination: Johannesburg

LuDowellRepresentations,GreenstonehillOfficeParkEmerald Boulevard, Building 1, Unit F4.Modderfontein, Edenvale, South AfricaTel:(0027-11)-452-0244Fax:0866578741or(0027-11)781-2144Email: [email protected]

OmeirTravelAgency,Shk.khalifaStreetPOBox267AbuDhabiTel:(009712)6123470Fax:(009712)6226799Email:[email protected]

Mobile:+85290287535Email: [email protected]:ReservationsandTicketingMs.GeorgeChauEmail:[email protected]

MIDDLEEAST&AFRICAAbu Dhabi Omeir Travel AgencyShk.khalifastreetPoBox267AbudhabiTel:+971-26123470/Fax:+971-26226799Sita: AUHRRHM E:[email protected]:[email protected]:GaneshUllal-MarketingManagerEmail: [email protected]

Bahrain yusufBinAhmedkanooWllAlkhalifaroadBuilding#302,block304PoBox45ManamaTel:+973-17220800/Fax:+973-17213458Email:[email protected]:kadhemAlhamadEmail:[email protected]

DubaiAsian Air Travel and TourismP o Box 65006 DubaiTel:+971-42868008/Fax:+971-42832115Mobile:+971-502244713E-mail:[email protected]:[email protected]/[email protected]

Contact:MrAbbasAbdullaGeneralManagerAsian Air Travel And Tours Agency Email: [email protected] Emergencycell:00971503404425

kuwaitPanArabTravelsCoPoBox2842Safatpc13029Tel:+965-2415554/2415556Fax:+965-2410873/Sita:kWITOhMEmail:[email protected]: [email protected] Contact:MsGhadeerAlShawa-Deputy General ManagerDirecttel:+965-52410830Email: [email protected]

MauritiusRogers&CoLtdRogershouse5,PresidentJohnkennedyStPoBox60PortLouisMauritiusTel:+230-2026671/Fax:+230-2083540Sita: MRURRHMEmail:[email protected]:SamiiraGolamhossen-CounterAgentDirecttel:+2302026670/1/3Mobile:+2304972503/Fax:+230-2083540Email:[email protected]:Amritakoonjul-helpdesksupervisorEmail:[email protected]:yvansMestry-OperationCoordinatorTel:+230-2026676/Fax:+230-2083540Mobile:+230-4972504Email:[email protected]:PriscilleTuher-SalesrepresentativeDirecttel:+230-2026680Mobile:+2304972501/Fax:+230-2111411Email:[email protected]:AnnickCorroy-MarketingmanagerDirecttel:+230-2026662Fax: +230 212 8886Email:[email protected]:Sooryaoogarah–ManagerofOperationsDirecttel:+230-2026688Fax:+230-2128886/Mob:+2304972525Email:[email protected]

OmanUnited Travel Llc PoBox599Muttrahpostalcode114Sultanate of omanTel:+968-24780057/24780061Fax:+968-24780094/Sita:MCTSLLxEmail:[email protected]:CshiovettomTel:+968-703303/791710/9454707Mobile:+968-9337937E:mail: [email protected]

qatarqatarToursPoBox1683DohaTel:+974-4411414/4436002/4419753Fax:+974-4433197/4351926Sita: DOHRRTWEmail:[email protected]

Email:[email protected]:ShajiJohn/MohammedAsgharDirecttel:+9744362703/5830824

Saudi ArabiayusufBinAhmedkanooPobox37Dammam31411EasternprovinceAirlineCentrePobox1878Alkhobar31952Tel:+9663-8355832/Fax:+9663-835573Email:[email protected]:G.venugopal-BusinessDevelopment manager Mobile:+966-50-5859629/Email:[email protected] Western province kanooCentrekilo7MadinahroadP o Box 812 Jeddah 21421 Saudi arabia Tel:+9662-2632959ext.121/108/Fax:+9662-2632948Email:[email protected]:JamaanAl-zahraniMobile:+966-508498093Email:[email protected]

CentralprovincekanooBuildingOneblockoffkingAbdulAizroadPobox753Riyadh11421Tel:+9661-4772228ext.288/305/Fax:+9661-2833041Email:[email protected]:[email protected]:MohdCharlesMadria

South AfricaBORDERAIRPty(Ltd)LuDowellRepresentations280OAkAvENUERANDBURGJOhANNESBURGReservations contact numbers for Air Seychelles:0113264440/0113264443/0113264483Fax:0117812215/Sita:JNBSzhMEmail:[email protected]:[email protected]:MeganWilson-GeneralManagerContact:CathleenDennis-ReservationssupervisorEmail: [email protected]


Hello Bonzourhowareyou? konmanSava?Iamwell ByenMersiThankyou Mersiverymuch MersibokouGoodbye orevwarHotel LotelRoom LasanmBed LiliFood ManzeCoffee kafeBeer LabyerCold FreHot SoTea DiteMeat LavyanFish PwasonBread DipenButter DiberSugar DisikSalt DiselBad Pa bonToday OzordiTomorrow DemenNow konmelaquickly vitmanSlowly DousmanHospital LopitalPolice GardMr. MsyeMrs. MadanmMiss. Manmzel I Mon

you OuHe, She LiWe NouThey zotWhat? kwa?/ki?Who? ki?/Lekel?Where? kote?When? kan?how? kimannyer?Why? Akoz?Which? Lekel?yes WiNo NonTo eat ManzeTodrink BwarTo sleep DormirTobathe Bennyen/NazeTo come ViniTo go AleTo stop AreteTo buy AsteTo sell VannStreet/road Lari/SemenAirport ErportShop LaboutikMoney LarzanCent SouOne Enn Two DeThree TrwaFour kat Five SenkSix Sis

Seven SetEight WitNine NefTen DisEleven OnzTwelve DouzThirteen TrezFourteen katorzFifteen kenzSixteen SezSeventeen DisetEighteen DizwitNineteen DiznefTwenty VenTwenty-one venteenTwenty-two venndeTwenty-three venntwaTwenty-four vennkatTwenty-five vennsenkThirty TrantForty karantFifty SenkantSixty SwasantSeventy SwasanndisEighty katrevenNinety katrevendisOne hundred SanWhereisthehotel? kotelotelietesilvouple?Good morning BonzourGood afternoon BonnapremidiGood evening BonswarPlease come in Antre silvouplePlease sit down Asize silvouple

you’rewelcome PadekwaWheredoyoucomefrom? koteousorti?Icomefrom....... Monsorti......Whatisyourname? kimannyerouapele?My name is.... Mon apel.....Canyouspeakkreol? Oukababkozkreol?Onlyalittle zisenpeIwouldliketolearnmore MonouleapranankorhowdoyoufindSeychelles? kimannyerouwarSesel?Ilikeithere MonkontanisiSeselThe weather is hot, isn’t it? Letan i so, wi?Whereareyougoing? koteoupeale?Iamgoingto... Monpeal......Please stop here Aret isi silvouplehowmuch? konbyen?Wait a minute Esper mwan en pti momanIhavetogetchange FodremongannylarzansanzeExcuseme EkskizeWhereisthetoilet? kotekabinenietesivouple?Intheback DeryerlakourWheremayIgetadrink? kotemonkapabgannyen keksozpoubwar?

howmuchdoesthiscost? konbyenivann?That’squiteexpensive Iaseserhelp! Edmwan!/OSekour!No,thanks Non,mersiPlease Silvoupleyou’rewelcome Pa-de-kwaNo problem Napa problenmOk okeThat’s right! Wi i bien!A little bit Piti pitiIseverythingok? Toukeksozioke?Notnow Pakounye-aAttention/watchout! Atansyon!Wearelookingfor... NouperodI’mverythirsty MonswafIamhungry MonlafenWherearewe? kotenouete?howoldareyou? kilazouanan?Whatdoyouneed? kioubezwen?WhatdotheycallthatinCreole? komanzotdirsaankreol?howdotheysay...increole? komanzotdirankreol?

e n g l i s h - c r e O l e


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

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

ClothesVery 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

AccommodationSeychelles 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.

Sports and WatersportsMany 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 LibrariesThe 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.

ShoppingLocal 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.

RestaurantsA 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.

NightlifeMost 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.

CurrencyThe 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 obtained on Central Bank’s website at www.cbs.sc

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

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

Public HolidaysNew year January 1Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday April 18, 20 & 21Labour Day May 1Liberation Day June 5National Day June 18Corpus Christi June 19Independence Day June 29Assumption Day, (festival on La Digue) August 15All Saints Day November 1Immaculate Conception December 8Christmas December 25

Climate26°-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 240 volts AC 50 Hz. Adaptors are provided by hotels.

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

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

Medical ServicesVictoria 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.

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

TelecommunicationsCable & 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.

TRAvEL FACTS


DeviseUne 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 créditLes cartes American Express, Mastercard, Diners Club et Visa sont généralement acceptées.

Décalage horaireLes Seychelles ont trois heures d’avance sur Paris.

Jours fériés Nouvel An 1 janvierVendredi saint, Dimanche de Pâques 18, 20 & 21 avrilFête du travail 1 maiJour de la Libération 5 juinFête Nationale 18 juinFête Dieu 19 juinFête de l’Indépendance 29 juinFête de l’Assomption (La Digue) 15 aoûtToussaint 1 novembreImmaculée Conception 8 décembreNoël 25 décembre

ClimatEntre 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.

ElectricitéCourant alternatif 240 volts. Les hôtels mettent des adaptateurs à disposition.

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

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

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

Bureau de posteLes 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.

TélécommunicationsCable & 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.

INFORMATIONS UTILES

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

PourboiresLe 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 vestimentaireDécontractée. 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 inter-îles 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

HébergementLes 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 nautiquesBeaucoup 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.

Museums et librairiesLe 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.

ShoppingL’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.


ALACARTEAl Mare Restaurant Beau Vallon Tel:+2484620240/2512117/251 21 13 Email: [email protected]

CREOLEAnseSoleilCafeAnse Soleil, Mahé Tel:+2484361700

Boat House Beau Vallon Mahé Tel:+2484247898Mobile:+2482510898Email: [email protected]

CapLazareTel:+2484280100/2524642Email: [email protected]

ChezBatistaRestaurantTakamaka,MahéTel: +248 436 63 00 Email: [email protected]

Domaine Du Soleil Restaurant Tel: +248 428 55 55 Email: [email protected]

katioloAnse Faure Tel:+2484375453

Fishtail RestaurantTel: 4322214Email: [email protected]

Le Marinier Restaurant InterIslandquayvictoria,MahéTel:+2484224937

Le Reduit Restaurant Tel:+2484366116/4366225Email: [email protected]

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

NewsCafe1st floor, Trinity House Victoria, Mahé Tel:+2484322999

ChINESELeCantonChineseRestaurantBerjaya Beau Vallon Tel:+2484287287Email: [email protected]

TheWokChineseRestaurantCocoD’orhotelTel:+2484247331Email: [email protected]

GOURMETCyann“SignatureCousine”ConstanceEphiliaResortTel:+2484395001

Maia Restaurant Luxury Resort SpaTel:+2484390000Email: [email protected]

ChilliBar&SteakhouseLa LouiseTel: +248 4344 155

zezRestaurantFour Seasons Resort Tel:+2484393000ext.1902Email:[email protected]

INDIANMahékIndianRestaurantCoralStrandhotelTel: +248 462 10 00Email: [email protected]

Berjaya Beau Vallou Tel:+2484287287

Maharajas RestaurantTel:+2484346869Email: [email protected]

SOUThASIANkannelFour Seasons Resort Tel:+2484393000ext.1902Email:[email protected]

JAPANESETeppanyakiBerjaya Beau Vallon BayBeachResort&CasinoTel:+2484287287Email: [email protected]

INTERNATIONAL/CREOLEAnchorCafeAnse a la Mouche, Mahé Tel:+2484371289Email:[email protected]

Au Jardin D’Epices Banyan Tree Seychelles Tel: +248 438 35 00Email: [email protected]

Aubergine Restaurant The Wharf Hotel & Marina Providence, Mahé Tel:+2484670700Email: [email protected]

Le Jardin des palmesTel:2484389100Email: [email protected]

Baobab Pizzeria Restaurant Beau Vallon, Mahé Tel:+2484247167/2583868

Beach Side Bistro CoralStrandhotelTel:+2484291000Email: [email protected]

Bel Air Restaurant Tel:+2484224416/4616Email: [email protected]

Bravo EdenIslandTel: +248 4346 020Email: [email protected]

BoardWalkBar&GrillEden island MarinaTel:2482515786Email:[email protected]

CarefreeGuesthouse&RestaurantAnse Aux Pins Mahé Tel:+2484375237Email: [email protected]

ChezPlumeResturantTel: +248 435 50 50Email: [email protected]

DocklandsPizzeriaNewPort-victoriaTel: +248 4610 888

DoubleclickSeychellesMaisonLa-RosierePalmStreetTel:+2484610590Email: [email protected]

Helios RestaurantConstanceEpheliaResortTel:+2484395140Email: [email protected]

kazzananaRevolution AvenueTel: +248 4324150

konobaRestaurantBarLaungeAngel Fish Bayside MarinaTel: +248 4345 400, Email:[email protected]

La Scala Restaurant Tel:+2484247535Email: [email protected]

The Sea Shell Port LaunayTel:+2484324026/2523968

Uncle Will’s Pizzeria CocoD’orhotelTel:+2484247331E-mail:[email protected]

Lounge 8Vista bay Glacis, MaheMobile:+2482746808

Green Valley Anse aux Pins Tel:+2484371670

The Hilltop Restaurant Hilton Seychelles Tel:+2484299000Email: [email protected]

Jolie Rose 2 Restaurant SelwynSelwynClarkeMarketTel: +248 422 54 51

kazkreolRestaurantAnse Royale Mahé Tel: +248 436 16 80 Email: [email protected]

La Belle epoqueEden Plaza Tel:+2484346765Email: [email protected]

LaCocoteraieRestaurantLe Meridien Barbarons Hotel Tel:+2484673000Email: [email protected]

La Palma Restaurant CocoD’orhotelTel:+2484247331Email: [email protected]

La Plaine St Andre Tel:+2484372010Email: [email protected]

La Plage Restaurant Beau Vallon BeachTel: +248 4620240Email: [email protected]

La Perle Noire Restaurant Beau Vallon Tel: +248 462 02 20 Email: [email protected]

La Voliere Mahé Beach Resort Tel: +248 438 53 85 Email: [email protected]

Lazare Picault Restaurant Lazare Picault Hotel Tel: +248 436 11 11 Email: [email protected]

Le Bourgeois Restaurant LeMeridienFisherman’sCoveTel:+2484677000Email: [email protected]

LeCardinalRestaurantLeMeridienFisherman’sCoveTel:+2484677000Email: [email protected]

Le Jardin du Roi Domaine de L’enfoncement Anse Royale Tel:+2484371313Email: [email protected]

Le Mangrovia Restaurant Le Meridien Barbarons Tel:+2484673000Email: [email protected]

Le Rendez Vous Restaurant Tel: +248 432 35 56 Email: [email protected]

Le Surmer Restaurant LeSurmerhotelPointeConan,MahéTel: +248 424 18 11 Email: [email protected]

LesCocotiersRestaurantTel:+2484299000Email: [email protected]

Maia Luxury Resort & Spa Tel:+2484390000Email: [email protected]

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

Montezuma Restaurant Mahé Beach Resort Tel: +248 438 53 85 Email: [email protected]

The Parrot Berjaya Beau Vallon Tel:+2484287287Email: [email protected]

TheBoardWalkLounge&BarEdenIslandTel: +248 443 63 03

The HavanaEden Plaza Tel: +248 441 13 18 Email: [email protected]

Pirates Arms Tel: +248 422 50 01 Email: [email protected]

Pizzeria Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay BerjayaBeauvallonBayResort&CasinoTel:+2484287287Email: [email protected]

PortoCervoEden Plaza Tel: +248 261 20 25Email:[email protected]

DINING OUT


zerofRestaurantAnse Reunion, La Digue Tel:+2484234439

INTERNATIONAL/CREOLECafeLeMondeGrand Anse Tel:+2482781121/2520311

CafeLeMondeBaie St Anne Tel: +248 423 21 11

ChateauStCloudLa Passe, La Digue Tel: +248 423 43 46 Email: [email protected]

La Vanille Anse La Blague Tel:+2484232178

LaDigueIslandLodgeAnse Reunion Tel:+2484292525

L’Ocean Anse Patates Tel: +248 423 43 33

Pool Side Restaurant LaDigueIslandLodgeTel:+2484292525Email: [email protected]

Pecheur Restaurant LaDigueIslandLodgeTel:+2484292525Email: [email protected]

Restaurant Le Dauphin C/oLedePraslinhotelTel:+2484294800

Restaurant Patatran Hotel L’Ocean Anse Patates, La Digue Tel:+2484294300Email: [email protected]

Tarosa Restaurant La Passe, La Digue Tel:+2484234407Email: [email protected]

PIzzERIA/CAFE-BARGregoire’s comples Tel:+2484292525

SEA FOODCafeDesArtsCoteD’orTel:+2484294800Email: café@seychelles.net

RESTAURANTS OThERISLANDS CREOLEJolly Roger’s MoyenneIslandTel:+2484297000Email: [email protected]

INTERNATIONAL/CREOLEL’habitation Restaurant Tel: +248 432 31 11 Email: [email protected]

DINER A L EXTéRIEUR

Please send updated information to

[email protected]

Saffron Banyan Tree Seychelles Tel: +248 438 35 00 Email: [email protected]

Sam’s Pizzeria Tel:+2484322499/323495Email: [email protected]

Seselwa Bar ConstanceEphiliaResortTel:+2484395182Email: [email protected]

Sea View Restaurant CoralStrandTel: 248 421000Email: [email protected]

Sey si bonEden Plaza Tel:+2484346833/+2482515591Email: [email protected]

Silhouette Restaurant Sunset Beach Resort Tel: +248 426 11 11 Email: [email protected]

SkychefLtdSeychellesInternationalAirportTel:+2484381763Email:[email protected]

Sundown Restaurant Port Glaud, Mahé Tel:+2484378352/2588999

Surfers beach restaurantAnse Parnell Tel:+2482783703/4371100Email: [email protected]

TakamakaRestaurantTel:+2484372010Email: [email protected]

The Sea ShellPort LaunayTel:+2484324026/2523968

Tyfoo Restaurant La Plaine St. Andre Au cap, Mahé Tel:+2484371485

Vye Marmit Domaine de Val de PresAuCap,MahéTel:+2484376155/4376100

zezLoungeFour Seasons Resort Tel:+2484393222Email:[email protected]

RESTAURANTS–PRASLINCREOLECapricornRestaurantIslandersGuesthouseAnsekerlan,PraslinTel: +248 423 32 24 Email: [email protected]

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

LeChevalierBayRestaurantAnse Lazio, Praslin Tel: +248 423 23 22 Email: [email protected]

Les Lauriers Restaurant Les Lauriers Petit HotelCoteD’or,PraslinTel: +248 423 22 41 Email: [email protected]

INTERNATIONAL/CREOLEAcajou Hotel Restaurant CoteD’or,PraslinTel: +248 423 24 00 Email: [email protected]

Beach Bar and Grill LemuriaResortAnsekerlan,PraslinTel:+2484281091Email: [email protected]

Beach Bar Restaurant AcajouhotelCoteD’or,PraslinTel: +248 423 24 00Email: [email protected]

BlackParrotRestaurantBlackParrotSuitesTel:+2484290555Email: [email protected]

Bonbon Plume Anse Lazio, Praslin Tel: +248 423 21 36

Bonm Ange Hotel L’Archipel Anse Tel:+2484284700Email: [email protected]

Britannia Restaurant Britannia Hotel Grand Anse, Praslin Tel:+2484233215/4233915Email: [email protected]

ChateaudeFeuillesPointeCabris,PraslinTel:+2484290000Email: [email protected]

Feuille d’Or Hotel L’Archipel Anse Gouvernement, Praslin Tel:+2484284700Email: [email protected]

The Fregate Berjaya Praslin Beach Tel: +248 428 62 86Email: [email protected]

The Britannia Grand AnseTel: +248 423 32 15Email: [email protected]

Hibiscus Restaurant CocodeMerhotelTel:+2484290555Email: [email protected]

IndianOceanLodgeGrand Anse, Praslin Tel:+2484233324/233457Email: [email protected]

The Jetty Restaurant La Reserve Hotel Anse PetiteCour,PraslinTel:+2484298000Email: [email protected]

kannelrestaurantFour Seasons Resort Seychelles Tel:+2484393222Email:[email protected]

Le Beach Restaurant Paradise Sun Hotel Anse Volbert, Praslin Tel:+2484293293Email: [email protected]

Le Dauphin Hotel Le Duc de Praslin Tel:+2484294800Email: [email protected]

LekatoNoirPalm Beach Hotel Grande Anse, Praslin Tel:+2484290290/4290292Email: [email protected]

Legend Restaurant Lemuria Resort Anse Tel: +248 428 10 88Email: [email protected]

OctopusDivingCenterBerjaya Praslin Beach Hotel Anse Volbert, Praslin Tel: +248 423 22 22 Mobile:+2482715441Email: [email protected]

PoolDeckRestaurantLemuria Resort Anse Tel: +248 428 10 88Email: [email protected]

Pool Grill Restaurant LaReserveAnsePetitCour,PraslinTel:+2484298000Email: [email protected]

PortSideCafeBaie Ste. Anne Jetty, Praslin Tel:+2482773518

Sea Horse Restaurant & Bar LemuriaResortAnsekerlan,PraslinTel: +248 428 12 81Email: [email protected]

Tante Mimi Restaurant CoteD’or,PraslinTel: +248 423 25 00 Email: [email protected]

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

Village de Pecheur Praslin Tel: +248 423 20 00

RESTAURANTSLADIGUECREOLEBernique Anse Reunion Tel:+2484234229

Patatran Restaurant Patatran Village Anse Patates, La Digue Tel:+2484294300Email: [email protected]

Tournesol Tournesol Guesthouse La Passe, La Digue Tel: +248 423 41 55 Email: [email protected]

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

Villa Mon Reve Anse Reunion, La Digue Tel: +248 423 42 18 Email: [email protected]


CLUES ACROSS1. You get this in the neck! (8)

5. Prickly plant in arid regions (6)

9. Cowslips tickle and include

facial adornment (8)

10. Did this former film director come

first? (6)

12. Slippery customers! (4)

13. Takes away what someone owns (10)

15. Red wedding participant? (8,5)

19. Long-term family abode (9,4)

23. Disturbed MP creation for social

status (10)

25. Southern tree, worn around the

waist. (4)

28. This clue is boredom! (6)

29. Our dream becomes bullet proof! (8)

30. This car could flatten you! (6)

31. Leper led around and forced back an

attack (8)

CLUES DOWN1. Raleigh let war mix-up (6)

2. Mountainous country in fine palace (5)

3. Step this way! (4)

4. Feeling hungry, like a bird? (7)

6. This woman is wrong (5)

7. Fruit from north-east Tangier? (9)

8. Asserted, and got wound up (8)

11. Nope! Re-ordered and not closed. (4)

14. Snug up for weapons (4)

15. Retract – on a bike? (9)

16. Irish Republican Army, initially (3)

17. Body odour, all right, something

to study (4)

18. Radio rat out to become heater (8)

20. You do this with 17 (4)

21. Alfalfa (7)

22. Neither black or white? (6)

24. Like 3, this is also the way (5)

26. Capri looks good internally,

before May (5)

27. …. springs eternal? (4)

Answers across1. Windpipe 5. Cactus 9. Lipstick 10. Winner 12. Eels 13. Dispossess 15. Blushing bride 19. Ancestral home23. Importance 25. Sash 28. Tedium 29. Armoured 30. Roller 31. Repelled

Answers down1. Walter 2. Nepal 3. Path 4. Peckish 6. Amiss 7. Tangerine 8. Stressed 11. Open 14. Guns 15. Backpedal16. IRA 17. Book 18. Radiator 20. Read 21. Lucerne 22. Shaded 24. Route 26. April 27. Hope

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!

sudoku

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: [email protected] or [email protected] you.

rukhsana haq, editorial director

WE WANT YOUR VIEWS!

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