Silhouette

SILHO

UETTE

THE IN

-FLIGH

T MA

GA

ZIN

E OF A

IR SEYCH

ELLES

V

OLU

ME 24 N

UM

BER 1

Dear Guest,

Without doubt, 2012 has been a watershed year for Air Seychelles. It has been a year

of immense change and a year in which we have set out to re-engineer our business

to better serve you, our valued guests.

A key factor in turning our fortunes around has been our new strategic partnership

with Etihad Airways, the National Airline of the United Arab Emirates which holds a

40 per cent stake in our business.

Thanks to the full support of our friends at Etihad Airways, we have been able to

increase the size of our network and introduce a wide range of improvements.

Importantly, I am delighted to report that Air Seychelles is on track to break even

this year and in doing so create a solid financial base that will enable our airline to

grow and thrive for many years to come.

This is important for the Seychelles. A successful Air Seychelles not only has a

vital role to play in boosting the local economy, but who is better placed to offer

visitors their first taste of our traditionally warm hospitality.

Everyone at Air Seychelles is committed to providing that welcome as well as

growing our business and enhancing the services we provide in order to make the

most of the tourism boom we are experiencing. This year, for example, saw record

numbers of visitors to our shores, with very encouraging growth from powerful

emerging markets such as Germany, Russia and China.

Looking ahead to 2013, we have many exciting plans to support the growing

number of travellers into the archipelago.

In March, subject to government approval we will launch three return services

per week from the Seychelles to Hong Kong via Abu Dhabi. With these additional

flights, the number of return services to Abu Dhabi will increase to seven per week,

giving our connectivity greater depth in Europe and greater breadth by adding new

two-way connections in the Middle East and Australasia.

We will also increase the number of return services to both Johannesburg and

Mauritius to three per week.

Our new Johannesburg schedule, which departs early in the morning from the

Seychelles and arrives at midday in South Africa, provides greatly enhanced onward

connections to Cape Town and Durban, as well as other points in the continent.

To serve the growing demand on the Praslin route, both for international

connecting passengers and locals, I am pleased to report that we have increased

the capacity at peak inter-island travel times, doubling the number of flights in the

morning, midday and late afternoon.

Elsewhere, I am also pleased to report that you can now check-in golf clubs and

Scuba equipment in addition to your usual baggage allowance - up to 15 kilos - at

no extra cost. Separately, we have also introduced a new inflight duty free magazine

and I hope you enjoy reading it.

Finally, let me thank you sincerely on behalf of the entire Air Seychelles team for

choosing to fly with us in 2012. We very much appreciate your business and we are

committed to continuing to earn your loyalty through our delivery of high-quality

service with unique Creole warmth in 2013 and beyond.

We look forward to seeing you on board again very soon.

Cher client,

Il ne fait aucun doute que 2012 a marqué un tournant pour Air Seychelles. Elle a été une

année de changements considérables et une année durant laquelle nous avons lancé la

restructuration de notre entreprise pour mieux servir nos chers clients.

Un facteur clé dans notre redressement a été notre nouveau partenariat stratégique avec

Etihad Airways, la compagnie aérienne nationale des Emirats Arabes Unis, qui détient 40%

du capital de notre entreprise.

Grâce à l’appui sans réserve de nos amis d’Etihad Airways, nous avons pu élargir notre

réseau et apporter des améliorations diverses.

Particulièrement, j’ai le plaisir de signaler qu’Air Seychelles est sur la bonne voie pour

atteindre le seuil de rentabilité cette année et, ce faisant, créer une base financière solide

qui permettra à notre compagnie de renouer avec la croissance et l’essor pendant plusieurs

années à venir.

Ceci est important pour les Seychelles. Une Air Seychelles prospère n’a pas seulement un

rôle vital à jouer pour stimuler l’économie locale, mais elle est aussi mieux placée pour offrir

aux visiteurs un avant-goût de notre chaleureuse hospitalité légendaire.

Chaque employé d’Air Seychelles s’est engagé à réserver un accueil chaleureux à nos

visiteurs, tout en contribuant à la croissance de notre compagnie et à l’amélioration de nos

prestations, afin de tirer pleinement parti du boom touristique auquel nous assistons. En

effet, cette année, notre pays a enregistré un nombre record de visiteurs en provenance des

marchés émergents, tels que l’Allemagne, la Russie et la Chine.

Pour 2013 qui s’annonce, nous avons beaucoup de plans exaltants pour assurer le

transport du nombre croissant de voyageurs qui visitent notre archipel.

En mars prochain, sous réserve de l’approbation gouvernementale, nous allons lancer

trois vols aller-retour par semaine entre les Seychelles et Hong Kong via Abu Dhabi. Ces vols

additionnels porteront à sept le nombre de services aériens hebdomadaires sur Abu Dhabi,

donnant à notre réseau une plus grande profondeur en Europe et une plus grande largeur

grâce l’ajout de nouvelles liaisons dans les deux sens au Moyen-Orient et en Australasie.

Nous envisageons également de porter à trois le nombre de vols aller-retour sur

Johannesburg et Maurice. Nos nouveaux vols sur Johannesburg qui quittent les Seychelles

très tôt le matin et arrivent à la mi-journée en Afrique du Sud, permettent de meilleures

correspondances vers Le Cap et Durban, ainsi que d’autres destinations sur le continent.

Pour satisfaire la demande croissante sur la route de Praslin, tant pour les passagers

en transit que pour les passagers locaux, j’ai le plaisir de vous informer que nous avons

augmenté la capacité aux heures de pointe des voyages inter-iles, en doublant le nombre

de vols le matin, à la mi-journée et en fin d’après-midi.

Par ailleurs, je suis également heureux de vous informer que vous pouvez maintenant

faire enregistrer les bâtons de golf et le matériel de plongée sous-marine en plus de votre

franchise de bagages habituelle – jusqu’à 15 kilos – sans coût supplémentaire. En outre,

nous avons lancé un nouveau magazine duty free de bord et nous espérons que vous le

lisez avec plaisir.

Pour conclure, je tiens à vous remercier au nom de toute l’équipe d’Air Seychelles pour

avoir choisi de voyager avec nous en 2012. Nous apprécions beaucoup votre confiance et

nous nous engageons à continuer de gagner votre fidélité grâce à une prestation de haute

qualité assortie de la chaleur créole en 2013 et au-delà.

Au plaisir de vous revoir à bord très prochainement.

Cramer Ball

Chief Executive Officer

Directeur Général

Bon Voyage

Founding Publisher: Mohamed Amin

Editorial Director: Rukhsana Haq

Editor: Roger Barnard

Editorial Assistant: Cecilia Wanjiku

Creative Designer: Charles Kamau

Production Manager: Azra Chaudhry, London

Production Assistant: Rose Judha

Editorial Board: Rukhsana Haq

Adrian Skerrett

Silhouette is published

three times a year for Air Seychelles

PO Box 386, Mahé, Seychelles

Telephone: (248) 4391000

Fax: (248) 4224305

E-mail: [email protected]

By Camerapix Magazines Limited,

PO Box 45048, 00100, GPO Nairobi, Kenya

Telephone: +254 (20) 4448923/4/5

Fax: +254 (20) 4448818


Editorial and Advertising Office:

Camerapix Magazines (UK) Limited,

32 Friars Walk, Southgate,

London N14 5LP

Telephone: +44 (20) 8361 2942

Mobile: +44 79411 21458


Correspondence on editorial and

advertising matters may be sent to either

of the above addresses.

Printed in: Dubai

© 2013 CAMERAPIX MAGAZINES LTD.

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

Co ve rVictoria Harbour, Hong Kong

C o n t e n t sPhoto courtesy of Brian Johnston

SILHO

UETTE

THE IN

-FLIGH

T MA

GA

ZIN

E OF A

IR SEYCH

ELLES

V

OLU

ME 24 N

UM

BER 1

34 The Best of Hong Kong In such a multi-faceted place not to mention one that offers some of the world’s best shopping, dining and attractions – choosing top picks isn’t easy.

42 The Lavalas of 1862 For the archipelago of the Seychelles, the date 12 October 1862 will forever be remembered.

46 Carnaval International de Victoria With its innate spontaneity, great natural beauty and wonderful racial mix, Seychelles is a natural home for a carnival.

48 Diving the Dream Islands of the Seychelles Archipelago Now, more than ever, is the time to visit Seychelles and discover just how extraordinary - and affordable - diving can be in one of the very last natural aquariums on our planet.

• 4 Welcome Aboard • 8 News • 10 Discover Seychelles

• 67 English -Creole • 69 Map of Mahé • 70 International Route Map

• 72 Worldwide Offices • 74 Travel Facts • 76 Dining Out

• 78 Crossword • 79 Children’s Page

© 2013 CAMERAPIX MAGAZINES LTD.

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

R e g u l a r s

50 The East is Red: Chinese New Year It’s a time of celebration, superstition, strange omens and symbolic greetings and goodbyes …

55 Fish Feasts Here are a few suggestions for fish feasts which will bring you the real taste of Seychelles.

58 Music to your Ears We may not know exactly why music soothes the minds, but no one doubts that it does.

60 The Creation of the UAE Celebrating its 42nd anniversary this year the UAE now possesses one of the most developed economies in Western Asia.

64 Le Morne Brabant: a Monument to Freedom Truly impressive, this peak provides a spectacular backdrop to one of the island’s finest beaches.

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

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

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

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

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

SmokingSmoking is not permitted on all Air Seychelles flights.

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

UNRULY/DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOUR ONBOARD AIR SEYCHELLES’ OWNED/OPERATED AIRCRAFT

In terms of International Civil Aviation legislation and regulations, it is an offence for any person to:

• Constitute any action that jeopardises or may jeopardise the safety of an aircraft, passenger and/or crew

• Disobey valid instruction from a crew member (safety officer)*

• Interfere with the normal operation of the aircraft

• Assault or wilfully interfere with any member of the crew of the aircraft in the performance of his/her duties

• Ignore warning signs and/or safety signs within the cabin of the aircraft

• Wilfully cause damage to an aircraft which renders it incapable of flight or which is likely to endanger its safety in flight

• Communicate any information which he/she knows to be false, thereby endangering the safety of an aircraft in service

• Commit any nuisance or any disorderly or indecent act or to be in a state of intoxication or behave in a violent or offensive manner to the annoyance of any other person on the aircraft, or use abusive, indecent or offensive language.

In terms of Seychelles legislation it is an offence to smoke on any Seychelles registered aircraft. Smoking in the toilet compartments of an aircraft is deemed a safety risk and is lawfully punishable.

Any person committing any of these offences while on board an Air Seychelles flight may be arrested at his/her point of arrival and prosecuted in accordance with the applicable Civil Aviation legislation. Such prosecution may result in the imposition of a fine and/or imprisonment.

It is the policy of Air Seychelles, in the interest of the safety of the travelling public and our employees, to lay the necessary criminal charges against unruly passengers and to aggressively pursue the successful prosecution of such persons.

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

We l c o m e A b o a rd

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please note:In terms of International Civil Aviation legislation, the Commander (Captain) of the aircraft is authorised/empowered to take any action deemed necessary, including restraint, of any person who jeopardises the safety of the aircraft or of persons or property on board. In terms of this authority the commander may request and/or authorise any member of the crew to render assistance in terms of restraint or action against such offenders.

In terms of Air Seychelles’ right of refusal of carriage, Air Seychelles reserves the right to refuse boarding to any person who is intoxicated or who, under reasonable grounds, is believed to pose a potential danger to the safety and/or good order and discipline on board its aircraft.

The primary function of a crew member is to act as a safety officer on board an aircraft. All Air Seychelles crew members are trained and licensed as safety officers in terms of International Civil Aviation regulations.

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

Air Seychelles est heureuse de vous accueillir à bord et espère que vous serez satisfaits de nos services. Notre équipage de bord fera son possible pour rendre votre voyage agréa-

ble. Pour tout renseignement ou aide, n’hésitez pas à appeler les membres de l’équipage en pressant le bouton situé sur l’accoudoir de votre siège.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

B i e nv e n u e á b o rd

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

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

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

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

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

Veuillez également noter que: D’après les règles de l’Aviation Civile Internationale (OACI), le Commandant de Bord est habilité et a le pouvoir de prendre toutes les mesures nécessaires pour assurer la sécurité des personnes et de leurs biens ainsi que celle de l’appareil, y compris la privation de mouvement pour quiconque pourrait menacer cette sécurité. Dans le cadre de ses fonctions, le Commandant de Bord peut demander à un ou plusieurs membres d’équipage de l’assister dans cette tâche, voire la déléguer pour neutraliser ceux qui commettraient des infractions.

Air Seychelles s’octroie également le droit, conformément à ses conditions générales de transport de refuser l’embarquement à toute personne qui serait sous l’emprise de la drogue et/ou de l’alcool, ou qui représente un danger pour la sécurité, l’ordre et la discipline à bord.

La première fonction des navigants est d’agir comme «officier de sécurité» à bord. Tous les membres d’ équipages d’Air Seychelles sont formés et certifiés «officier de sécurité» au sens des règlements de l’Organisation Internationale e l’Aviation Civile.

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

P RÉ VE NTIO N D ES CO MPO RTEMEN T S PERTURBATEURS ET DES INDISCIPLINES À BORD DES AÉRONEFS APPARTENANT À AIR SEYCHELLES OU EXPLOITÉS PAR AIR SEYCHELLES.

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

• Entreprend une action qui met ou est susceptible de mettre en danger les passagers, l’équipage et/ou l’appareil

• Refuse de se conformer à une injonction d’un membre de l’équipage (officier de sécurité)

• Perturbe le déroulement normal du vol

• Agresse un membre d’équipage

• Perturbe sciemment le travail de l’équipage

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

• Cause volontairement des dommages à l’appareil qui le rendent inexploitable ou qui mettent à risque la sécurité du vol

• Communique sciemment des informations fausses, mettant ainsi en danger un vol, son équipage et ses passagers.

• A un comportement gênant, perturbateur, indécent, fait preuve de violence à l’égard d’autres personnes, profère des insultes ou des obscénités.

Commet une infraction passible de poursuites. Le règlement de l’Aviation Civile Seychelloise stipule qu’il est interdit de fumer à bord de tout avion immatriculé aux Seychelles. Fumer dans les toilettes constitue un risque pour la sécurité et est puni par la loi.

Quiconque commettra l’une ou plusieurs de ces infractions sera arrêté à destination et poursuivi en vertu des règles de l’aviation civile concernée et du règlement du transporteur. Ces poursuites peuvent conduire à une amende ou une peine de prison, voire les deux.

La politique d’Air Seychelles, dans l’intérêt de ses passagers et de ses employés est de porter systématiquement devant la justice les cas de passagers perturbateurs et d’obtenir leur condamnation.

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

8117-A EIDC_Silhouette_DPS 11/19/12 4:45 PM Page 1

Composite

C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

N e w s

Air Seychelles Restructuring Programme Bears Fruit Following Etihad Airways’ equity stake in January 2012, revitalised Air Seychelles saw its third-quarter revenue reaching $13.8 million, up by 23 per cent on the second quarter of 2012, as the airline’s restructuring programme took effect in the drive towards profitability for the year.

Air Seychelles is not just attracting more passengers but it is also seeing higher yields on all its routes. The growth in revenues was led by a 51 per cent quarter-on-quarter increase in passengers, up from 53,066 to 79,887, as seat factors rose from 43 per cent to 60 per cent.

“This is a result of the positive impact of cooperation with our shareholders Etihad Airways and the Seychelles Government. The scale of the task in turning around this company has been significant. There is a fantastic business here based on enthusiastic and committed people, but it needed a more effective commercial focus. Working together, we have been able to bring that new focus to bear fruit” said Chief Executive Officer Cramer Ball.

Flights to Abu Dhabi have increased to four per week, with onward destinations rising from 57 to 375 per week, opening up hundreds of new markets for quick and easy connectivity to the Seychelles.

The number of domestic passengers is also surging up from 30 per cent to 44 per cent compared to the previous quarter.

By adding capacity back into its fleet and building up its network connectivity, Air Seychelles is setting the foundations for long term, sustainable profitability, giving the Seychelles the national airline it deserves.

Air Seychelles is confident it will achieve its target of profitability in 2012, marking a major turnaround for the national airline, after several years of heavy losses.

Etihad Airways acquired a 40 per cent shareholding in Air Seychelles in January this year, and has a five-year management contract.

Highlights during the quarter included:• The successful introduction of the first Airbus A330-200 into the fleet; a second is to follow early in 2013• The launch of Air Seychelles’ new in-flight product and service on

international routes• The integration of Air Seychelles Plus into Etihad Guest, bringing 18,000

members into the industry’s leading frequent flier programme, offering them a wide range of new benefits

• The introduction of 19 new codeshare destinations, in addition to the network plan which has seen such improved connectivity through Abu Dhabi

• Continued development of Air Seychelles international sales channels, through the worldwide Etihad Airways commercial network.

Air Seychelles signed an agreement with the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) which will help stimulate training opportunities for Seychellois nationals and open the door for students wishing to develop a career in aviation.

Another wide-ranging training programme for Air Seychelles has also been introduced. The Etihad Airways Career Development Programme uses the state-of-the-art Training Academy in Abu Dhabi, and has achieved results including:• 65 cabin crew fully trained, with a further 60 new recruits to be trained

by year’s end. 42 of this second wave have been hired already, with the first 12 currently being trained in Abu Dhabi

• 23 pilots have been fully trained on the Airbus A330-200, with another two currently in training

• Seven Seychellois nationals, six of whom were already with Air Seychelles, have started the Cadet Engineer Programme

• Two Seychellois nationals, one of whom was already with Air Seychelles, have entered the Graduate Development Management Programme

• Two Seychellois nationals have started the Cadet Pilot Programme.

Praslin Sees Capacity Increased by 38 Per CentWith the introduction of a new flight schedule for the Domestic Services, Praslin has seen its capacity increased by 38 per cent.

The existing schedule was enhanced to increase capacity to the archipelago’s second largest island, at peak travel times, seeing morning, midday and late evening flights doubled to cater for international connecting passengers as well as for local business operations.

By scheduling multiple aircraft to operate the same flight, taking off only minutes apart, the airline can now offer faster and more convenient services to guests during peak times. Congestion at the domestic terminal has also been reduced through the use of this innovative scheduling system.

The airline has also added additional frequencies during the holiday season.Air Seychelles operates three DHC6-300 and one DHC6-400 aircraft on its domestic route network, including daily Praslin services and charter services upon request to other islands such as Bird, Denis, Fregate, and D’Arros .

Air Seychelles to Fly to Hong KongAir Seychelles has announced that it will be introducing flights to Hong Kong in 2013 once it receives clearance for its operating permit and following the delivery of the airline’s second Airbus A330-200 aircraft.

The airline will operate three return services per week from Seychelles to Hong Kong via Abu Dhabi using its new A330-200.

By operating the flights over Abu Dhabi, Air Seychelles can also code-share with Etihad Airways to support further traffic to and from China. This dual approach will enable the airline to capture a significant market share.

Cramer Ball, Air Seychelles’ Chief Executive Officer said; “The Seychelles needs a national carrier which can support the growing number of travellers into the archipelago, not just from our historical markets in Europe, but also the powerful emerging ones”.

Air Seychelles has appointed the Walshe Group as its General Sales Agent (GSA) partner in Hong Kong and South China. The Walshe Group takes responsibility for all local commercial activities including sales, marketing and reservations, working closely with key travel industry partners

A bilateral air services agreement was signed between the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority, the Hong Kong Airport Authorities and Air Seychelles in Hong Kong in October 2012.

This was followed by a series of workshops organised by the national airline jointly with the Seychelles Tourism Board, for both the Hong Kong trade agents and the media to launch the first Hong Kong -Seychelles operations.

Ti k-Ti k

Air Seychelles Cargo Offers Online Tracking SystemAir Seychelles’ Cargo customers can now enjoy a new way of doing business with the introduction of the airline’s online system called ‘Track and Trace’.

The latest ‘Track and Trace’ facility allows shippers and consignees to track movement of shipments in real-time. The function is available in English, German, French and Italian and can easily be accessed on computers, smart phones and tablets.

Customers simply enter shipment details using the online tool. In response a text message is sent to the customer’s personal mobile phone, including the current status of the shipment.

This facility not only allows customers to check their shipment status on Air Seychelles but on all other international carriers that the airline serves.Visit http://www.airseychelles.com/en/cargo/track.php

Increased Complimentary Baggage AllowanceAir Seychelles’ guests are now flying lighter with the increase in complimentary checked baggage allowance. Economy passengers now enjoy 30 kgs (kilogrammes) of complimentary checked baggage and 40 kgs for the Pearl Class passengers.

The increased allowances apply to all international destinations served by Air Seychelles. The new policy also covers connecting flights throughout Etihad Airways’ global network. Members of Etihad Guest, the joint frequent flyer programme of Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways, will receive additional 10 kgs for Etihad Silver members and 15 kgs for Etihad Gold members.

The increased baggage allowance also applies to International passengers with a through ticket to Praslin and other islands within 24 hours.

Seychellois Artist Joe Sammy Wows Hong Kong TradeVeteran Seychellois artist, Joe Samy, famously known for his collection of patriotic songs, wowed guests at the Air Seychelles’ launch flight workshop held at the Langham Place Hotel in Hong Kong.

Joe sang to the Hong Kong Tour Operators during the lunch break and the cocktail reception at the end of the event. The crowd at the reception took to the rhythms of our local Sega music whilst savouring the SEYBREW and signature cocktails made with the locally produced Takamaka Bay Rhum and local banana crisps.

The events ended on a high note with all partners confident that the Air Seychelles flight launch will give an added boost to the Chinese market.Joe Samy also used the platform to mark his come back to the music scene.

Air Seychelles Offers Opportunities to University of Seychelles’ StudentsAir Seychelles has an agreement with the University of Seychelles (UniSey), which pledges to offer internships and opportunities for students of the university to participate in the airline’s graduate development management programme.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Air Seychelles’ Chief Executive Officer, Cramer Ball, and the Seychelles University Vice-Chancellor, Ms Marina Confait.

As part of this agreement the airline will arrange visiting talks, collaborate on joint research projects and provide practical experience through internships and participation in the graduate management programme, helping the students with their transition from learning to doing.

“Providing Seychellois with scholarships and work opportunities is part of our growing social responsibility programme, but the graduates also represent the future leaders of our airline. Collaborating with the University of Seychelles will bring great benefits to both Air Seychelles and the University by offering real world exposure to the students and professors that will complement their varied academic activities,” said Cramer Ball.

Above: Air Seychelles Chief Executive Officer, Cramer Ball and University of Seychelles Vice-Chancellor, Ms. Marina Confait sign the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding).

Discover Seychelles The Islands10 Discover Seychelles The Islands

Discover Seychelles

Far from any continental land mass, the islands of Seychelles have long been likened to a string of pearls set in the azure waters

of the Indian Ocean. No wonder that the slogan of this proud nation, one of the world’s prime holiday destinations, is ‘Not just

another place, another world ‘. And it is delivered with an invitation that no normal person can resist, an invitation to ‘Discover the

Islands’, which lie just four degrees south of the Equator and are literally 1,000 miles from anywhere.

As the world becomes ever smaller, Seychelles is becoming increasingly accessible to holiday-makers from around the globe. With

the greatest of ease, Air Seychelles whisks an ever increasing number of visitors from Europe, Africa, the Far East and the Middle East

to sample the many and varied delights of the islands. Within these few square kilometres is a land of colourful contrasts; the bleached

granite rocks, thrusting up from the sea like the peaks of a sunken mountain range lie in the shadow of lush tropical vegetation clinging

to steep mountain sides. In the middle of a beach of white coral sand, a sudden upthrust of granite resembles a scene from the film 2001:

A Space Odyssey.

The people of the islands reflect these same dramatic contrasts. A description of a typical Seychellois is impossible; their ancestors

include British and French seamen, freed African slaves, and Indian and Chinese merchants. Their skin tone can be fair or dark, their hair

blonde or black, their eyes blue or brown. But they all share a gentle and cheerful character, combined with a nature as warm and welcoming

as their island home.

Discover Seychelles The Islands 11Discover Seychelles The Islands Discover Seychelles Les Îles

A la Découverte des les

Eloignées de toute masse continentale, les îles Seychelles ont longtemps été comparées à un chapelet de perles dans les eaux bleues de l’océan

indien. Pas étonnant que le slogan de cette fière nation, dont le pays est l’une des destinations de vacances les plus prisées dans le monde, soit

‘Pas juste un autre endroit, un autre monde’. Et celui-ci s’accompagne d’une invitation à laquelle aucune personne normalement constituée ne

peut résister, une invitation ‘à la découverte des îles’, situées à seulement quatre degrés de latitude en dessous de l’équateur et littéralement à mille

lieues de tout autre endroit.

Au fur et à mesure que le monde rétrécit, les Seychelles deviennent de plus en plus accessibles aux agences de voyage et aux tours opérateurs du

monde entier. Air Seychelles emmène ainsi chaque année avec la plus grande facilité un nombre croissant de visiteurs d’Europe, d’Afrique, du Proche

Orient et de l’extrême Orient pour goûter aux délices nombreux et variés de ces îles. Parmi ces quelques kilomètres carrés de terres se trouve un pays

de contrastes colorés: les rochers de granite , surgissant de la mer comme les pics d’une chaîne de montagnes engloutie, gisent dans l’ombre d’une

végétation tropicale luxuriante s’accrochant jusqu’aux versants abrupts des montagnes. Au milieu d’une plage de sable corallien blanc, la présence d’un

monolithe de granite fait penser à une scène du célèbre film: 2001, Odyssée de l’Espace.

Les gens qui peuplent ces îles montrent un contraste tout aussi saisissant. Décrire un Seychellois typique est ainsi impossible, car leurs ancêtres

sont des marins français et britanniques, des esclaves africains affranchis, des marchands indiens et chinois. Le teint de peau des Seychellois peut être

aussi bien clair que foncé, leurs cheveux blonds ou bruns, leurs yeux bleus ou marrons. Mais ils partagent tous un même caractère doux et gai, ainsi

qu’une façon d’être aussi chaleureuse et accueillante que leurs îles natales.

Discover Seychelles The Islands12

coup d’état in 1977, Seychelles became a one-party state, with Albert René

as president and the Seychelles’ People’s Progressive Front as the ruling party.

Multi-party elections were restored in 1993, when René was again returned as

President, with Mancham (Democratic Party) leader of the opposition. René

was re-elected in 1998, and also at the early elections called in 2001, where the

opposition, led by Wavel Ramkalawan (Seychelles National Party), obtained a

high percentage. René retired in April 2004 and handed over the presidency to

his Vice President, James Michel, who was re-elected in July 2006.

Seychelles has a population of about 85,000. Its people are descended

from the original French settlers, their African slaves, the liberated slaves

rescued from slavers in the 19th century, and some British settlers. This

melting pot has been enriched by traders from India and China, intermingling

to produce an almost unparalleled and multifaceted community, yet one that

is completely integrated.

The Seychelles’ rich racial blend is reflected in its varied culture and food.

Music brought to the islands by the European settlers and played on violins

or accordions has blended with the beat of the tomtom, the makalapo

(a stringed instrument with a tin for a sound box), the bom (a bowed

instrument), and the sez (a monochord sitar). A typical Seychelles dance is the

moutias which blends African and Malagasy rhythms in a popular communal

dance usually staged at night around a fire. European influences can be seen in

the contre-danse, which has its roots in the court of Louis XIV of France, the

Sun King, and the mazok and kosez, which are reminiscent of the waltz and

the quadrille.

The main language of the islands is Creole, but most people speak English

and some French. Creole is a phonetic language, similar to that found in other

territories where there has been French influence, such as Mauritius and New

Orleans.

French words were given a harder pronunciation and syllables which were

not pronounced were dropped altogether. Thus Bonjour (Good morning)

becomes Bonzour and s’il vous plait (please) becomes sivouple.

The spiritual life of the Seychellois ranges from the centuries-old local

magic, called gris-gris, to the far reaching influence of the Roman Catholic

Church. Often these beliefs run alongside each other. Many local people still

consult their bonnomn dibwa, or medicine man, seeking spells or potions for

love, luck or revenge. However, the Seychellois are also avid church-goers and

consider church a particularly social occasion.

The Seychellois are never in a hurry. There is always time for a chat or a

smile. Their lifestyle is characterised by a warm, happy-go-lucky attitude that

foreign influences have been unable to dampen or disturb.

The history of Seychelles could have come straight out of a story book:

a tale of intrepid explorers, fearsome pirates and brutal battles for

the islands’ bountiful treasures. The first serious exploration took

place only in 1742, but early navigators, such as the Indonesians and Arabs,

probably arrived before this time in search of fresh water and food. These

visitors did not leave physical evidence of their passing, unless it was they

who introduced the casuarina tree and coconut palm. It is possible that Arab

merchants knew Seychelles as the source of the rare and valuable coco de

mer nuts and came here to collect them, keeping the location secret so that

they could sell them at inflated prices.

Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer, sailed through the Amirantes

group in 1503, en route from India, and might also have sighted the granitic

islands. In 1506 another Portuguese navigator, Fernao Soares, recorded

the islands, which appear regularly on charts after this date as the ‘Seven

Sisters’.

The British made their first appearance on Seychelles in 1609 when the

ships Ascension and Good Hope arrived at Mahé during an expedition for

the British East India Company. They made no claim to the islands, which

remained uninhabited, although they might have been used as a secret

refuge by pirates, who add a touch of drama and mystery to their story.

In 1742 the Frenchman, Lazare Picault, landed on Mahé at Anse Boileau

(not Baie Lazare, which now bears his name). He named the islands after

Mahé de Labourdonnais, the governor of Mauritius, who had sent him.

Fourteen years later, Mahé and the inner islands were formally claimed in

the name of the King of France. Mahé was named Isle Séchelles, which later

became the name of the group. The origin of the name is unclear; it might

have been in honour of Moreau de Séchelles, a former controller-general of

finance in France, but, as he was disgraced at the time, it seems more likely

to have been a tribute to members of his family who were related through

marriage to the governor of Mauritius. The Stone of Possession, which was

set above the entrance to the port, is now in the National Museum.

In 1768, the French also claimed Praslin, named after their marine

minister, the Duke of Praslin. La Digue and Curieuse were named after the

ships which visited the islands at this time. In 1770 settlers arrived on

St Anne from Mauritius. They later abandoned this settlement and moved

across to Mahé.

In 1772, Pierre Poivre sent spice plants to Seychelles, hoping to establish

them there and allow France to compete with the Dutch in the valuable

spice trade. Chevalier Quéau de Quincy was appointed administrator of

Seychelles in 1794. During the long revolutionary wars between Britain and

France, several British men-of-war called at Seychelles. Having no means

of defence, Quincy was forced to capitulate to the British seven times.

These capitulations were a form of ‘temporary surrender with honour’, with

favourable terms for Seychelles skillfully negotiated by Quincy.

At the end of the war Mauritius and Seychelles were ceded to the British

under the Treaty of Paris. The British recognised Quincy’s abilities and kept him

on as juge de paix of the colony until his death in 1827. He is buried in the

grounds of State House.

In 1903 Seychelles became a crown colony in its own right, detached

from Mauritius. From 1861, slaves liberated from Arab dhows off East Africa

were brought to Seychelles to begin new lives, swelling the population by

nearly 3,000. Two world wars during the 20th century touched Seychelles only

lightly, but times were changing fast. The embryo of the first political party, the

Taxpayers’ Association, was formed in 1939.

In March 1975, a new constitution was drawn up and a coalition

government established ready for independence in June 1976, when James

Mancham became President and Albert René Prime Minister. Following a

History of Seychelles

Discover Seychelles The Islands

exploring new horizons

Island Jewels

ww

w.gr

af.c

o.in

Available at:

Silhouette.indd 1 03/12/12 4:43 PM


L’histoire des Seychelles pourrait sortir tout droit d’un livre de

contes: un récit d’explorateurs intrépides, de pirates n’ayant peur

de rien, et de brutales batailles pour les nombreux trésors de

ces îles. La première exploration sérieuse prit place en 1742, mais des

navigateurs anciens tels que les Indonésiens ou les Arabes visitèrent

probablement les Seychelles bien avant en quête de nourriture et d’eau

douce. Ces visiteurs ne laissèrent pas de traces de leur passage, bien

qu’on leur attribue l’introduction du Casuarina et du Cocotier. Il est

possible que les marchands arabes aient visité régulièrement ces îles

pour y récolter les rares et précieux Coco-de -mer, et qu’ils aient

tenu leur emplacement secret afin de pouvoir vendre ces noix encore

plus cher.

Vasco de Gama, l’explorateur portugais qui navigua à travers

l’archipel des Amirantes en 1503 sur sa route vers l’Inde, a peut-être

lui-aussi pu voir les îles granitiques. En 1506, un autre navigateur

portugais, Fernao Soares, nota la présence de ces îles qui, après son

passage, figurèrent régulièrement sur les cartes comme ‘Les Sept

Sœurs’.

Les Britanniques firent leur première apparition aux Seychelles en

1609, lorsque les bateaux Ascension et Good Hope (Bonne Espérance)

arrivèrent à Mahé au cours d’une expédition de la British East India

Company (Compagnie britannique des Indes orientales). Ils ne

revendiquèrent pas la propriété de ces îles, qui restèrent inhabitées,

bien qu’elles aient pu être utilisées comme refuge secret par certains

pirates, ce qui rajoute une touche de drame et de mystère à leur

histoire.

En 1742, le Français Lazare Picault débarqua à Mahé à Anse Boileau

(et non pas Baie Lazare, qui aujourd’hui porte son nom). Il nomma l’île

d’après Mahé de Labourdonnais, gouverneur de l’Ile Maurice, qui l’avait

envoyé. Quatorze années plus tard, Mahé et les îles proches furent

officiellement revendiquées par le roi de France. Mahé fut nommée Isle

Séchelles, nom qui par la suite fut donné à l’archipel en entier. L’origine

de ce nom n’est pas claire. Il est possible qu’il ait été donné en honneur

de Moreau de Séchelles, un ancien contrôleur général des Finances

en France, mais vu que celui-ci était déjà tombé en disgrâce à cette

époque, il semble plus probable qu’il s’agisse d’un hommage à des

membres de sa famille devenus parents par mariage avec le gouverneur

de Maurice.

La Pierre de Possession, qui fut érigée à l’entrée du port, est

maintenant exposée au Musée d’Histoire. En 1768, les Français

revendiquèrent aussi Praslin, nommée d’après le ministre de la marine

de l’époque, le Duc de Praslin. La Digue et Curieuse furent nommées

d’après des navires de l’époque qui visitèrent les îles. En 1770, les

premiers colons en provenance de l’Ile de France (aujourd’hui Maurice)

débarquèrent à Sainte Anne. Ils abandonnèrent ensuite ce premier

établissement et s’installèrent en face sur Mahé.

En 1772, Pierre Poivre envoya des plants d’épices aux Seychelles,

avec l’espoir de pouvoir les y faire pousser et faire ainsi la concurrence

aux Hollandais dans le commerce lucratif des épices. Le Chevalier

Quéau de Quincy fut nommé Administrateur des Seychelles en 1794.

Pendant les longues années de guerre de la période révolutionnaire

entre la Grande Bretagne et la France, plusieurs hommes de guerre

britanniques se présentèrent aux Seychelles. N’ayant aucun moyen

de défense, Quincy fut forcé de capituler devant les Anglais plusieurs

fois. Ces capitulations étaient une forme de ‘reddition temporaire avec

honneur’, et s’accompagnaient de conditions favorables aux Seychelles

habilement négociées par Quincy. A la fin de la guerre, les Seychelles

et Maurice furent cédées aux Britanniques par le Traité de Paris. Ces

derniers reconnurent les capacités de Quincy et le gardèrent comme

juge de paix de la colonie, jusqu’à sa mort en 1827. A partir de 1861,

des esclaves libérés des marchands arabes au large des côtes d’Afrique

de l’Est furent amenés aux Seychelles pour y commencer de nouvelles

vies, grossissant la population d’environ 3,000 personnes. Les deux

guerres mondiales du 20ème siècle n’affectèrent que peu les Seychelles,

mais les temps changeaient rapidement. Ainsi l’embryon du premier

parti politique, l’Association des Contribuables’, fut formé en 1939.

En mars 1975, une nouvelle constitution fut établie et un

gouvernement de coalition constitué afin de préparer l’indépendance

en 1976 ; James Mancham devint Président de la République et France

Albert René le Premier ministre.

A la suite d’un coup d’Etat en 1977, les Seychelles adoptèrent un

système à parti unique avec Albert René comme Président et le

Front Progressiste du Peuple Seychellois comme parti dirigeant. Le

multipartisme fut ré-introduit avec les élections de 1993, où René

fut élu président et Mancham devint chef de l’opposition. René fut

à nouveau réélu en 1998 ainsi qu’aux élections anticipées de 2001,

où l’opposition conduite par Wavel Ramkalawan (Parti National

Seychellois) obtint un score élevé. René se retira en Avril 2004 et passa

le pouvoir à son vice-Président, James Michel, qui fut ensuite réélu en

Juillet 2006.

Les Seychelles ont une population d’environ 85,000 habitants, qui

sont les descendants des premiers colons français, de leurs esclaves

africains, des esclaves libérés des trafiquants au cours du 19ème siècle,

et de quelques colons britanniques. Ce creuset racial et culturel s’est

ensuite enrichi avec les apports de marchands venus d’Inde et de Chine,

le tout se mélangeant pour produire une communauté à multiples

facettes quasiment inégalée et complètement harmonieuse. Le riche

mélange racial des Seychelles est reflété par sa culture et sa cuisine

diversifiée. La musique amenée par les colons européens, jouée sur

des violons ou des accordéons s’est mêlée aux sons des tam-tams, du

‘makalapo’ (un instrument à cordes utilisant une boite de conserve

comme caisse de résonance), le ‘bom’ (un instrument arqué), et le

‘sez’ (une cithare monocorde). La ‘Moutia’ est une danse typique des

Seychelles, qui mêle les rythmes africains et malgaches en une danse

populaire de groupe normalement pratiquée la nuit autour d’un feu.

On ressent les influences européennes dans la contredanse, qui puise

ses racines à la cour du roi français Louis XIV, le Roi Soleil, et dans le

‘mazok’ et la ‘kosez’, qui rappellent la valse et le quadrille.

Le principal langage parlé dans les îles est le Créole, mais la plupart

des gens parlent aussi l’anglais et le français. Le Créole est une langue

phonétique, similaire à celle rencontré dans les autres territoires jadis

sous influence française, comme Maurice ou la Nouvelle-Orléans.

On a donné aux mots français une prononciation plus simplifiée et

on a laissé tomber les syllabes qui ne se prononçaient pas.

Ainsi Bonjour devient ‘Bonzour’ en Créole, et s’il vous plait ‘sivouple’.

La vie spirituelle des Seychellois s’étend de la magie locale séculaire,

appelée ‘gris-gris’, à l’influence dominante de l’Eglise Catholique.

Souvent ces croyances se côtoient. Beaucoup de personnes consultent

encore leur ‘Bonnonm dibwa’, ou sorcier, à la recherche de potions

ou de sorts pour l’amour, la chance ou la revanche. Cependant, les

Seychellois fréquentent assidûment les églises et considèrent le fait d’y

aller comme un évènement social important.

Les Seychellois ne sont jamais pressés. Il y a toujours du temps

pour parler ou pour un sourire. Leur style de vie est caractérisé par une

attitude insouciante et chaleureuse que les influences extérieures ont

été incapables d’abattre ou d’altérer.

L’histoire 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 17:25


MahéL’île principale des Seychelles est, sans aucun doute, l’une des plus belles

îles du monde avec ses 70 plages au caractère particulier. Les magnifiques

formations rocheuses, qui séparent les plages de l’intérieur de l’île, resemblent

à un décor de théâtre dans lequel se fond l’élégante architecture des hôtels.

Mahé couvre environ 150 kilomètres carrés, mesurant 27 kilomètres de

long et 7 kilomètres de large. L’abondante végétation qui recouvre son relief

montagneux lui a valu autrefois le nom d’Ile d’Abondance. Le point culminant

de cette île s’élève à 930 mètres au-dessus du niveau de la mer. Le réseau

routier est carrossable jusque dans les coins les plus reculés de l’intérieur.

De nombreux chemins de promenades à pied permettent d’admirer de près

la flore et la faune de l’île, en particulier dans le Parc National du Morne

Seychellois.

Au sud de Victoria, la capitale, se trouve l’aéroport de Mahé. Le seul fait d’y

atterrir est une expérience inoubliable à cause de la vue magnifique que l’on a

de l’île verdoyante et de sa côte.

Victoria, avec sa population d’environ 20,000 habitants, s’étend le long

d’une baie au pied du Morne Seychellois et des Trois Frères. Cette ville

minuscule est le centre administratif et financier des Seychelles ainsi que le

seul port de l’île. La tour de l’horloge est une copie miniature de celle située à

l’intersection de Victoria Street et Vauxhall Bridge Road près de la gare Victoria

à Londres. Elle fût édifiée en 1903 en hommage à la reine Victoria. Mais

aujourd’hui, elle est plutôt considérée comme un symbole de l’élévation des

Seychelles au rang de colonie de la Couronne, indépendante de l’Ile Maurice.

La monumentale sculpture du bicentenaire de Lorenzo Appiani au

centre de la ville, représente les trois continents dont le peuple Seychellois

est originaire: l’Europe, l’Afrique et l’Asie. Le Pirates Arms, sur la place de

l’Indépendance, est un lieu de rencontre populaire où l’on peut boire et se

restaurer. Bien qu’aucune rue en particulier ne soit la meilleure pour l’achat

de souvenirs il y a bon nombre de boutiques au voisinage des uniques feux

de circulation de l’île, près de la station de taxis, et dans la rue Francis Rachel.

Il y a aussi des boutiques intéressantes dans l’édifice Temooljee situé dans la

même rue, près du Pirates Arms, et au début de l’avenue de l’Indépendance.

Le site du premier hôtel qui fut construit aux Seychelles se trouve à

l’intersection de la rue de la Poudrière et de la rue Francis Rachel.

Le “Marine Charter Association”, proche du cercle nautique, est le point de

départ de nombreuses excursions. La rue du Marché est fascinante avec ses

étalages de produits locaux et de souvenirs, son ambiance bruyante et colorée,

en particulier les samedis matins. Les piments rouges, assaisonnés d’ail et de

gingembre (mazavarou), en vente au marché (entièrement rénové en 1999), ne

manqueront pas de relever votre cuisine d’une touche créole. On trouve à Victoria

deux cathédrales (une catholique et une anglicane), un temple hindou et une

mosquée.

Le Musée d’Histoire Naturelle, gardé par son crocodile et son Dugong en

ciment, se trouve dans l’avenue de l’Indépendance, tandis que le Musée National

d’Histoire, où est exposée la Pierre de Possession française, la Bibliothèque et les

Archives Nationales se situent dans la rue Francis Rachel, et le Jardin Botanique sur

la route de Mont-Fleuri, près de l’Hôpital.

Et puis, bien sûr, il y a les plages, la fierté de l’île. Sur la côte est, au Sud de

l’aéroport, s’étendent de grandes plages telle que l’Anse Marie Louise ainsi que

de plus petites plages souvent désertes. L’Anse Intendance, sur la côte sud, fait

parfaitement l’affaire de ceux qui préfèrent se tenir à l’écart des foules, quoique les

baignades y soient quelque peu dangereuses de mai à septembre. De même, il faut

être prudent lorsque l’on fait de la plongée ou du P.M.T. (Palme-Masque-Tuba) au

large de l’Anse Takamaka et plus généralement tout le long de la côte sud et ouest

de l’île, en raison des courants qui peuvent y être dangereux. Un peu plus au Nord,

se trouve Baie Lazare, avec son arrière-plan de granite tout à fait spectaculaire.

En remontant la côte ouest, il est conseillé d’accéder à la plage suivante, la

merveilleuse Anse Soleil, par un chemin pédestre, avant de se diriger vers Anse à

la Mouche, une grande plage bordée de palmiers dont l’eau peu profonde en fait

un lieu idéal pour la baignade ou le P.M.T. Il y a bien d’autres magnifiques plages,

dont Barbarons, Port Glaud, et l’Ile Thérèse, Port Launay ou Anse Major (à laquelle

on accède via Bel Ombre) qui sont des Parcs nationaux. La reine des plages,

pour beaucoup de personnes, c’est celle de Beau Vallon, au Nord de l’île. Celle-ci

se présente comme une longue promenade de trois kilomètres de sable blanc,

caressée par une eau claire particulièrement accueillante et calme. On trouvera là

plusieurs hôtels offrant tout l’équipement nécessaire aux sports nautiques.


Mahé

The main island of Seychelles is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and impressive in the world. Each of its 70 beaches has a different character; the rock formations behind them are a dramatic contrast and a beautiful backdrop for the architectural elegance of the hotels.

Mahé covers roughly 150 square kilometres and is 27 kilometres long and seven kilometres wide. Considering its mountainous interior, covered with lush vegetation, it is small wonder that the island’s original name was Ile d’Abondance.

The highest point, Morne Seychellois, is 930 metres above sea level. Even high up in the interior the roads are good. There are plenty of opportunities for walks through winding paths to appreciate the lush flora and fauna at close quarters, especially in the Morne Seychellois National Park.

The airport, south of Victoria, is built on reclaimed land. Landing there is an interesting experience – offering stunning views of the verdant island and its coastline.

Victoria, the national capital with a population of some 20,000, is spread around a large bay at the foot of Morne Seychellois and the Trois Frères. This small town is the islands’ economic and administrative hub, as well as their only international port.

The clock tower in the city centre is a replica of the clock that stands at the junction of Victoria street and Vauxhall Bridge Road in central London. Erected as a memorial to Queen Victoria in 1903, the Seychelles clock tower is today more readily associated with the declaration that year of Seychelles as a Crown colony.

A more modern structure, just outside the old town centre, is a huge sculpture by Lorenzo Appiani – the Bicentennial Monument – representing the three continents from which the Seychelles people originate. If you want to arrange a meeting place, however, the locals tend to use the Pirate’s Arms on Independence Avenue, where one can have a drink or a meal. The first hotel in Seychelles was built not far away, at the intersection of Poudrière street and Francis Rachel street. While no one street is best for souvenir shopping, there are clusters of shops and

boutiques near the traffic lights and the taxi rank, and in the arcade on Francis Rachel street. There are also boutiques in the Temooljee building in the same street, near the Pirate’s Arms and at the foot of Independence Avenue. Local crafts can also be purchased at the kiosks on Francis Rachel street and on Market street. The new Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market, which was opened in 1999, is noted for its noisy and colourful atmosphere, especially on Saturday mornings. Red chillies, flavoured with garlic and ginger (mazavarou) will give a special ‘Creole touch’ to your dishes. There are two national museums in Victoria – the Natural History Museum, ‘guarded’ by a large cement crocodile and a dugong, on Independence Avenue, and the National History Museum, together with the National Library and Archives are located near Le Chantier roundabout while the Botanical Gardens are on the Mont Fleuri Road, next to the Hospital. Departure point for many of the island excursions is the Marine Charter Association wharf, next to the Yacht Club. There are two cathedrals (one Roman Catholic and one Anglican), one Hindu temple and a Mosque in Victoria.

Then there are the beaches, the glory of Seychelles. The east coast, on which the airport is situated, has long beaches such as Anse Marie-Louise, but there are also many small beaches, some of which you can call your own at times.

Those wishing to avoid crowds will also like Anse Intendance on the south coast, but caution should be observed here and at several other beaches because of strong currents. It is advisable to check on local conditions before swimming or snorkelling. Most beaches, however, are perfectly safe, such as Anse à la Mouche, a large palm-fringed bay with shallow waters, ideal for swimming and snorkelling. There are more interesting beaches, such as Barbarons and Port Glaud, Ile Thérèse, Port Launay Marine National Park or Anse Major (in the National Park near Bel Ombre). Care should be taken with strong currents when snorkelling off nearby Anse Takamaka. Slightly north is Baie Lazare, with its dramatic granite backdrop.

To many, the king of beaches is Beau Vallon, in the north of the island – a huge three kilometres (two miles) long curve of white sand with crystal-clear water that is especially calm and welcoming. Several hotels on Beau Vallon offer excellent watersports and diving facilities.

Discover Seychelles The Islands 18+ d r i n k r e s p o n s i b l yw w w . t a k a m a k b a y . c o m

Visit us at La Plaine St. André

the home of Takamaka Bay

L’île aux CerfsCette île luxuriante se situe à 15 minutes de Mahé par bateau. Sa côte nord

s’étend le long du Parc Marin National de Ste Anne; elle est bordée d’un superbe

récif de corail, et est donc un endroit idéal pour la plongée sous-marine. L’intérieur

de l’île est le domicile de tortues et de roussettes (chauve-souris) géantes. Les

restaurants y servent une excellente cuisine créole.

Moyenne Island Parc NationalGrande de seulement 9 hectares, l’île Moyenne est un des plus petits parcs

nationaux. C’est une île privée, dans le parc national de St Anne, mais elle

demeure facilement accessible au public. Malgré sa petite taille, c’est un

véritable trésor. Plus de la moitie des plantes endémiques et uniques aux îles

granitiques y est présente. Moyenne est le seul endroit au monde en dehors

de la Vallée de Mai où poussent les six palmes uniques aux Seychelles.

Moyenne a une population de plus de 100 tortues géantes et environ

une vingtaine de tortues marines imbriquées qui viennent pondre sur ses

plages .Les premiers habitants de l’île étaient sans doute des pirates, ce

qui expliquerait les tombeaux qui s’y trouvent. Et aussi, il y a les fameuses

histoires de fantômes qui s’aventurent depuis lecimetière a minuit,

frappant aux portes et fenêtres, comme si bien raconté dans le livre ‘Un

Grain de Sable’!

CerfThis lush island is 15 minutes by boat from Mahé. Its north coast, which lies at the

edge of the marine park, has a superb coral reef, ideal for snorkelling or scuba-diving.

The interior is home to giant tortoises and flying foxes. Restaurants serve excellent

Créole food.

Moyenne Island National Park

At just nine hectares, Moyenne Island may be the world’s smallest National

Park. Privately owned, it lies within the St Anne Marine National Park and is the

only island of the group open to day visitors. Despite its diminutive size, it is an

environmental treasure trove. Some 40 endemic plants are represented, more than

half of those unique to the granitic islands. Moyenne is the only place on earth

other than Vallée de Mai where all six of the palms unique to Seychelles

can be seen.

Moyenne also has a population of more than 2,000 birds, 100 giant

tortoises and about 20 hawksbill turtles haul themselves ashore at Pirate

Cove each year. Perhaps pirates were the earliest human inhabitants and

graves of mysterious origin may date from this era. There are also tales

of ghosts that bang on windows and doors or trudge from the cemetery

around midnight, eloquently told in the book A Grain of Sand.

Eden IslandEden Island is a private residential marina development situated just

off the coast of Mahé. Featuring a range of 578 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 will host a myriad

of upmarket facilities. These include an international marina capable of

handling super-yachts up to 100 metres in size, a commercial precinct

as well as a clubhouse hosting a gym and a tennis court.

The overall style of the island is distinctly rooted in the Seychelles

vernacular, drawing inspiration from the islands’ French, Victorian and

Indian ancestry. For more information, contact Christopher Nel on

+248 43 46 000, visit the island yourself or visit www.edenisland.sc

Eden IslandEden Island est une marina résidentielle située proche de Mahé. Elle propose,

en pleine propriété, 630 appartements luxueux, maisons spacieuses et villas

de rêve indépendantes.

Chaque unité dispose de son propre point de mouillage et les propriétaires.

Eden Island développe 56 hectares de terrain et de voies navigables. Elle abrite

une marina internationale capable d’accueillir les Yachts jusqu’à 100 mètres et

bientôt un centre commercial ainsi qu’un club house avec salle de fitness et

cours de tennis.

L’architecture et le design de l’île s’inspirent des influences historiques

françaises, anglaises et indiennes dans le plus pur style seychellois. Pour plus

d’informations, contactez aux Seychelles Sandra Colas au +248 43 46 000

et en France la société Ter Cognita Jean-Philippe Aubert au +33 (0)1 48 25 93

33 ou visitez notre site internet www.edenisland.sc

21 Discover Seychelles Les Îles

23Discover Seychelles The Islands Discover Seychelles Les Îles

CousinCousin Island, has been a nature reserve since 1968, when it was bought by the Royal Society for Nature Conservation and held in trust for the International Council for Bird Preservation as a haven for all types of birds including endangered species. It is a place of pilgrimage for dedicated ornithologists: there they can find the Seychelles warbler, Seychelles magpie-robin and Seychelles fody, which are found elsewhere only on a handful of rat-free islands. Madagascar turtle doves (possibly including the endemic form with the red head) and Seychelles sunbirds are also present. Seabirds abound on Cousin, with more than 250,000 birds coming to nest every year. These are brown noddies, lesser noddies, wedge-tailed shearwaters, Audubon’s shearwaters, bridled terns, as well as fairy terns, one of the symbols of Seychelles, seen on the livery of Air Seychelles. There are also interesting geckos, giant tortoises introduced from Aldabra, and hawksbill turtles which lay their eggs above the tideline of the beach. The reserve is open on certain days. Check with your hotel or tour operator.

The Seychelles government declared Cousin a Special Reserve in 1975. It is managed by Nature Seychelles. Visitors may not have picnics or collect shells. Even smoking is forbidden. A popular day trip leaves Praslin around 0900 hours from Maison des Palmes, taking in Curieuse as well, with time for a barbecue there, and later some snorkelling at St Pierre, arriving back at Praslin at around 1600 hours.

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

CousinCousin est une réserve naturelle depuis 1968, date à laquelle cette île fut achetée par la Royal Society for Nature Conservation pour le compte du et le Conseil International pour la Protection des Oiseaux qui en fît un refuge pour oiseaux de toutes espèces mais particulièrement pour les espèces menacées d’extinction. Ces dernières étant particulièrement rares, Cousin est devenu un lieu de pèlerinage pour ornithologues. Ils trouvent là la Rousserole des Seychelles, le Fody (Tok-Tok en Créole) des Seychelles et la Pie chanteuse des Seychelles, espèces survivant seulement sur quelques îles sans rats. Des Tourterelles de Madagascar (dont la forme endémique des Seychelles à tête rouge) et des Souimangas des Seychelles s’y trouvent également. Les oiseaux marins y sont quant-à-eux très nombreux, avec plus de 250,000 d’entre eux qui viennent y nicher chaque année. Il y a là des Noddis bruns, des Noddis à bec grêle, des Puffins du Pacifique et des Puffins d’Audubon, des Sternes bridées, ainsi que des Sternes Blanches, un des symboles des Seychelles qui fut incorporé dans le logotype d’Air Seychelles.

On y trouve également beaucoup de reptiles intéressants, tels que des geckos, des tortues géantes qui furent importées de l’île d’Aldabra, et des tortues marines qui viennent pondre sur les plages, au-dessus de la ligne de marée haute. La réserve n’est pas ouverte au public tous les jours; il est donc prudent de s’informer auprès de votre hôtel ou tour opérateur avant d’y projeter une visite. En 1975, le gouvernement Seychellois classa Cousin «Réserve Spéciale». L’île éstt aujourd’hui gérée par Nature Seychelles, représentant local de BirdLife International. Le ramassage des coquillages et les pique-niques sont interdits à Cousin et les visiteurs ne sont pas non plus autorisés à fumer. Une excursion intéressante part le matin de Praslin vers 09h00, visite ensuite Curieuse, où est organisé un barbecue sur la plage, avant de reprendre la mer pour St Pierre pour un P.M.T. et de rentrer ensuite à Praslin vers 16h00.

St Anne and its Marine National ParkThe smaller islands that are most accessible from Mahé for half-day or full-day trips are Cerf, Moyenne, Round and St Anne. The best way to appreciate the wonders of the ocean is to make the trip by glass-bottomed boat, through which you can see shoals of colourful fish. Unfortunately large sections of coral have suffered from a rise in sea temperatures (attributed to climate change), although some are showing signs of recovery.

Constituted in 1973, the St Anne Marine National Park was one of the first Marine National Parks in the Indian Ocean. It now protects over 150 types of fish. Naturally, fishing is forbidden, as is collecting shells and coral. As the notice says, “Take away nothing but photographs and memories.”

With the new five-star hotel, Sainte Anne Resort, (managed by the International Company Beachcomber) the island is now a holiday paradise for visitors.

Sainte Anne et le Parc Marin NationalDes excursions d’une journée ou d’une demi-journée peuvent être facilement organisées sur les îles Cerf, Moyenne, Ronde, et Sainte Anne, au large de Mahé. Le meilleur moyen d’apprécier les merveilles de l’océan est de s’offrir une traversée en bateau à fond de verre vers l’une de ces îles. Car cela permet d’admirer les innombrables bancs de poissons. Malheureusement, les formations coralliennes ont souffert du réchauffement de l’eau, phénomène attribué au changement du climat, mais montrent des signes de récupération.

Le Parc Marin National de Ste Anne, qui fut constitué en 1973, est l’un des premiers de l’océan indien. Il abrite aujourd’hui plus de 150 espèces de poissons. La pêche et le ramassage du corail y sont strictement interdits. Comme le dit si bien la brochure touristique: “N’emportez rien sauf des photos, ne laissez rien sauf des traces de pas.”

Avec le nouveau complexe hôtelier cinq étoiles de Sainte-Anne, (géré par la compagnie internationale Beachcomber) l’île est maintenant devenue une destination touristique paradisiaque.

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


PraslinThe second-largest granite island of Seychelles is Praslin, about 40 kilometres from Mahé. It is 15 minutes by Air Seychelles service, which offers many scheduled flights a day. By boat, it takes about one hour with the powerful catamarans that make 3 to 4 round trips rotations per day. The island has a population of about 7,000. There are several excellent hotels, including the Lemuria Resort and Château de Feuilles. Praslin is not as mountainous as Mahé – the highest point being 330 metres – but it has similarly great granite outcrops surrounded by beautiful beaches, and a coral reef enclosing the crystal-clear waters which are so typical of Seychelles.

The majestic bays and beaches alternate with smaller ones on which, even in the busy season, you could believe you were the only person on the island.

Anse Volbert, or Côte d’Or, to the east of the island, is particularly beautiful, with its pure white sand. Hotels such as Berjaya Praslin Beach offer a wide variety of watersports facilities.

Fantastic granite masses form striking backgrounds to the beaches of Anse Bois de Rose, Anse Boudin and Anse Kerlan, where the five-star Lemuria Resort has an 18-hole championship golf course. At the northernmost tip of the island, Anse Lazio is excellent for both swimming and snorkelling. Grand Anse, on the west coast, has an equally beautiful beach for lazing about, but the waters are sometimes heavy with seaweed and, because it is very shallow over the coral, swimming is difficult at low tide.

Baie Pasquière and Anse Volbert to the north and Baie St Anne to the south have natural harbours which are best appreciated if you opt to make your trip from Mahé to Praslin by boat; the view as you sail in is striking. In Baie St. Anne, you will see Baie St Anne village, where there is a bank, shops and a church, same as at Grande Anse village on the opposite side of the island.

One of the eternal symbols of Seychelles, the huge coco de mer nut, grows in the Vallée de Mai forest of Praslin, also home to one of the world’s rarest birds, the black parrot. The Vallée, a World Heritage Site, is open from 0830 to 1630 hours and the entrance can be found on the road from Grand Anse to Baie St Anne. This area is heavily protected and is being allowed to return to its natural state following ill-founded attempts to introduce non-native plants there in the 1930s and 1940s.

Paths are well-maintained and clearly marked, and a nature trail leads you to all the interesting botanical species. You can find leaflets and information at the entrance of the reserve, managed by the Seychelles Islands Foundation. To walk through the Vallée is to step back in time into a primeval forest, canopied by thick palm fronds that block out the sun. The silence is broken only by the call of the black parrot and the clatter of huge sturdy leaves as the wind blows through the trees.

In streams, freshwater crayfish and crabs can be seen, and the plants around you include the coco de mer, bois rouge, ferns, lataniers, coco marron, screwpines and orchids, all growing around the granite mass. Fruit bats, blue pigeons, bulbuls, lizards, geckos, chameleons, snails and insects can also be observed in the Vallée de Mai. Praslin is perfect to explore on foot and is covered by a network of walkways. There is no danger of getting lost as the island is so small that one needs only an hour or less to cross it width wise.

There is only a limited number of cars for hire, so if you wish to drive it is wise to book ahead, particularly during the busy seasons from December to January and July to August. Petrol stations can be found at Grand Anse and Baie St Anne. There are taxi ranks at the airport. Taxis can be called by telephone from most hotels and the airport (tel: 4284666). Fares increase slightly at night.

A bus service runs between 0530 and 1900 hours, with a special Sunday service. You can also take a bus that passes the Vallée de Mai entrance. For souvenir shopping, there are boutiques in all the main hotels. Barclays Bank is at Baie St Anne (tel: 4232218), with a branch at Grande Anse open Mondays to Fridays from 0830 to1230 hours.

There are regular boat excursions to smaller islands such as St Pierre, a tiny rock island that is popular for its rich coral reef. The area is particularly favourable for underwater photography. You can organise a boat from Praslin to take you out in the morning and pick you up again in the evening. Coco is also another attractive destination for tourists; it is a deserted tiny island of rocks and boulders with a few palm trees and an exceptional marine life.

There are good restaurants on Praslin if you wish to have a meal away from your hotel.

PraslinSituée à 40 kilomètres à l’Est de Mahé, Praslin est la deuxième plus grande île des Seychelles. Elle a une population d’environ 7,000 habitants. Les deux îles sont reliées par un service régulier d’Air Seychelles qui assure beaucoup de une quinzaine devols journaliers d’une durée de 15 minutes chacun. Le trajet par bateau (trois ou quatre aller-retours par jour) dure environ une heure .

Plusieurs hôtels de grande qualité sont installés à Praslin, parmi lesquels le Lémuria et le Château de Feuilles.

Le relief de Praslin, dont le sommet le plus haut n’atteint que 330 mètres, n’est pas aussi accidenté que celui de Mahé mais il comporte des formations granitiques semblables, entourées de plages merveilleuses et d’une barrière de corail aux eaux cristallines qui font la gloire des Seychelles.

Baies et plages majestueuses alternent avec de plus petites baies dans lesquelles, même en pleine saison touristique, on a l’impression d’être seul.

L’Anse Volbert, ou Côte d’or, sur la côte est, est particulièrement belle avec ses plages d’une blancheur éclatante. Les hôtels, tels que le Berjaya Praslin Beach offrent une grande variété de sports nautiques.

Des masses granitiques spectaculaires forment un arrière-plan qui contraste avec les plages de l’Anse Bois de Rose, l’Anse Boudin et l’Anse Kerlan où se trouve le nouvel Hôtel cinq étoiles Lémuria. Un golf de 18 trous y a également été construit. Au point le plus septentrional de l’île se trouve Anse Lazio, une magnifique plage excellente pour la baignade et le P.M.T. Sur la côte ouest, la plage de Grand Anse est parfaite pour les bains de soleil matinaux; cependant, la baignade y est difficile à marée basse en raison d’une eau peu profonde au-dessus des bancs de corail, parfois recouverts d’algues jusqu’au bord du rivage.

La Baie Pasquière et l’Anse Volbert au Nord, et la Baie Ste Anne au sud sont des ports naturels qui offrent un spectacle pittoresque à ceux qui ont opté pour la traversée en bateau depuis Mahé. On peut apercevoir de cette baie le village principal avec son monument au coco de mer, la banque, les kiosques et l’église. Banques, boutiques et église sont aussi présentes à Grand Anse Village, de l’autre coté de l’île. Le coco de mer (vulgairement appelé Coco-fesses) est le symbole éternel des Seychelles. Il croît dans les forêts de la Vallée de Mai, à Praslin, où niche l’un des oiseaux les plus rares au monde: le Perroquet noir des Seychelles.

Cette vallée, qui fait partie du Patrimoine Mondialde l’humanité, est ouverte de 8h30 à 16h30 aux visiteurs qui peuvent la traverser en voiture sur la seule route goudronnée de l’île. C’est un site protégé que l’on espère voir retourner à son état primitif, malheureusement bouleversé dans les années trente et quarante par des tentatives mal fondées d’y introduire des plantes exotiques.

Les sentiers, qui serpentent à travers une nature bien fournie en espèces botaniques intéressantes, sont régulièrement entretenus et clairement indiqués. Une brochure est mise à la disposition du public à l’entrée de la réserve, gérée par la Fondation des Iles Seychelles.

Se promener dans cette vallée équivaut à remonter le temps dans un décor de forêt vierge au toit formé d’épaisses feuilles de palmier qui empêchent le soleil de pénétrer. Le silence est y impressionnant, interrompu seulement par les cris du Perroquet noir et le bruissement des palmes agitées par le vent. Ecrevisses et crabes d’eau douce vivent paisiblement dans tous les ruisseaux, et parmi les plantes environnantes figurent Cocos-de-mer, fougères, lataniers, Bois rouge, vacoas, Cocos marrons et orchidées, qui poussent entre les masses de granit. Roussettes, Pigeons bleus, bulbuls, lézards, geckos, caméléons, escargots et insectes divers peuvent aussi être observés dans la Vallée de Mai.

L’île de Praslin se prête parfaitement à l’exploration pédestre avec un réseau de sentiers et de chemins agréables. Pas de crainte de se perdre car l’île est si petite qu’il faut moins d’une heure pour la traverser dans sa largeur. Mais si vous préférez vous déplacer en voiture, il vaut mieux faire des réservations à l’avance car le nombre de véhicules de location est limité, surtout pendant les hautes saisons de décembre-janvier et de juillet-août. Les deux stations-service se trouvent à Grand Anse et à Baie Ste Anne. Il existe une station de taxis en face de l’aéroport. Ceux-ci peuvent être appelés par téléphone depuis l’aéroport (tel: 4284666) ou depuis les différents hôtels de l’île.

Le prix des courses est légèrement majoré la nuit. Il existe aussi un service de bus entre 5h30 et 19h00 sur les quatre routes principales avec service spécial le dimanche. On peut ainsi se rendre à la Vallée de mai en bus.

Vous trouverez des souvenirs dans toutes les boutiques d’hôtels. La banque Barclays est à Baie Ste Anne (tel: 4232218) avec une succursale à Grand Anse, ouverte du lundi au vendredi, de 8h30 à 12h30.

Des excursions partent régulièrement par bateau de Praslin à destination des petites îles avoisinantes, telles que St Pierre, un îlot rocheux très connu pour sa barrière de corail fourmillant d’une vie marine multicolore. Il est possible de s’arranger pour qu’une embarcation vous dépose le matin avec un panier pique-nique, et vienne vous rechercher le soir. L’Ile Coco est une autre destination très prisée des touristes; il s’agit d’une petite île déserte et rocheuse sur laquelle poussent quelques palmiers, et où la vie sous-marine est exceptionnelle. Les amateurs de photos sous-marines y trouveront un cadre idéal.

Plusieurs restaurants permettent de déjeuner ou de dîner hors de l’hôtel.


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

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

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

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

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

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

Discover Seychelles The Islands28 Discover Seychelles The Islands

La DigueThis is the third largest granite island in Seychelles in terms of population, housing about 2,500 people. It is a half-hour trip from Praslin, or three hours by schooner from Mahé. However, visitors with a tight schedule may prefer to take the 20-minute flight with Helicopter Seychelles (tel: 4385858).

The pace of life is slow, about the same speed as its traditional way of transport – the ox cart. Very few cars are allowed on the island and bicycles are popular. They can be hired from various bicycle rentals at Anse Réunion or La Passe harbour on arrival. At l’Union a fine old traditional planter’s house has been carefully restored. It used to be the centre of a vanilla plantation of which the treatment factory can still be seen. Further inland, Château Saint Cloud, built under Napoleon’s regime, is another impressive restored plantation house. On the agricultural estate, you can see furnace-dried coconuts, or copra, being turned into oil. Also of historical interest, at Pointe Cap Barbi, there are graves of early colonists from Bourbon Island (today’s Réunion). The old cemetery at l’Union is also an attraction. La Digue is noted for its superb beaches, and snorkelling (particularly in front of La Digue Island Lodge).

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

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

La DigueLa Digue, avec une population de 2,500 habitants, est la quatrième île des Seychelles par sa taille. La traversée depuis Praslin se fait en une demi-heure, et celle depuis Mahé en trois heures. Les visiteurs ayant un emploi du temps serré préfèreront s’y rendre par le vol de 20 minutes d’Helicopter Seychelles (tel: 4385858). Le rythme de vie ici est aussi lent que le moyen de transport traditionnel: le char à bœufs. Très peu de voitures sont autorisées sur l’île, par conséquent les vélos ont beaucoup de succès, et peuvent se louer à Anse Réunion ou au débarcadère du port de La Passe.

Une belle maison traditionnelle de planteurs a été restaurée à l’Union, celle-çi a servi au tournage du film ‘Emmanuelle aux Seychelles’. Elle est située au centre d’une plantation de vanille dont on peut visiter l’usine de traitement. L’usine d’huile de copra (noix de coco séchées) peut être aussi visitée sur ce domaine. Plus à l’intérieur, se trouve l’impressionnant Château St Cloud, une autre maison de planteur qui fût construite au temps des conquêtes napoléoniennes. Les tombes des premiers colons venus de l’Ile Bourbon (aujourd’hui l’Ile de la Réunion) s’élèvent au nord de l’île, à la Pointe Cap Barbi, ainsi qu’au vieux cimetière à l’Union.

La Digue est renommée pour ses plages superbes et ses sites spectaculaires pour le P.M.T (snorkelling) et la plongée sous-marine (en particulier en face de La Digue Island Lodge). On peut y admirer les formations granitiques sculptées par le vent et la mer au cours de millions d’années.

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

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

Ile Denis3°48’ Sud - 55°40’ Est, une perle corallienne au nord de Mahé. Bercée par le flot des vagues, Denis Island trône sereinement au bord des grandes profondeurs de l’Océan Indien. Havre de paix et de sérénité, « l’Ile des gens heureux » découverte par Denis de Trobiant en 1773 à bord de son bateau l’Etoile, semble n’avoir jamais cédé à l’empreinte de l’homme. Protégées par une longue barrière de corail, l’île de 152 hectares et sa plage de sable blanc bordent un extraordinaire lagon bleu turquoise où se côtoient d’infinies variétés de poissons, coquillages, coraux, tortues… Sur terre, la nature préservée et exubérante laisse échapper une symphonie douce et mélodieuse d’oiseaux marins, que seul peut interrompre le mouvement saccadé des crabes ou celui plus langoureux des tortues géantes.

Depuis plusieurs années, un important programme de conservation mobilise les énergies. Sur 50 hectares de forêt, des scientifiques travaillent à la réhabilitation de l’habitat originel afin d’introduire des espèces menacées d’oiseaux endémiques à l’archipel. Un pari sur le futur qui renforce chaque jour le caractère unique de l’Ile. Enfin, au fil des sentiers, Denis Island dévoile progressivement ses richesses, un vieux cimetière marin, son phare, sa chapelle œcuménique, sa ferme, ses projets de développement de tourisme durable.…

Familiale, romantique et amicale, Denis Island est avant tout une expérience unique, une symphonie harmonieuse entre luxe, calme et volupté. L’hôtel s’étend sur la pointe nord-ouest de l’île, les 25 villas et cottages sont dispersés le long de la plage.

DenisDiscovered in 1773, this croissant shaped coral hideaway of 152 hectares (375 acres) is a small green jewel perched on the north easterly edge of the Seychelles bank, idyllic white beaches surround the island; its sheltered lagoon provides unrivalled swimming opportunities and the crystal-clear waters harbour turtles and exotic marine life, the house reef is perfect for snorkelling. The deep waters outside the reef allow for excellent diving, game, bottom and fly fishing.

Denis is undertaking unprecedented conservation and sustainable development projects. Over 50 hectares of woodland have been rehabilitated and the dense forested interior is a haven for the recently introduced endemic endangered avian species such as the Seychelles Fody, the brush warbler, the Seychelles magpie robin and most recently the Paradise Fly-Catcher previously only found on La Digue. Other endemic species such as Seychelles blue pigeon abound. The island’s vegetable and livestock farm and surrounding seas supply the hotel’s kitchen’s requirements.

The island is accessible by a 30-minute flight. Twenty-five tasteful, elegant and secluded cottages each with its own private beachfront provide comfort and laid-back luxury.

Discover Seychelles The Islands 29Discover Seychelles The Islands Discover Seychelles Les Îles

Alphonse & St Francois Atoll

Alphonse is the most remote island with a hotel, 400 kilometres southwest of Mahé. Its attractions include some of the best diving in the Indian Ocean, with forests of Gorgonian fan corals, huge schools of pelagic fish and many colourful reef fish. Once a productive coconut plantation, little remains as a reminder of these days save for a few old buildings and the island’s cemetery near to Pointe Huto. Conservation is a high priority and a team of full time scientists and rangers from the Island Conservation Society are employed on rehabilitation and monitoring programmes

A short stretch of ocean, ominously named as Canal de Mort, separates Alphonse from picture perfect Bijoutier and the lagoon of St Francois, world famous for its fly-fishing, opportunities. A feature of St Francois is the number of shipwrecks, standing as grim reminders of the perils of the sea.

Les atolls d’Alphonse et de St François

Située à 400km au sud-ouest de Mahé, Alphonse est l’île la plus éloignée avec un hôtel. On y trouve quelques-uns uns des meilleurs sites de plongée de l’océan indien, avec des forêts de Gorgones éventail géantes, d’immenses bancs de poissons pélagiques et beaucoup de poissons de récifs colorés. Jadis une plantation de cocotiers productive, peu de choses sont restées de ce temps révolu à l’exception de quelques vieux bâtiments et le cimetière de l’île près de la Pointe Huto. La conservation de la nature est une priorité et plusieurs scientifiques et gardes de la Fondation pour la Conservation des Iles (Island Conservation Society) y sont employés à plein temps sur des programmes de suivi et de réhabilitation de l’écosystème.

Un bras de mer étroit, dont le nom (de mauvaise augure) est ‘Canal de Mort’ sépare Alphonse de l’îlot de carte postale Bijoutier, et du lagon de St François mondialement célèbre pour la pêche à la mouche. Une caractéristique de St François est le nombre d’épaves de bateaux naufragés, dressés comme des sinistres rappels des périls de la mer.

a

O�cial partner airline


Silhouette

From Beau Vallon Beach on Mahé the outline of Silhouette can be seen as the sun falls behind Mount Dauban. Despite being the third largest island of the granitics Seychelles by size, Silhouette has a tiny population. Labriz hotel at La Passe provides the only accommodation on the island. It is also possible to visit for the day and a few boat owners on Mahé offer excursions. Visitors arrive by sea or by helicopter, disembarking at La Passe. The headquarters of Nature Protection Trust of Seychelles, guardians of the island’s rich natural heritage, are also at La Passe.

Unlike its neighbours, the island is of volcanic origin and is named after an 18th century French dignitary. The famous privateer, Hodoul, once lived on Silhouette and it is generally believed that he buried treasure here.

There are no roads, so it is a place for walkers. For serious walkers, there are two paths through equatorial forests linking La Passe and Grande Barbe, and La Passe to Anse Mondon. It takes between half-a-day and a day to hike there and back. The island is very mountainous; Dauban is 780 metres high, much of it is covered with albizia trees, but higher up, there are many plants unique to Seychelles. There are many traditional Creole houses and an old plantation house, one of the finest in Seychelles. The Dauban family tomb, now listed as a national monument is in the grand classical manner, looking at odds with its surroundings.

There were mysterious graves at Anse Lascars that were later destroyed by the sea. Once believed to be evidence that these islands were already known to Arab traders, these graves have now been dated from the arrival of the first Europeans and their slaves. Day trips can be organised with private boats chartered from Beau Vallon (Mahé) or through Helicopter Seychelles.

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

SilhouetteAssis sur la plage de Beau Vallon à Mahé, on aperçoit l’Ile Silhouette, particulièrement évocatrice lorsque le soleil se couche derrière le Mont Dauban. Bien qu’il s’agisse de la troisième île des Seychelles granitiques de par sa taille, Silhouette n’a qu’une toute petite population. L’établissement Labriz à La Passe offre la seule possibilité d’hébergement hôtelier sur l’île. Il est également possible de faire une visite à la journée dans le cadre d’excursions proposées par quelques propriétaires de bateau à Mahé. Les visiteurs arrivent par mer ou par hélicoptère, et débarquent à La Passe. Le siège du Nature Protection Trust of Seychelles, gardiens du riche patrimoine biologique de l’île, se trouve également à La Passe.

Silhouette est une île plutôt montagneuse, faite pour les passionnés de marche. Il existe, pour ces amateurs de randonnées pédestres, deux passages qui traversent la forêt équatoriale, reliant La Passe et Grand Barbe, ainsi que La Passe à Anse Mondon. La promenade dure entre une demi-journée et une journée et il est préférable de se faire accompagner par un guide local.

Le Mont Dauban, dont les versants sont couverts d’Albizias, culmine à 780 mètres. Sur les hauteurs vivent des plantes endémiques, c’est-à-dire qu on ne trouve qu’aux Seychelles. Quelques maisons traditionnelles sont éparpillées sur l’île dont une des plus belles maisons de planteur des Seychelles, parfait exemple de l’architecture seychelloise. Le caveau familial de la famille Dauban, d’un style classique, contraste avec l’environnement tropical.

Il y avait des tombeaux à l’Anse Lascars mais ceux-ci ont depuis longtemps été emportés par la mer. Il fut un temps où l’on crut qu’ils témoignaient du fait que les Arabes connaissaient déjà ces îles, mais ces tombeaux ont été datés récemment de l’arrivée des Européens et de leurs esclaves. Il est possible d’organiser des excursions d’une journée avec des bateaux privés à partir de Beau Vallon (Mahé), ou par Helicopter Seychelles.

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

Depuis 2009, une équipe de scientifiques et de gardes de la Fondation pour la Conservation des Iles (Island Conservation Society) y est employée à plein temps pour assurer le suivi et la protection des espèces et des écosystèmes terrestres et marins.


FrégateThis, the most isolated of the granite islands, is only 12 minutes from Mahé by Air Seychelles. Of all the islands, it has the most romantic associations with the world of pirates and hidden treasure. Some relics on the island suggest that it was a refuge for pirates in the 17th and 18th centuries. Ian Fleming, who created James Bond, was persuaded from ancient maps he discovered here, that a treasure was hidden somewhere on the island.

More obvious treasures are the abundant flora and fauna. Frégate is the stronghold of the critically endangered Seychelles magpie-robin (less than 200 birds in the world), saved from extinction by the intervention of BirdLife International. Recently the Ministry of Environment established successfully on Frégate another highly threatened endemic bird, the Seychelles white-eye (500 individuals in the world). The island boasts the world’s only population of giant tenebrionid beetle, as well as numerous giant tortoises. Despite the abundance of exotic vegetation and planted coconut palms, tens of thousands of native trees have been propagated and replanted since 1995, totaling several dozens of hectares restored. There are superb beaches, such as Anse Victorin, which some say is the prettiest in Seychelles. It is also a walker’s paradise, with wooded paths leading through plantations and groves. With the five-star Frégate Island Private Resort, the island is a holiday preserve for guests.

ArideThis is the most northerly island of the granitic Seychelles. It was bought by the Royal Society for Nature Conservation in 1973 and today is owned and managed by the Island Conservation Society. It is second only to Aldabra in importance as a nature reserve in Seychelles. On Aride there are more breeding species of sea birds than on any other island in the region, together with the only breeding sites in the granitic islands for red-tailed tropicbirds, roseate terns and the world’s only sooty tern colony in tall woodland.

The island’s warden will guide you to the breathtaking clifftops, where hundreds of huge frigatebirds soar above the turquoise sea. If you are lucky, you will glimpse hawksbill turtles and dolphins in the waters below. Seychelles warblers, 29 of which were introduced from Cousin in September 1988, have multiplied to more than 2,000.

Aride is also a botanical treasure house, being the world’s only site for the beautiful Wright’s Gardenia, or bwa sitron, and a species of ‘peponium’ that might also be endemic to the island. Visits can be arranged from most Praslin hotels, but landings can sometimes be difficult during the south-east monsoon.

The world’s largest colony of lesser noddies and tropical shearwaters further enhance Aride’s reputation as the seabird citadel of the Indian Ocean. Aride is also home to five endemic land birds including the Seychelles magpie-robin, Seychelles warbler and Seychelles fody, each found only on a few other islands.

ArideAride, la plus septentrionale des îles granitiques seychelloises, fut achetée en 1973 par la Royal Society for Nature Conservation et appartient aujourd’hui à la Fondation pour la Conservation de Iles (Island Conservation Society) qui la gère. Elle constitue la deuxième réserve naturelle la plus importante du pays après Aldabra. Il y a plus d’espèces d’oiseaux marins qui se reproduisent sur Aride que sur n’importe quelle autre île de la région. Outre toutes les espèces qu’on trouve sur Cousin, Aride héberge les seuls sites de reproduction des îles granitiques du Paille-en-queue à brins rouges et de la Sterne de Dougall, ainsi que la seule colonie au monde de sternes fuligineuses sous une forêt.

Là, un gardien-guide vous emmènera au bord des falaises époustouflantes d’où l’on peut voir des centaines d’immenses frégates planant au-dessus d’une mer bleu turquoise. Avec un peu de chance, il est possible d’apercevoir les tortues marines et les dauphins qui vivent dans les eaux environnantes. Les 29 Rousserolles des Seychelles qui furent importées de Cousin en septembre 1988 se sont reproduites et leur nombre a déjà dépassé deux milliers. La réputation de citadelle des oiseaux marins de l’océan indien que possède Aride est attestée par la présence de la plus grande colonie au monde de Noddis marianne, et peut-être de Puffins d’Audubon.

Aride est aussi un trésor sur le plan botanique, et le seul endroit au monde où poussent les magnifiques Gardénias de Wright, ou ‘Bois citron’, ainsi qu’une espèce de concombre sauvage qui pourrait être elle aussi endémique de cette île.

Aride abrite les plus grandes colonies du monde de Noddis Marianne et de Puffins de Baillon, ce qui renforce sa renommée de bastion des oiseaux marins de l’océan indien. Aride accueille aussi cinq espèces d’oiseaux terrestres endémiques dont la pie chanteuse ou dyal, la Rousserolle et le Foudi des Seychelles, qui n’existent que sur une poignée d’îles.

FrégateFrégate, la plus isolée des îles granitiques est à 12 minutes de Mahé par un vol Air Seychelles. De toutes les îles, c’est celle qui est le plus souvent associée au monde des pirates et des trésors cachés au cours des dix-septième et dix-huitième siècles. Ian Fleming, le créateur de James Bond, était convaincu, au vu d’anciennes cartes qu’il avait découvertes ici, que l’île cachait un trésor quelque part.

Mais les trésors visibles à l’œil nu sont la flore et la faune de l’île. Frégate est le bastion du Dyal ou Pie chanteuse des Seychelles (environ 200 individus dans le monde), qui après avoir frôlé l’extinction se multiplie grâce aux efforts de BirdLife International. Récemment, le ministère de l’Environnement y a implanté avec succès une autre espèce gravement menacée, l’Oiseau-lunettes des Seychelles (environ 500 individus dans le monde). Frégate abrite également toute la population mondiale d’un scarabée ténébrionide endémique, et possède de nombreuses Tortues géantes à l’état sauvage. Malgré une abondante végétation exotique et la persistance d’une vaste cocoteraie, des dizaines de milliers d’arbres natives y ont été multipliés et replantés depuis 1995, totalisant plusieurs dizaines d’hectares restaurés. Il y a de superbes plages, comme Anse Victorin, considérée par certains comme la plus belle du pays. C’est aussi le paradis du promeneur, avec un réseau de sentiers traversant forêts, cultures et vergers. L’île est réservée depuis 1999 aux clients de Frégate Island Private, un luxueux hôtel 5 étoiles.

• Silhouette • Vol 24 No 1 •34

The lure of Hong Kong can be very immediate: flashing neon lights, futuristic buildings and crowded pavements full of shoppers easily highlight the fast-paced, exciting side of this great city. But while vast shopping malls, theme parks and street markets seduce, the city is also full of alternative activities and hidden surprises.

In Kowloon Park, flamingos wade against a backdrop of high-rises. Smoke from incense burners curls around the devout at Man Mo Temple, while elderly ladies waltz in the shrubbery in Victoria Park. And in exhilarating contrast to the elbow-to-elbow energy of Central and Kowloon, Hong Kong also has offshore islands that reveal a quieter, more contemplative side to the city.

In such a multi-faceted place – not to mention one that offers some of the world’s best shopping, dining and attractions – choosing top picks isn’t easy. Argue over them and make your own discoveries, but here are some Hong Kong’s most satisfying must-dos to set you on your way.

Hong KongThe Best of

By Brian Johnston.

DestinationHong Kong

• Silhouette • Vol 24 No 1 • 35

Phot

os c

ourt

esy

of B

rian

John

ston

Best harbour experience: Star Ferries

When it comes a superb combination of natural setting and human endeavour, Hong Kong is

surely the world’s most dazzling harbour. And really, there’s still no better way to see it than from

the deck of an old-fashioned Star Ferry. The public transport ferry links Central on Hong Kong

Island with Kowloon on the mainland, and the short hop takes just minutes. But as the ferry cuts

right across Victoria Harbour, you’re surrounded by flashing neon and futuristic skyscrapers, all

backed by forested hills – for the price of a ferry ticket, surely the cheapest entertainment in town.

Star Ferry Pier, Man Kwong Street, Central.

+852 2367 7065 or visit www.starferry.com.hk


Best walk: The Peak

While the rack-railway ascent of The Peak is a Hong Kong

staple, it’s amazing how few people venture beyond the

now highly commercialised top station. But hoof along

Harlech and Lugard Roads and you’ll discover one of

the world’s most spectacular urban walks, scented with

jasmine and shaded by towering clumps of bamboo.

Millionaires’ villas lurk in thickets where birds twitter.

Eventually, the path rises above the trees and Hong

Kong spreads below in a panorama right across Victoria

Harbour to make the jaw drop.

Lugard and Harlech Roads, Victoria Peak.

+852 2522 0922 or visit www.thepeak.com.hk

Best ride: Tram to Causeway Bay

So you think The Peak tram is Hong Kong’s best transport

experience? Be predictable if you must, or jump instead

on a double-decker tram and lurch from Central towards

Causeway Bay, where you’ll find some of the city’s best

mid-range shopping and restaurants. In a city obsessed

with getting ahead, there’s an endearing nostalgia about

these rickety old trams right out of the colonial era;

service first started in 1904. Wheels screech on rails

and bells ding as you rattle beneath cluttered neon

signs, illuminating the street bustle beneath. This is

neighbourhood Hong Kong at its best.

+852 2548 7102 or visit www.hktramways.com

Best museum: Museum of Teaware

If museums give you a cultural headache that sends

you running for the nearest café, consider this: a

little gem inside Flagstaff House, Hong Kong’s oldest

colonial building, takes just an hour of your time. And

who would have thought teapots could be so curiously

interesting? Regularly changing displays show teapots

from as far back as the seventh century and delve

into tea culture. There are also regular demonstrations

of tea ceremonies that, though in Cantonese, are a

wonder to watch. Bag yourself a souvenir pot in the

shop on the way out.

10 Cotton Tree Drive, Central.

+852 2869 0690 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/museum

While vast shopping malls, theme parks and street markets seduce, the city is

also full of alternative activities and hidden

surprises.

Best down time: Hong Kong Park

If you’re looking for some green peace, Hong Kong Park

is an unexpected oasis squashed between skyscrapers

and mountainside in Central – conveniently, right by the

tea museum. It packs in taichi gardens, orchid studded

conservatories and pools of burping carp, but the highlight

is a walk-through aviary that transports you from urban

jungle to an (almost) real one. Walk along elevated

platforms in the tree canopy and listen to the chirping

of 600 birds against the drone of downtown traffic – an

almost surreal experience.

19 Cotton Tree Drive, Central.

+852 2521 5041 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/parks

Museum of Teaware

The Peak

Hong Kong Park


Best shop: Shanghai Tang

Shanghai Tang isn’t exactly a secret: fashion designer

David Tang has been making waves since 1994 with

his modern reinterpretation of traditional Chinese silk

pyjamas, Mao jackets and cheongsams, those form-

hugging dresses with slit thighs. But if Chinese retro chic

sounds a bit dull, a browse through this hip flagship store,

decked out in 1930s Shanghai style, will soon convert

you. The bright pink, yellow and lime-green creations look

like something dreamed up on an opium bed. Buy off the

rack or have something tailor-made. The shop also sells

beautiful accessories and home furnishings.

Pedder Building, 12 Pedder St, Central.

+852 2525 7333 or visit www.shanghaitang.com

Best market: Temple Street

Serious aficionados of street markets will want to take

the ferry and head across to Kowloon. Temple Street

market doesn’t really get into its stride until early

evening and continues with undiminished intensity

late into the night. You’ll find an abundance of clothes

here, as well as watches, electric goods, CDs and

household items. A visit to Temple Street is worth it

just for its sheer energy and bustle: vendors compete

under strings of light bulbs, Cantonese pop wails from

portable stereos, and an occasional traditional opera

singer might be warbling away.

Temple Street, Kowloon. Visit www.discoverhongkong.com

Best swimming pool: W Hotel

Don your designer sunnies when heading poolside at

W Hotel, perched 211 metres above street level, with

a panorama of skyscrapers and harbour waters laid out

below. A huge mosaic wall of butterflies and shells that

dazzles at sunset dominates the dizzying recreation area,

rather suggestively nicknamed Get Wet and very Sex in

the City. After you’ve taken the plunge, kick back in the

Jacuzzi or have a cocktail as you watch the sun go down

over Hong Kong’s stunning harbour.

1 Austin Road West, Kowloon.

+852 3717 2222 or visit www.whotels.com

Best restaurant: Bo Innovation

Tantalise your taste buds at the novel restaurant of

tattooed chef Alvin Leung, who was born in London,

grew up in Toronto and now baffles and thrills Hong

Kong with his ‘extreme Chinese’ molecular cuisine.

Traditional dishes have been given a modern twist

with Japanese and French influences: egg-tart

martinis, smoked quail eggs with caviar, or stir-fried

Wagyu beef the likes of which you’ll never taste in a

food hall. In a city of superlative food, you may find

better elsewhere, but none so humorously daring.

Shop 13, 60 Johnston Road, Wan Chai.

+852 2850 8371 or

visit www.boinnovation.com

Best getaway: Lantau Island

When Hong Kong’s frenetic urban pace gets a bit

much, swap-honking traffic for honking geese and

whispering pines on several offshore islands, where

rural China lingers on. Lantau is the most convenient

and – though chunks of it are now covered in airport

and Disney rides – still features remote beaches and

rugged hiking trails. The leafy walk from Ngong Ping

hill to Tai O fishing village takes you past a 254-

tonne giant Buddha, while nearby Po Lin Monastery

has ornate temples painted with writhing dragons.

+852 3666 0606 (Ngong Ping cablecar)

or visit www.np360.com.hk

Best bar view: InterContinental

Where better to enjoy the best bar-with-a-view

than from the city’s only absolute waterfront hotel,

which drapes its Lobby Bar in three storeys of glass

looking right over Victoria Harbour towards the

glittering skyscrapers of Central. Arrive in time for

the daily 8pm Symphony of Lights, when lights and

lasers add further glamour to the harbour scene.

There’s nowhere else in town where you can sip a

cocktail as a cruise ship or junk sails right past the

windows. Harbour lights twinkle, and Hong Kong

seduces once more.

Lobby Bar, InterContinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury

Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. +852 2721 1211

or visit www.intercontinental.com

In such a multi-faceted place – not

to mention one that offers some

of the world’s best shopping, dining

and attractions – choosing top picks

isn’t easy.

Lantau Island

InterContinental

8117-E EIDC Silhouette_Edit 11/19/12 4:53 PM Page 1

Composite


Barefoot luxury in the heart of the Indian Ocean- pure nature, pure Seychelles, pure Raffles...

PURE LUXURY IN THE HEART OF THE INDIAN OCEAN Raffles Praslin, Seychelles

Cradled at the heart of the Seychelles, on the island of Praslin, are eighty-six architecturally exquisite villas touched by the sublime beauty of white powdered sands, ringed by opal-hued oceans and lush green hills. The ideal place to rediscover the luxury of spontaneity, Raffles Praslin is infused with Seychellois spirit and traditional Raffles service.

Swim, sunbathe, snorkel, sail, wind surf, walk... or just do nothing at all. Raffles Seychelles is the perfect place to escape the everyday, to explore your senses, and to reconnect - with yourself and those you love.

The adventurous can explore the mystic prehistoric forest of Vallée de Mai, the magical islands of Curieuse and La Digue, and the vibrant coral beds at the Curieuse National Marine Park. In fact, even the journey to the hotel is to experience glorious, abundant, surprising nature.

Meanwhile, romantics might dine in our Curieuse Seafood Restaurant, enjoy the delights of Losean, down a Praslin Sling at the Pool Bar, meet for drinks and beats in the Danzil Lounge Bar, or relax at the Takamaka Terrace for cocktails and panoramic views.

Alternatively, unwind in the award winning Raffles Spa - the finest in the archipelago - taking your body, mind and spirit back to a state of pure relaxation. With ocean views from the outdoor tubs, and the very best pampering in the whole of Seychelles, our spa is a destination unto itself, famous the world over.

Only fifteen minutes by plane or helicopter from Mahé (or a scenic forty-five minutes by boat), and a million miles from ordinary, Raffles is loved by those with an adventurous sprit and a taste for the very best.

Forbes Travel Guide’s top 10 beach resorts around the world 2012 Seychelles’ Leading Hotel at the World Travel Awards 2012

For more information or reservationsRaffles Praslin, Seychelles – Tel +248 429 6000

Email: [email protected] www.raffles.com/praslin

Raffles Praslin Ad_285x210mm_26112012_v2_FAP.indd 1 27/11/12 2:43 PM

Barefoot luxury in the heart of the Indian Ocean- pure nature, pure Seychelles, pure Raffles...

PURE LUXURY IN THE HEART OF THE INDIAN OCEAN Raffles Praslin, Seychelles

Cradled at the heart of the Seychelles, on the island of Praslin, are eighty-six architecturally exquisite villas touched by the sublime beauty of white powdered sands, ringed by opal-hued oceans and lush green hills. The ideal place to rediscover the luxury of spontaneity, Raffles Praslin is infused with Seychellois spirit and traditional Raffles service.

Swim, sunbathe, snorkel, sail, wind surf, walk... or just do nothing at all. Raffles Seychelles is the perfect place to escape the everyday, to explore your senses, and to reconnect - with yourself and those you love.

The adventurous can explore the mystic prehistoric forest of Vallée de Mai, the magical islands of Curieuse and La Digue, and the vibrant coral beds at the Curieuse National Marine Park. In fact, even the journey to the hotel is to experience glorious, abundant, surprising nature.

Meanwhile, romantics might dine in our Curieuse Seafood Restaurant, enjoy the delights of Losean, down a Praslin Sling at the Pool Bar, meet for drinks and beats in the Danzil Lounge Bar, or relax at the Takamaka Terrace for cocktails and panoramic views.

Alternatively, unwind in the award winning Raffles Spa - the finest in the archipelago - taking your body, mind and spirit back to a state of pure relaxation. With ocean views from the outdoor tubs, and the very best pampering in the whole of Seychelles, our spa is a destination unto itself, famous the world over.

Only fifteen minutes by plane or helicopter from Mahé (or a scenic forty-five minutes by boat), and a million miles from ordinary, Raffles is loved by those with an adventurous sprit and a taste for the very best.

Forbes Travel Guide’s top 10 beach resorts around the world 2012 Seychelles’ Leading Hotel at the World Travel Awards 2012

For more information or reservationsRaffles Praslin, Seychelles – Tel +248 429 6000

Email: [email protected] www.raffles.com/praslin

After so many days of continuous torrential

rains, the forested mountains above the

small town are in a state of saturation.

The storm rages on, as it has done during

the night. As turbulent streams of water pour down

the hillsides, carving out gullies and ravines on their

way towards the town, winds whip and lash fiercely

at the canopy of forest, tearing away large branches

of huge towering, centenarian timber trees. The

absorption of water at the extremities of their roots

has rendered the surrounding soil soft, almost like

sponge cakes. Among the trees, on the ridges and

slopes are granite boulders of various shapes and

sizes, embedded in the ground where they have

been for so many thousands of years. Now, the

flowing water rushes around them, washing

away the securing earth from their sides and

underneath. The overflow from tributaries

has turned into violent rivulets, winding

down the slopes on their twisting course

among the trees. It is a morning of

parsimonious daylight, and for a brief moment the

wrath of the winds also bears the subtle angelic

tendrils of a hymn from a children’s choir, from far

down below in the small town of Victoria.

Suddenly, a cliff face begins to crumble,

disintegrating as it hurtles down the mountain slope

and dissolving into a great gurgling river of mud and

debris as it blends with the torrent of water rushing

downwards. All across the steep wooded slope, old

giant trees are tottering over as they are uprooted

by the violent movement of shifting earth which

also causes many giant boulders of various shapes

to roll down, dislodging other boulders on their way.

Somewhere up high, part of a mountain ridge is also

crumbling down, tonnes of earth, rock debris and trees

are carried down by their own weight.

And this landslide is heading towards the town of

Victoria below, where all the rivers have already burst

their banks and the streets are raging floods of mud

and swirling waters, where dozens and dozens of

houses made of lattes have been blown away or have

One hundred and fifty years ago, a natural catastrophe happened in our islands. It was a calamity of an unprecedented nature. Tony Mathiot recounts the story of that harrowing event.

The of 1862LavaLaS

Above: Photo of the Lavalas of 1862.

Phot

os c

ourt

esy

of T

ony

Mat

hiot

the churchyard because the level of mud and giant

boulders had made access to the Victoria cemetery

virtually impossible. In any case, the island’s oldest

cemetery was an appalling mess, with more than a

few limestone tombs ruined or reduced to rubble,

that were scattered about in detached remnants of

their former artistic structures: a most gruesome sight

in the vast bleakness of the day. Some fresh graves

were washed away by the torrents of water so that

afterwards there was no discernible trace of the burial

sites in order for tombs and headstones to be erected.

For the interment of the bodies in the churchyard,

the corpses, tied up in mattresses, had to be weighted

down as the graves were half full of water. The two

nuns were buried in the foundation of the cathedral

of Immaculate Conception that was then being

constructed.

On Wednesday the 15th, a Comité de Secours was

formed by some inhabitants to consider the best

means of bringing relief to the victims of the Lavalas.

Dr. James Henry Brooks, a government medical

advisor, established a temporary hospital where those

suffering from fractures, lacerations and contusions

were attended to. He made an emergency request to

the medical officer of Mauritius for an

urgent supply of medicine and

other items.

At noon every day the

bell of the Anglican

Church rang to call

those who were in

need of food. Three

hundred habitants

came daily to receive

meals. The stock of

rice in the government

been displaced by the violent winds of the night’s

hurricane where many families await their fate in

petrified horror.

The date, 12 October 1862, will forever be

remembered for deluge, destruction and death. It

was an unprecedented natural catastrophe for

the archipelago of the Seychelles which was then

governed by the British as a dependent of Mauritius.

The devastation that it caused and the suffering

that it inflicted on the population of around, 7,000

inhabitants have no doubt made the Lavalas the

most dreadful event in the history of Seychelles.

At that time, coconut oil was the most lucrative

agricultural activity in the islands, so coconut estates

were established on many hundreds of acres of

land. Since the civil commissioner George Thompson

Wade had died of dysentery in September 1861

at 41 years old, and the arrival of his successor

Swinburn Ward was due in late October 1861, the

district magistrate Eugene Dupuy was appointed

acting civil commissioner. Indeed, he had to contend

with multifarious difficulties in the aftermath of

the disaster, from a waterlogged town to the threat

of famine; the consequences of that lavalas, were

appalling.

On the Sunday morning, the bodies of two nuns and

eight children were recovered from the ruins of the

convent. The nuns had arrived at Mahé in February

1961 from Reunion, to establish the congregation of

the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny. A catholic priest,

Father Jeremie Giantomaso who was the Apostolic

Prefect, was rescued after having been buried under

mud for almost five hours. The rivers that flow through

Victoria towards the Ocean were choked with tree

trunks and rocks, provoking the overflow as Morrisson,

the surveyor general wrote in his report to the colonial

secretary, F. Bedingfeld “to spread like flood over the

lower part of the town and passing over the chaussé

of Victoria street filled in the sea frontage to a depth

of from 31-61 centimetres (one to two feet), to a

distance, on an average of 122 metres (400 feet) from

wharf wall”.

The government buildings which had resisted the

impact of the raging flood were buried several feet in

mud; three bridges were completely destroyed and the

few timber dwellings that had escaped destruction

had been tossed into various positions far from

their original sites. The streams of the town were so

clogged with mud and rocks that the network of bridle

paths was obliterated by the sludgy overflow. Royal

Street itself had changed into a sinuous river.

By late Sunday afternoon, scores of families who

had lost their homes were snuggled together inside

the Anglican church of St.Paul, with the bodies of the

dead children. On Monday the 13th, a mother and

her three children were buried in the same grave in

Above: St. Paul’s Church where many inhabitants found refuge.

The devastation that it caused

and the suffering that it inflicted to

the population of around 7,000

inhabitants have no doubt made the

Lavalas the most dreadful event

in the history of Seychelles.

store was badly damaged and in late October 1961,

when he was eventually informed of the dreadful

calamity that Mahé had experienced, the colonial

secretary of Mauritius ordered an immediate shipment

of 1,800 bags of rice. Sergeant R. Brunton who

diligently conducted a survey to assess and evaluate

the scope of damages that Mahé had suffered,

estimated that there were 60 bags of rice and 6,000-

7,000 metro tonnes of maize available in the shops,

just enough to feed the population for the last two

weeks of October 1961.

By Friday the 17th, the number of people who had

perished in the lavalas had reached 67: 19 men, 27

women and 21 missing. “The mud is beginning to dry

up, but the town is in a pitiable condition.” Sergeant

Brunton’s report said on 19 October 1961.

Indeed, the mud in Royal Street was forming into

a compact mass now that the October sun had

returned with the usual scorching heat. Labourers

had to cut a canal into it to enable the St. Louis River

to flow through. Dead poultry and pigs were in a

petrifying state, and the stench combined with that

of so many tons of rotten vegetable matter created

a miasma of such abhorrence that Dr. Brooks advised

the residents of Victoria to move out and go to the

remoter areas. Hundred of inhabitants heeded

the doctor’s warning and hastened to other

districts in fear of the prospect of disease.

Landslides occurred at other places on the

east coast of Mahé, particularly at Petit Paris

and Anse Aux Pins, but no loss of lives was

reported there. The hurricane caused

such considerable damage to coconut plantations

at Anse Royale and Baie Lazare which prompted

Sergeant Brunton to observe that “It will take from

two to four years to repair the damage meanwhile,

the manufacture and export of oil will be much

diminished.”

On St. Anne, Cerf, Anonyme and La Digue, many

properties were destroyed. On Fregate Island, where

a rum distillery was established, 30 acres of sugarcane

plantation were destroyed, and one large house and

all outhouses were unroofed. However, Praslin and

Curieuse were exempted from the hurricane’s wrath.

In fact, the inhabitants on these two islands were not

even aware that a Lavalas had occurred at Victoria,

until a couple of weeks after the calamity when the

dreadful news eventually reached their shores.

For many days, Indian labourers from Mauritius

and prisoners, with the assistance of liberated Africans

who had started to arrive at Mahé the previous year

also helped with the work. When civil commissioner

Swinburn Ward arrived on 27 October, 1961 he found

the Dependency in great distress and suffering but

fortunately the arrival of three boats from Mauritius

precluded the possibility of famine. Dart, Surprize and

Romp brought an abundance of food provisions to the

stricken inhabitants. The final inventory of houses etc

destroyed, people and animals killed during the Lavalas

on Mahe was alarming: 210 houses, 108 outhouses, 295

huts, 22 roads and 11 bridges were destroyed. 25 men,

27 women and 23 children were killed. Twelve oxen, 25

sheep and 12 asses were killed. Many books, paintings

and historical documents of inestimable value were

destroyed.

On 11 November 1961, Bishop Vincent William

Rhyan, the first Bishop of Mauritius, arrived at Mahé.

The Bishop had first visited Seychelles in 1856 to

see the site where the church of St. Paul was to be

built in Victoria. The second visit was in 1859 when

he had consecrated the church on 15th May. He

was profoundly moved by the distressed state of the

island. He visited many places on Mahé and heard the

heart-wrenching accounts of many families who had

lost a loved one. He was greatly sympathetic when he

saw the tower of St. Paul’s church stocked with bags of

rice. He was especially affected when he learned that

the grave of Commissioner Wade had been swept away

in the raging flood. The Bishop had fond memories of

the late commissioner’s hospitality and companionship

during his last visit to Seychelles. On his last evening

on Mahé, the many scenes of

destruction and utter ruins

led him to immortalise

the Lavalas in few

Latin verses “…

Nec tempestatum

vistetigisse valet”$

Above: French translation of Bishop

Rhyan’s poem.

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]

Carn

aval

Inte

rnat

iona

l de

Vict

oria

The Seychelles Islands continue to make a

splash in the world of carnival with the third

edition of the highly successful Carnaval

International de Victoria scheduled to take

place between 8-10 February 2013.

Seychelles’ credentials for holding carnivals stretch

back some 40 years when the then Chief Minister of

Seychelles, Sir James Mancham, organised the islands’

first carnival at which the guest of honour was Her

Royal Highness Princess Margaret and her husband,

the Hon Anthony Armstrong-Jones.

This particular carnival was also designed to bring

the Seychelles Islands to the attention of the world

following the opening of Seychelles’ International

Airport on 4 July 1971, when the first BOAC VC10

aircraft landed to officially launch Seychelles as a

tourism destination. The carnival was followed by

another in 1976 and formed part of the Independence

Celebrations of 29 June 1976 when the Duke and

Duchess of Gloucester, representing

Her Majesty the Queen, joined the

then President Sir James Mancham

and Prime minister Albert René as

guests of honour.

Seychelles, then, is hardly new

to the world of carnival, whose

mantle it again took up in 2011

with the first edition of what has

become known as the ‘Carnival of

Carnivals’, This, on account of how

it welcomes representatives from

some of the world’s most famous

carnival events: Brazil, Notting

Hill, Dusseldorf and Trinidad &

Tobago, among others, as part of its spectacular

carnival procession parading alongside cultural groups

from the Community of Nations who are happy to

showcase their respective culture and their people as

they proudly fly their country’s flag for the world at

large to see.

Another name for the Carnaval International

de Victoria is the ‘melting pot of cultures’ and this,

where Seychelles is concerned, is particularly apt

because of the islands’ ethnic composition, weaving

exotic strands from the world over into a tightly knit

society in which harmony remains a way of life. It is

on account of this rare and beautiful homogeny that

some even go as far as to claim that “What Seychelles

is today, the world will be tomorrow”, for there can be

few better examples of people of different ethnicity

living peacefully together as one, than Seychelles.

It is with these credentials that Seychelles re-

entered the world of carnival in 2011, bringing a

spectacle to the normally sleepy streets of the nation

which, by some estimates pulled one third of the

population into the capital over three days of carnival

extravaganza, live entertainment, international food

stalls and an electric atmosphere which, arguably,

the capital had never before witnessed in its entire

history.

In the audience, a coterie of foreign dignitaries

joined the President of the Republic and members

of government to listen to music legend and United

Nations Food & Agriculture Representative, Dionne

Warwick as she argued passionately on behalf of the

planet’s poor.

The second, 2012, edition drew the largest

cohort of foreign press ever to come to Seychelles

and witnessed live entertainment and cultural

manifestations from both local and international

groups such as guest artists Micheal

Quinn and the Bourbon Kings of the

United States, Francois Dal’s from La

Réunion and Lima Calbio of Trinidad

and Tobago. High on the entertainment

agenda was the 2012 carnival theme song

– Sa Karnaval- performed by Jean-Marc

Volcy and supporting local musicians. In

a show of support for the carnival, Talib

Rifai, Secretary General of the United

Nations World Tourism Organisation

made an appearance, as did BBC’s famous

anchor Aaron Heselhurst.

The 2012 ‘Carnaval International de

Victoria’ attracted over 30 international

groups and countries such as the United Kingdom

Notting Hill Carnival, Indonesia, China, Zimbabwe, La

Reunion, Dusseldorf, South Africa, the United States of

America, India and Italy and set the tone for the third

edition which is due to burst onto the Victoria scene

in February 2013.

“With its innate spontaneity, great natural beauty

and wonderful racial mix, Seychelles is a natural

home for a carnival”, enthuses Elsia Grandcourt,

Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Tourism

Board whose Celebrate Seychelles Events Team is

responsible for organising the annual carnival, “We

may only be small in terms of size and influence but

it is heartening to see how our carnival has captured

the imagination of a world so lacking in harmony and

camaraderie and how it has inspired people to believe

in friendship and collaboration.”

‘What Seychelles is today, the world will be tomorrow’,

for there can be few better examples of people of different

ethnicity living peacefully together

as one, than Seychelles.

by G

lynn

Bur

ridge

.

Phot

os ©

Sey

chel

les T

ouris

m B

oard


The second day will feature the carnival procession

with representatives from the world’s most renowned

carnivals, local floats from Seychelles and contingents

from foreign navies whose presence in port will be

timed to coincide with the carnival. Navies from the

Community of Nations all rally in Port Victoria as a

show of solidarity against the ‘armed bandits from

Somalia’, the 20th century plague impacting on the

sea routes of the East Coast of Africa and the Gulf of

Aden, which has so increased in shipping costs and

heaped misery on African communities. After the

floats there will be further live entertainment as the

carnival atmosphere picks up-tempo. The carnival will

finish with a family fun day and an opportunity for

everyone to descend on the capital to celebrate in true

carnival – and Seychelles spirit – which after 40 years

of carnival, is alive and well. $

Now, with two successful carnivals already under

its belt, the third Carnaval International de Victoria

is planned for 8-10 February 2013 and at present

there are several expected international participants

including Notting hill, South Africa, Brazil, La Reunion,

Zimbabwe, Italy, Emirates, S. Korea, Indonesia, Trinidad

& Tobago and India.

The format will be similar to that of previous

editions, with an official launch in the presence of

President James Michel before members of Seychelles’

government and foreign dignitaries to be followed

by live music shows by foreign and local artists and

other forms of entertainment, all complemented by

international food stalls featuring cuisines from across

the world. Once again, members of foreign press and

media organisations are expected to be present in

force to bring the Seychelles carnival to the world.

“With its innate spontaneity, great natural beauty and

wonderful racial mix, Seychelles is a natural home for a

carnival”.


of the Seychelles Archipelagoby Glynn Burridge.

Two divers slice the pristine, crystal waters

off the north-west coast of Mahé, principal

island of the jewel of the Indian Ocean: the

stunningly beautiful Seychelles Archipelago.

What they are seeking lies some 40 metres beneath

the ocean - the hull of an old fishing trawler,

deliberately scuppered to provide a diving site in what

is arguably one of the best kept secrets among the

international diving fraternity: the amazing Seychelles

diving experience.

One diver is Imran Ahmad, Singapore-based

renowned Nikon professional photographer and

educator and he is amazed by the world class diving

he has found around these islands long celebrated for

their world-beating beaches, warm, dappled, sapphire

waters and the final word in laid-back island lifestyle

but with all the trimmings.

“At 40 metres she is fully intact and teeming with

marine life and coral growth”, he enthuses, “and with

visibility for as far as the eye can see, this is a definite

‘must’ dive for wreck lovers”.

Imran is one of an increasing number of divers

all making the same discovery – the magnificent

Seychelles Islands. Secluded from the world since the

dawn of time, Seychelles is only now awakening to

its true potential as a dream tourism destination and

much of what you will find here is still wonderfully

untouched, thanks to Seychelles’ strong conservation

laws.

With 115 granite and coral islands and an exclusive

economic zone of 1 million square miles, this cyclone-

free cluster of island gems offers year-round diving

in a land of perpetual summer. Together, the islands

offer awesome diversity for diving aficionado and

novice alike on both granite and coral reefs which can

be nothing less than living aquariums for diverse and

spectacular forms of coral and marine life. Myriad,

dazzling coral reef fish, shark, moray eels, turtles,

lobster, giant rays and even the odd migrating whale

shark propose a kaleidoscope of diving entertainment

in a host of unspoiled venues. On one dive alone, near

Aride, 800 species of marine life were spotted!

Seychelles boasts a number of world-recognised

dive sites, such as the famous Ennerdale Wreck and

Brissare rocks as well as the lesser known, more

remote but even more spectacular sites around

Marianne, the Sisters, Aride, Trompeuse and several

other islands. Some of the more remote locations are

only accessible by live-aboard charter dive boats.

Diving in Seychelles is refreshingly unprocessed as

well, with un-crowded dive boats and unhurried dive

schedules, in keeping with the leisurely pace of life.

Local dive centres and a range of live-aboards will

provide access to great diving while offering a taste of

the unique Seychellois lifestyle with beach barbecues

(BBQs) and other island-style entertainment. All diver

training is conducted by internationally qualified

instructors, most of whom are members of PADI, the

Professional Association of Diving Instructors, the

world’s largest sport diver training organisation.

Now, more than ever, is the time to visit Seychelles

and discover just how extraordinary - and affordable -

diving can be in one of the very last natural aquariums

on our planet where pristine waters, leisurely diving

schedules and an astonishing variety of marine life all

conspire to offer one of the finest dive vacations on

the planet. $

For more information about diving in Seychelles,

please visit: www.seychelles.travel and www.subios.com.

Diving the Dream Islands Diving the Dream Islands


Phot

o ©

Imra

n A

hmad

THE EAST IS REDChinese New Year

THE EAST IS RED

Story by Brian JohnstonStory by Brian Johnston

Chinese New Year


While virtually all societies around

the world celebrate some form of

New Year, surely none do so more

heartily than the Chinese. The fun

and celebrations last no mere evening, but continue

for 15 days over a period known as Spring Festival,

during which families get together for enormous

banquets, lions and dragons dances in the streets, and

fireworks displays light up the night sky. The last day of

celebrations, Lantern Festival, is a good excuse for final

round of partying under the glow of lucky red lanterns.

The fireworks – along with the din of 1,000

exploding firecrackers and the banging of drums and

cymbals – are designed to scare away evil spirits

for the coming year. (As firecrackers are banned in

places such as Singapore, people relay the sounds of

exploding firecrackers through loudspeakers instead.)

Chinese New Year is about hope, happiness and

renewal, and its most important focus is the family.

Chinese homes are decorated for the occasion with

tangerines – symbolic of enduring friendship – and

with ‘trays of togetherness’ containing tangerines,

lychees (harmony), candied melon (good health). This

New Year, which falls on 10 February 2012, bodes well

on the family front, since it ushers in the Year of the

Snake, a creature commended for its peaceful living,

intuitive intelligence and creativity.

The traditional Chinese calendar runs on lunar

months, so New Year falls any time between late

January and mid-February, on the first day of the first

lunar month. It’s a time of celebration, superstition,

strange omens and symbolic greetings and goodbyes,

and all about making a fresh start by attracting as

much good luck as you can for the year ahead. At the

heart of all the celebrations is an abundance of food in

the hope that this will set the pattern for the future.

Much of the food served for Chinese New Year

is rich in symbolism and cultural associations.

Black seaweed and red dates (prosperity), abalone

(abundance), oysters (success in business), lotus seeds

(fertility) and noodles (longevity) are all favoured.

These associations are often related to the names

of these ingredients. Red dates, for example, are

considered auspicious not only for their lucky colour

but because their Chinese name, hong zao, also sounds

like the phrase ‘prosperity comes soon’. In Korea, where

the lunar New Year is also celebrated, chestnuts and

pine nuts are the traditional snack, and rice wine is

drunk chilled, where it’s generally enjoyed warmed at

other times.

Equally, certain plants are also symbolic. Bamboo

shoots aren’t only eaten but presented in pots as

gifts, and represent long life. Flower shops serving

Chinese communities around the world dazzle with

a kaleidoscopic display of colour at this time of year.

Plum blossoms, bamboo, sprigs of pine, water lilies,

kumquats and narcissus are the plants traditionally

associated with Spring Festival. If you can get your

plants to bloom right on New Year’s Day, then you’re

sure to be exceptionally lucky in the coming year.

In Vietnam, where Chinese New Year is called Tet,

the yellow blossom of the hoa mai flower is favoured

for decoration. Families also ‘plant’ a tree or branch in

front of their homes from which all the leaves have

been removed; the tree is then wrapped or decorated

with red paper, remaining there until the final day of

New Year.

Red has long been considered a lucky colour

in Chinese societies, representing good luck and

happiness. It’s for this reason that the Chinese get

married in red, and keep carp and goldfish as pets.

(One of the carnival-like pastimes of New Year

The fun and celebrations last no mere evening,

but continue for 15 days over a period

known as Spring Festival, during which families

get together for enormous

banquets, lions and dragon dances in the streets, and fireworks displays

light up the night sky.

Phot

os c

ourt

esy

of P

eter

Hol

thus

en

Opposite and right: There are many traditions and customs associated with the 15 days of the Chinese New Year, including the Lantern Festival and an elaborate Dragon Dance, which usually mark the last day of the celebrations.


It’s a time of celebration, superstition,

strange omens and symbolic greetings and goodbyes, and

all about making a fresh start by

attracting as much good luck as you can for the year

ahead.

markets is the very tricky task of trying to catch

goldfish using a net made of tissue paper.) Over Spring

Festival, the thresholds of houses are hung with strips

of red paper on which prayers or poems celebrating

spring are written. The giant red Chinese characters for

‘spring’ and ‘luck’ proliferate. Money in red envelopes

is handed out to children and unmarried friends,

signifying the transmission of good fortune and good

wishes.

Superstitions and traditional beliefs have always

imbued Chinese New Year. These days they’re more likely

to be observed among Chinese communities overseas,

since many have fallen into abeyance in mainland China,

where New Year has become very secularised. Among

observances, many avoid bad language and unlucky

words, knives and scissors (which will ‘cut’ your luck), and

even fresh tofu because it’s white, the traditional colour

for Chinese mourning. People try not to fall, stumble or

cry, as this will only set the pattern for the coming year.

This is also a time to pay off debts and be nice to dogs:

according to tradition, the second day of New Year is

every dog’s birthday. In Korea, footwear is hidden away,

since ghosts are supposed to enter the house in order to

take away the best pair of shoes – should they be able to

find them.

In Korea, bells toll 108 times on the stoke of

midnight, a Buddhist ritual which is said to free you from

the 108 earthly desires. In Seoul, huge crowds gather for

the sounding of the gigantic Chonggak bell, one of the

most significant moments of New Year. In Yokohama in

Japan, one of the world’s liveliest Chinatowns is presided

over by the Kantei-byo Shrine, beautifully decorated

and wonderfully illuminated at night. Dedicated to the

Chinese god of prosperity and business, it buzzes with

energy over New Year as visitors pray for success.

Meanwhile in Singapore, the much-loved God

of Prosperity presides over a New Year parade and

sprinkles gold dust over the crowds, bringing fortune

for the year ahead. At Thian Hok Keng Temple, where

guardians with scimitars and angry eyes goggle at you

as you step over the threshold, visitors place lighted

cigarettes into the outstretched hands of two statues

known as the Gambling Brothers in the hope they’ll

influence lucky lottery numbers.

Parades and public events mark Chinese New Year

around the world. Hong Kong has the best fireworks

display with the harbour and laser-lit skyscrapers as

backdrop. In Taiwan, the Lantern Festival is marked by

a giant parade of floats decorated with lanterns and

displaying mechanised heroes from Chinese legend,

including the God of Happiness. And in Singapore, the

Chinagay parade is the culmination of Spring Festival,

featuring 3,000 street performers, rock bands and

dragon dancers.

Chinese New Year is also increasingly a major event

in cities across the world with large Chinese immigrant

populations. Sydney’s three-week Chinese New Year

celebrations are the largest outside Asia, centred on its

Chinatown and involving food markets, dragon boat

races on the harbour and a parade that shuts down

the main thoroughfare in the city centre. Melbourne,

Vancouver, New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Paris and

London are other good spots to be for the occasion.

Expect more parades, dancing Chinese lions, beauty

pageants and plenty of good food. Even Buenos

Aires gets in on the act, with a Chinese New Year

parade through its compact Chinatown and colourful

decorations on shop facades. For a moment, it seems

the whole world turns Chinese – and red – in the spirit

of a happy New Year. $

Above: The bustling Chinese community of restaurants and businesses in London’s Chinatown has been an integral part of the capital’s history since the 1950’s, and the New Year festivities here are always an experience to behold.

English Cantonese

Welcome (fùnyìhng)

Hello (néih hóu) (wái) - on phone

How are you? (néih hóu ma), (dím a)

I’m fine, thanks, and you? (ngóh géi hóu, néih nē) (hóu hóu), (géi hóu)

Long time no see (hóunoih móuhgin)

What’s your name? (néih giu(jouh) mātyéh méng a) (néih dím chìngfù a)

My name is ... . (ngóh giujouh ...)

Where are you from?(néih haih bīndouh yàhn a)(néih yàuh bīndouh lèih ga)(néih haih bīngwok yàhn a)

I’m from ... (ngóh haih ... yàhn)

Pleased to meet you (hóu hòisàm yihngsīk néih)(hóu hòisàm gindóu néih)

Good morning (jóusàhn)

Good afternoon (ńgh ōn)

Good evening (máahn ōn) (máahnseuhng hóu)

Good night (jóutáu)

Goodbye (joigin) (bāaibaai)

Good luck (jūk néih hóuwahn)

Bon voyage (yāt louh seuhn fùng) (yāt louh pìhng ngòn)

Excuse me (chéngmahn) - to get attention (m̀hgòi) - to get past(sàtpùih) - used when leaving for a while

How much is this? (Nīgo géidō chín a?)

Sorry (deuim̀hjyuh)

Thank you

Response

dòjeh) - for a gift, (m̀hgòi) - for a service

(m̀hsái), (m̀hsái haakhei) (móuh mahntàih)

Where’s the toilet? chisó hái bīndouh a? sáisáugāan hái bīndouh a?

Would you like to dance with me?

(néih yium̀hyiu tùhng ngóh tiumóuh) - inf(séungmíhn tùhng ngóh tiujek móuh ma) - frm

I love you (ngóh oi néih)

Get well soon (jóuyaht hòngfuhk) (faaidi hóufàan a)

Language difficulties

English Cantonese

Do you speak English? (neih sīkm̀hsīk góng yìngmán a?)

Does anyone speak English? (yáuhmóuh yàhn sīk góng yìngmán a?)

Do you speak Cantonese? (neih sīkm̀hsīk góng gwóngdùngwá a)

Yes, a little Long time no see

(ngóh sìk góng síusíu a) (hóunoih móuhgin)

I don’t speak Cantonese (ngóh m̀hsìk góng gwóngdùngwá)

Please speak more slowly (néih hóm̀hhóyíh góng maahn síusíu a)(chéng néih góng maahn di)

Please say that again (m̀hgòi néih góng dō yātchi a) (m̀hgòi joi góng)

Sorry, I didn’t get that (deuim̀hjyuh, ngóh m̀h mìhngbaahk)

What did you say? (néih góng mātyéh wá?)

Please write it down (m̀hgòi néih sédài a?) (m̀hgòi bātgei)

Can you translate it for me? (néih hóm̀hhóyíh bòng ngóh fáanyihk a?)

What does this mean? (nīgo dímgáai a?)

How do you say ... in Cantonese? ... (... gwóngdùngwá dím góng a)

How do you pronounce that? (nīgo dím duhk a?)

I understand (ngóh mìhngbaahk la)

I don’t understand (ngóh m̀h mìhngbaahk)

Do you understand? (néih mìhngm̀hmìhng a)

Making a lunch/dinner date

English Cantonese

Are you free for lunch? (ngóhdeih yātchàih sihk ngaanjaufaahn hóu ma?)

Are you free this evening? (néih gàmmáahn dākm̀hdākhàahn a?)

Can you suggest a place for lunch? (hóyíh gaaisiuh go sihk ngaan ge deihfòng ma?)

Can you suggest a place for dinner? (hóyíh gaaisiuh go sihk máahnfaahn ge deihfòng ma?)

I’ll meet you there (ngóhdeih hái gódouh gin)

I’ll meet you then (néihdeih dousìh gin)

Can I have your phone number? (hóyíh góng néih go dihnwá houhmáh ngóh jì ma)

Can I have your address? (hóyíh góng néih go deihjí ngóh jì ma)

This is my phone number (nīgo haih ngóh ge dihnwá houhmáh)

This is my address (nīgo haih ngóh ge deihjí)

Eating out

English Cantonese

Is there a restaurant near here? (fuhgahn yáuhmóuh chāangún a?)

I’d like to reserve a table (ngóh séung dehng yātjèung tói)

We have a reservation (ngóhdeih dehng jó juèng tói ge la)

Do you have an English menu? (néihdeih yáuhmóuh yìngmán chāanpáai a?)

Can I see the wine list? (ngóh hóm̀hhóyíh táiháa go jáudāan a?)

I am a vegetarian (ngóh sihk jāai)

Bon appetit (sihk faahn) - eat

Cheers/Good health! (yám sing), (yám bùi) (ging jáu), (gòn bùi)

Emergencies

English Cantonese

Help! (gau mehng a!)

Fire! (fóh jūk a!)

Stop! (tìhng dài!)

Leave me alone! (m̀hhóu gáau ngóh!)

Call the police! (giu gíngchaat) (bou gíng)

Other phrases

English Cantonese My hovercraftis full of eels (ngóh jek heidínsyùhn jòngmúhnsaai síhn)

One languageis never enough

(yātjúng yúhyìhn wíhngyyúhn bātgau)(yātjúng yúhyìhn wíhngyyúhn m̀gau)

Special occasions

English Cantonese

Merry Christmas (singdaanjit tùhng sànnìhn faailohk)

and Happy New Year (gùng héi faat chōi) - used at Chinese New Year

Happy Easter (fuhkwuhtjit faailohk)

Happy Birthday (sàangyaht faailohk)

In the hotel

English Cantonese

There’s a problem in the room (gàanfóng yáuhdī mahntàih) There’s no hot water (móuh yihtséui)

The tap/faucet is leaking (séuilùhngtàuh lauhséui)

The drain is blocked (hàangkèuih sākjó a)

The air conditioner is too noisy (láahnghei hóu chòuh a)

I would like to move to another room (ngóh séung wuhngwo gàanfóng)

When should I vacate the room? (ngóh géisìh yiu teuifóng a)

I’d like to check out (m̀hgòi màaihdāan)

Please call a taxi for me (m̀hgòi bòng ngóh giuga dīksí a)

May I see the bill please? (ngóh hóm̀hhóyíh táihá jeungdàan a)

How much is the total bill? (jeungdàan jóngsou haih géidō chín a)

Can I have an itemised bill? (m̀hgòi, béi jèung chèuhngsai jeungdàan ngóh a)

I think there’s a mistake on this bill (ngóh gokdāk ni jèungdàan yáuh yātdouh cho jó)

Useful Cantonese Phrases


Fish naturally features highly on the

Seychelles menu. There is a wide variety

available, but particular favourites are fresh

tuna, sailfish, red snapper or bourzwa, parrot

fish and job. Some of these can be obtained in the

supermarket back home these days, and you can

always substitute; experiment until you find the best

equivalent for your recipe, or one which gives the

dish an entirely new dimension. For tuna, why not

try salmon; for red snapper, what about monkfish or

any other firm white fish? If the worst comes to the

worst, you can always resort to chicken!

The other ingredients should be found on

supermarket shelves, or in specialist Indian or Chinese

supermarkets. As for accompaniments, all you need

is some rice, a dish of chopped chillies in vinegar,

oil or lime juice and a satini. The latter can be as

straightforward as grated fresh carrot, cabbage or

cucumber tossed in a little oil, lime juice and pepper

or – more exotically – grated green pawpaw, green

mango, pumpkin or golden apple (if obtainable)

mixed with some onion and lime juice.

So let’s get cooking! For a super soup you first of

all have to make a good fish stock using fish bones

and a fish head. These should be washed and broken

up, then added to some hot oil with sliced onions

and tomatoes. If the thought of cutting up a whole

fish is just too much, you can always buy pre-made

fish stock or use a stock cube. When the onions

are browned, add about two litres (three pints) of

water, some tomato puree, ginger, garlic, sugar, fish

sauce, thyme and turmeric and, if you would like

Perhaps you are on your way out to Seychelles and have opted for self-catering accommodation; or you are on your way home and thinking back to the food you have been enjoying in the past few weeks. Judith

Skerrett makes a few suggestions for fish feasts which will bring you the real taste of Seychelles.


a slightly sour twist, 50 grammes (2 ounces) of

tamarind pods. In Seychelles they use bilimbis to

give this sourness but tamarind pods are perhaps

more easily obtainable at home. As for the fish, if

you are in Seychelles it should be easy to buy some

bourzwa or baksou. Back home you can sometimes

buy Red Snapper in supermarkets and it is available

at specialist fishmongers or from online suppliers,

but failing this you can use mullet or even cod,

though with cod numbers on the decline, people are

turning to more ‘ethical’ alternatives including coley,

pollack, black bream or sea bream. After adding salt

and pepper, leave the stock to simmer for about 30

minutes. Strain the bones from the stock carefully

and add chunks of fish to the liquor. Cook the fish

pieces in the stock for about five minutes until the

fish is cooked through. Remove the fish and strain

the soup again. Take the bones out of the fish pieces,

break the flesh into flakes and add to the soup before

serving.

Next on the menu is a cooking good curry! Tasting

a delicious Seychelles fish curry is one of the best

things about a visit to the islands. The locals use

meaty fish such as tuna or bonito for their curries

but again you could use any of the cod alternatives

mentioned above. Having cut the fish into cubes

and finely chopped an onion, grind together an inch-

long piece of fresh ginger with a few cloves of garlic

(according to taste). In a dry pan gently heat the

spices for the curry mix, including two teaspoons of

coriander seeds, half a teaspoon of cumin or caraway

seeds and three or four finely chopped chillies (add

more according to taste). For convenience you

can buy ready-made curry powder; or better still

buy some of the local carry pile from the market in

Victoria whilst you’re in Seychelles. Heat oil in a pan

and add the onions, the curry mix and a teaspoon

of turmeric. Add the fish pieces and cook for a few

minutes adding tomato paste, garlic and ginger and

tamarind if desired. Add water until the sauce is of

the desired thickness, cover and simmer gently for 15

to 20 minutes.

As an alternative for those who like their food

a bit less spicy, you could serve a gorgeous grilled

fish. For this you can use whole mackerel or salmon

steaks. Make cuts in the skin and leave to marinate

in a mixture of sliced onions, chopped garlic, ground

ginger, salt, pepper and, depending on your tastes,

some chopped chillies and tamarind paste. Put

some of the mix into the slits to ensure the flavours

penetrate well into the flesh. Set aside for half

an hour and then cook under a hot grill, basting

occasionally with a mix of oil and lime juice.

Alternatively you can stuff the slits with slices

of lemon, rosemary, chopped garlic and onion, baste

with apple juice and wrap in foil. Cook in a hot oven

for about 20 to 25 minutes until the fish flakes easily

with a fork.

A Seychelles speciality is the fabulously

flavoursome carri koko which is usually made using

octopus. Octopus is often available in supermarkets

if you don’t mind preparing it. To get it really tender,

give it a good bashing with a steak hammer; then

cook it in salted water and allow to cool. If this

seems like too much of a bother, just use any white

fish of your choosing. Fry onions gently in oil until

transparent, then add some turmeric, the fish or

octopus and chilli powder (or chopped chillies). A

coconut curry is usually more gently spiced than

Next on the menu is a

corking good curry! Tasting

a delicious Seychelles fish curry is one of the best things about a visit to

the islands.


carefully shredded fish. Add two eggs,

thyme, three tablespoons of flour, salt and

pepper and mix together into a firm mixture

which you can shape into little balls and set

aside in the refrigerator for a few hours to

firm up. Heat some oil and roll each ball in

flour before frying for a few minutes, turning

carefully. Drain on a kitchen towel and

then add to the warm rougaille sauce. You

could alternatively also use tinned or fresh

mackerel or salmon, and make the balls as

above but instead of adding eggs, mix in

mashed potato and add the juice of half a

lime. Shape into balls or cakes, dip in beaten

egg and coat with breadcrumbs before frying

until golden brown and serve the sauce

separately.

To complement your fish feast you

will want to serve rice cooked the local

way. To serve four, use eight ounces of

rice (reduce the amount according to the

numbers you are cooking for), and wash

carefully in several changes of water.

Drain and boil for up to half an hour

in a pint of water, then drain and wash

again. Add water to cover and cook very

gently with the lid on the pan until the

water is absorbed (about 20 minutes).

To accompany the fish, you could try

aubergine chutney or aubergine fritters.

To make the chutney, take two or three

aubergines and grill them in their skins in

a baking dish in a hot oven. When you can

easily push a knife or skewer into them,

remove, cool and peel. Mash the flesh and

set aside. Chop a large onion, squeeze the

juice from two limes and chop chillies (as

many as you wish). Mix the aubergine

with the onions and a little oil, add salt

and pepper and the lime juice. This makes

lovely cooling chutney to serve with a

spicy main.

To make aubergine fritters slice the

aubergine and soak in salted water for five

minutes. Squeeze the salt water out of

the slices and dry. Make a batter with two

eggs and two tablespoons of flour whisked

together. Dip the slices of aubergine in

the batter and deep fry.

Your fish feast is complete. Light a few

scented candles (bought in Seychelles of

course), pour out a Seybrew (if you have

some) or brew a pot of citronelle tea, put

on a CD of camtole music and enjoy your

Seychelles experience no matter where

you are. $

other curries so you might want to add less

in the way of chilli than you usually would.

After cooking for a few minutes, add ground

ginger (about an inch) and a few finely

chopped garlic cloves and then the coconut

milk which is easily available in tins and

cartons. Simmer very gently for about half

an hour.

It is easy to make great garlic prawns for

a tasty appetiser. Fry three or four peeled,

chopped garlic cloves in oil, and add three

chopped tomatoes, a teaspoon of chopped

chillies and a teaspoon lemon juice, then

season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the

prawns and cook quickly, stirring often until

they are cooked through.

You can make beautiful fish-balls using

cod, (or an alternative as suggested earlier),

haddock or salmon. In Seychelles you might

like to use bonito. Cook the fish pieces in

water with salt and pepper, drain well and

squeeze out excess water, then set aside.

To make the sauce, heat olive oil and fry

chopped ginger, garlic and onions, add some

chopped fresh tomatoes, tomato puree, two

chillies (for a spicier sauce) and cook for a

few minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep warm

whilst you prepare the fish-balls. To make

these, finely chop two onions and combine

in a bowl with some ginger, garlic and the


Music therapy is where art and

science meet in improving the

physical and emotional health

of patients, and some of its

effects are simply extraordinary. Scientific

music therapy originated after World War One,

when it was noticed that visiting musicians

greatly aided traumatised soldiers in hospital.

Since then, neurologists have shown that music

directly affects both our physical and mental

processes and can greatly speed the recovery

of patients in hospitals, special-education

centres and aged-care facilities.

Why music has this therapeutic effect is

poorly understood, but the results are clear:

music influences everything from heart rate

and blood pressure to skin responses and

the immune system. It has a positive impact

on chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep patterns

and recovery from drug and alcohol abuse.

It relieves anxiety in the terminally ill and

reduces the medication required among the

sick. Music therapy even improves the memory

and communication and motor skills of

stroke and brain-injury victims, speeding their

recovery.

Of course, music has long been used to

promote wellness and manage stress; indeed,

that’s what all of us are doing every time we

switch on the car radio. Most of us would agree

that music is relaxing. Indeed, it actually reduces

our respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure and

stress hormones. But music can do a lot more

than just alleviate our road rage. It has the ability

to reduce anxiety in dental clinics, calm patients

in mental wards and alleviate perceptions of pain

– even among women in labour.

But there is much more. Music therapists in

hospitals around the world use music therapy

to help treat the symptoms of chemotherapy

and bone-marrow transplants. They also find

music alleviates the feelings of loneliness and

emotional stresses of being in hospital and

getting diagnosed with serious illnesses such as

cancer. Making, rather than listening to, music

also affects patients’ motivation and desire for

social interaction.

The magic works even on the very young,

suggesting we have a wired connection to music

beyond social conditioning. Even premature

babies show amazing improvements when

exposed to music. It has now become apparent to

many doctors that there is more to looking after

sick babies than turning up the oxygen or giving

feeds. Music therapy has a big part to play in the

care of babies.

by listening to music. However, the type of

music doesn’t seem to matter; what matters

is whether the listeners enjoy the kind of

music they are listening to. Indeed, several

psychological studies have shown that patient

responses improve when they are listening to

anything they enjoy – even a Stephen King

horror story read out loud.

Conversely, listening to something you

dislike has quite the opposite effect. Rather

amusingly, some railway stations in Britain

have trialled Mozart over the loudspeakers on

its platforms. The result: a 70 per cent drop in

the amount of petty vandalism and graffiti,

presumably because delinquent teenagers

no longer care to hang about in a place that

plays music so offensive to their ears.

We may not know exactly why music

soothes the mind, but no one doubts that

it does. But as you unwind, do you also feel

smarter? The popular notion that listening

to Mozart in particular makes you smarter

originated some 40 years ago in the work

of Dr. Alfred Tomatis, a French ear, nose

and throat specialist. To his amazement,

he discovered that listening therapy had a

profound impact on children with learning

problems such as dyslexia and attention

deficit disorder (ADD).

Developing a programme called the

Tomatis Method, he also demonstrated

its impact on adults. Listening therapy

could fight depression, improve creativity,

enhance on-the-job performance, and even

help adults learn foreign languages more

quickly. Because Tomatis used electronically

modified music from Mozart in particular,

popular interest became focused on the

Austrian composer. In one US study, college

students listened to Mozart’s Sonata in

D Major and scored better on spatial

reasoning tests. What’s more, even rats that

listened to Mozart both before and after

birth navigated their way around mazes

three times as fast as those poor rodents

that had listened to the random noise of

more modern music. Other researchers since

have had mixed success in showing any

link between music-listening and improved

abilities.

What’s certain is that there is something

magical about music. So kick back at home

with some soothing sonata, shuffle some

hip-hop onto your iPod, prick up your ears

the next time you’re in an elevator. It could

be music to your ears. $

Florida State University in the USA (United

States of America) is a world leader in the

effects of music on premature babies and has

conducted studies that show babies who are

played just 15 to 30 minutes of music twice a

week benefit enormously – especially if they’re

girls. Every time the music is switched on, the

babies’ heart rates drops and blood oxygen

saturation increases. They gain weight more

quickly and shorten their hospital stay. Baby

boys leave a day and a half sooner, but for

some reason, baby girls leave an extraordinary

11 days earlier. American hospitals now

routinely play music to premature babies,

saving up to 15 percent of their medical costs.

Premature babies show a preference for

simple classical arrangements and female

vocals, perhaps because they mimic the

heartbeat tempo and voice they hear in the

womb. This is also the key to lullabies, which

have a repetitive, almost monotonous nature

– just like the predictable music that soothes

during massages or meditation.

The International Society for Music in

Medicine, among others, is now looking

at specific kinds of music and their

characteristics. The amount of repetition,

melody, tonic chords and things the ear wants

to hear again seem to matter. One Harvard

study found that patients listening to Mozart

piano sonatas show a decrease in blood

pressure, stress hormones and the trauma-

response chemical cytokine, while another

found Mozart the best at calming epileptic

seizures.

The theory is that the human brain loves

patterns. Mozart’s music is highly patterned,

with musical sequences repeated every 20

or 30 seconds, just like many brainwave

functions. Bach and Haydn also score well

when tested on patients.

That said, it seems that what’s crucial is

whether patients like the type of music that’s

playing. Neurologists have shown that parts of

the brain are stimulated, and others relaxed,

We may not know exactly why music soothes the mind, but no one doubts

that it does ... there is something magical

about music.


DestinationAbu Dhabi

Year 2012 marked the 50th anniversary of the

very first cargo of crude oil being exported from

Abu Dhabi after western oil companies had

carried out preliminary surveys and found that

Abu Dhabi and the UAE were sitting on vast oil fields.

Abu Dhabi is one of the seven emirates that make up

the UAE (United Arab Emirates), the others being Dubai,

Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm

al-Quwain. Yet Abu Dhabi is also the capital of the UAE

and the state’s centre of political, industrial, and cultural

activities. And it was Abu Dhabi’s visionary ruler Sheikh

Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who first thought of using

the huge revenues generated by the discovery of oil to

undertake a massive construction programme, building

schools, housing, hospitals and roads. When Dubai’s

oil exports began in 1969 their ruler Sheikh Rashid bin

Saeed Al Maktoum was also able to use the huge sums

of money generated to improve the quality of life of his

people.

At this stage there was no UAE though it was to

be created a couple of years later and the story of its

creation is quite fascinating. Prior to the discovery of oil

the area that is now the UAE, plus Bahrain and Qatar,

had been known as the Trucial States because of a 19th

century truce between the local sheikhs and the United

Kingdom. Since that truce and into the early 1920s the

area’s main industry had been pearling, which thrived

in the calm seas of the Gulf, becoming a good source of

income for the local people.

When you gaze upon the glittering towers and gleaming hotels of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the other emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE)in 2012; it is sometimes difficult to believe that all of this land was nothing but desert a little more than 50 years ago, reports Tony Smart.

UAEUAEThe Creation of the

Unfortunately World War One, followed by the global

economic depression of the 1920s and 1930s had a

severe impact on pearl fishing. Then the invention by

the Japanese of the cultured pearl all but destroyed

the area’s pearl industry and the industry faded away

completely shortly after World War Two when the

recently independent government of India imposed

severe taxation on pearls imported from the Arab states

of the Persian Gulf. This led to a very difficult economic

period until the discovery of oil in the 1960s.

That discovery quickly led to calls for unification by

the various sheikhdoms that now make up the UAE.

At the same time the British started losing their oil

contracts to United States oil companies. The sheikhs

of the emirates then created the Trucial States Council

to coordinate matters between themselves, though

Britain still officially governed the region, and appointed

Adi Bitar, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s legal

advisor, as Secretary General and Legal Advisor to the

Council.

By 1966, it was clear that the British Government

could no longer afford to govern what is now the United

Arab Emirates. British MPs debated in Parliament that

the British Armed Forces were seriously overstretched

and dangerously under-equipped to defend the trucial

sheikhdoms, yet to continue spending even along

current lines would mean imposing an increasing burden

on the British people which none of their competitors in

world trade were carrying.


Phot

os c

ourt

sey

of A

budh

abi/

Dub

ai T

ouris

m

Dubai - Burj al Arab at sunset.

Consequently on 24 January 1968, British Prime

Minister Harold Wilson made the decision, reaffirmed

in March 1971 by Prime Minister Edward Heath, to

end the treaty relationships with the seven trucial

sheikhdoms which had been, together with Bahrain

and Qatar, under British protection. It’s a decision that,

with ever rising oil prices, the British people are still

regretting to this day.

Days after the announcement, the ruler of Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, fearing vulnerability,

tried to persuade the British to honour the protection

treaties by providing the full costs of keeping the British

Armed Forces in the Emirates. However the British

Labour government rebuffed the offer, insulting the

Sheikh in the process, and the nine Gulf sheikhdoms

attempted to form a union of Arab emirates, but by

mid-1971 they were still unable to agree on the terms of

union even though the British treaty relationship was to

expire in December of that year.

So Bahrain opted for solo independence in August

1971 and Qatar followed a month later. The rulers

of Abu Dhabi and Dubai decided to form a union

between their two emirates independently, prepare

a constitution, then call the rulers of the other five

emirates to a meeting and offer them the opportunity

to join. It was also agreed between the two that the

constitution be written by December 2, 1971, the day

after the treaty with the British expired. On that date, in

Dubai, four other emirates agreed to enter into a union


called the United Arab Emirates. Ras al-Khaimah joined

a little later, in early 1972.

And the rest, as they say, is history. Or almost. Whilst

the UAE’s oil reserves are ranked as the world’s seventh

largest, those of Dubai are not that large. In fact they’re

expected to run out in the next 10-15 years. Realising

this in the mid-1980s Dubai’s leader Sheikh Rashid bin

Saeed Al Maktoum made the decision to make Dubai a

tourist centre, inspirationally realising the power of golf

tourism as he made the revolutionary move to develop

a grass championship golf course at the Emirates Golf

Club in the middle of a barren desert. His decision

paid off with the Dubai Desert Classic, an event on the

European Tour that began in 1989 and has been won

by the likes of Seve Ballesteros, Tiger Woods and Rory

McIlroy. Other golf courses quickly sprang up in Dubai

(the emirate now has nine world class championship

courses) and in 2009 a second European Tour event

was added in Dubai, the season ending Dubai World

Championship, and the season long European Tour

Order of Merit was renamed The Race To Dubai in the

same year.

Abu Dhabi followed Dubai’s lead by opening the Abu

Dhabi Golf Club in 1998 and now has four world class

courses plus one of the richest events on the European

Tour, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. And Ras

al-Khaimah now has two great courses with another

course in Sharjah.

However it’s not just golf that has drawn the

tourists to the UAE, helping to drive the staggering

developments that have been seen there in the 21st

century, and it’s not just oil and tourism that have

helped the economic development of the country over

the last 50 years.

Dubai quickly established itself as a shopping and

resort centre with the first Dubai Shopping Festival

being held in 1996. Luxury resort hotels like the

Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi and the Burj al Arab

Celebrating its 42nd anniversary this year the UAE now possesses one of the most

developed economies in Western Asia.

in Dubai began springing up all over both emirates.

Dubai started to build off-shore residential islands like

the Palm Islands, the world’s tallest building in Burj

Khalifa, and the world’s biggest shopping mall in Dubai

Mall. Meanwhile Abu Dhabi started to develop Yas

Island which now hosts the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on

the Formula One circuit and has the incredible Ferrari

World tourist attraction. Ras al-Khaimah and Sharjah

are now also developing rapidly.

As part of Sheikh Rashid’s vision for the future, Dubai

created Emirates Airlines in 1985 with Abu Dhabi

establishing Etihad Airways in 2003. Both are now

major international airlines.

The UAE has also sought to establish itself as an

international financial and business centre, beginning

with the creation of the Dubai International Financial

Centre (DIFC), which began operations in 2004.

Strategically located between the east and west this

provides a secure and efficient platform for business

and financial institutions to reach into and out of the

emerging markets of the region and will aid growth,

progress and economic development in the United

Arab Emirates and the wider region.

Celebrating its 42nd anniversary this year the UAE

now possesses one of the most developed economies

in Western Asia. Per capita income is the world’s

seventh highest. It has a relatively high Human

Development Index, ranking 30th globally. The country

has been classified as a high-income developing

economy by the IMF. And in 2011 the UAE was ranked

the 14th best nation in the world for doing business

based on its economy and regulatory environment by

the World Bank Group.

The country has come a long way in a short time,

and its development shows no signs of slowing down.

As anyone who’s even seen photos of the modern UAE

can guess the country is the most amazing success

story of the last 50 years. Long may it continue. $

Above: Abu Dhabi - Ferrari World.

Below: What a difference 13 years can make in modern Dubai.


The first view the air traveller has of Mauritius

is of an emerald-green island set in the deep

blue of the vast Indian Ocean. Situated just

north of the Tropic of Capricorn, 20˚15’ south

of the Equator and 57˚35’ to the east, this small pear-

shaped island was once an active volcano that formed

part of a chain stretching like a string of pearls from La

Réunion in the south to the Seychelles in the north.

Many millions of years ago the earth’s crust burst

open and some of its molten rock gushed out and

piled up on the floor of what is now the Indian Ocean.

As the boiling lava steadily cooled, a chain of roughly

hewn, conical-shaped land masses formed, creating

a crescent of volcanic peaks which protruded from

the surface of the sea. Slowly, nature sculpted those

stark peaks in many different ways and in the process

bequeathed a sprinkling of spectacular mountains.

In a few places the walls of those ancient

volcanoes have been able to resist the onslaught of

nature’s weathering, and the monuments to these are

the island’s mountains with their pointed and striated

peaks. In the far southwest of Mauritius, overlooking

the coast of the Black River, the silently brooding peak

Above: Le Morne Brabant is an impressive peak that stands in eternal watch over the Le Morne peninsula, and provides a spectacular backdrop to one of the island’s finest beaches.

The great rock that towers to some 556 metres above sea level is much more than a distinctive landmark. It bears witness, like no other mountain can, to a very painful period in the history of Mauritius. But it also carries an underlying message: one of man’s unquenchable thirst for freedom, says Peter Holthusen.

Le Morne Brabant A Monument to Freedom

of Le Morne Brabant mountain rears its massive and

weather-beaten head for all to see.

Le Morne Brabant is an impressive peak that stands

in eternal watch over the Le Morne peninsula, and

provides a spectacular backdrop to one of the island’s

finest beaches. At times, when the rain clouds are low,

it is sullen and brooding, but often the sun’s early rays

reflect its varied colours.

Silently brooding as it looks down upon the

developments that have taken place at its feet, Le Morne

Brabant is more of a gigantic rock than a mountain, yet

it is unquestionably the most famous peak in the Indian

Ocean. It is imposing, not because of its height or size,

but rather because of its precipitous cliffs which are

reputed to be unscalable. However, early in the 19th

century a band of runaway slaves managed to make it to

the summit where they hid to escape from the cruelty

and miseries inflicted upon them by their masters.

Le Morne has long been associated with slavery in

popular memory. Most Mauritians and other inhabitants

of the region have been aware of its function as a hide-

out for fugitive slaves, the so-called ‘maroons’. The most

widely known legend about the mountain recounts how

Phot

os c

ourt

esy

of P

eter

Hol

thus

en


a group of maroons threw themselves off the cliff when

they saw what they thought were a troop of British

soldiers making their way to the summit to recapture

them – not realising that whilst they were in hiding,

slavery had been abolished on Mauritius on 1 February

1835.

The mountain thus became a place of mourning,

hence its name, Le Morne, the ‘mournful one’. Since then

the date has been celebrated by Mauritian Creoles as the

‘Annual Commemoration of the Abolition of Slavery’, and

Le Morne Brabant, a reminder of the dark days of slavery,

now stands sentinel, over and above everything else, as a

natural monument to freedom.

This particular legend, just as some other oral history

accounts are debated, awaits documentary corroboration.

Similarly, while maroonage has undoubtedly been

widespread in all colonial periods, the number, living

conditions and possible social structures of maroons in

the Le Morne area have not yet been clarified. However,

besides the oral histories, there are archival sources as

well as archaeological traces suggesting that there were

a significant number of maroons living in the region, who

had formed bands or possibly even small communities

outside colonial control.

The slaves were brought to the island by the Dutch

settlers during their occupation of Mauritius between

1638 to 1710, when their last Governor, Abraham

Momber Van de Velde, left the island on the ship

Beverwaart bound for Batavia. He left behind depleted

forests, neglected sugar-cane fields and angry runaway

slaves who were forced to live a beachcomber

existence.

Many subsequent visitors to the island such as the

French astronomer, Abbé de la Caille, and Jacques-Henri

Bernardin de Saint-Pierre, the eminent French writer

and botanist, mentioned the presence of maroons

or maroon bands on or near Le Morne Brabant. Such

accounts are confirmed by official historical documents

detailing the problems created by the maroons residing

in the region that attacked the nearby settlers and their

plantations. Notorious maroon leaders that are known

to have been associated with the mountain are Bellaca,

Sans Souci and Barbe Blanche.

Even though the meaning and story of Le Morne

had been popular knowledge previously, the mountain

only started attracting significant public attention

as from 1999. Awareness increased when developers

revealed plans to construct a cable-car leading up to

the top of the mountain and a golf resort at its base.

Given the historical and symbolic meaning of Le Morne,

academics and some members of Mauritian civil society

launched a public campaign against these plans and for

the preservation of the mountain.

Following the protests the government decided

to protect the mountain by declaring it a National

Heritage Site and, moreover, submitting an application

for World Heritage Status to UNESCO. A Trust Fund

was set up in 2004 and charged with the compilation

of the Nomination Dossier and the Management

Plan, key documents to be submitted to UNESCO

to achieve World Heritage Status under the title (Le

Morne Heritage Trust Fund Act 2004). After a first

attempt had failed, Le Morne Brabant was finally

inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2008.

Above and below: The mountain is imposing , not because of its height or size, but rather because of its precipitous cliffs which are reputed to be unscalable. Now it stands sentinel, over and above everything else, as a natural monument to freedom.

Le Morne Brabant is more of a

gigantic rock than a mountain, yet it is unquestionably the

most famous peak in the Indian Ocean.


Le Morne Brabant is a particularly impressive

mountain, highlighted by an eponymous basaltic

monolith with its 556 metre summit covering an area

of over 12 hectares (30 acres). There are three large

caves and a considerable number of overhangs on its

steep slopes, making the mountain very popular with

climbers. It was the Victorians who first conquered its

summit, but given its location on private land and status

as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, should you wish to

climb the mountain today you will need a permit and

a guide. Nevertheless, these are quite readily available

and the climb to the summit normally takes between

3-4 hours, but the views from the mountain are simply

breathtaking.

The three caves on the mountain have attracted

the attention of archaeologists from all over the world,

for when members of a distinguished historical and

archaeological team from the University of Mauritius

first surveyed the site in 2003, they discovered that one

of the caves located on the edge of a precipice had in

front of it a small wall made of stone that seemed to

have been constructed by humans.

This cave showed signs of having been inhabited

by humans, with the presence of a fireplace and bone

remains. In another cave the team members found

pieces of stone that had been brought into the cave. The

bones were sent to South Africa and the Netherlands for

analysis. The latter confirmed that the bones belonged

to a young lamb of nine months that had been brought

to the top of the mountain during either the Dutch or

French settlement period, and slaughtered for food.

Located on the northern face of Le Morne Brabant

is Morcellement Cambier, an exclusive gated private

community of residential villas with views across the

lagoon which is managed by a resident’s association and

not open to the public. To the north of the mountain

you will find the picturesque village of La Gaulette,

and to the south Le Morne Village, an aboriginal fishing

village which was founded after the abolition of slavery.

The mountain and surrounding peninsula benefits

from a unique micro-climate and as such supports an

abundance of flora and fauna. Le Morne is a refuge for

two extremely rare endemic plants, the Mandrinette

and, growing only on the steep slopes of the mountain,

the Boucle d’Oreille. The mountain also supports a good

breeding population of Fairy Tern, Sooty Tern, Red-tailed

Tropic Birds, Paradise Flycatcher, Madagascar Fody and

the rare Magpie Robin – an aptly named bird, since it

does indeed resemble a robin masquerading as

a magpie.

When you spy an island on the lip of the horizon, a

powerful force takes over. It’s as if the human psyche

demands that we discover and explore. If that island is

Mauritius, and the mountain you seek to explore is Le

Morne, you’ll be well rewarded for charting a course to

her shores. $

The mountain has been in the limelight of

Mauritius’ heritage sector ever since, and it certainly

dominates much of what is being said and thought

about slavery. An eminent journalist from The Sunday

Times recently commented: “All eyes are now on Le

Morne whereas other sites on Mauritius now take

back stage”. The government, which had previously

celebrated abolition in Mahebourg, and most

sociocultural groups have held their ceremonies there

since 2008.

With Aapravasi Ghat, the first World Heritage

Site on Mauritius, Le Morne highlights the historical

significance of slavery and indenture, the two labour

systems that shaped modern Mauritius. It is a unique

conjunction in the Indian Ocean and abroad, and

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific

and Cultural Organization) has promoted a symbolic

meeting of those two systems to foster a better

understanding among the descendants of both

the slaves and indentured labourers in the colonial

plantation system.

Khal Torabully, the Mauritian and French poet, who

coined the concept of ‘coolitude’, springing from the

intercultural strata of his native island, dreams that

the memories of slavery and indenture will enhance

debate on identity in Mauritius and elsewhere. For him

Le Morne Brabant and the Aapravasi Ghat have to be

considered as two characters of a collective narrative

that will enhance openness and exchanges between

cultures and dispel exclusive and sectarian views of

identities.

In February 2009, the mountain received another

boost when UNESCO unveiled a memorial at the foot

of the mountain as part of their Slave Route Project.

The memorial comprises a central piece, designed

and sculpted by the local artist Jean Marie Hotentote:

A black granite block, engraved with an image of a

slave captured in the moment of breaking out. Nine

paths stretching out from the centre lead to seven

stones and two sculptures. The paths symbolise arms

that tend towards the regions from where slaves

were brought to Mauritius – the African mainland,

Madagascar, India, and south-east Asia.

Right: Memorial at the foot of the mountain.

Above: Up the Morne Brabant, Island of Mauritius.

The mountain and sorrounding

peninsula benefits from a unique

micro-climate and as such supports an abundance of flora

and fauna.

John DaviD Turner

1167 2695 6467

Valid Thru 05/2012

Seychelles Plus Joins Etihad Guests Loyalty Programme

Air Seychelles Plus rejoint le programme de fidélisation Etihad Guest

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 morebenefits and rewards, including:• Immediate rewards - with the 1

MileRedemption feature, fly once and enjoy instant rewards.

• No blackout periods - GuestSeats are available on all flights, and if a seat is available, the guests can book it.

• Anytime availability - all seats on a flight, including the very last seat, are available at any time. Redeem OpenSeats at a mileage

Nous sommes heureux d’annoncer une amélioration de prestations, de nos services et de la flexibilité pour notre fidèle clientèle. Depuis le 16 juin 2012, le programme Air Seychelles Plus a été entièrement intégré dans celui d’Etihad Guest, le programme de fidélisation primé d’Etihad Airways.

Tous les membres du programme d’Air Seychelles Plus deviennent automatiquement des nouveaux membres d Etihad Guest, obtenant huit miles d’Etihad Guest pour chaque point sur leur compte au 15 Juin 2012.

Les membres d’Air Seychelles Plus conserveront le même statut dans le nouveau programme d’Etihad Guest. Par exemple, les membres Gold d’Air Seychelles ont été automatiquement inscrits comme membres d’Etihad Guest Gold.

En devenant membre d’Etihad Guest, ils vont maintenant bénéficier de plus d’avantages et de récompenses, y compris:• Des récompenses immédiates – avec

la formule 1MileRedemption, voyagez une fois et de profitez des récompenses immédiatement.

• Aucune période d’interdiction – les GuestSeats sont disponibles sur tous les vols, et si un siège est disponible, les clients pourront le réserver.

• Disponibilité à tout instant - tous les sièges sur un vol, y compris le dernier, sont

John DaviD Turner

1167 2695 6467

Valid Thru 05/2012

John DaviD Turner

1167 2695 6467

Valid Thru 05/2012

John DaviD Turner

1167 2695 6467

Valid Thru 05/2012

cost equivalent to the commercial price of the seat.

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

• Expanded network - redeem and earn points on over 3000 routes worldwide, with Etihad Airways and its partner airlines, including Air Berlin, Virgin Australia and American Airlines.

• Also, as Etihad Guest members, our Guests can automatically earn and redeem Etihad Guest Miles with the entire Etihad Guest Partner network worldwide, which includes international hotel chains, car hire companies and retailers as well as 1 5 airline partners.

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

Guest Enjoys• Earn Etihad Guest Tier Miles for

journey• Redeem Etihad Guest Miles for

journey/Upgrades/kilos• Seat selection upon availability

Silver Avantages• Liste d’attente prioritaire• 10 kg d’excédent de bagages• La sélection de sièges selon disponibilité• 25% de bonus sur les miles• Gagnez des miles pour chaque voyage• Echanges de miles contre des billets d’avion/ surclassement /kilos

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

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

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

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

Silver TierGuest Enjoys• Waitlist priority• 10 kg excess baggage• Earn Etihad Guest Tier Miles for journey• Redeem Etihad Guest Miles for journey/Upgrades/kilos• Seat selection upon availability• 25% Tier Bonus Miles

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

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

disponibles à tout moment. Échangez vos miles pour les OpenSeats à un coût équivalent au prix commercial du siège par kilométrique.

• Le plus grand choix – échangez vos miles contre des billets d’avion, des produits ou services en utilisant la boutique exclusive Etihad Guest Reward Shop.

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

• Par ailleurs, en tant que membres d’Etihad Guest, nos clients peuvent obtenir automatiquement et échanger leurs milles avec l’ensemble de ses partenaires à travers son réseau mondial qui comprend des chaînes hôtelières internationales, les compagnies de location de voitures et les boutiques, ainsi que 15 compagnies aériennes.

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

Avantages• Optenez des miles pour chaque voyage• Echanges de miles contre des billets

d’avion/surclassement /kilos

H e a l t hy Tra v e l l i n g

These gentle exercises, which you can carry out easily during your flight, will help blood circulation and reduce any tiredness

or stiffness that may result from sitting in one place for several hours. Check with your doctor first if you have any health

conditions which might be adversely affected by exercise.

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

• For your own comfort try and travel light.

• Wear loose clothing and elasticated stockings made of natural fibre.

• Increase your normal intake of water and only if need be, drink alcohol but in moderation.

• Use moisturising cream to keep your skin from drying out.

• Take off shoes in the plane to prevent your feet from swelling up or wear shoes that will cope with expanding ankles.

• Avoid heavy meals during the flight.

• Short walks once every two hours are excellent for circulation.

• Try to touch your toes when waiting in the aisle to stretch your hamstrings.

• On arrival at your destination, have a hot shower or a relaxing bath.

• On arrival a quick jog, brisk walk, or a vigorous scrub will help stimulate your circulation.

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.

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

In te rna t iona l Route Map

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

Mauritius route only

Airbus A330-200 (Aldabra) Cruise speed: 870 k/hrBusiness Class seats: 18Economy seats: 236Wing span: 197 ft 10 inches Length: 191ft 5.5 inchesMaximum range: 4200 nm at maximum payloadMaximum Takeoff weight: 233,000 kgsMaximum Landing Weight: 182,000 kgs

F l e e t

Fuel Capacity: 139,000 ltsEngine thrust: 71,100 lbf

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

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

Ai r seyche l l e s Domes t i c Route Ne twork

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

Fregate Island

Bird Island

Mahe Island

Praslin Island

Desroches Island

Alphonse Island

D´Arros Island

Denis Island

O n l i n e O f f i c e s

Wo r l d w i d e O f f i c e s

South Africa

Mauritius

United Arab Emirates

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

Population: 1,243,000Air Seychelles destination:

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

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

Plaisance AirportRogers & Company LtdRogers House5, President John Kennedy StreetPO Box 60, Port LouisTel: (00230) 202 6671Fax: (00230) 208 3540Sita: mrurrhmE-mail: [email protected]

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

Population: 45,919,000Air Seychelles destination: JohannesburgLu Dowell Representations

Greenstone Hill Office ParkEmerald Boulevard, Building 1, Unit F4.Modderfontein, EdenvaleSouth AfricaTel: (0027-11)-452-0244Fax: 0866578741 or (0027-11) 781-2144E-mail: [email protected]

THE CREOLE SPIRITPO Box 386Victoria, MahéTel: (00248) 439 10 00Fax: (00248) 439 10 05 (Head Office)Fax: (00248) 432 41 94 (Marketing & Sales)Email: [email protected]: (00248) 422 59 33 (Sales & Reservations)Email: [email protected]

ABU DHABIOmeir Travel Agency, Shk. Khalifa StreetPO Box 267, Abu DhabiTel: (00971 2) 612 3470Fax: (00971 2) 622 6799Email: [email protected]

BALTIC COUNTRIESKatusepapi Street 6, Tallinn 11412, EstoniaTel: (00372) 6681 009Fax: (00372) 6228 115Email: [email protected]

CHINABeijing Jinzhihong Aviation Services Co.LtdH.J.J.H Group, 1/F Qinglan Plaza, No. 24Dongsi Shitiao, Beijing PRC 100007Email: [email protected]: (00 8610) 840 18745/51296988 ext 559Fax: (00 8610) 640 22093

MELBOURNESky Air Services, Level 7, 24 Albert Road, South Melbourne 3205Tel: (0061 3) 9699 9355Fax: (0061 3) 9699 9388Email: [email protected]

AUSTRIAAviareps, Airline Management Service GmbhArgentinierstrasse 2/4A - 1040,Vienna, AustriaTel: (0043 1) 585 3631 55Fax: (0043 1) 585 3630 88Email: [email protected]@airseychelles.com

BAHRAINYusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo W11Al Khalifa Road, Building 302Block 304PO Box 45, ManamaTel: (00973) 17 220 800Fax: (00973) 17 213 458Email: [email protected]

BELGIUM/LUXEMBOURGKales Airline ServicesPark Hill, Mommaertslaan 18AB –1831, Diegem, BrusselsTel: (0032 2) 716 00 64Fax: (0032 2) 716 00 86Email: [email protected]

CZECH REPUBLICAviareps Czech RepublicNa Rybnícku 5/1329, 120 00 Praha 2, Tel: (00 420) 296 368 273Fax: (00 420) 224 233 412Email: [email protected]

CHENNAIChennai Global Aviation Services Pvt Ltd733, Anna Salai, Chennai 600006Tel: +91 44 4295 9600, 4203 6220Tel: +91 44 4295 9696 extn: 632Fax: +91 44 [email protected] [email protected]

COMORES Ario Ltd, Route magoudjouBp 1285, MoroniTel: (00269) 733 144Tel: (00269) 733 820- airportTel: (00269) 732 388- reservationsFax: (00269) 730 719Email: [email protected]: [email protected]

DUBAIAsian Air Travel and Tours AgencyPO Box 65006, DubaiTel: (00971 4) 286 8008Fax: (00971 4) 283 2115Email: [email protected]

DUBAIAsian Air Travel and Tours AgencyPO Box 65006 Dubai, UAETel: (00971 4) 286 8008Fax: (00971 4) 283 2115Email: [email protected]

Wo r l d w i d e O f f i c e sWo r l d w i d e O f f i c e s

DENMARKDiscover the world MarketingTrommesalen 5, DK – 1614 Copenhangen VTel: (0045) 33252588Fax: (0045) 33252586Email: [email protected]@dtwm.dk

FINLANDYellow Sky LtdKauppakaarre 1 (4th floor)Fin-00700 Helsinki, FinlandTel: (00358 9) 6122 0240Fax: (00358 9) 6122 0255Email: [email protected]

GERMANYAviareps Airline Management Group AGJosephspitalstrasse 1580331 MunichTel: (0049 89) 552 53338Fax: (0049 89) 545 06855Email: [email protected]

GREECEIntermodal Air25 Filellinon Str, 105 57 AthensTel: (0030 1) 371 6357/3249300Fax: (0030 1) 324 9152Sita: athgdcoEmail: [email protected]

HUNGARYAviareps Magyarorszag KftCapital Square/First Clients OfficesVaci ut 76, 1133 Budapest, HungaryTel: (0036 1) 4113880Fax: (0036 1) 411 3881Email: [email protected]

HONG KONGIncola Air Services Ltd.Suite A,6/F, Wah Kit Comm. Centre300-302 Des Voeux Road CentralTel: (00852) 2866 8826/36Fax: (00852) 2527 7837Email: [email protected]

Walshe Group Suite 906, Orient Tower, 33 Lockhart Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong. Tel 00852 3979 3488 Or 00852 3979 3489 Email: [email protected]: www.walshegroup.com

INDONESIAAviation Services co. LtdMenara bdn, 9th floor, Jl.Mh thamrin no.5Jakarta 10340Tel: (0062 11) 392 9949Fax: (0062 11) 392 9948Email: [email protected]

INDIAGlobal Air Transport Services Pvt. Ltd.N.K.M.International House,6th Floor, 178Backbay Reclamation,B.M.Chinai Marg,Mumbai -400 020 (India) Tel : (+91 022) 22829000/66205600 Fax: (+91 022) 22829004/66205656Email: [email protected]: [email protected]

Reservations and TicketingTel: (+91 022) 6621 3807 / 3811Fax: (+91 022) 6621 3818Email: [email protected]

Ahmedabad: Tel: 079 - 4021 6599Email: [email protected]

Bangalore: Tel: (080) 22275091/22275416Email: [email protected]

Kolkata(Calcutta) Tel: (033) 22806336 /22872550Email: [email protected]

Delhi Tel: (011) 23737471/3Email: [email protected]

Hyderabad Tel: (040) 66613450 / 23241586Email [email protected]

IRELAND Aviareps plcCommercial Office, 11 The Anchorage, Charlotte Quay, Dublin 4, IrelandTel: (00353 1) 6319604Fax: (00353 1) 6674228Email: [email protected]

ISRAELOpen Sky Limited23 Ben Yehuda Street, Tel Aviv 63805Tel: (00972 3) 795 1333Fax: (00972 3) 795 1330Email: [email protected]

ITALY (NORTH)Sima InternationalVia Albricci, 8, 20122 Milano (Mi)Tel: (0039 02) 89096106Fax: (0039 02) 316180Email: [email protected]

JAPANAir Solution Service Ltd2F, Hashimoto Bldg., Shiba 5-16-1, Minato-ku,Tokyo 108-0014, JapanEmail: [email protected] Tel: (0081 3) 5765 5392Fax: (0081 3) 5765 5351

KENYASafari Travel Kenya Ltd2nd Avenue, ParklandsPO Box 58716-00200 GPOTel: (254 20) 3747276, 3521872Fax: (254 20) 3747286Email: [email protected]

KOREAPacific Air Agency Group, 12th FloorDonghwa Building 58-7, Seosomun DongChoong-Ku, Seoul 100-110, KoreaPacific Air Agency Ltd.Tel : (0082 2) 317 8710Fax: (0082 2) 755 9758 E-mail : [email protected]

KUWAITPan Arab Travels CoPO Box 2842, Safat Pc 13029Tel: (00965) 241 5554/ 241 5556Fax: (00965) 241 0873Email: [email protected]

MALYSIAAviation Services co. LtdCp12, suite 1302, 13th Floor, Central Plaza,34 jalan sultan ismail,50250 Kuala Lumpur,Tel: (0060 3) 2143 3755Fax: (0060 3) 2148 8499Email: [email protected]

MALDIVESUniversal Travel Department39 Orchid Magu, Malé 20-02Republic of MaldivesTel: (00 960) 3334 004/3314910Fax: (00 960) 3316 156Email: [email protected]

MAYOTTEAir Moyotte21 place MAriage, 97600 Momoudzou, Tel: (00 269) 623 100Fax: (00 269) 623 118Email: [email protected]

NETHERLANDSKales Airlines Services B.VBuilding:Triport 1, E. V.d Beekstraat 461118 CL Schiphol AirportTel: (0031 20) 655 3670Fax: (0031 20) 655 3651Email: [email protected]@[email protected]

OMANUnited Travels LlcPO Box 599, Muttrah Postal Code 114Sultanate of OmanTel: (00968) 247 80057/61Fax: (00968) 247 80094Email: [email protected]

PAKISTANSeypak Aviation (Pvt) Ltd4 J.C.H.S. Main Sharea FaisalKarachi 75350Tel: (0092 21) 454 5912/ 4536348/ 4543044Fax: (0092 21) 454 5905Email: [email protected]

PHILIPPINESMC Travel Corporation, UGL-A Grand Hamptons Tower31st Street corner 2nd Avenue Bonifacio Global City Taguig City, Metro Manila Philippines 1630Tel: (0063 2) 856-2336Tel: (0063 2) 856-2808Email: [email protected]

POLANDUI. Sienna 72, Apt. 300-833 Warszawa, PolandTel: (0048 22) 6323205Fax: (0048 22) 6324046Email: [email protected]

QATARQatar ToursPO Box 1683, DohaTel: (00974) 441 1414/443 6002/441 9753Fax: (00974) 4433 197, 4351926Email: [email protected]

REUNIONAir France7 Avenue De La Victoire, BP 845F-97477 Saint Denis CedexTel: (00262) 262 40 38 38Fax: (00262) 262 40 38 40Email: [email protected]

ROMANIAAviareps Magyarorszag KftCapital Square/First Clients OfficesVaci ut 76, 1133 Budapest, HungaryTel: (0036 1) 411 3880Fax: (0036 1) 411 [email protected]

RUSSIA Aviareps, Moscow, Prospect Mira, 39 BLDG 2129110 MoscowTel: (007 495) 937 5950Fax: (007 495) 937 5951Email: [email protected]

SAUDI ARABIAYusuf Bin Ahmed KanooPO Box 37, Dammam 31411Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

EASTERN PROVINCEAir Seychelles, Airline CenterPO Box 1878Al Khobar 31952, Saudi ArabiaTel: (00966 3) 8355832Fax: (00966 3) 835573Email: [email protected]

CENTRAL PROVINCEAir SeychellesKanoo Building, One Block off KingAbdul Aiz Road, PO Box 753Riyadh 11421, Saudi ArabiaTel: (009661) 4772228 Ext 288/305Fax: (009661) 2833041Email: [email protected]

WESTERN PROVINCEAir SeychellesKanoo Center, Kilo ‘7’ Madinah RoadPO Box 812, Jeddah 21421, Saudi ArabiaTel: (009662) 2632959 Ext 121/108Fax: (009662) 2632948Email: [email protected]

SWEDENRiddargatan 17, 114 57 Stockholm, SwedenTel Direct: (0046 8) 545 259 42Fax: (0046 8) 241 888Email: [email protected]

THAILANDTT Aviation Co. Ltd, 140/19 ITF tower, 11th floorSilom Road, SuriyawongseBangrak, Bangkok 10500Tel: (00662) 235 8282Fax: (00662) 231 6488Email: [email protected]

TAIWANAviation Travel Services Co Ltd10F, No. 19, Sec 3 Nan Jing E. RoadTaipei , Taiwan R.O.C.Tel: +886- 2 2567 8956Fax: +886- 2 2563 7596General email: [email protected]: [email protected]

DENMARKTarget Marketing of ScandinaviaVesterbrogade 6 D, ISAL - DK1620Kobenhann V, DenmarkTel: (0045) 33 12 60 55Fax: (0045) 33 93 05 09Email: [email protected]

FINLANDYellow Sky TMSKauppakaarre 1, 4th Floor, FIN-00700Helsinki, FinlandTel: (00358 9) 6122 0217Fax: (00358 9) 6122 0255Email: [email protected]

NORWAYFlyservice TMSFr. Nansens Pl 8, 0160 OSLOTel: (0047 24) 14 8754Fax: (0047 24) 14 8751Email: [email protected]

SPAINAir Marketing Representatives S.A.-AMRC/Monte Esquinza, 30, Oficina 528010 MadridTel: (0034) 91 319 5189Fax: (0034) 91 310 5098Email: [email protected]

SRI LANKANorth South Lines Pvt Ltd400 Deans Road, Colombo 10, Sri LankaTel: (0094 11) 4740760Fax: (0094 11) 4740765Email: [email protected]

SWITZERLANDAirPass Services Switzerland Schaffhauserstrasse 115 Airport City, CH-8302 Kloten Tel: (0041 44) 220 19 00 Fax: (0041 44) 220 19 15 Dedicated phone number for Air Seychelles: Tel: (0041 44) 220 19 20 Fax: (0041 44) 220 19 15

UKRAINEAviareps AG9/2, Chervonoarmijska str of 4001004 KievTel: (0038 44) 490 65 02Email: [email protected]

USA AND CANADAI Penn PlazaSuite 1416, New York, NY 10119United States Tel: (001 646) 8773597392Email: [email protected]

VIETNAMWorldwide Agency127-129 Nguyen Hue Street, District1 1HoChiMinh City, VietnamTel: (0084) 3915 2264Fax: (0084) 3915 2265Email: [email protected]

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 otained 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 1-2Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday March 29, 31 & April1Labour Day May 1Liberation Day June 5Corpus Christi May 30National Day June 18Independence 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.

Tra v e l Fa c t s

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 et 2 janvierVendredi saint, Dimanche de Pâques 29, 31 mars & 1 avrilFête du travail 1 maiJour de la Libération 5 juinFête Dieu 30 maiFête Nationale 18 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.

I n fo r m a t i o n s U t i l e s

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.

RESTAURANTS – MAHÉA LA CARTEAl Mare Restaurant Beau Vallon Tel: +248 462 02 40 / 251 21 17 / 251 21 13 Fax: +248 462 02 42 E-mail: [email protected]

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

Boat House Address: Beau Vallon Mahé Tel: +248 424 78 98 E-mail: [email protected]

Cap Lazare Tel: +248 428 01 00 / 252 46 42 Fax: +248 422 58 17 E-mail: [email protected]

Chez Batista Restaurant Takamaka, Mahé Tel: +248 436 63 00 Fax: +248 436 65 09 E-mail: [email protected]

Domaine Du Soleil Restaurant Tel: +248 428 55 55 Fax: +248 424 72 24 E-mail: [email protected]

Katiolo Anse Faure Tel: +248 4375 453

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

Le Reduit Restaurant Tel: +248 436 61 16 / 436 62 25 E-mail: [email protected]

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

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

INTERNATIONALDoubleclick Seychelles Maison La-Rosiere Palm Street Victoria, Mahé Tel: +248 461 05 90 Fax: +248 461 05 91 E-mail: [email protected]

Helios RestaurantConstance Ephilia ResortTel: +248 4395 [email protected]

Konoba Restaurant Bar LaungeAngel Fish Bayside MarinaTel: +248 4345 [email protected]

La Scala Restaurant PO Box 962 Victoria, Mahé Tel: +248 424 75 35 Fax: +248 424 79 02 E-mail: [email protected]

The Sea Shell Port LaunayTel: +248 4324026/2523968

Uncle Will’s Pizzeria Coco D’Or Hotel Tel: +248 424 73 31 Fax: +248 424 74 54 E-mail: [email protected]

Restaurant 8 LoungeGlacis exvista do mar, MahèMobile: 2746808

CHINESELe Canton Chinese Restaurant Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Beach Resort & Casino Tel: +248 428 72 87 Fax: +248 424 79 43 E-mail: [email protected]

ZezFour Seasons Resort Tel: +248 4393 000 ext. 1902E-mail: [email protected]

GOURMETCyann “Signature Cousine” Constance Ephilia ResortTel: +248 4395 001

Maia Restaurant Luxury Resort SpaTel: +248 4390 000E-mail: [email protected]

Chilli Bar & Steakhouse La LouiseTel: +248 4344 155

INDIANMahék Indian Restaurant Coral Strand Hotel Tel: +248 462 10 00 Fax: +248 424 75 17 E-mail: [email protected]

LEBANESE & PIZZERIASahara Pub and Restuarant Bel Ombre Tel: +248 2527 000

PIZZADocklands Pizzeria New Port -Victoria Tel: +248 4610 888

SOUTH ASIANKannel Four Seasons Resort Tel: +248 4393 000 ext. 1902E-mail: [email protected]

INTERNATIONAL/JAPANESETeppanyaki Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Beach Resort & Casino Tel: +248 428 72 87 Fax: +248 424 79 43 E-mail: [email protected]

INTERNATIONAL/CREOLEAnchor Cafe Anse a la Mouche, Mahé Tel: +248 437 12 89 Fax: +248 437 17 53 E-mail: [email protected]

Au Jardin D’Epices Banyan Tree Seychelles Tel: +248 438 35 00 Fax: +248 438 36 00 E-mail: [email protected]

Aubergine Restaurant The Wharf Hotel & Marina Providence, Mahé Tel: +248 467 07 00 Fax: +248 460 17 00 E-mail: [email protected]

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

Beach Side Bistro Coral Strand Hotel PO Tel: +248 462 10 00 Fax: +248 424 75 17 E-mail: [email protected]

Bel Air Restaurant Hotel Bel Air Bel Air, Mahé Tel: +248 422 44 16 Fax: +248 422 49 23 E-mail: [email protected]

Bravo Eden IslandTel: +248 4346 [email protected]

Carefree Guesthouse & Restaurant Anse Aux Pins Mahé Tel: +248 437 52 37 Fax: +248 437 56 54 E-mail: [email protected]

Chez Plume ResturantPO Box 211, Victoria, MahéTel: +248 435 50 50Fax: 248 435 50 33E-mail: [email protected]

Fairyland Restaurant Fairyland Small Hotel Pointe au Sel, MahéTel: +248 437 17 00 Fax: +248 437 16 10 E-mail: [email protected]

Green Valley Anse aux Pins Tel: +248 437 1670

The Hilltop Restaurant Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa PO Tel: +248 429 90 00 Fax: +248 429 90 03 E-mail: [email protected]

Jolie Rose 2 Restaurant Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market Victoria, MahéTel: +248 422 54 51

Kaz Kreol Restaurant Anse Royale Mahé Tel: +248 436 16 80 E-mail: [email protected]

La Cocoteraie Restaurant Le Meridien Barbarons Hotel PO Box 636 Barbarons, Mahé Tel: +248 467 30 00 Fax: +248 467 33 80 E-mail: [email protected]

La Palma Restaurant Coco D’Or Hotel PO Tel: +248 424 73 31 Fax: +248 424 74 54 E-mail: [email protected]

La Perle Noire Restaurant Beau Vallon Mahé Tel: +248 462 02 20 Fax: +248 462 02 01 [email protected]

La Voliere Mahé Beach Resort Tel: +248 438 53 85 Fax: +248 437 81 17 E-mail: [email protected]

Lazare Picault Restaurant Lazare Picault Hotel Tel: +248 436 11 11 Fax: +248 436 11 77 E-mail: [email protected]

Le Bourgeois Restaurant (Fisherman’s Cove) c/o Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove Tel: +248 467 70 00 Fax: +248 462 09 00 / 01 E-mail: [email protected]

Le Cardinal Restaurant c/o Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove Tel: +248 467 70 00 Fax: +248 462 09 00 / 01 E-mail: [email protected]

Le Corsaire Restaurant Address: Bel Ombre, Mahé Tel: +248 424 71 71 / 251 51 71 E-mail: [email protected]

Le Jardin du Roi Domaine de L’enfoncement Anse Royale Tel: +248 437 13 13 Fax: +248 437 13 66 E-mail: [email protected] Le Mangrovia Restaurant Le Meridien Barbarons Tel: +248 467 30 00 Fax: +248 467 33 80 E-mail: [email protected]

Le Rendez-vous Restaurant & Lounge Bar 1st Floor, Victoria House Victoria, Mahé Tel: +248 432 35 56 Fax: +248 432 32 16 E-mail: [email protected]

Le Surmer Restaurant Le Surmer Hotel Pointe Conan, Mahé Tel: +248 424 18 11 Fax: +248 424 15 27 E-mail: [email protected]

Les Cocotiers Restaurant Tel: +248 429 90 00 Fax: +248 429 90 01 E-mail: [email protected]

Maia Luxury Resort & Spa Tel: +248 4390 000E-mail: [email protected]

Manresa Restaurant Manresa Small Hotel Anse Etoile PO Box 692 Victoria, Mahé Tel: +248 424 13 88 Fax: +248 424 13 88

Montezuma Restaurant Mahé Beach Resort Port Glaud Mahé Tel: +248 438 53 85 Fax: +248 437 81 17 E-mail: [email protected]

The Parrot Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Beach Resort & Casino PO Box 550 Victoria MahéTel: +248 428 72 87 Fax: +248 424 79 43 E-mail: [email protected] The Board Walk Lounge & Bar Eden IslandTel: +248 443 63 03

Pirates Arms Tel: +248 422 50 01 Fax: +248 422 44 50 E-mail: [email protected]

Pizzeria Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino Tel: +248 28 472 87 Fax: +248 424 79 43 E-mail: [email protected]

Saffron Banyan Tree Seychelles Tel: +248 438 35 00 Fax: +248 438 36 00 E-mail: [email protected]

Sam’s Pizzeria Francis Rachel Street, Victoria, Mahé Tel: +248 432 24 99 / 32 34 95 Fax: + 248 432 43 59 E-mail: [email protected]

Seselwa Bar Constance Ephilia ResortTel: +248 4395 [email protected]

D i n i n g O u t

D i n e r a l E x t é r i e u r

Silhouette Restaurant Sunset Beach Resort PO Box 372 Glacis, Mahé Tel: +248 426 11 11 Fax: +248 426 12 21 E-mail: [email protected]

Skychef LTD Seychelles International Airport PO Box 450 Victoria Tel: +248 438 17 50 Fax: +248 437 34 56 E-mail: [email protected]

Sundown Restaurant Port Glaud, Mahé Tel: +248 437 83 52 Fax: +248 437 83 52 Takamaka Restaurant Takamaka Residence Takamaka, Mahé Tel: +248 436 60 49 Fax: +248 436 63 03 E-mail: [email protected]

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

Vye Marmit Domaine de Val de Pres Au Cap, Mahé Tel: +248 437 61 55 / 437 61 00 Fax: +248 437 61 18 The Wok Chinese Restaurant Coco D’Or Hotel PO Box 526 Beau Vallon, Mahé Tel: +248 424 73 31 Fax: +248 424 74 54 E-mail: [email protected]

RESTAURANTS – PRASLIN CREOLECapricorn Restaurant Islanders Guesthouse Anse Kerlan, Praslin Tel: +248 423 32 24 Fax: +248 423 31 54 E-mail: [email protected]

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

Le Chevalier Bay Restaurant Anse Lazio, Praslin Tel: +248 423 23 22 Fax: +248 423 23 22 E-mail: [email protected]

Les Lauriers Restaurant Les Lauriers Petit Hotel Cote d’Or, Praslin Tel: +248 423 22 41 Fax: +248 423 23 62 E-mail: [email protected]

INTERNATIONAL/CREOLEAcajou Hotel Restaurant Cote d’Or Praslin Tel: +248 423 24 00 Fax: +248 423 24 01 E-mail: [email protected]

Beach Bar and Grill Lemuria Resort Anse Kerlan, Praslin Tel: +248 428 10 91 Fax: +248 428 10 01 E-mail: [email protected]

Beach Bar Restaurant Acajou Hotel Cote d’Or, Praslin Tel: +248 423 24 00 Fax: +248 423 24 01 E-mail: [email protected]

Black Parrot Restaurant Black Parrot Suites Anse Bois de Rose, Praslin Tel: +248 429 05 55 Fax: +248 429 04 40 E-mail: [email protected]

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

Bonm Ange Hotel L’Archipel Anse Gouvernement, Praslin Tel: +248 428 47 00, Fax: +248 423 20 72 E-mail: [email protected]

Britannia Restaurant Britannia Hotel Grand Anse, Praslin Tel: +248 423 32 15 / 423 39 15 Fax: +248 423 39 44 E-mail: [email protected]

Chateau de Feuilles Pointe Cabris, Praslin Tel: +248 429 00 00 Fax: +248 429 00 29 E-mail: [email protected]

Feuille d’Or Hotel L’Archipel Anse Gouvernement, Praslin Tel: +248 428 47 00 Fax: +248 423 20 72 E-mail: [email protected]

The Fregate Berjaya Praslin Beach Hotel Anse Volbert, Praslin Tel: +248 428 62 86, Fax: +248 423 22 44 E-mail: [email protected]

The Britania Grand AnseTel: +248 423 32 15

Hibiscus Restaurant Coco de Mer Hotel Anse Bois de Rose, Praslin Tel: +248 429 05 55 Fax: +248 429 04 40 E-mail: [email protected]

Indian Ocean Lodge Grand Anse, Praslin Tel: +248 423 33 24 / 23 34 57 Fax: +248 423 39 11 E-mail: [email protected]

The Jetty Restaurant La Reserve Hotel Anse Petite Cour, Praslin Tel: +248 429 80 00 Fax: +248 423 21 66 E-mail: [email protected]

La Goulue Cafeteria Cote d’Or, Praslin Tel: +248 423 22 23 Fax: +248 423 22 23 E-mail: [email protected]

Le Beach Restaurant Paradise Sun Hotel Anse Volbert, Praslin Tel: +248 429 32 93 Fax: +248 423 20 19 E-mail: [email protected]

Le Dauphin Hotel Le Duc de Praslin Baie Ste. Anne, Praslin Tel: +248 423 22 52 Fax: +248 423 23 55 E-mail: [email protected]

Le Kato Noir Palm Beach Hotel Grande Anse, Praslin Tel: +248 429 02 90/429 02 92 Fax: +248 423 30 90 E-mail: [email protected]

Legend Restaurant Lemuria Resort Anse Kerlan, Praslin Tel: +248 428 10 88 Fax: +248 428 10 01 E-mail: [email protected]

Octopus Diving CenterBerjaya Praslin Beach Hotel Anse Volbert, Praslin Tel/Fax: +248 423 26 02Tel Hotel: +248 423 22 22 Mobile: +248 271 54 41 E-mail: [email protected]

Pool Deck Restaurant Lemuria Resort Anse Kerlan, Praslin Tel: +248 428 10 88, Fax: +248 428 10 01 E-mail: [email protected]

Pool Grill Restaurant La Reserve Anse Petit Cour, Praslin Tel: +248 429 80 00 Fax: +248 423 21 66 E-mail: [email protected]

Port Side Cafe Address: Baie Ste. Anne Jetty, Praslin Tel: +248 271 28 00 / 276 64 00 Sea Horse Restaurant & Bar Lemuria Resort Anse Kerlan, Praslin Tel: +248 428 12 43, Fax: +248 428 10 01 E-mail: [email protected]

Tante Mimi Restaurant Cote d’Or, Praslin PO Box 301 Victoria Mahé Tel: +248 423 25 00 Fax: +248 423 25 03 E-mail: [email protected] Touchdown Restaurant Amitie Airport Praslin Tel: +248 423 36 55 Fax: +248 423 35 66

Village de Pecheur Praslin Tel: +248 423 20 00

RESTAURANTS LA DIGUE CREOLEBernique Anse Reunion Tel: +248 423 42 29

Patatran Restaurant Patatran Village Anse Patates, La Digue Tel: +248 429 43 00 Fax: +248 429 43 90 E-mail: [email protected]

Tournesol Tournesol Guesthouse La Passe, La Digue Tel: +248 423 41 55 Fax: +248 423 43 64 E-mail: [email protected]

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

Villa Mon Reve Anse Reunion, La Digue Tel: +248 423 42 18 Fax: +248 423 42 18 E-mail: [email protected]

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

INTERNATIONAL/CREOLECafe Le Monde Grand Anse Tel: +248 274 22 65/ 278 11 21

Cafe Le Monde Baie St Anne Tel: +248 423 21 11

Chateau St Cloud La Passe, La Digue Tel: +248 423 43 46, Fax: +248 423 45 45 E-mail: [email protected]

La Vanille Anse La Blague Tel: +248 423 21 78

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

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

Pool Side Restaurant La Digue Island Lodge Anse Reunion, La Digue Tel: +248 429 25 25, Fax: +248 423 41 32 E-mail: [email protected]

Pecheur Restaurant La Digue Island Lodge Anse Reunion, La Digue Tel: +248 429 25 25 , Fax: +248 423 41 32 E-mail: [email protected]

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

Restaurant Patatran Hotel L’Ocean Anse Patates, La Digue Tel: +248 423 41 80, Fax: +248 423 43 08 E-mail: [email protected] Tarosa Restaurant La Passe, La Digue Tel: +248 423 44 07 Fax: +248 423 43 44 E-mail: [email protected]

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

SEA FOODCafe Des Arts Cote d’Or Tel: +248 423 21 70

RESTAURANTS - OTHER ISLANDS CREOLE Jolly Roger’s Moyenne Island Tel: +248 429 70 00 Fax: +248 422 58 17 E-mail: [email protected]

INTERNATIONAL/CREOLEL’habitation Restaurant PO Box 910 Cerf Island Tel: +248 432 31 11 Fax: +248 432 13 08 E-mail: [email protected]

E n g l i s h - C r e o l e

Hello BonzourHow are you? Konman Sava?I am well Byen MersiThank you MersiVery much Mersi bokouGoodbye 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? Ki mannyer?Why? Akoz?Which? Lekel?Yes WiNo NonTo eat ManzeTo drink BwarTo sleep DormirTo bathe 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 SanWhere is the hotel? Kote lotel i ete silvouple?Good morning BonzourGood afternoon BonnapremidiGood evening BonswarPlease come in Antre silvouplePlease sit down Asize silvouple

You’re welcome Pa dekwaWhere do you come from Kote ou sorti?I come from....... Mon sorti......What is your name? Ki mannyer ou apele?My name is.... Mon apel.....Can you speak Kreol? Ou kabab koz Kreol?Only a little Zis en peI would like to learn more Mon oule apran ankorHow do you find Seychelles? Ki mannyer ou war Sesel?I like it here Mon kontan isi SeselThe weather is hot, isn’t it? Letan i so, wi?Where are you going? Kote ou pe ale?I am going to... Mon pe al......Please stop here Aret isi silvoupleHow much? Konbyen?Wait a minute Esper mwan en pti momanI have to get change Fodre mon ganny larzan sanzeExcuse me EkskizeWhere is the toilet? Kote kabinen i ete sivouple?In the back Deryer lakourWhere may I get a drink? Kote mon kapab ganny en keksoz pou bwar?

How much does this cost? Konbyen i vann?That’s quite expensive I ase serHelp! Ed mwan! / O Sekour!No, thanks Non, mersiPlease SilvoupleYou’re welcome Pa-de-kwaNo problem Napa problenmOk okeThat’s right! Wi i bien!A little bit Piti pitiIs everything ok? Tou keksoz i oke?Not now Pa kounye-aAttention/watch out! Atansyon!We are looking for... Nou pe rodI’m very thirsty Mon swaf I am hungry Mon lafenWhere are we? Kote nou ete?How old are you? Ki laz ou anan?What do you need? Ki ou bezwen?What do they call that in Creole? Koman zot dir sa an Kreol?How do they say... in creole? Koman zot dir an Kreol ?

One fine afternoon during the month of May, when there are usually a lot of fish around, Mr. Tortoise decided to go fishing. He took his fishing line and hook and walked down towards the beach.

It must have been his lucky day, for he had never seen so many fish before. By midday, there was a big pile lying on the beach beside him.

“Now for a fire to cook my dinner,” he exclaimed happily. He quickly collected a few sticks and, fetching three large stones, rested a pot on them. Then he began cooking his fish.

The smell of the cooking fish was delicious and it travelled through the air. Brer Soungoula who happened to be close by, stopped in his tracks. He sniffed once, twice, three times, and then followed his nose. This led him to Tortoise’s house.

“Good morning old fellow,” he said. “I see that you’ve found much to eat today. You look so tired. Let me help you cook your food.”

Tortoise, who was tired after spending so much time in the sun, agreed. He watched as Brer Soungoula added chillies to the fish. He watched as Brer Soungoula prepared a delicious chutney.

After they had finished cooking, Brer Soungoula told Tortoise to keep an eye on the cooking pot while he went down to the river to wash.

As soon as he was out of sight, he ran to his home and painted himself in a most horrible way. Then he ran back towards Tortoise’s house uttering strange cries. Poor Tortoise was terrified.

“Help! Help!” he shouted, as he ran for cover. ”I have never seen such a terrible creature! It must be a demon!”

Brer Soungoula quickly sat down and ate all the food. Then he went back to the river and washed himself. He then strolled slowly up the bank to where the cooking pot stood.

When Tortoise saw him, he said, in a trembling voice, “Brer Soungoula, did you see what I saw?”

“I saw nothing, my friend!” said Brer Soungoula as he walked calmly towards the cooking pot. “But come, let us eat now.” He removed the lid and looked inside.

“Where is the food? What has happened to it?” he asked.Tortoise looked at the empty pot. “I am sure it was that

terrible creature,” he said. ‘“It frightened me away so that it could eat my food.”

“You are lying! You ate it while I was washing at the river!” shouted Brer Soungoula. Tortoise tried to protest and said that he was innocent, which indeed he was, but Brer Soungoula did not want to listen.

“There is one way of finding out who stole our food,” said Tortoise. “I know what I shall do. I shall make a fine bow and arrow, and if the creature comes again, I shall kill it.”

Brer Soungoula watched Tortoise as he shaped the wood with his knife, and when it was almost finished, he said, “Give me your bow, I shall show you a good way to make it better. I’ll finish it for you.”

Tortoise, suspecting nothing, gave up the bow and knife to Brer Soungoula, who began to cut it in a special way, making it so weak in one place that it was bound to break as soon as it was used. Then he said goodbye to Tortoise and promised to come back the next day at lunchtime.

The next day, Tortoise woke up early and cooked another big pot of food. When it was time for lunch, Brer Soungoula said to Tortoise, “There, my good friend. Keep this bow and arrow beside you while I go down and wash, incase that creature comes again.” He went down to the river once more and again painted himself.

Tortoise waited beside the pot. Once again he heard the strange noise. Then the ugly-looking animal appeared before him. Tortoise took his bow and put an arrow in it. He pulled, but SNAP! It broke in his hands. The creature came closer and closer. Tortoise was very frightened. For the second time, he had to run for cover.

So, once more, Brer Soungoula had all the food. When he finished, he went back to the river and washed himself. He again returned to accuse Tortoise of stealing the food.

He opened his mouth so wide that, while he was speaking, Tortoise noticed a little piece of fish stuck in his teeth. “Aha,” said Tortoise to himself. “If that’s the way it is, I shall be ready for you tomorrow, my friend.”

That night Tortoise made another bow. It was a good one.The next day, everything happened as before. The food was

cooked and, at midday, Brer Soungoula went down to the river to wash. Tortoise took his new bow and crept away to hide in some long grass nearby.

Then the noise was heard and again the ugly-looking creature appeared. Tortoise raised his bow and shot. The arrow went straight into the creature’s right leg and the creature fell to the ground. Tortoise took another shot and this time the arrow went through the creature’s left leg.

“Stop, stop! Don’t do it again!” shouted the creature. Tortoise went to where the creature lay. He bent over the body and was not surprised when he saw it was really Brer Soungoula.

“Oh well,” Brer Soungoula remarked. “My mother always told me that greed did not pay, and now I know she was right.”

You might think that Brer Sougoula learnt a lesson from this, and gave up his bad habits, but I am sorry to say that, in no time at all, he had forgotten all about it and was soon up to his old tricks again. $

K i d s Co r n e r

GREEDDOES NOT PAY

CLUES ACROSS1. Panto provides beer – but not bottled. (2,3)

6. Fasten, but there’s a snag. (5)

9. Reverse. Sounds harmful to heath. (4,3)

10. Box for a body part? (5)

11. Make one to cause a fuss! (5)

12. A dose of flu should produce blushing. (5)

13. Southern alpine mix-up to find dog. (7)

15. A lettuce for corporate businesses perhaps. (3)

17. Jaunty inside super thing. (4)

18. Trod back around 7” record and remove from country. (6)

19. Food shops sound like they belong to Indian city. (5)

20. Fe and queen for laundry worker. (6)

22. Rise out for male parent. (4)

24. One world embraces the unused. (3)

25. Window feature in camera. (7)

26. Paste for glaziers. (5)

27. High flying person? (5)

28. Five in two points for climbers. (5)

29. I go in gun after writer for flightless creature. (7)

30. Surrendered in five notes. (5)

31. Just say yes! (5)

CLUES DOWN2. Oh open out for despair. (2,4)

3. It’s said the heart grows fonder if you are this. (6)

4. Tap out name of woman. (3)

5. Southern murder has proficiency. (5)

6. Sue hiss out at shameless women. (7)

7. An irritation in the kitchen. (4)

8. He is used to cutting things out. (6)

12. This should raise the temperature! (5)

13. Health resort in European country. (5)

14 A right argument for weapon. (5)

15. Encounter trouble – from the police? (3,2)

16. Guide the animal. (5)

18. Attractive type of food presentation? (5)

19. Put in deed and assigned authority. (7)

21. Arranged price before easterly direction. (6)

22. Pop star right inside thin cord. (6)

23. Go backwards (not south) and venerate. (6)

25. Produce on the platform. (5)

26. Keep open mind to embrace religious leader. (4)

28. By way of Latin thoroughfare. (3)

Answers across

1. On tap 6. Hitch 9. Back out 10. Chest 11. Scene 12. Flush 13. Spaniel 15. Cos 17. Pert 18. Deport 19. Delis

20. Ironer 22. Sire 24. New 25. Shutter 26. Putty 27. Pilot 28. Vines 29. Penguin 30. Ceded 31. Agree

Answers down

2. No hope 3. Absent 4. Pat 5. Skill 6. Hussies 7. Itch 8. Censor 12. Fever 13. Spain 14 Arrow 15. Cop it 16. Steer

18. Dishy 19. Deputed 21. Recipe 22. String 23. Revere 25. Stage 26. Pope 28. Via

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!

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

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!

14 15

18

16

19

13

21

17

22 23

24 25

20

27 28

30

26

29

31

11

12

9

61 2 3 4 5 7 8

10

45

223

7 88

9

59

8

2

6

86

3

11

9

1

6

7 4935 77

7

Crossword & Sudoku

7945-C EIDC_Silhou_BackCover 4/4/12 11:43 AM Page 1

Composite


Silhouette

Documents

Transcript of Silhouette