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Seychelles Map

Map Seychelles

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29.07.2010
mostly cloudy
29°C
Sunrise 06:27:00
Sunset 18:21:00

Seychelles

Turquoise seas, pristine white sandy beaches and lush tropical vegetation. If you are an avid nature lover, passionate about fishing or looking for the ultimate diving experience, look no further.

An archipelago of 115 tropical islands, the Seychelles is scattered over 400 000km² in the Indian Ocean, 4° south of the equator. Some of the islands are granite, while others are coral. Most Seychellois are descendents of early French settlers and their slaves, brought to the island by the British in the 18th century. There is also a small Indian and Chinese population.

Mahé, the biggest island (27 x 8km) can easily be explored by taxi. About 90% of the population live on Mahé, yet no trip would be complete without a visit to at least one of the smaller islands.

Praslin is the second largest inhabited island (11 x 5km) and has some of the finest hotels and guest houses in the archipelago. Apart from its unsurpassed beaches, the island is surrounded by a coral reef with abundant fish life and a myriad of colourful corals.

Air Seychelles offers an excellent service to Praslin, Mahé and some outer islands. La Digue (5 x 3km) is accessible by boat or helicopter from Praslin or Mahé (where ox-carts and bicycles are the traditional forms of transport).
Seychelles is believed to be the most environmentally conscious destination in the world. To preserve this, the number of tourists visiting the island at any time is limited, so you will always be assured of a little piece of paradise to yourself.

Seychelles Top Attractions

  • The Botanical Gardens in Mahé: Where you get a feel of the flora and fauna found on the islands. The craft village and model boat building factory are also worth a visit.
  • Vallée De Mai on Praslin: This forest known as the Garden of Eden is a World Heritage Site and home to the famed Coco De Mer Palm and rare Black Parrot. While on Praslin visit Anse Lazio, considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Anse Georgette, Anse Volbert, Anse Kerlan and Anse Boudin are a must.
  • Curieuse Island: Adjacent to Cousine Island where you will also get a glimpse of the Coco De Mer Palm, encounter giant tortoises and the ruins of the leper colony.
  • Cousine Island: A short boat trip from Praslin, the island is a private nature reserve and home to a variety of endemic flora and fauna, including five bird species and the endangered Brush Warbler.
  • Saint Pierre Island: Lies in front of Anse Volbert beach. The island has fantastic snorkelling possibilities.
  • Anse Source d'Argent: On La Digue island, is the most photographed beach world-wide.

Seychelles Travel Tips

  • Climate and what to pack: The tropical climate of Seychelles is generally warm and humid. It is divided into the following main seasons: the Northwest Monsoon and the Southeast Monsoon, separated by two relatively short Inter-Monsoon ‘transition months’. May to October (Southeast Monsoon) is a relatively drier and cooler period with stronger winds. November is relatively warm with light winds, and April is the calmest and warmest period of the year.
  • Bring light, comfortable clothing and protective gear/wear for the tropical sun and rain. Also, bring insecticides and all personal medication and toiletries.
  • Health: No malaria mosquitoes – but take repellent; no tropical diseases. There’s a large, efficient hospital in Victoria, and clinics on Praslin and La Digue.
  • Currency: The Seychelles Rupee (SR). Any service booked and consumed locally can be paid either in Seychelles Rupees or any convertible currency at the exchange rate on the date of transaction. Banks are in Victoria, Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, and opening times are between 8:30am and 2pm. MasterCard, Visa, Diners Club and Barclaycard are widely accepted in the larger hotels, restaurants and shops. American Express can be used at some establishments. Smaller places do not always accept credit cards. Banks at the airport are only open for international flights.
  • Travel documents: Your passport should have a minimum of two blank visa pages (but we recommend three if you are visiting more than one country on your journey). Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date. South African citizens who hold more than one passport must depart and re-enter South Africa on their South African passport.
  • Visas: Not required for any passport holders.
  • Time zone: GMT + four hours.
  • Language: English, French and Creole are the three languages spoken in the Seychelles. The language of business and law is English, French is often spoken but the common language of daily communication is Creole, a French patois.
  • Customs: 200 cigarettes and two litres of alcohol.
  • Luggage allowance: 20kg on international flights and 15kg on internal flights. Airlines will not accept luggage exceeding 32kg or 900mm x 720mm x 450mm. Plastic wrap your luggage prior to departure, especially if departing from OR Tambo International Airport.
  • Luggage check-through: In light of the problematic situation regarding domestic baggage transfers at OR Tambo, as well as the constant breakdown of the baggage belts and shutdown of the baggage transfer belts by ACSA (Airport Company South Africa) from about 10pm, and the baggage losses incurred, we would encourage all passengers to check their baggage only to Johannesburg from all SA domestic airports. Collect your luggage in domestic services upon arrival and check it in for your international flight to the Seychelles.
  • Power supply: 240v AC with British standard three-point square pin plug.

Terms and Conditions

These terms and conditions will apply to your holiday and the arrangements which you make. Please read them carefully as you will be bound by them.

By making a booking, the client confirms that all of the people named in the booking made by him/her have read these conditions, and have agreed to be bound by them and all the other terms of the contract, and that he/she has the authority to accept these terms and conditions on their behalf.

1.    Regardless of the place of execution, performance or domicile of the parties, this contract, together with all modifications and amendments, shall be governed by, construed under and in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa.

2.    All packages and tours are sold subject to our standard terms and conditions. Reservations must be signed on a booking form. If the services of a courier are employed during this process, the costs shall be borne by the client.

3.    A 20% deposit is payable on confirmation, unless otherwise stated on the booking form. The balance must be paid 6 weeks prior to your departure. No contract is made between the client and Unusual Destinations until the deposit or, where required, the full price has been paid, whether or not a booking confirmation has been issued by Unusual Destinations or one of its agents. Failure by the client to pay any sum by due date shall entitle Unusual Destinations to cancel the booking, and to charge a cancellation fee as set out below (see point 17 below).

4.    Quotations are based on the exchange rates valid at the time that they are sent to the client. Unusual Destinations reserves the right to increase any prices where currency fluctuations occur, until such time as they have been paid in full. It is the client’s responsibility to check on possible price increases prior to full payment. Airfares are subject to prices quoted by airlines, and Unusual Destinations can therefore not accept responsibility for unexpected fare increases.

5.    It is the clients’ responsibility to obtain travel documents including a valid passport and air tickets. It is also the clients’ responsibility to contact the airlines at least 72 hours prior to departure to reconfirm all flights. All clients who, at the time of departure, are under the age of 18 years, must be accompanied by a client aged 21 or over who will at all times during the tour or trip be responsible for their welfare, conduct and behaviour. Clients are expected at all times to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner with due regard to the health, safety, comfort, enjoyment and general well- being of all the other people who may be on the tour or trip, or other people who may be staying in the relevant hotels. If it appears that the client’s conduct or behaviour is such as to be a breach of this requirement, or is likely to endanger the client’s own health or safety, or that of others, or where their actions or conduct impedes the operation of the trip, then Unusual Destinations reserves the right to refuse the further participation of any such client. No refund will be considered in respect of any client whose participation in the trip is terminated for these reasons. Further, where the client is repatriated pursuant to this clause at Unusual Destinations’ expense, or where Unusual Destinations is put to any additional expense as a result of the client’s conduct, then Unusual Destinations shall have the right to recover such costs upon demand. Under no circumstances, at any time, shall Unusual Destinations have any liability for the denial of boarding or expulsion from an aeroplane by any airline contracted in terms of this contract, such denial being at the sole discretion of the airline concerned.

6.    While Unusual Destinations will do its best not to cancel or make any material alteration to the itinerary after a booking confirmation has been issued, it shall nonetheless be entitled at any time prior to departure to cancel the contract between the parties, or to change and/or curtail the scheduled itinerary where this becomes reasonably necessary on operational, commercial or other grounds. Unusual Destinations will however inform the client of any such cancellation or change of itinerary as soon as possible. Where such a change of itinerary amounts to a material alteration, the client shall be entitled to cancel the booking within 3 days of being advised of the itinerary change without any cancellation fee being applicable.

7.    Although Unusual Destinations attempts to make all itineraries as accurate as possible at the time of printing, they are to be considered an approximate indication of the schedule and scope of the tour rather than an inflexible chronicle of events. The itinerary may be subject to change due to circumstances beyond the control of Unusual Destinations, whether as a result of weather, government restrictions, transportation problems, road conditions, acts of God, terrorist threats, natural disasters, fires or other circumstances. Unusual Destinations however undertakes to do its best to maintain the itinerary, and will not unreasonably change it. However any such changes shall not constitute a material alteration of the contract, and Unusual Destinations shall in consequence have no liability to the client in respect thereof.

8.    Unusual Destinations will not be responsible for any additional costs occasioned by changes in the itinerary or flight schedules, such as additional flights, hotel nights or meals not included in the scheduled itinerary. Payment for such additional services will be required at the time when the amended itinerary is provided to the client. Further, any expenses incurred owing to unexpected extensions to packages, trips or tours caused by flight delays, bad weather, strikes or any other reason beyond Unusual Destinations’ control will be paid by the client upon demand.

9.    Where the client is making a booking with a tour, the rates quoted are based upon group participation, and no partial refunds will be given for unused trip arrangements or sightseeing tours for any reason whatsoever.

10.    Unusual Destinations, in order to provide the tour as set out in the brochure, group/individual tour or individual package, quotation and/or booking, is obliged to make arrangements with local operators who may themselves engage the services of local suppliers. Unusual Destinations endeavours at all times to appoint reputable and competent local operators to comply with the requirements and standards expected by the client. However, although these local operators are appointed by Unusual Destinations, they are acting as an agent on behalf of the client directly, and a direct contract is therefore entered into between the client and the local operator or service provider, and the terms and conditions of the local operator, whether or not contained in this brochure, will apply to arrangements made by them. Unusual Destinations makes the travel arrangements on behalf of the client on the express condition that it is not liable for any inconvenience, irregularity or expense occasioned by the failure of the local operator to comply with the itinerary provided, whether in relation to travel arrangements, airline scheduling, airline changes, cancelled flights, missed flight connections or any other factor not directly under Unusual Destinations’ control. In the event however that Unusual Destinations is, in spite of the provisions of this clause, found to be liable to the client, then its liability will be limited to the sum paid by the client in respect of the travel arrangement(s) in question.

11.    As Unusual Destinations acts only as an agent for local operators, it accepts no liability for any loss or damages which clients may suffer as a result of the failure by such local operators to fulfil their obligations whether in relation to travel flights, land arrangements, accommodation or otherwise. These local operators are independent suppliers who are not affiliated with Unusual Destinations in any way. Further, Unusual Destinations shall not be liable for any loss, damage, delay, accident or inconvenience caused to any person, their property or luggage under any circumstances.

12.    Unusual Destinations will not be liable for bodily injury to, or death of any client, or damage to their property occasioned through the conduct or default of any company or local operator or individual engaged in providing these services or for any reason, including, but not limited to, acts of God, quarantine, strikes, industrial action, medical emergencies, civil disturbances, theft, detention, annoyance, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, closure of ports, changes in government regulations, terrorism, war, medical emergencies or failure of the conveyance to depart or arrive as scheduled.

13.    Unusual Destinations does not provide medical services during the trip or tour. However, wherever possible, Unusual Destinations will offer general assistance to any client who suffers illness, personal injury or death, whether or not arising from an activity forming part of the trip or tour, and whether or not the result of fault by any party.

14.    Clients should bring with an ample supply of any prescription medicines required, and a first aid kit.

15.    Any cost or expense which is reasonably incurred by Unusual Destinations for or on behalf of the client in respect of any form of medical, dental or similar treatment, hotel, transportation, repatriation, or any other expenses of whatever nature, shall be repayable by the client to Unusual Destinations on demand, whether or not such sum is covered by the client’s travel insurance.

16.    Travel insurance (medical and personal accident) is compulsory. However, clients are strongly recommended to take out insurance to cover the loss of their luggage, and the deposit or part of the tour fee through cancellation.

17.    Any changes and/or cancellations will incur penalties; in many cases air tickets are totally non-refundable. All cancellations have to be in writing. Unless otherwise stipulated, the following fees shall be charged by Unusual Destinations if a client cancels a reservation:

More than 6 weeks prior to departure:
10% of price

4 – 6 weeks prior to departure:
50% of price

2 – 4 weeks prior to departure:

75% of price

Less than 2 weeks prior to departure:

100% of price

18.    These terms and conditions, together with any other clauses set out on the application form, defines the responsibility of Unusual Destinations with respect to all of the trips/tours/arrangements made by them. Further, Unusual Destinations shall not be liable for the failure of performance or improper performance which is wholly attributable to any or all of the following:
    
a)    The fault of the client;

b)    The unforeseeable or unavoidable act of a third party unconnected with the provision of any services to be provided under this contract;

c)    Unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond the control of Unusual Destinations, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care was exercised;

d)    Any event which Unusual Destinations could not even with all due care have foreseen or avoided, including (but not limited to) an event or force major. Unusual Destinations further confirms that the carriage of passengers and their luggage by air is governed by various international conventions and the client shall be bound by the rules, regulations and conditions of contract laid down by any carrier upon which he / she may travel as a result of the reservations made, and Unusual Destinations shall be free from any liability in consequence thereof.

Mahé Island

The Seychelles archipelago comprises 115 granite and coral islands spread over an area of 400km² in the heart of the Indian Ocean, four degrees south of the equator. Mahé is the main island. It measures 27km in length and 8km wide, and has the most beaches, as well as larger hotels, restaurants and watersport facilities. Smaller islands are accessible by ferry, helicopter transfers or flights.

Link to Mahé itineraries.

Praslin Island

Praslin is the second largest inhabited island and home to the famed Vallée de Mai, a rainforest where the Coco de Mer Palm and Black Parrot are found. Seychelles is environmentally conscious. It boasts 700 species of exotic plants, a large endemic bird population, coral reefs and abundant fish life, allowing for excellent snorkelling and diving possibilities. It is also home to the giant tortoise. Seychelles offers a variety of hotels, guesthouses, lodges and chalets, each with quality accommodation and each serving local Creole cuisine.

Link to Praslin itineraries

La Digue Island

La Digue is the perfect island to escape from civilisation. Here you will find the very rare Black Paradise Flycatcher. Seychelles beaches rank among the best in the world. Even at the height of tourist season you can easily find a deserted beach. There are no beggars or hawkers around and there’s very little crime. Hence, Seychelles has a laid-back tropical vibe.

Link to La Digue itineraries


Private Islands

Seychelles is famous for having some of the most pristine beaches in the world. Seychelles’ private islands boast luxuriously appointed lodges as well as unparalleled opportunities for sailing, fishing and diving in places where few have gone before. Many foster a strong conservation ethic.

Link to private island itineraries

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