Seychelles

A name synonymous with the world’s most beautiful islands, the Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands lying just south of the equator in the Indian Ocean off East Africa. It is home to two unique natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a sanctuary to a myriad of natural treasures.

These islands, known for pristine white beaches and coral cays, superb diving, nature reserves and rare wildlife, provide a great add-on for some beach time post-safari.

The Seychelles’ North Island is a floating haven, a true ‘tropical paradise’ in the midst of the warm blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Epitomising the concept of barefoot luxury, just 11 villas offer guests an escape from today’s overcrowded world. The essence of exclusivity, each villa is individually handcrafted by Seychellois and African craftsmen, creating a private sanctuary and exquisite space of privacy and harmony in which to relax completely. Embraced by swaying palm trees and fringed by the white sands of a magnificent deserted beach, the villas are raised to catch the cooling sea breeze along with stunning views of the deep blue ocean.

The granite-based Mahé Island, with an international airport, is a key transport hub, home to capital Victoria, the mountain rainforests of Morne Seychellois National Park and white-sand beaches including Beau Vallon and Anse Takamaka. Direct flights operate frequently from both Nairobi and Johannesburg.

Aldabra Atoll is a natural UNESCO Heritage site and consists of four large coral islands which enclose a shallow lagoon; the group of islands is itself surrounded by a coral reef. Due to difficulties of access and the atoll’s isolation, Aldabra has been protected from human influence and thus retains some 152,000 giant Aldabra tortoises, the world’s largest population of this reptile.

Seychelles’ second natural heritage site is the legendary Vallée de Mai, so remarkable that it was once believed to be the original site of the Garden of Eden, this hauntingly beautiful primeval forest is home to some 6000 Coco-de-mer trees, considered to be among the botanical wonders of the world.The Vallée boasts six endemic palm species as well as many other indigenous trees and is also the last habitat of the endangered Black Parrot.

Visit the ‘tropical island paradise’ of the Seychelles and experience the ultimate.