SILHOUETTETHE IN-FLIGHT MAGAZINE OF AIR SEYCHELLESVOLUME 25 NUMBER 3
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For Your ideal Roaming experience
ceo’s Foreword
We renew our pledge to
continually improve our travel
offer to you and make your
flight a memorable one.
Nous renouvelons notre
engagement de n’épargner aucun
effort afin de toujours vous offrir
un plus vaste choix de voyages et
de rendre votre vol inoubliable.
Dear Guest,
Cher Client,
Welcome on board our four-star airline.
Bienvenue à bord de notre compagnie aérienne quatre étoiles!
My team and I are delighted to serve you and offer you the best possible
experience on your carrier of choice to the destination of your dreams.
Nous sommes ravis, mon équipe et moi, de vous servir et de vous offrir la meilleure
expérience de voyage vers la destination de vos rêves à bord de votre compagnie préférée.
We promised to launch new routes on modern new aircraft in our pursuit to
be the best airline in the Indian Ocean. We’ve delivered on that promise.
Nous avions promis de nouvelles dessertes, de prendre livraison de nouveaux appareils
et de développer de nouveaux partenariats conformément à notre ambition de devenir la
meilleure ligne aérienne de l’Océan Indien. Nous avons tenu cette promesse!
In July 2014, we recommenced flights to Paris, Charles de Gaulle, after a gap
of two and a half years. The route is operated twice weekly by our Airbus
A330-200 aircraft, offering 18 lie-flat seats in Business Class and 236 seats
in Economy Class. Together with our equity partner, Etihad Airways, we now
provide you with a choice of 18 connections per week between Paris and
our archipelago. The new Air Seychelles Paris flight schedule, which has a
brief stopover in Abu Dhabi, has been designed to provide easy access to the
Seychelles from more than 40 cities across Europe, and will offer Seychelles
tourism 52,000 more seats annually out of Paris.
Depuis juillet 2014 nous avons repris nos vols vers Paris, Charles de Gaulle après une
interruption de deux ans et demi. Cette desserte est assurée par notre appareil airbus
A330-200 qui offre 18 sièges-lit en Classe Affaires et 236 sièges en Classe Économique.
Nous vous proposons maintenant, conjointement avec notre partenaire Etihad Airways,
un choix de 18 connections hebdomadaires entre Paris et notre archipel. Le nouvel horaire
de vol d’Air Seychelles sur Paris avec une brève escale à Abu Dhabi, a été conçu pour
permettre un accès facile aux Seychelles à partir de 40 villes à travers l’Europe et offrira
52,000 sièges supplémentaires annuellement au tourisme seychellois au départ de Paris.
Also in July 2014, we took delivery of two brand-new Twin Otter DHC6400 aircraft, which we have named Isle of Bird and Isle of La Digue. A third
will arrive in 2015. The aircraft offer enhanced levels of comfort on your
journeys between the islands of Seychelles and if you haven’t had a chance
to experience our domestic service, I highly recommend that you give it a try.
De plus, en juillet 2014, nous avons pris livraison de deux avions Twin Otter DHC6-400
flambant-neufs qui portent les noms de Isle of Bird et Isle of La Digue. Un troisième
appareil sera livré en 2015. Ces avions offriront un meilleur niveau de confort durant les
voyages inter-iles et si vous n’avez pas encore eu l’occasion de profiter de notre service
domestique, nous vous recommandons fortement de l’essayer.
It also gives me great pleasure to report that in December 2014, we will
acquire our first Airbus A320 aircraft, heralding a new and enhanced
international flight schedule, with more seats to and from Mauritius and
additional frequencies between Seychelles and Abu Dhabi. We will also soon
announce exciting new destinations within the region. With these additional
flights we will increase connectivity to key markets that are important for
Seychelles tourism.
J’ai aussi le très grand plaisir de vous annoncer qu’en décembre 2014 nous allons
faire l’acquisition de notre premier Airbus A320 en offrant un nouvel horaire de vol
international qui augmentera le nombre de sièges vers l’ile Maurice et qui va accroitre
la fréquence entre les Seychelles et Abu Dhabi. Nous allons bientôt annoncer la desserte
de nouvelles destinations intéressantes dans la région. Grace à ces vols additionnels
nous allons étendre notre connectivité aux marchés importants pour le tourisme aux
Seychelles.
In August 2014, we concluded a codeshare partnership with Alitalia, Italy’s
leading airline. The deal allows guests from both airlines to fly between Rome,
Milan and Venice to Seychelles, via Abu Dhabi, with just one ticket for their
entire journey. Italy is Seychelles’ third largest tourism market after Germany
and France, and the partnership will deliver more choice and connectivity
for visitors, especially to Seychelles’ second largest island, Praslin, now
served with new aircraft. I am thrilled to add the romantic city of Venice to
our codeshare network, a new and exciting European destination for you to
explore.
En août 2014, nous avons conclu un accord de partage de code avec Alitalia, la première
compagnie aérienne italienne. Ce nouvel accord permettra aux voyageurs sur nos deux
lignes d’effectuer le trajet entre Rome, Milan et Venise vers les Seychelles via Abu Dhabi
avec un seul billet. L’Italie est le troisième grand marché touristique pour les Seychelles
après la France et l’Allemagne. Ce partenariat va offrir un meilleur choix de voyage à
nos visiteurs surtout vers Praslin, la deuxième plus grande ile des Seychelles à bord de
nouveaux avions. Je me réjouis de vous annoncer que nous ajoutons la ville romantique
de Venise à notre réseau en partage de code - une destination européenne très prisée que
vous prendrez plaisir à découvrir!
So thank you for choosing Air Seychelles and for your continued loyalty. We
renew our pledge to continually improve our travel offer to you and make your
flight a memorable one.
Cher client, Je vous remercie d’avoir choisi Air Seychelles et d’être fidèle à notre
compagnie. Nous renouvelons notre engagement de n’épargner aucun effort afin de
toujours vous offrir un plus vaste choix de voyages et de rendre votre vol inoubliable.
We look forward to welcoming you on board again soon.
Nous espérons bientôt vous revoir à bord.
Bon Voyage
Manoj Papa
Chief Executive Officer
Directeur Général
Silhouette Vol 25 No 3 | 1
Contents
K
SILHOUETTE
THE IN-FLIGHT MAGAZINE OF AIR SEYCHELLES
Photo © Peter Holthusen
CY CMY
VOLUME 25 NUMBER 3
Cover: The Eiffel Tower pictured
here at night, is the most iconic
symbol of Paris.
Regulars
• 1 CEO’s Foreword
• 14 Events Calendar
• 16 Discover Seychelles
• 65 Healthy Travelling
• 68 Frequent Flier page
• 70 News
• 73 Map of Mahé
• 74 Welcome Aboard
• 76 International Route Map
• 78 Worldwide Offices
• 79 English - Creole
• 80 Travel Facts
• 82 Dining Out
• 84 Crossword
6
Paris
City for all seasons.
48
The Lodge at World’s Edge
Enjoy one of the planet’s purest experiences of nature.
52.
Karine Dupouy
Meet the young, upcoming, Seychellois fashion designer.
54.Seychelles on a Plate
The large selection of tangy, sweet, rich and spicy combination makes the Seychellois cuisine a tourist attraction in itself.
56.
The Art of the Desert
Bedouin Jewellery is tremendously exciting; its techniques and styles bear striking resemblance to those of civilisations long dead.
60.
Those Charming Creole Houses of Auld Lang Syne
Those old photographs exude a nostalgic fragrance as they remind us of our priceless Creole heritage.
62.
Craned into Action
What is the significance of the white crane in the realm of kung fu?
66 .
Our National Bird
The Seychelles Black Parrot is an often used mascot and icon in a nation that is proud of their wildlife and heritage.
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 Assistants: Rachel Musyimi, Rose Judha
Editorial Board:
Rukhsana Haq
Adrian Skerrett
Silhouette is published
three times a year for Air Seychelles
PO Box 386, Mahé, Seychelles
Telephone: (+248) 4391000
Fax: (+248) 4224305
E-mail: [email protected]
By Camerapix Magazines Limited,
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Telephone: +254 (20) 4448923/4/5
Fax: +254 (20) 4448818
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Printed in: Dubai
© 2014 CAMERAPIX MAGAZINES LTD.
2 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the publisher.
Destination
Like a phosphorescent dream, a midsummer moon
casts a nocturnal glow of pink over the Eiffel Tower
and Paris skyline, pictured here from the air.
6 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
Story by Kate Nivison/Photos © Peter Holthusen
I
love Paris every moment – every moment of the year. This is just one of the many
songs celebrating Paris. City of Light, City of Love – it’s enough to make anyone feel
that they could be missing out on something if they haven’t seen the view from
the Eiffel Tower, or strolled along a boulevard with an independent air . . .
So what is it that makes so many people
fall in love with France’s capital city? The
riverside vistas, perhaps, spanned by
those graceful bridges – but rivers much
bigger than the Seine flow through
plenty of capitals. And yet it was ‘Under
the Bridges of Paris’ that became a world
hit. It could be the soaring Gothic, neoclassical and 18th century architecture
that so lifts the spirits. It has world-class
museums, high culture, formal gardens
and leafy parks, broad avenues lined
with glamorous department stores and
boutiques. Or maybe it’s the whiff of
naughtiness forever surrounding the
Moulin Rouge theatre shows (Nicole
Kidman was memorable in the film
named after it) – the pavement cafés
and starred restaurants. But what Paris
has is élan – that indefinable mix of style,
chic and flair that has coined its own
adjective – Parisian.
Silhouette Vol 25 No 3 | 7
Photo © Wikimedia
Paris: city for all seasons
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
Cityscape
Paris is a delight for
anyone in love with
the little luxuries of
life – haute couture,
amazing jewellery,
accessories, perfume –
and real essentials such as
chocolate . . .
Eiffel Tower
Of course, the view from Paris’s best loved
icon, the Eiffel Tower, is memorable at any
time of year, but even those Parisians who
claim to dislike it would agree that it is much
improved by a fine sunset, spotlights or a
pretty powdering of snow. If it’s a little windy
at the top, there is always the second-floor
Restaurant Jules Verne – booking essential.
8 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
Above left: River
Seine cruises on the
‘Bateaux-Mouches’
and ‘vedettes’
pleasure boats
operate along the
main sightseeing
reaches of the historic
river, taking in many
of the city’s famous
monuments.
Photo © Wikimedia
A major face-lift in the best known arrondissements (districts) saw centuries of grime
pressure-hosed away, followed by an extensive restoration and re-gilding programme
for major public buildings to rejuvenate this elegant old lady. The main landmarks and
boulevards truly sparkle, not just in the sunlight, but on dark winter evenings, thanks
to innovative floodlighting. The beautification process wisely included tree planting
and a big increase in underground parking along the main tourist trails. The Champs
Elysées at Christmas must now rank among the most beautiful streets in the world.
Its avenues of winter-bare trees are festooned with tiny lights, while illuminated
facades and tastefully dressed shop windows twinkle as far as the neon colours and
sky-probing laser beams of the modernistic La Défense complex.
Notre-Dame
The white domes of Sacre-Coeur stand out
whatever the weather, marking the artists’
quarter of Montmartre. But it is SacreCoeur’s much older sister, the cathedral of
Notre-Dame-de-Paris that has benefited
most from the clean-up programme. With
the grime of all that history removed, the
Place (courtyard or square) outside the great
west door is now somewhere for friends to
meet and the young to hang out. Where
once there was a maze of sometimes sinister
alleys, artists and buskers entertain in style
well into the evening.
Notre-Dame is not only France’s premier
cathedral, it also stars in a book (and several
films based on it) by the great French writer,
Victor Hugo, about the Hunchback of NotreDame and other colourful fictitious characters
of the Ile de la Cité, the photogenic island in
the Seine on which it stands. After nearly
nine centuries its ancient bells continue to
ring out, and within its massively buttressed
walls the brilliant mediaeval stained glass
windows come alive in the sunlight. It’s a real
bonus to catch a music recital in progress
or perhaps an organist rehearsing a piece by
Bach and let your gaze rise with the chords
to the delicate fan-vaulted ceiling. Fans of
Gothic architecture might also like to visit
the nearby Sainte-Chapelle, where the
intense colours on every surface are a
reminder of what mediaeval churches once
looked like before tastes changed to a simpler
look. Go there and feel yourself drifting back
into Europe’s past.
Flights between Seychelles & Paris
The perfect schedule bringing together love and paradise. Travel to either the city of love, Paris or the island of Paradise, Seychelles
with our twice weekly flights operated in partnership with our equity partner, Etihad Airways.
Fly with us on our brightly-coloured Airbus A330-200 aircraft offering a relaxing journey with our 18 lie-flat seats in business and
236 seats in economy whilst experiencing a truly Creole warmth moment.
Departs
Dept. Time
Arrives
Arr. Time
Frequency
Seychelles
20:35
Paris
07:45 (+1)
Tues, Thurs
Paris
21:50
Seychelles
13:25 (+1)
Wed
Paris
21:50
Seychelles
12:55 (+1)
Fri
For booking enquires, please contact your nearest travel agent
or visit www.airseychelles.com
The information above is correct at the time of printing. However, changes after publication might occur and will affect the accuracy of the content.
Paris: city for all seasons
EXPERIENCE
Art
So what is it that
makes so many
people fall in love
with France’s
capital city?
Shopping
Left: The artists’
quarter of
Montmartre has been
a mecca for artists,
writers, poets and
their disciples since
the 17th century,
yet the village
atmosphere remains
remarkably intact
with an abundance
of restaurants and
intimate cafés.
Below: The famous
silhouette of the
Moulin Rouge
nightclub, birthplace
of the ‘Can Can’
where the wild and
colourful dance shows
were immortalised
in the posters and
drawings of Henri de
Toulouse-Lautrec.
Paris is a delight for anyone in love
with the little luxuries of life – haute
couture, amazing jewellery, accessories,
perfume – and real essentials such as
chocolate . . . It’s one of the few places
where the stores themselves, especially
the enchanting Galeries Lafayette,
are worth visiting because they are so
gorgeous. But then, as the song says,
that’s what makes Paris Paree.
Photo © Wikimedia
As for the vast royal palace of the Louvre, it now hosts one of the world’s greatest
museums and fine art collections combined, but only the French would have dared
to put ‘that Pyramid’ in the midst of so much stately architecture. Love it or hate it, the
Pyramid is simply a glass-paned roof for the underground entrance, and it has speeded
up the queues for seemingly endless corridors and salons filled with treasures from all
over the world. In summer there’s always a scrum to get close to the Venus de Milo
or Mona Lisa, but it never gets too crowded downstairs where the gorgeous turquoise
glazed tiles from the walls of ancient Persepolis and flashes of Middle Eastern gold
make it well worth the foot-slog. Outside, the Tuileries Gardens with their fountains
are a great place for a sit-down and a picnic in the warmer months.
Cuisine
Disneyland Paris
For something more leisurely with
French cuisine included, book a
lunch cruise. And a very good lunch
it is too – sample menu: a choice
of starter, followed by duck, lamb
or whole roast sea bass, topped
off with a cheese selection and
Gateau-mouche (their chocolate
cake special). Accordion music and
a commentary are included, and the
company has its own white wine
vineyard. For an evening dinner
cruise some dressing up is expected,
both for Bateaux-Mouches and also
for Bateaux Parisiens which offers
a similar service with even more
extensive menus.
If you’re visiting Paris with a family, be
sure to visit Disneyland Paris (originally
Euro Disney Resort) located in Marnela-Vallee which is 32 kilometres east
of the capital. This is the most visited
attraction in Europe, receiving around
12 million visitors a year. It covers some
4,800 acres, encompassing two theme
parks, several resort hotels, a shopping,
dining, and entertainment complex,
a golf course, and several additional
recreational and entertainment venues.
The theme park’s top five attractions
are It’s a Small World, Space Mountain:
Mission 2, Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates
of the Caribbean, and Buzz Lightyear Laser
Blast.
10 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
Paris: city for all seasons
are here, among other Impressionist art),
St-Germain-des-Pres for the intellectual
atmosphere of the Left Bank, Jardin des
Plantes, Hotel de Ville for the Pompidou
Centre, and of course, the Eiffel Tower,
Notre-Dame, Louvre and Champs
Elysées. A day pass costs 15 Euros, and
how many times you stop off and walk
will depend on how your feet are holding
up over Paris’s famous cobble stones.
Stamina is also needed to get the most
out of the Paris Pass, available online
before arrival. This may seem pricey (a
2-day adult Paris Pass costs 105 Euros
with 4 and 6-day options). But Paris
doesn’t come cheap, and one day of
the hop-on-hop-off bus, a Metro card
(zones 1-3), over 50 attractions and a
good guide book are included. Best of
all, you can jump the queues.
Getting Around
Many of the most famous sights are
within walking distance of each other or
linked by good Metro and bus services.
With Paris, this is just as well, because
driving here is not for the faint-hearted –
in fact many drivers don’t seem to have
a heart at all. In any case it’s impossible
to stop for a photo if you are in a car,
let alone park near most of the main
attractions. So if you want more than a
passing glimpse of landmarks such as
the Arc de Triomphe, the Place de la
Concorde where the notorious guillotine
once stood or Les Invalides (for
Napoleon Bonaparte’s tomb), walking
from a Metro stop or taking the hopon-hop-off guided bus tour are useful
options.
The Metropolitain, to give it its full name,
is the subway or underground railway
system after which all other ‘metros’ are
named, and is marked by graceful Art
Deco ironwork signs. The ticket system
is simplicity itself. Single-price tickets (or
books of 10) can be bought at stations
or tobacconists. One ticket per journey,
validated in a stamping machine before
travel, and that’s it. Buses have the
advantage of being able to see the view,
but are much slower than the Metro.
12 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
So if you want more than a passing glimpse of landmarks such as the
Arc de Triomphe, the Place de la Concorde ... walking from a Metro stop
or taking the hop-on-hop-off guided bus tour are useful options.
While the Metro is undoubtedly
indispensable, it is best used in
conjunction with Paris’s other major
artery, the River Seine. A number of
companies run various kinds of boat
trips. The Bateaux-Mouches service
runs all year with boats leaving every
half hour from April to October (five
departures a day in winter) from the
north/right bank side of the Pont de
l’Alma, (Metro station, Alma-Marceau).
The standard one-hour, non-stop trip
costs 11.5 Euros. It goes up-river to sail
round the Ile de la Cité and Notre-Dame,
then downstream to a mini version of
the original Statue of Liberty (France’s
best-known export to the USA after
champagne) and back, with views of
famous landmarks all the way.
Above left: The imposing
Arc de Triomphe,
pictured here from the
Champs-Elysées, is one
of the most famous
monuments in Paris,
and its construction was
ordered by Napoleon to
mark his greatest victory,
the Battle of Austerlitz
in 1805.
Also very good value is Batobus – a hopon-hop-off river-bus with eight famous
stops, including the Musée d’Orsay
(Monet’s beautiful water-lily paintings
Getting there:
Fly Air Seychelles to Paris,
France two times a week.
For more information visit:
www.airseychelles.com
When to Visit
Then there’s its knack of looking good
and feeling welcoming at any time of
year. Paris is very definitely a northernlatitude capital with its own strong
seasonal rhythms. Spring and autumn
here are not always balmy, in spite of all
those songs about Paris in the spring and
the glowing colours as ‘autumn leaves
start to fall’. Staying attractive during the
cooler months is what gives it an edge
that visitors love.
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Events
Calendar
October-December 2014
Tricks and treats with a
Disney twist in Disneyland, Paris
1 October – 2 November 2014
This autumn the magic takes an unexpected twist: Disneyland Paris is bewitched as Disney
Characters sneak about in kooky costumes along playful pumpkin-peppered streets. All in the
year’s sweetest Halloween treat!
www.disneylandparis.co.uk/seasons-and-events/halloween.html
Hong Kong International
Literary Festival
31 October– 9 November 2014
This is an important event in the cultural calendar, offering
10 days of literary talks, readings, debates and workshops.
In the past it has attracted the literati from around the
world, including Nobel prize laureate Seamus Heaney,
former Poet Laureate Andrew Motion, award-winning
Indian author Amtiav Ghosh, and notable Chinese expats
Ma Jian and Jung Chang.
www.festival.org.hk
SUBIOS – SEYCHELLES’
FESTIVAL OF THE SEA
21 - 23 November 2014
SUBIOS – Seychelles’ Festival of the Sea is
a celebration of Seychelles’ extraordinary
marine heritage and the many ways that
locals and visitors alike interact with the
ocean that surrounds them.
www.subios.com
14 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
abu dhabi
Yas Marina Circuit
20-23 november 2014
Entering its 6th year, the 2014
FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU
DHABI GRAND PRIX is back this 21-23
November 2014. With more choice than
ever before, Middle East’s biggest event
is set to be the standout sporting event of
the year. With a range of new packages
available, the Grand Prix weekend offers
an unparalleled social and sporting
experience.
www.etihad.com
Johannesburg
November 2014
Good Food and Wine Show - mid-November,
staged in the Coca-Cola Dome in Johannesburg.
This is South Africa’s major food, wine and
lifestyle event and attracts thousands of
food lovers, chefs and other food and wine
professionals each year.
www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za
Mauritius
December 2014
in SeychelleS
This year’s MCB Tour Championship
takes place over the Legend Course
at Constance Belle Mare Plage
from December 12-14, when Paul
Wesselingh will defend his title.
www.europeantour.com/seniortour/
season
NOW YOU'RE
BETTER CONNECTED
Etihad Airways, the World’s Leading Airline*, is proud of its strategic
partnership with Air Seychelles, Seychelles premier international airline,
extending Etihad Airways’ network to include Praslin and Hong Kong
(operated by Air Seychelles). Together, the partnership offers guests
easy access to over 103 destinations. Guests will also benefit from a fully
integrated frequent flyer programme that allows members of Etihad
Guest to earn and redeem miles across both airlines.
*2013 World Travel Awards
airseychelles.com
etihad.com
16 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
Discover Seychelles
Découvrez les Seychelles
When Air Seychelles descends towards these tiny specks of verdant
green land set in the glittering waters of the Indian Ocean, get ready
to discover a land aptly described as “unique by a thousand miles”.
Houses cling to the lower slopes of majestic mountains swathed in
green velvet, the dark forest broken by spectacular granite outcrops
and boulders and white beaches merge with shallow turquoise
seas.
Lorsque Air Seychelles descend vers ces grains minuscules de terres verdoyantes
sertis sur les eaux scintillantes de l’océan Indien, préparez-vous à découvrir une
terre décrite à juste titre comme “unique par un millier de miles”. Les maisons
s’accrochent aux pentes inférieures des majestueuses montagnes tapissées de
velours vert, la forêt dont la couleur sombre est adoucie par de spectaculaires
affleurements et blocs rocheux de granit et des plages de sable blanc, fusionne
avec une mer turquoise peu profonde.
The Seychellois are a mixture of peoples, the different races at ease
with each other mixing and inter-marrying. Many are descended
from the original French settlers and their slaves from Madagascar
and Africa. Later came Chinese labourers, Indian merchants and a
scattering of other nationalities.
Les Seychellois sont un mélange de peuples, les différentes races à l’aise les
unes avec les autres se métissent et se marient entre elles. Beaucoup sont des
descendants des premiers colons français et de leurs esclaves de Madagascar
et d’Afrique. Plus tard sont venus des ouvriers chinois, des marchands indiens et
diverses autres nationalités.
The first plantation owners and their slaves devised a simplified
form of French for communications. This is Creole, a lively language
which happily absorbs new phrases and vocabulary, especially
nowadays from English. Creole has a simple grammar and a token
effort at a few words in Creole are appreciated, but it is easy to get
by in English and most Seychellois are fluent in English and French.
Les premiers propriétaires de plantations et leurs esclaves ont conçu un français
simplifié pour la communication. C’est le créole, une langue pleine d’entrain qui
aujourd’hui absorbe volontiers de nouvelles expressions et nouveaux vocabulaires,
surtout de l’anglais. Le créole a une grammaire simple et un effort symbolique
de parler quelques mots de créole est apprécié, mais il est facile de s’en sortir en
anglais et la plupart des Seychellois parlent couramment l’anglais et le français.
Silhouette Vol 25 No 3 | 17
Discover Seychelles
A la Découverte des les
L’histoire des
Seychelles en résumé
Mini-history
of Seychelles
Around 200 million years ago the
southern supercontinent of Gondwana
began to break up. India together
with Madagascar and Seychelles
broke from Africa, Madagascar later
becoming an island then about 65
million years ago the Seychelles
Archipelago became isolated between
the two, the world’s oldest oceanic
islands and the only ones made up of
continental granite rocks.
By contrast with its geological history,
the human history of the islands is
very short. Arabic texts suggest they
had knowledge of the islands and
Polynesians en route to Madagascar
may have visited. Portuguese
navigator Juan de Nova was the first
European to sight Seychelles in 1501.
On early Portuguese maps, Seychelles
appeared as the Sete Irmas or Seven
Sisters but it was not until 1609 that
the first landing was recorded, by
seamen from a vessel of the English
East India Company. In the late
17th century pirates probably used
Seychelles as a base.
In 1742 and 1744, French expeditions
visited Mahé and in 1756 a possession
stone, was laid claiming the island
18 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
for France, which were first settled in
1770. Soon there was war between
France and Britain. The colonists
capitulated several times, Seychelles
finally becoming a British colony under
the Treaty of Paris in 1814.
Despite the years as a British
colony few British settled here, but
nevertheless Seychellois society
has British undertones. The greatest
change in Seychelles society came
with the mass influx of ‘liberated
Africans’ in the 19th century, which
altered the nature of the population
and increased the population to
19,000 by the turn of the 20th century.
Seychelles was administered from
Mauritius until 1903 when it became
an independent Crown Colony. The
World Wars caused great hardship
in Seychelles due to isolation, many
Seychellois serving with the British
Army. In 1967, universal adult suffrage
was introduced and in 1976 Seychelles
became an independent republic.
Tourism increased dramatically with
the opening of the international airport
on Mahé in 1971 and is today the main
economic activity of Seychelles.
Il y a environ 200 millions d’années le
super continent du sud appelé Gondwana
a commencé à se fracturer. L’Inde,
Madagascar et les Seychelles se sont
séparés de l’Afrique, Madagascar est
plus tard devenu une île; ensuite il y a
environ 65 millions d’années l’archipel
des Seychelles s’est retrouvé isolé entre
les deux, devenant un ensemble d’îles
océaniques les plus anciennes au monde et
les seules composées de rochers de granit
continentaux.
Contrairement à son histoire géologique,
l’histoire humaine de ces îles est très
récente. Les textes arabes laissent entendre
que les arabes connaissaient ces îles et que
les Polynésiens en route vers Madagascar
pourraient y avoir accosté. Le navigateur
portugais Juan de Nova a été le premier
européen à apercevoir les Seychelles en
1501. Sur les premières cartes portugaises,
les Seychelles apparaissent comme les
Sete Irmas ou les sept sœurs, mais ce n’est
qu’en 1609 que le premier débarquement
par les marins d’un navire de l’escadron
de l’English East India Company fut
documenté. A la fin du 17ème siècle les
Seychelles ont probablement servi de base
pour des pirates.
En 1742 et 1744, des expéditions françaises
ont visité Mahé, qui a été colonisée pour
la première fois en 1770 alors qu’en 1756
une pierre revendiquant l’île pour la France
avait été posée. Bientôt, la guerre a éclaté
entre la France et la Grande-Bretagne. Les
colons ont capitulé à plusieurs reprises,
les Seychelles devenant finalement une
colonie britannique en vertu du traité de
Paris de 1814.
Malgré les années passées comme colonie
britannique, peu de britanniques s’y sont
installés, pourtant la société Seychelloise
présente des traces britanniques. Le plus
grand changement dans la société des
Seychelles fut l’afflux massif d’”Africains
libérés” au 19ème siècle, qui a changé
la composition de la population dont les
effectifs ont augmenté pour atteindre
19.000 à la fin du 20 ème siècle.
Les Seychelles étaient administrées de
Maurice jusqu’en 1903 lorsqu’elles sont
devenues une colonie de la couronne
indépendante. Les deux guerres mondiales
ont été très éprouvantes pour les Seychelles
en raison de son isolement, et beaucoup
de Seychellois ont servi dans l’armée
britannique. En 1967, le suffrage universel
des adultes fut introduit et en 1976 les
Seychelles devinrent une république
indépendante. Le tourisme a progressé de
façon spectaculaire avec l’ouverture de
l’aéroport international de Mahé en 1971 et
représente aujourd’hui la principale activité
économique des Seychelles.
Panoramic Perspective by Sunseeker
The 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
Photo © Gerard larose
The isle of Abundance
Mahé is the main island of the
Seychelles and is undoubtedly one
of the most beautiful and impressive
in the world. It is the largest and
highest island covering an area of
158 square kilometres and rising to
905 metres at Morne Seychellois.
The island measures 27 kilometres
in length and seven kilometres wide.
Getting around: Victoria is the
capital and the island is well served
by a network of good roads that
circle and crisscross the island. To
explore Mahé, you should rent a
car for atleast one day. Buses are
inexpensive, but tied to local needs.
Taxis are fairly good but expensive
and more difficult to find after dark.
About 90 percent of the population
lives on Mahé, concentrated in the
north around Victoria and on the
flat reclaimed land of the east coast.
Beau Vallon is the busiest beach
in Seychelles though still relatively
uncrowded compared to other
destinations. Away from the bustling
capital and hotels there is still
extraordinary peace and beauty to
be found along the coast, particulary
in the south and in the grandeur of
the mountains.
Island Excursions: Departure point
for many of the excursions is the
Marine Charter Association wharf,
next to the Yacht Club. Ferries to
Praslin depart from the Inter-island
Quay.
Getting there: Mahé is served by air
and sea. Mahé International Airport
is south of Victoria and serves
many regular flights from Europe,
Africa, the Gulf and Asia. There are
no regular passenger services by
sea but cruise liners occasionally
visit Victoria and many yachts and
smaller mercantile craft make it a
regular port of call.
20 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
Where to stay: There is a
sophisticated tourist infrastructure.
All tourist premises are licensed by
law. Options include from five star
to three star hotels and small guest
houses. There are many others of
varying degrees of comfort and
quality.
What to see and do: Victoria, the
national capital with a population of
around 20,000, is spread around a
large bay at the foot of Trois Frères.
It is the islands’ economic and
administrative hub.
The clock tower in the city centre is a
replica of the clock in central London
at the junction of Vauxhall Bridge
Road and Victoria Street. Erected
as a memorial to Queen Victoria in
1903, the Seychelles clock tower
is today more readily associated
with the declaration that same year
of Seychelles as a Crown Colony
separate from Mauritius.
The Bicentennial Monument outside
the old town centre represents the
three continents. There are three
national museums, the National
History Museum in the National
Archives building on Francis Rachel
Street and State House Avenue, home
to historical items, one of them being
the original ‘stone of possession, ‘ laid
in 1756 to declare France’s claim to the
islands. Also on Francis Rachel Street
is the Seychelles Peoples’ United Party
Museum displaying photography
and weaponry chronicling the party’s
history. The Natural History Museum
on Independence Avenue celebrates
the unique flora and fauna of the
islands. The Botanical Gardens are
on the Mont Fleuri Road, next to the
hospital.
Shopping: There are clusters of shops
and boutiques near the traffic lights and
taxi rank, and in the arcade on Francis
Rachel Street. The newly renovated Sir
Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market is noted
for its colourful atmosphere. The new
shopping plaza at Eden island is worth
a visit for clothing, groceries and a
variety of restaurants.
Beaches: These are the glory of
Seychelles. Each of its 70 beaches
has a different character, the rock
formations behind them are a
dramatic contrast and a beautiful
backdrop for the architectural
elegance of the hotels. The east
coast has long beaches such as Anse
Marie-Louise, but there are also many
small beaches. Anse Intendence is
on the south coast. Most beaches
are perfectly safe but it is advisable
to check on local conditions. Some
of the popular beaches are Anse a
la Mouche, Barbarons, Port Glaud,
and Port Launay Marine National
Park. There are strong currents off
Anse Takamaka. Slightly north is
Baie Lazare, with its dramatic granite
backdrop.
The king of the beaches is Beau
Vallon in the north of the island
which is full of life at all times. This
is lined up with hotels which offer
watersports and diving facilities.
Many local eating places are also
around this area.
A la Découverte des les
Mahé
Mahé est la principale île des Seychelles et sans
aucun doute l’une des îles les plus belles et les
plus imposantes du monde. C’est la plus grande
et la plus haute île couvrant une superficie de
158 km2 et s’élevant à 905 mètres à Morne Seychellois. Elle
mesure 27 km de long et 7 km de large.
Vauxhall Bridge et de la rue Victoria. Érigée comme un
monument commémoratif de la reine Victoria en 1903,
la tour de l’horloge des Seychelles est aujourd’hui plus
naturellement associée à la déclaration des Seychelles
comme colonie de la couronne distincte de Maurice, au
cours de la même année.
Environ 90% de la population seychelloise vit à Mahé,
concentrée au Nord autour de Victoria la capitale et sur les
terres plates gagnées sur la mer à la côte Est. Beau Vallon
est la plage la plus fréquentée des Seychelles bien qu’encore
relativement peu encombrée par rapport à d’autres
destinations. Loin de la capitale et des hôtels animés existe
toujours une paix et une beauté extraordinaires qu’on trouve
le long de la côte et dans la grandeur des montagnes.
Le Monument bicentenaire en dehors du centre de la vieille
ville représente les trois continents. Il y a trois musées
nationaux, le Musée national d’histoire dans les bâtiments
des archives nationales sur la rue Francis Rachel Street et
l’avenue State House, qui abrite des objets historiques,
l’un d’eux étant l’original de la “pierre commémorant la
prise de l’île,” posée en 1756 en signe de revendication
des îles par la France. Sur la rue Francis Rachel se trouve
également le Musée du Parti uni du peuple des Seychelles
où sont exposées des photographies et des armes
retraçant l’histoire du parti. Le Musée d’histoire naturelle
sur Independence Avenue célèbre l’exceptionnelle flore et
faune de l’archipel. Les jardins botaniques sont sur la rue
Mont Fleuri, à côté de l’hôpital.
Pour vous y rendre: Mahé est desservi par voie aérienne
et maritime. L’Aéroport international de Mahé est au Sud
de Victoria et accueille de nombreux vols réguliers en
provenance d’Europe, d’Afrique, du Golfe et d’Asie. Il n’existe
aucun transport régulier de passagers par mer, mais des
navires de croisière visitent Victoria occasionnellement et
de nombreux yachts et petites embarcations marchandes y
font régulièrement escale.
Déplacement: Victoria est la capitale et l’île est bien
desservie par un bon réseau routier qui l’encercle et
la sillonne. Pour explorer Mahé, il est recommandé
de louer une voiture pour au moins une journée.
Les bus sont peu coûteux, mais plutôt destinés à la
circulation locale. Les taxis sont assez bons mais chers.
Excursions sur l’île: Le point de départ pour de nombreuses
excursions est le quai de la Marine Charter Association,
à côté du Yacht Club. Les bacs de Praslin partent d’Interisland Quay.
Hébergement: L’ile dispose d’une infrastructure touristique
sophistiquée. Tous les établissements touristiques sont
autorisés par la loi. Les visiteurs ont plusieurs options allant
des hôtels 5 étoiles à de petites auberges en passant par
des hôtels 3 étoiles. Il en existe beaucoup d’autres offrant
divers degrés de confort et de qualité.
Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: Victoria, la capitale nationale avec
une population d’environ 20 000 personnes, s’étale autour
d’une grande baie au pied de Trois Frères. Elle est le centre
économique et administratif de l’île.
La tour de l’horloge au centre-ville est une réplique de
l’horloge dans le centre de Londres au carrefour de l’avenue
Courses: Il y a des groupes de magasins et de boutiques
près des feux de circulation et de la station des taxis, ainsi
que dans la galerie sur la rue Francis Rachel. Le marché
récemment rénové de Sir Selwyn Clarke est renommé pour
son ambiance colorée. Le nouveau centre commercial à
l’île d’Eden vaut une visite pour des vêtements, des articles
d’épicerie et d’une variété de restaurants.
Plages: Elles représentent la splendeur des Seychelles.
Chacune de ses 70 plages a des particularités différentes,
les formations rocheuses à l’arrière-plan créent un
contraste spectaculaire et une magnifique toile de fond
pour l’élégance architecturale des hôtels. La côte Est
possède de longues plages comme Anse Marie-Louise,
mais il y a aussi de nombreuses petites plages. Anse
Intendence se trouve sur la côte Sud. La sécurité sur la
plupart des plages est bien assurée, mais il est prudent
de vérifier les conditions locales. Certaines des plages
populaires sont Anse à la Mouche, Barbarons, Port Glaud
et le Parc national marin de Port Launay. Les courants sont
forts au large d’Anse des Takamaka. Légèrement au Nord se
trouve Baie Lazare, avec son spectaculaire granite en toile
de fond.
Le roi des plages est Beau Vallon au Nord de l’île, qui
est toujours pleine de vie. Elle est bordée d’hôtels qui
offrent des sports nautiques et équipements de plongée
sous-marine. Cette zone compte également plusieurs
restaurants locaux.
Silhouette Vol 25 No 3 | 21
Discover Seychelles
A la Découverte des les
Photo © Gerard larose
Island of Sun and Shadow
La Digue is the third-largest island
in terms of population and fourthlargest granite island of Seychelles.
It lies 50 kilometres from Mahé and
four-and-a-half kilometres from
Praslin and has an area of 10 square
kilometres.
The relaxed rhythm of local life and
the beautiful, well preserved colonialstyle houses surrounded by palms
and the other tropical greenery, tell of
a more gracious and gentler age one
that can still be enjoyed on this island
that time seems to have passed by.
Anse Patates
Getting around: There are a few
motor vehicles on the roads where
bicycles and ox carts are still the main
forms of transport. There is a limited
taxi service.
Anse Sévére
Island Excursion: One can go on
a boat trip or a diving trip around
La Digue for one day or half a day.
Several licensed tour guides offer
tours taking in panoramic views,
forest trails and spectacular beaches.
Where to stay: There are a number
of guesthouses small hotels and a
few restaurants to give the visitor
the flavour of authentic Seychellois
Creole food.
22 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
La Digue est la troisième des îles les plus
grandes en termes de population et la
quatrième des plus grandes îles granitiques
des Seychelles. Elle se trouve à 50 km de
Mahé et à 4,5 km de Praslin, avec une
superficie de 10 km2.
La douceur de la vie locale et les belles
maisons de style colonial bien préservées
entourées de palmiers et d’autres types
de verdure tropicale, racontent l’histoire
d’une époque meilleure et agréable qui
peut encore être appréciée sur cette île où
le temps a semblé filé rapidement.
Pour vous y rendre: Il n’y a pas d’aéroport
sur La Digue. Pour y arriver à partir d’un
autre pays, il faut tout d’abord transiter
par Mahé puis aller à Victoria. Un ferry fait
une navette directe d’Inter Island Quay à
La Digue une fois par jour. Sinon, un ferry
plus fréquent entre Mahé et Praslin est
relayé par un service régulier entre Praslin
et La Digue. Un service d’hélicoptère est
également disponible.
Getting there: There is no airport
on La Digue; to get there from a
different country, one first has to fly
to Mahé and travel to Victoria. A
ferry operates once per day from the
Inter Island Quay direct to La Digue.
Alternatively, a more frequent ferry
from Mahé to Praslin links with a
regular service from there to La Digue.
helicopter charter is also available.
LA PASSE
Choppy’s
Bungalows
La Digue
Island Lodge
Bernique
LA Réunion
Déplacement:
On
voit
quelques
automobiles sur les routes mais les
bicyclettes et charettes à bœufs restent les
principaux modes de transports. Le service
de taxi est limité.
Anse Gaulettes
VEV RESERVE
Anse La
Rénion
What to do and see: La Digue is
known for its beaches, especially
Anse Source d’Argent and Grand
Anse. The Seychelles paradise flycatcher is the symbol of La Digue
and the Veuve Reserve at La Passe
is one of the best places to see this
beautiful bird (entrance is free). A
visitor’s centre at the reserve entrance
provides information on the birds and
the warden can give useful pointers
as to where you can find them. Inland
from the reserve is Chateau St Cloud,
a grand house built at the height of
the Napoleonic wars and once at the
heart of a vanilla plantation. It is now
a small hotel. Towards the end of the
19th century vanilla was the most
profitable Seychelles export and La
Digue was the centre of production.
Île de soleil et d’ombre
L’ UNION
Anse
Union
CAP
BAYARD
Anse
Grosse
Roche
Anse Banane
NID D’ AIGLES
Anse Fourmi s
BELLE
VUE
Anse
Caiman
ROCHE
BOIS
Anse Cocos
LA RETRAITE
Petite Anse
Anse
Source
D’ Argent
Grande Anse
Anse Songe
Anse Pierrot
Grande L’ Anse
Anse aux Cédres
Anse
Bonnet
Carré
Anse
Marron
INDIAN OCEAN
Excursion sur l’île: Le visiteur peut faire
une promenade en bateau ou une plongée
sous-marine autour de La Digue pour une
journée ou une demi-journée. Plusieurs
guides autorisés proposent des randonnées
pour admirer des vues panoramiques,
des sentiers en forêt et des plages
spectaculaires.
Ce qu’il y a à faire et à voir: La Digue est
renommée pour ses plages, Anse Source
d’Argent et Grand Anse en particulier. Le
Tchitrec des Seychelles est le symbole de La
Digue et Veuve Natural Reserve à La Passe
est l’un des meilleurs endroits pour observer
ce bel oiseau (l’entrée est libre). Un centre
d’accueil à l’entrée de la réserve fournit des
informations aux visiteurs sur les oiseaux et
le préposé donne des conseils utiles quant à
l’endroit où on peut les trouver. A l’intérieur
de la réserve se trouve Château St Cloud,
une maison majestueuse construite au plus
fort des guerres napoléoniennes et située,
à une certaine époque, au cœur d’une
plantation de vanille. Elle est maintenant
un petit hôtel. Vers la fin du 19 ème siècle la
vanille était le produit d’exportation le plus
rentable des Seychelles et La Digue en était
le centre de production.
Hébergement: Il y a un certain nombre
d’auberges, petits hôtels et quelques
restaurants qui permettent au visiteur de
déguster la saveur de la cuisine seychelloise
créole authentique.
Discover Seychelles
The Enchanted Isle
The pristine beauty of Silhouette
testifies that nature strives to be
protective of its wonders. Silhouette
lies 20 kilometres northwest of Mahé.
It is the third largest granitic island,
with an area of 20 square kilometres.
Mount Dauban rises to 740 metres and
Silhouette is the second highest island
in Seychelles.
Getting there: There are ferries
between Mahé and Silhouette Island,
operated by the Hilton Seychelles Labriz
Resort & Spa. Ferries make three round
trips every day. A jetty was built at La
Passe and remains the only landing
point on the island to this day.
Where to stay: Hilton Seychelles
Labriz is the only resort on the island.
It overlooks mountains, forest and the
Indian Ocean. The resort is located on
two and a half kilometres of beautiful,
white sandy beach and framed by
towering peaks of lush, rainforest clad
mountains, providing a secluded haven
ideal for nature lovers.
What to see and do: Silhouette’s only
settlement is the village of La Passe, on
the island’s western coast. The island
has well maintained trails, allowing
visitors to explore beaches and some
of the rainforest. Near the Grande
Case grounds lies a mausoleum, the
final resting place of several of the
Dauban family members, the former
owners of Silhouette. There is a Marine
National Park, which is dedicated to
environmental protection where you
can admire the spectacular biodiversity
24 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
A la Découverte des les
and nature experiences with endemic
plants and impressive mountains. The
Island Conservation Society runs a
centre on the island, protecting the flora
and fauna and conducting nature tours.
Most of the 75 endemic plants of the
granitic islands are found on Silhouette.
You can also meet Seychelles giant
tortoises at the conservation-breeding
farm. There are hiking trails and you
can try exciting watersports including
kayaking and diving at Hilton Labriz
Eco-Concept PADI diving centre. If you
are fond of fishing then try game fishing,
a popular sport.
L’île enchantée
La beauté immaculée de Silhouette
démontre que la nature s’efforce de
protéger ses merveilles. Silhouette est
située à 20 kilomètres au Nord-Ouest
de Mahé. C’est la troisième grande île
granitique, avec une superficie de 20
km2. Mont Dauban s’élève à 740 mètres
et Silhouette est la deuxième île la plus
haute des Seychelles.
SILHOUETTE ISLAND SPECIAL RESERVE
Anse
Mondon
INDIAN OCEAN
Anse
Mondon
Baie Cipailles
DANS L’ INDE
Hébergement: Le Hilton Seychelles
Labriz est le seul hôtel de villégiature
sur l’île. Il surplombe les montagnes, la
forêt et l’océan Indien. L’hôtel est situé
sur 1,5 km de belle plage de sable blanc
et entouré de sommets vertigineux à la
végétation luxuriante et de montagnes
recouvertes d’une forêt tropicale,
fournissant un havre idéal pour les
amoureux de la nature.
GRANDE
CONGOMAN
DANS GIROFFE
Anse La Passe
Hilton
Labriz
Mont Dauban 740m
GLACIS
NOEL
Pointe Étienne
JARDIN
MARRON
Anse Cimitér
e
GRATTE
FESSE
Grande
Machabée
Anse
Lascars
RENDE D ‘AVANCE
Anse
Lascars
Anse Grand Barbe
Grande Passe
Petit Passe
Silhouette
Grande Barbe
Pour vous y rendre: Il y a des ferrys entre
Mahé et l’Ile Silhouette, exploités par le
Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa.
Ils font trois allers-retours tous les jours.
Une jetée a été construite à La Passe et
reste le seul point de débarquement sur
l’île à ce jour.
Anse Patates
Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: La seule
agglomération de Silhouette est le
village de La Passe, sur la côte Ouest de
l’île. L’île a des sentiers bien entretenus,
permettant aux visiteurs d’explorer les
plages et certaines des forêts tropicales.
Près du domaine de la Grande Case
se trouve un mausolée, la dernière
demeure de plusieurs membres de la
famille Dauban, anciens propriétaires
de Silhouette. Il y a un parc national
marin, qui est consacré à la protection
de l’environnement où on peut admirer
la biodiversité spectaculaire et vivre
l’expérience de la nature avec des
plantes endémiques et des montagnes
majestueuses. La Société pour la
conservation de l’ile gère un centre qui
assure la protection de la flore et la
faune, et organise des excursions dans
la nature. La plupart des 75 plantes
endémiques des îles granitiques se
trouvent à Silhouette. Vous pouvez
également croiser les tortues géantes
des Seychelles à la ferme d’élevage pour
la conservation. Vous y trouverez des
sentiers de randonnée pédestre et vous
pouvez vous essayer aux passionnants
sports nautiques comme le kayak et
la plongée sous-marine au centre de
plongée sous-marine Eco-Concept
PADI de l’hôtel Hilton Labriz. Si vous
êtes friand de pêche, essayez la pêche
sportive, un sport populaire.
COME FOR THE RATES.
STAY FOR THE EXPERIENCE.
Book Bed & Breakfast in advance with Hilton and receive a free upgrade to Half Board
at Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort and Spa!
A luxurious mountainous beach hideaway sandwiched between dazzling long white
beaches, turquoise sea and tropical forest. With 7 restaurants Hilton Seychelles
Labriz Resort & Spa boasts a vibrant array of culinary options for everyone`s taste.
Terms & Conditions:
Valid for stays of 3 nights or more, must book at least 1 day in advance, 50% nonrefundable deposit at time of booking.
For room reservations please visit seychelleslabriz.hilton.com
or call for free 8000 20000 11 or email us [email protected]
Silhouette Island | Mahe | SEYCHELLES
©2014 Hilton Worldwide
Discover Seychelles
A la Découverte des les
Moyenne Island
National Park
Le Parc national
de l’Ile Moyenne
At just nine hectares, Moyenne Island
may be the world’s smallest National Park.
Owned by Moyenne Foundation, a private
NGO, it lies within the Ste Anne Marine
National Park and is the only island of the
group open to day visitors.
Avec une superficie de 9 hectares, l’Ile
Moyenne est probablement le plus petit parc
national au monde. Propriété de Moyenne
Foundation, une ONG privée, elle se trouve
au Parc national marin de Ste Anne et est
la seule île du groupe ouverte aux visiteurs
venus pour la journée.
What to do and see: Despite its diminutive
size, it is an environmental treasure trove.
Some 40 endemic plants are represented,
more than half of those unique to the
granitic islands. Moyenne is the only place
on earth other than Vallée de Mai where
all six of the palms unique to Seychelles
can be seen. Moyenne also has a
population of more than 2,000 birds, 100
giant tortoises and about 20 hawksbill
turtles that haul themselves ashore at
Pirate Cove each year. Perhaps pirates
were the earliest human inhabitants and
graves of mysterious origin may date from
this era. There are also tales of ghosts that
bang on windows and doors or trudge
from the cemetery around midnight,
eloquently told in the book A Grain of Sand.
Ce qu’il y a à faire et à voir: Malgré sa
taille minuscule, l’île est un trésor écologique.
Environ 40 plantes endémiques sont
représentées, plus de la moitié étant uniques
aux îles granitiques. Moyenne est le seul
endroit au monde autre que Vallée de Mai où
tous les six palmiers uniques aux Seychelles
peuvent être observés. Moyenne a également
une population de plus de 2 000 oiseaux,
100 tortues géantes et chaque année environ
20 tortues imbriquées se hissent sur la rive
à Pirates Cove. Les pirates étaient peut-être
les premiers habitants humains de l’île et
des tombes d’origine mystérieuse dateraient
de cette époque. Il y a aussi des contes de
fantômes qui frappent sur les fenêtres et
les portes ou se traînent du cimetière aux
environs de minuit, éloquemment contées
dans le livre A Grain of Sand.
Getting there: The island is 20 minutes by
boat from Mahé.
Pour vous y rendre: L’île est à 20 minutes de
Mahé en bateau.
Moyenne Island
Rocky Point
Main path. Distance: one mile
Wide paths
Coral Cove
HouseOf Dogs
Julie
Melidor
House
Pirate Cove
Lover’’sLeap
Vera’sView
Y’S
RA
Graves
JULI
E,’S
JAU
NT
Church
12 Island
Viewing
Rocks
Gold
Cave
TreasurePeak
FIAPI’S FOREST
Y
WA
COCO
DE MER
VALE
sure
Trea
NT
HAU
NI’S
HAN
Peak
Stallion Rock
Museum
Jolly Roge
r
Restaurant
Generator
Tortoise
Rock
Pet’s Graves
Eden Island is a private residential
marina development situated just off
the coast of Mahé. It features a range
of 580 freehold title luxury apartments,
spacious maisons and private villas,
each with its own mooring, it also offers
owners the opportunity to qualify for
residency of the Seychelles.
L’Ile d’Eden est un aménagement d’un
port de plaisance unique situé juste au
large de la côte de Mahé.
The over 56 hectares of land and private
waterways hosts a myriad of upmarket
facilities. These include a full service
deep water marina capable of handling
super-yachts up to 100 metres in size,
a commercial precinct as well as a
clubhouse hosting a gym and a tennis
court, child friendly play areas and a
world class shopping centre. There are
several restaurants offering a variety of
Indian, international and local cuisine.
Getting there: A bridge joins the island
to the mainland of Mahé.
Small Dig
Bay
View Takamaka
Cove
L’île d’Eden
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
Big Dig
Elephant Rock
View point
Eden Island
K
AL
W
NG
LO Main Landing
er
Rog
lly
Jo ach
Be
SANDSPIT
Composé d’une propriété résidentielle
privée qui consiste en 580 appartements
de luxe, maisons spacieuses et villas
privées, toutes avec leur propre mur
d’amarrage, les propriétaires sont éligibles
à la résidence des Seychelles. La propriété
a quatre plages privées, une salle de gym
et une cour de tennis avec un syndicat de
location pleinement opérationnel.
Sur une étendue de 56 hectares de terres
et de voies navigables, l’Ile d’Eden offre
tellement plus. Elle abrite une marina
internationale capable d’accueillir de
grands yachts mesurant jusqu’à 100m de
long avec tous les services et équipements
d’une installation de niveau international.
Eden Plaza, avec sa variété de magasins,
de restaurants, un casino et un grand
supermarché, offre des installations
médicales, des banques, un centre thermal
de beauté et beaucoup, beaucoup plus.
L’hôtel et centre de conférence Eden Bleu,
dont l’ouverture est prévue pour novembre
2014, est un hôtel ultra moderne situé au
cœur de l’Ile d’Eden.
Une visite aux Seychelles n’est pas
complète sans une visite à l’île d’Eden.
Visiter www.edenisland.sc
Pour vous y rendre: Un pont relie l’île au
continent de Mahé
FlagstaffPoint
L’île Ouverte
The lush Cerf Island is on the north
coast, at the edge of the marine park. It
is more than one-and-a-half kilometres
long and almost one kilometre wide.
It has a superb coral reef, ideal for
snorkeling or scuba diving. The interior
is home to giant tortoises and fruit
bats. Restaurants serve excellent Créole
food and offer excellent barbecue
spreads for day-trippers.
La luxuriante Île au Cerf est située sur la
côte Nord, à la périphérie du parc marin.
Elle est de plus de 1,5 km de long et
d’environ 1 km de large. Elle a un superbe
récif de corail, idéal pour la plongée libre
ou la plongée sous-marine. L’intérieur
accueille des tortues géantes et des
chauves-souris frugivores. Les restaurants
servent une excellente cuisine créole et
offrent d’excellentes tartinades à la sauce
barbecue pour les excursionnistes.
Getting there: The island is 15 minutes
by boat from Mahé.
26 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
Photo © Gerard larose
Open Island
Pour vous y rendre: L’île est à 15 minutes
de Mahé en bateau.
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Discover Seychelles
A la Découverte des les
Aride Island Nature Reserve
La réserve naturelle de l’île d’Aride
Aride Island is the most northerly of
the granitic islands, 10 kilometres north
of Praslin and 68 hectares in area. It
is a nature reserve, owned by Island
Conservation Society of Seychelles.
Its size and relative isolation means
that a full day trip is required but this
also means, compared to other island
trips, fewer people and more time to
savour the beauty of the place, take
photographs, swim, snorkel, explore or
relax.
Getting there: Aride Island is open
to visitors Monday-Friday. Visits on
Saturday and Sunday are possible
by prior arrangement with the Island
Manager. Many of the large Praslin
hotels and private boat owners offer
excursions to Aride. The Aride Island
website features a comprehensive list
of operators (www.arideisland.com).
Visits can also be made by self-sail boat
or by private helicopter charter.
When to go: Aride is open to visitors
Monday to Friday year round.
What to see and do: Aride has the
world’s largest population of three bird
species; tropical shearwater, lesser
noddy and Seychelles warbler. It has
more seabirds of more species than the
other 40 granite islands of Seychelles
combined and five of the twelve
endemic land birds of Seychelles, while
plants include the beautiful fragrantflowering shrub Wright’s gardenia,
found naturally nowhere else on earth.
Historical interest includes one of the
few remaining island plantation houses
and a traditional pirogue (once the main
form of inter-island transport). A nature
trail leads through a small plantation
area then turns uphill. The view from
the summit is stunning. Nowhere else is
it possible to look down upon thousands
of roosting frigatebirds, while in the
clear turquoise waters below, rays,
turtles and dolphins may be seen.
AUX CABRIS
GLACIS
MACOAS
COLLINE
VACOAS
COMPLAGE
DANS
PATATRAN
L’île d’Aride est la plus nordique des îles granitiques,
à 10 kilomètres au Nord de Praslin avec 68 hectares
de superficie. C’est une réserve naturelle, propriété de
la Société pour la conservation de l’ile des Seychelles.
Compte tenu de sa superficie et de son isolement, il
faut une excursion d’une journée entière, mais cela
veut aussi dire que, par rapport aux randonnées sur
d’autres îles, il y a moins de personnes et plus de
temps pour savourer la beauté du site, prendre des
photos, nager, faire de la plongée libre, explorer ou
se détendre.
Sometimes it is difficult to land
especially during May to September.
If in doubt, call the Island Manager to
check local conditions (tel: 2719778).
AUX PENICHES
Pour vous y rendre: L’Ile d’Aride est ouverte aux
visiteurs du lundi au vendredi. Des visites les samedis
et dimanches sont possibles par arrangement
préalable avec la direction de l’île. Beaucoup des
grands hôtels de Praslin et des propriétaires de
bateaux privés offrent des excursions sur Aride.
Le site internet de l’Ile d’Aride présente une liste
complète d’opérateurs (www.arideisland.com). Les
visites peuvent aussi se faire par auto-voilier ou par
hélicoptère privé affrété.
Quand y aller: Aride est ouverte aux visiteurs du
lundi au vendredi toute l’année. Il est parfois difficile
d’atterrir particulièrement pendant les mois de mai à
septembre. En cas de doute, appeler le gérant de l’île
pour vérifier les conditions locales (tél: 2719778).
INDIAN
OCEAN
BOURBON
COLLINE
LAFOUCHE
GLACIS LAVE
Ti l’ Anse
COLLINE
MARIE
COLLINE ÉLYSÉE
La Pointe
L’ Anse
Cote Désiré
Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: Aride a la plus grande
population au monde de trois espèces d’oiseaux
tropicaux, le puffin, le noddy marianne et la fauvette
des Seychelles. Elle abrite plus d’espèces d’oiseaux
de mer que les quarante autres îles granitiques des
Seychelles combinées et cinq des douze oiseaux
terrestres endémiques des Seychelles, tandis que
parmi les plantes on y trouve le beau gardénia de
Wright un arbrisseau parfumé et fleurissant qui
n’existe nulle part ailleurs au monde à l’état naturel.
Les amoureux de l’histoire peuvent admirer les
quelques maisons de la plantation de l’île qui existent
encore et une pirogue traditionnelle (c’était le
principal moyen de transport inter-îles à une certaine
époque). Un sentier naturel passe à travers une
petite plantation puis vire en montée. La vue depuis
le sommet est époustouflante. Nulle part ailleurs
est-il possible d’admirer d’en haut des milliers de
frégatidés perchés, et des raies, des tortues et des
dauphins dans les eaux turquoises en bas.
Silhouette Vol 25 No 3 | 29
A la Découverte des les
Photo © COUSIN ISLAND RESORT
Discover Seychelles
L’île d’hier et d’aujourd’hui
L’île Cousin a été une réserve naturelle
depuis 1968, lorsqu’il fut acheté par la Royal
Society for Nature Conservation. En 2003,
la propriété a été transférée à BirdLife
International et aujourd’hui, elle est gérée
par son partenaire local, Nature Seychelles.
C’est un paradis pour les oiseaux marins et
terrestres uniques y compris des espèces
menacées d’extinction.
Pour vous y rendre: C’est la plus populaire
randonnée vers une île pour les touristes
séjournant à Praslin, avec des excursions
offertes par de nombreux hôtels, auberges
et opérateurs de bateaux privés.
Quand y aller: L’île est ouverte aux
visiteurs du lundi au vendredi sauf les jours
fériés de 09h30 jusqu’à 12h30.
The Once and Future Island
Cousin Island has been a nature reserve
since 1968, when it was bought by the
Royal Society for Nature Conservation.
In 2003, ownership was transferred
to BirdLife International and today it is
managed by their local partner, Nature
Seychelles. It is a haven for seabirds and
unique land birds including endangered
species.
Getting there: This is the most popular
island trip for tourists staying at Praslin,
with tours offered by many hotels,
guesthouses and private boat operators.
When to go: The island is open to
visitors Monday to Friday excluding
Public Holidays from 0930 until 1230.
30 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
What to do and see: It is a place of
pilgrimage for both dedicated ornithologists
and casual day-trippers: there they can
find the Seychelles warbler, Seychelles
magpie-robin and Seychelles fody, which
are found elsewhere only on a handful of
rat-free islands. Madagascar turtle doves
(possibly including the endemic form with
the red head) and Seychelles sunbirds are
also present. Seabirds abound on Cousin,
with more than 250,000 birds coming
to nest every year. These are brown
noddies, lesser noddies, wedge-tailed
shearwaters, tropical shearwaters, bridled
terns, as well as fairy terns, one of the
symbols of Seychelles, seen on the livery
of Air Seychelles. There are also interesting
geckos, giant tortoises introduced from
Aldabra, and hawksbill turtles which lay
their eggs above the tide line of the beach.
Ce qu’il y a à faire et à voir: C’est un lieu de
pèlerinage pour les ornithologues dévoués
et excursionnistes occasionnels : ils peuvent
y trouver la fauvette des Seychelles, le
shama des Seychelles et le foudy des
Seychelles, qu’on ne trouve ailleurs que
sur une poignée d’îles dératisées. Les
tourterelles de Madagascar (y compris
probablement la forme endémique avec
la tête rouge) et les souimanga des
Seychelles sont aussi présents. Les oiseaux
abondent sur Cousin, plus de 250 000
oiseaux venant y nicher chaque année. Ces
sont les noddi bruns, les noddi mariannes,
les puffins fouquets, les puffins tropicaux,
les sternes bridées, ainsi que les sternes
néréis, l’un des symboles des Seychelles,
illustré sur la livrée d’Air Seychelles. Il y a
aussi des geckos intéressants, des tortues
géantes introduites d’Aldabra, et des
tortues imbriquées qui pondent leurs œufs
au-delà de la ligne de marée de la plage.
Discover Seychelles
A la Découverte des les
Ste Anne et son
parc national marin
A cinq kilomètres de Mahé, Ste Anne couvre
plus que deux kilomètres carrés. Le Parc
national marin de Ste Anne comprend la zone
de récifs qui entourent six îles granitiques
sur quatorze kilomètres. Malheureusement
de larges sections du corail ont souffert
d’une hausse de température de la mer
(attribuée en partie à El Nino, un événement
exceptionnel de 1998), bien que certains
montrent des signes de rétablissement.
Ste Anne and its
Marine National Park
Anse Cabot
Five kilometres from Mahé, Ste Anne
covers more than two square kilometres.
The Ste Anne Marine National Park
includes the reef area surrounding six
granite islands covering 14 kilometres.
Unfortunately large sections of coral have
suffered from a rise in sea temperatures
(attributed partly to an exceptional El INDIAN OCEAN
Nino event in 1998), although some are
showing signs of recovery.
What to see and do: Constituted in 1973,
the Ste Anne Marine National Park was
one of the first Marine National Parks
in the Indian Ocean. It protects well
over 150 types of fish and other marine
life. Naturally, fishing is forbidden, as
is collecting shells and coral. As the
notice says, “Take away nothing but
photographs and memories.” It is
probably the main breeding site for
hawksbill turtle in Seychelles.
Getting there: Half day and full trips are
arranged from Mahé. The best way to
appreciate the wonders of the ocean is
to make the trip by glass-bottomed boat,
through which you can see shoals of
colourful fish.
Where to stay: Sainte Anne Resort,
(managed by the International Company
Beachcomber) is the only hotel on
the island. The National Park is also
accessible by day trips from Mahé.
32 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
Anse
Mare jupe
Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: Créée en 1973,
le Parc national marin de Ste Anne était l’un
des premiers parcs nationaux marins de
l’océan Indien. Il protège bien plus de 150
types de poissons et autres espèces marines.
Naturellement, la pêche y est interdite,
ainsi que la cueillette de coquillages et de
coraux. Comme l’indique l’avis “N’emportez
rien d’autre que des photographies et des
souvenirs.” C’est probablement le principal
site de reproduction de la tortue imbriquée
des Seychelles.
Grande
Anse
Sante
Anne Island
Anse Manon
Sante
Resort & Spa
Pour vous y rendre: Des excursions
d’une demi-journée et d’une journée sont
organisées à partir de Mahé. La meilleure
façon d’apprécier les merveilles de l’océan
est de faire le voyage en bateau à fond de
verre, à travers lequel vous pouvez voir des
bancs de poissons colorés.
Hébergement: Sainte Anne Resort, (géré
par International Company Beachcomber)
est le seul hôtel de l’île. Le Parc national est
également accessible par des excursions
d’un jour à partir de Mahé.
Anse
Cimetiere
Round Island Praslin
L’île Ronde de Praslin
Round Island Praslin lies just a short
distance off Baie Ste Anne, Praslin.
Round Island is accesible by helicopter
or by boat. Only twenty guest can stay
here at the same time. The small Round
Island Resort merges with the forest and
the hillside, comprising just one large
main house and three luxurious villas. A
boardwalk skirts the edge of the hill and
climbs to the summit where there is a
spectacular view of the islands.
L’île Ronde de Praslin se trouve à une
courte distance de Baie Ste Anne, Praslin.
Round Island est accesible par hélicoptère
oupar bateau. Seulement vingt vous
pourrez rester ici en même temps. La petite
station balnéaire fusionne avec la forêt
et le flanc de la colline, comprenant juste
une seule grande maison principale et trois
villas. Une promenade longe le bord de la
colline et grimpe au sommet où il y a une
vue spectaculaire sur les îles.
I N S P I R E D B Y PA S S I O N
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to meet the particular needs of your body and mind.
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Photo © raymond sahuquet
Curious but delightful
Curieuse Island is a small granitic island
about two kilometres northeast of
Praslin and about three kilometres in
length. It was once known as Ile Rouge
on account of its bare red earth. It is
managed by the Seychelles National
Marine Parks Auhority (SNPA).
Getting there: Through an organised
trip from hotels on Praslin or local
tour operators. Private yachts are also
allowed. An entry fee is payable to
SNPA(included in the cost of oganised
tours).
When to go: Open daily including public
holidays. The ranger base is open from
8.00am to 5.00 pm.
What to see and do: Tours usually
include a barbeque lunch and
possibilities for snorkeling, birdwatching
and hiking. There is a well-marked
nature trail from Baie Laraie to Anse
Jose and a trail to Anse Badamier.
The mangrove swamp bordering Baie
Laraie holds six of the seven species
of mangroves known to Seychelles. A
boardwalk built on piling goes through
the swamp, allowing access even at high
tide. The ruins of a former leper colony
can be seen at Anse Jose where the
doctor’s house has been converted into
34 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
Pour vous y rendre: Grâce à une excursion
organisée à partir d’hôtels sur l’île de
Praslin ou avec des voyagistes locaux. Les
yachts privés sont également autorisés. Un
droit d’entrée est payable à la SNPA (inclus
dans le coût des visites organisés).
Anse
Badamier
CURIEUSE
Baie
Laraie
Anse St. Jose
Anse
Papaie
Grande
Anse
Mandarin
CURIEUSE MARINE
NATIONAL PARK
a museum. Hundreds of giant tortoises
were introduced between 1978 and
1982 and there is a tortoise nursery
where tortoises are nurtured until they
are five years old, before being released
into the wild. Curiuese is the only other
natural home (apart from Praslin) of
the legendary coco de mer.
Curieuse mais charmante
Curieuse est une petite île granitique à près
de deux kilomètres au Nord-Est de Praslin,
d’environ trois kilomètres de longueur. Elle
était une fois connue sous le nom d’île
Rouge en raison de sa terre rouge nue.
Elle est gérée par la Seychelles National
Marine Parks Auhority (SNPA).
Quand y aller: Ouvert tous les jours y
compris les jours fériés. La base des gardeforestiers est ouverte de 8h00 à 17h00.
Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: Les visites
comprennent généralement un déjeuner
barbecue et des possibilités pour faire de
snorkeling, de l’observation d’oiseaux et
de la randonnée. Il y a un sentier naturel
bien-marqué de Baie Laraie à Anse Jose et
une piste à Anse Badamier. Le marais de
mangrove qui borde Baie Laraie contient
six des sept espèces de mangroves connus
à Seychelles. Une promenade construite
sur pilotis passe à travers le marais,
permettant l’accès même à marée haute.
Les ruines d’une ancienne colonie de
lépreux peuvent être vues à Anse Jose où
la maison du médecin a été transformée en
musée. Des centaines de tortues géantes
ont été introduites entre 1978 et 1982 et
il y a une nourricerie où les tortues sont
élevées jusqu’à l’âge de cinq ans avant
d’être relâchées dans la nature. Curieuse
est le seul autre habitat naturel (en dehors
de Praslin) du légendaire coco de mer.
Discover Seychelles
A la Découverte des les
Paradise
Paradis récupéré
Cousine Island is a small grantic island
, 25 hectares in size and six kilometres
west of Praslin. There are very few
islands anywhere in the world that have
survived intact as Cousine has done
and it is one of the biggest conservation
success stories of the Indian Ocean.
Cousine est une petite île granitique de
vingt-cinq hectares, située à six kilomètres
à l’Ouest de Praslin. Il y a très peu d’îles au
monde ayant survécu intactes à l’instar de
Cousine et c’est l’un des plus grands succès
de conservation dans l’océan Indien.
Pour vous y rendre: Les clients du
complexe exclusif de l’île arrivent par
bateau ou par hélicoptère sur un vol de 15
minutes à partir de Mahé, et de 5 minutes
à partir de Praslin.
Getting there: Guests of the exclusive
resort on the island arrive by boat or 15
minutes flight by helicopter from Mahé,
and five minutes from Praslin.
Where to stay: Cousine Island Resort
and Spa is a small luxury resort, with
three villas catering to a maximum of
eight people.
Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: L’île a une
diversité de faune, et un programme
systématique de réhabilitation a été mis en
place pour restaurer l’île, qui consiste en la
plantation de milliers d’arbres indigènes, la
protection d’immenses colonies d’oiseaux
de mer et la réintroduction d’oiseaux
endémiques. Vous pourrez vous détendre
à l’hôtel ou aller en promenade dans la
nature avec un écologue résident ou faire
une plongée guidée et observer des bancs
de poissons tropicaux.
Photo © Gerard larose
What to see and do: The island has
a profusion of wildlife including a
systematic rehabilitation programme
which was introduced to restore
the island including the planting of
thousands of native trees, the protection
of the huge seabird colonies and the
reintroduction of endemic birds. Relax
at the lodge or take a nature walk with
a resident ecologist or go on a guided
snorkeling expedition and observe
teeming schools of tropical fish.
Hébergement: Cousine Island Resort and
Spa est un petit complexe hôtelier de luxe,
avec trois villas accueillant un maximum
de huit personnes.
INDIAN
OCEAN
BANC
Sooty
Tern
Colony
Strictement pour les Oiseaux
L’île aux Oiseaux se situe à l’extrême Nord de
l’archipel des Seychelles et c’est un paradis
pour les amoureux de la nature. Une vue
aérienne vous donne les premières impressions
fantastiques de ces 70 hectares de sable de
corail.
Pour vous y rendre: Il y a un vol quotidien de
30 minutes à partir de Mahé par avion léger.
Bird
Island
Lodge
Strictly for the Birds
Bird Island is the northernmost island
in the Seychelles archipelago and is a
nature lover’s paradise. From the air you
get the first stunning impressions of
this 70 hectares coral cay.
Getting there: A 30 minutes flight from
Mahé by light aircraft operates daily.
What to see and do: The east and south
sides of the island are surrounded by a
protective barrier reef which is home
to many varieties of colourful fish and
the rest is an open beach which offers
superb safe swimming. The island
offers some of the best game fishing
in the country. Dolphins are regularly
observed in the surrounding waters.
Close to one million pairs of Sooty
36 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
Terns coming to the northern end of the
island to breed present mainly March to
September, and a resident population
of Noddy and Fairy Terns, the island
is an ornithologists dream. Many rare
migrant birds are recorded, especially
during October to December. Bird
Island is also home to former Guinness
World Record holder Esmeralda, said
to be the heaviest Aldabra giant tortoise
in the world living in the wild.
Where to stay: Bird Island Lodge offers
guests a choice of 24 comfortable and
spacious bungalows. A true haven
from today’s busy world, there are
no telephones or televisions and the
emphasis is very much on relaxation and
being at one with the nature around you.
IRS
A
GROS
LA TÉTE
IP
TR
Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: L’Est et le Sud de
l’île sont entourés d’une barrière de corail, foyer
de nombreuses variétés de poissons colorés; le
reste étant une superbe plage ouverte où l’on
peut se baigner en toute sécurité. L’île offre
certains des meilleurs jeux de pêche du pays.
Les dauphins sont régulièrement observés
dans les eaux environnantes. Près d’un million
couples de sternes fuligineuses venues du
Nord de l’île pour se reproduire, présentes
principalement de mars à septembre, et
une population permanente d’anous et de
sternes néréis, c’est une île de rêve pour
les ornithologues. De nombreux oiseaux
migrateurs rares sont enregistrés, en particulier
pendant les mois d’octobre à décembre. L’île
aux Oiseaux est aussi le domicile d’Esmeralda,
ancienne titulaire d’un record du monde
Guinness, elle serait la tortue géante Aldabra
la plus lourde au monde vivant létat sauvage.
Hébergement: Bird Island Lodge offre à ses
clients un choix de 24 bungalows spacieux et
confortables. Un vrai refuge pour s’échapper
du monde mouvementé d’aujourd’hui, il n’y a
ni téléphones ni télévisions et l’accent est mis
sur la détente et la communion avec la nature
autour de vous.
An experience to remember!
Distinctly Seychellois
Discover Seychelles
Un corail joyau
de l’Océan Indien
Discovered in 1773, this croissant
shaped coral hideaway of 152 hectares
is a small green jewel perched on the
northeasterly edge of the Seychelles
bank. Denis Island is 60 kilometres
north of Mahé.
Découvert en 1773, ce refuge en corail en
forme de croissant de 152 hectares est un
petit bijou vert incrusté sur la berge NordEst des Seychelles. L’Ile de Denis est à
soixante kilomètres au Nord de Mahé.
Photo © raymond sahuquet
Coral Jewel of
the Indian Ocean
Getting there: The Island is accessible
by a 30-minute flight from Mahé.
D
BIL AN
IM S
BI
ST
ST
S L’ E
DAN
M
BO URA
N D ILL
IEU E
LA
BO MÉ
R
EU E
F
B
BL OIS
AN
C L
CH ÉGL
IN ISE
OI
SE
H
GU ANG
AN AR
O O
D
VA ANS
RR
E
AIR
IN
OC DIAN
EA
N
Where to stay: There is a private resort
with 25 tasteful, elegant and secluded
cottages each with its own private
beachfront.
RIP
D
Is en
Lo landis
dg
e
Over 50 hectares of woodland
have been rehabilitated and the
dense forested interior is a haven
for the recently introduced endemic
endangered avian species such as
Seychelles fody, Seychelles warbler,
Seychelles magpie robin and most
recently Seychelles paradise flycatcher
previously only found on La Digue.
Seychelles blue pigeon also abound. The
island’s vegetable and livestock farm
and surrounding seas supply the hotel
kitchen’s requirements.
R
JE OCH
PIE AN E
RR
E
What to see and do: Idyllic white
beaches surround the island; its
sheltered lagoon provides unrivalled
swimming opportunities and the
crystal-clear waters harbour turtles and
exotic marine life, the reef is perfect for
snorkeling. The deep waters outside the
reef allow for excellent diving, game,
bottom and fly-fishing.
A tiny, triangle shaped island, Alphonse
is 400 kilometres southwest of Mahé.
Once a productive coconut plantation,
little remains as a reminder of these
days save for a few old buildings and the
island’s cemetery near to Pointe Huto.
Conservation is a high priority and a
team of full time scientists and rangers
from the Island Conservation Society
are employed on rehabilitation and
monitoring programmes.
What to see and do: The hotel specialises
in fly-fishing. Other attractions include
some of the best diving in the Indian
Ocean, with forests of Gorgonian fan
corals, huge schools of pelagic fish and
many colourful reef fish. A short stretch
of ocean, ominously named as Canal de
38 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: Des plages
idylliques de sable blanc entourent l’île; sa
lagune abritée fournit des opportunités de
natation sans égal et les eaux cristallines
hébergent des tortues et autres espèces
marines exotiques, le récif est parfait pour
le snorkeling. Les eaux profondes en dehors
du récif permettent d’excellentes plongées
et une pêche sportive, de fond et à la
mouche.
Plus de 50 hectares de forêt ont été
remises en état et la dense forêt intérieure
est un paradis pour les espèces aviaires
endémiques
menacées
récemment
introduites telles que le foudy des
Seychelles, la fauvette des Seychelles, le
shama des Seychelles et plus récemment
le tchitrec des Seychelles qu’on ne trouvait
auparavant qu’uniquement à La Digue.
Le founingo rougecap des Seychelles y
abonde également. Les jardins potagers
et la ferme de bétail de l’île ainsi que les
mers environnantes approvisionnent
suffisamment la cuisine de l’hôtel.
Hébergement: Il y a un complexe privé
avec vingt-cinq pavillons raffinés, élégants
et isolés chacun avec sa propre plage
privée.
scientifiques et de gardes forestiers de la
Société pour la conservation de l’ile sont
employés à plein temps pour la réhabilitation
et les programmes de surveillance.
Magic Lagoons,
Lonely Horizons
Getting there: One hour flight from
Mahé. There is just one flight per week
operating during the seven month flyfishing season (October to April).
Pour vous y rendre: L’île est accessible par
un vol de 30 minutes de Mahé.
Pour vous y rendre: Une heure de vol à
partir de Mahé . Il n’y a qu’un seul vol par
semaine au cours de la saison de pêche à la
mouche qui dure sept mois (octobre à avril).
Mort, separates Alphonse from picture
perfect Bijoutier and the lagoon of St.
Francois. A feature of St. Francois is the
number of shipwrecks, standing as grim
reminders of the perils of the sea. Both
are very popular for fly-fishing.
Where to stay: Alphonse Island Resort
is the only hotel on the island.
Lagunes magiques,
Horizons Solitaires
Une île minuscule triangulaire, Alphonse est
à 400 kilomètres au Sud-Ouest de Mahé.
Autrefois une plantation productive de noix
de coco, très peu reste de cette époque à part
quelques vieux bâtiments et le cimetière de
l’île près de Pointe Huto. La conservation
est une grande priorité et une équipe de
Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: L’hôtel se
spécialise en pêche à la mouche. D’autres
attractions sont la meilleure plongée dans
l’océan Indien, avec des forêts de gorgones
ou éventails de mer, d’énormes bancs de
poissons pélagiques et beaucoup de poissons
multicolores de récifs. Un court tronçon
de l’océan, sinistrement nommé Canal de
Mort, sépare Alphonse de la photogénique
Île Bijoutier et du lagon de St François. Une
caractéristique de St. François est le nombre
d’épaves, sombres souvenirs des périls de la
mer. Les deux sont très populaires pour la
pêche à la mouche.
Hébergement: Alphonse Island Resort est le
seul hôtel de l’île.
Photo © Gerard larose
A la Découverte des les
MADAME
ZABRE
Settlement
DEUX COCOS
R
AI
Desroches
Island Lodge
P
RI
ST
DEUX
RIDEAUX
LA POINTE PIMENT
INDIAN OCEAN
Islands of the Admiral
Les îles de l’Amiral
L’Île Desroches est la plus grande des
îles Amirantes, et fait partie des îles
périphériques des Seychelles. Elle est située
à 230 kilomètres au Sud-Ouest de Mahé.
Elle mesure 6 km de long et a une superficie
de 3 km2. Les programmes de conservation
sont gérés par la Société pour la conservation
de l’île.
Getting there: 45 minutes by air from
Mahé.
Desroches is famous for the Desroches
Drop with its fantastic caves, which
may be explored under the supervision
of a PADI dive-master. There is also
a small settlement, where there is a
plantation providing much of the island’s
requirements. Since 2009, a full time
team of scientists and rangers from the
Island Conservation Society is employed
to monitor and protect the terrestrial and
marine life.
What to see and do: Guests can enjoy
sailing, cycling, canoeing, windsurfing,
snorkeling deep-sea fishing and diving.
Where to stay: Luxurious Desroches
island Lodge is the only hotel on the
island.
Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: Les visiteurs
peuvent faire de la voile, du cyclisme, du
canoë, de la planche à voile, de la plongée
Desroches Island is the largest island
of the Amirantes, part of the Outer
Islands of the Seychelles. It is located
230 kilometres southwest of Mahé. It
is six kilometres long and has an area
of around three kilometres squares.
Conservation programmes are managed
by Island Conservation Society.
Pour vous y rendre: 45 minutes par avion
de Mahé.
en apnée, de la pêche en haute mer et de la
plongée sous-marine. Desroches est célèbre
pour Desroches Drop avec ses fantastiques
grottes qui peuvent être explorées sous la
supervision d’un PADI Divemaster. Il y a
aussi une petite colonie, avec une plantation
qui couvre une bonne partie des besoins
de l’île. Depuis 2009, une équipe à plein
temps de scientifiques et garde-forestiers
de la Société pour la conservation de l’île est
employée pour contrôler et protéger la vie
terrestre et marine.
Hébergement: Luxurious Desroches Island
Lodge est le seul hôtel de l’île.
Silhouette Vol 25 No 3 | 39
Discover Seychelles
A la Découverte des les
Praslin
Getting around: There are several
different types of car hires available and
a taxi rank at the airport. A bus service
runs between 0530 and 1900 hours
with a special Sunday service.
Island Excursions: There are regular
boat excursions to Praslin’s neighbouring islands such as St. Pierre, a tiny
rock island popular for its spectacular
coral reef and rich marine life and
biodiversity hotspots Curieuse Island,
Cousine and Aride.
INDIAN OCEAN
Anse
Boudin
Anse Boudin
Anse
Anse
Takamaka
Petit
Anse
Cour
Possession
ANSE
PETITE COUR
PASQUIERE
NEWCOME
JALOUSIE
Anse
Kerian
Anse Kerlan
Anse Volbert
PROVIDENCE
IP
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Thirty-seven square kilometres in size,
Praslin measures 11 kilometres in length
and five-and-a-half across at its widest.
The island is a mere 15 minute’s flight
from Mahé via Air Seychelles’ domestic
airline and one hour by fast, inter-island
catamaran ferry. Helicopters are also
available for charter through Zil Air.
A ferry operates throughout the day
between Praslin and neighbouring La
Digue
SAVOIE
S
AIR
Located 40 kilometres north of
Mahé, Praslin is Seychelles’ second
largest island and is also home to the
archipelago’s second largest population
of around 7,000. Apart from its
sublimely beautiful beaches, some of
which are regularly ranked among the
best in the world, Praslin is perhaps
best known for its Vallée de Mai, one
of Seychelles’ two UNESCO World
Heritage Sites where the legendary
double-lobed coconut, the coco-de-mer
grows on towering palms in an ancient,
hidden glade.
Baie
Chevalier Anse
Lazio
PLAIN HOLLANDAISE
Grande Anse
Grande Anse
SALAZIE
NOUVELLE
DECOUVERT
Fond de L’ Anse
Anse Bateau
Beaches: Praslin’s beaches are of
legendary beauty: golden sanded
Anse Volbert, or Cote d’Or on the east
coast; Anse Boudin and Anse Kerlan;
Anse Lazio at the island’s northern
most tip considered by many to be
the most beautiful beach in the world
and excellent for both swimming and
snorkelling and Grand Anse, on the west
coast. Baie Pasquiere, Anse Volbert and
Baie St. Anne all have natural harbours.
Anse
Matelot
COTE D’OR
VALEE DE MAI
Grande Anse
Anse
Anse
Madge Bonnet
Carre
NATIONAL PARK
FOND AZORE
Anse Citron
a special licence alongside paintings,
jewellery and sculptures.
Anse Volbert
Baie St. Anne
Baie
St. Anne Anse L’ Amour
Petite Anse
Anse
La Farine
îLE RONDE
ST. SAUVEUR
FOND DALBARETZ
Anse St. Sauveur
Anse Takamaka
CONSOLATION
Anse Cimitiere
Anse
Anse Bois
Marie
de Rose
Louise
Anse
Consolation
Petite Anse
What to see and do: The island is well
served by roads especially along the
northern, south and south-western
coasts and also by frequent ferries to La
Digue. The island is criss-crossed by a
network of footpaths of which the most
beautiful of all is through the Vallée de
Mai, managed by Seychelles Islands
Foundation and open from 0830 to
1630 hours. The entrance and Visitors
Centre can be found on the road from
Grand Anse to Baie St. Anne. Paths are
well maintained and clearly marked,
and nature trails lead you to all the
interesting botanical species. Praslin is
also home to the endemic Seychelles
black parrot, the national bird of
Seychelles, as well as to the beautiful
Seychelles blue pigeon, among others.
Shopping: You can find a range of
souvenirs in Praslin’s nooks and
crannies as well as in the main town of
Baie Ste. Anne, the airport and at the
larger hotels. These include the fabulous
coco de mer whose exportation requires
42 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
Photo © Gerard larose
Where to stay: Praslin boasts several
excellent 5-Star hotels as well as a rich
assortment of smaller hotels, islandstyle beach villas, guesthouses and
self-caterings to give the visitor a flavour
of the Seychellois Creole way of life.
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
Deluxe suites
24 rooms with a verandah and
tropical garden, 6 rooms with a
terrace and 2 with a lounge.
3 rooms with a private patio
terrace and mountain and garden
view, two bathrooms, a kitchenette and a separate living room.
Coco D’or Hotel & Restaurant • T/A Nalini R. Properties (Pty) Ltd
Beau Vallon, Mahé, Seychelles • P.O. Box 526 Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles
Phone: +248 4247331 • Fax: +248 4247454 • E-mail: [email protected]
A la Découverte des les
Photo © gerald larose
Discover Seychelles
Praslin
Avec 37 km de superficie, Praslin mesure
11 km de long et 5,5 km de large. L’île n’est
qu’à quinze minutes de vol de Mahé sur un
vol intérieur d’Air Seychelles et à une heure
par ferry catamaran rapide inter-îles. Les
hélicoptères sont aussi disponibles pour
affrètement auprès de Zil Air. Un ferry opère
tout au long de la journée entre Praslin et La
Digue voisine.
2
Déplacement: Il y a plusieurs types de
voitures de location disponibles et une
station de taxis à l’aéroport. Un service de
bus effectue la liaison entre 5h30 et 19h,
avec un service spécial le dimanche.
Excursions sur l’île: Il y a des excursions
régulières en bateau aux îles avoisinant
Praslin comme St. Pierre, une petite île
de rocher populaire pour son récif de
44 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
corail spectaculaire et la richesse de son
milieu marin et ses zones les plus riches
en biodiversité, à savoir: les îles Curieuse,
Cousine et Aride.
Hébergement: Praslin possède plusieurs
excellents hôtels 5 étoiles, ainsi qu’un riche
assortiment de petits hôtels, villas de plage
de style des îles, auberges avec leurs propres
installations de restauration pour donner au
visiteur un parfum du mode de vie créole
Seychellois.
Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: L’île est bien
desservie par un réseau routier en particulier
le long des côtes du Nord, du Sud et du SudOuest et également par des ferrys fréquents
vers La Digue. L’île est sillonnée par un
réseau de sentiers dont le plus beau passe
par la Vallée de Mai, géré par la Seychelles
Islands Foundation et ouvert de 08h30 à
16h30. L’entrée et le centre d’accueil aux
visiteurs se trouvent sur la route de Grand
Anse à Baie St. Anne. Les chemins sont
bien entretenus et clairement marqués, les
sentiers de nature vous mènent à toutes les
espèces botaniques intéressantes. Praslin
abrite aussi l’endémique perroquet noir des
Seychelles, l’oiseau national des Seychelles,
ainsi que de le beau founingo rougecap des
Seychelles, entre autres.
Courses: Le visiteur peut trouver une
gamme de souvenirs dans les coins et
recoins de Praslin de même que dans la ville
principale de Baie St. Anne, à l’aéroport et
dans les plus grands hôtels. La gamme
comprend le fabuleux coco de mer dont
l’exportation nécessite un permis spécial à
côté de peintures, sculptures et bijoux.
Plages: Les plages de Praslin sont d’une
beauté légendaire: Anse Volbert au
sable doré, ou Côte d’Or sur la côte Est;
Anse Boudin et Anse Kerlan ; Anse Lazio
à la pointe Nord de l’île que d’aucuns
considèrent comme la plus belle plage au
monde, excellente tant pour la natation que
le snorkelling, et Grand Anse, sur la côte
Ouest. Baie Pasquiere, Anse Volbert et Baie
St. Anne ont toutes des ports naturels.
Photo © C Kaiser-Bunbury
Située à quarante kilomètres au Nord de
Mahé, Praslin est la deuxième plus grande
île des Seychelles et abrite la deuxième
plus grande population de l’archipel,
soit environ 7000 âmes. Hormis ses
plages paradisiaques, dont certaines sont
régulièrement classées parmi les meilleures
au monde, Praslin est peut-être mieux
connue pour sa Vallée de Mai, l’un des deux
sites des Seychelles classés au patrimoine
mondial de l’UNESCO où la légendaire noix
de coco bilobée, le coco de mer, croit sur
des palmiers imposants dans une ancienne
clairière cachée.
Discover Seychelles
A la Découverte des les
Anse Bambous
Anse Maquereau
GLACIS
CAFOULE
Anse Victorin
A World All its Own
Getting there: 12 minutes from Mahé by
Air Seychelles.
What to see and do: With over 10 kilometres
of roads and trails, the island is easy to
explore on foot or by electric buggy. Frégate
is the stronghold of the critically endangered
Seychelles magpie-robin (less than 200
birds in the world), saved from extinction
by the intervention of BirdLife International.
Recently the Ministry of Environment and
Island Conservation Society established
successfully on Frégate another highly
threatened endemic bird, the Seychelles
white-eye (500 individuals in the world).
The island boasts the world’s only population
of giant tenebrionid beetle, as well as about
2,000 free-range giant tortoises. Tens
of thousands of native trees have been
propagated and replanted since 1995, totaling
several dozens of hectares restored. There are
superb beaches, such as Anse Victorin, which
some say is the prettiest in Seychelles. It is
also a walker’s paradise, with wooded paths
leading through plantations and groves. There
is also a private harbour & Yacht Club with a
PADI Dive Centre.
Photo © Gerard larose
Where to stay: Frégate Island Private Resort,
a holiday preserve for guests. There are 16
large residences (400-700 square metres)
with private pools and exclusive whole island
rental also available.
46 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
GROS BOIS
NOIR
PLAINE
MAGNAN
MONT
SIGNAL
IP
TR
RS
AI
Frégate is the most isolated of the granite
islands. It has romantic associations with the
world of pirates and hidden treasure. Today,
it is home to an exclusive upmarket resort
and conservation programmes have been
implemented to restore the splendor of this
beautiful island.
INDIAN
OCEAN
Plantation
House
Grande Anse
AU SALON
Petite Grande Anse
Anse Parc
Anse Felix
Pointe Sud
Anse Coup
de Poing
Un Monde à Part
Frégate est la plus isolée des îles de granit. Elle a
des associations romantiques avec le monde des
pirates et trésor caché. Aujourd’hui elle abrite une
station balnéaire exclusive haut de gamme et
des programmes de conservation ont été mis en
œuvre pour restaurer la splendeur de cette
magnifique île.
Pour vous y rendre: 12 Minutes de Mahé par
Air Seychelles.
Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: Avec plus de 10
kilomètres de routes et de pistes, l’île est facile à
explorer à pied ou en voiturette électrique. Frégate
est le bastion du shama des Seychelles gravement
menacé d’extinction (moins de 200 oiseaux dans le
monde), sauvé de l’extinction par l’intervention de
BirdLife International. Récemment le ministère de
l’environnement et la Société pour la conservation
de l’île ont établi avec succès sur Frégate un
autre oiseau endémique extrêmement menacé,
le Zostérops des Seychelles (500 individus dans
le monde). L’île abrite la seule population de
scarabées ténébrionides géantes, ainsi qu’environ
2 000 tortues géantes vivant en liberté. Des dizaines
de milliers d’arbres indigènes ont été propagés et
replantés depuis 1995, totalisant plusieurs dizaines
d’hectares restaurés. Il y a des plages superbes,
comme Anse Victorin, considérées par certains
comme la plus jolie des Seychelles. C’est aussi un
paradis pour les promeneurs, avec des coursives en
bois qui mènent à travers plantations et bosquets.
Il y a également un port privé et Yacht Club avec
un centre de plongée PADI.
Hébergement: Frégate Island Private Resort, des
vacances sous le thème de la conservation pour les
clients. Il y a 16 grandes résidences (400-700 m2)
avec piscines privées et la possibilité de location
exclusive de l’île entière existe également.
ADVENTURE: Bird island
Th e Lod g e
a t Wo r l d ’s E d g e
Photo © raymond sahuquet
By Glynn Burridge
48 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
I
first came to Bird Island in 1978,
shortly after settling in Seychelles
and, immediately, was captured by
its astonishing beauty which has
remained for me the benchmark against
which I have judged the many islands of
the archipelago I have visited since.
Today, 36 years later, I am visiting
again, as I have many times over the
intervening years, and it is as clear to
me as ever that Seychelles’ islands, in
the context of a planet which is sadly
becoming grimmer by the day, are
increasingly special for the beauty,
tranquillity and lifestyle they continue
to offer. If this is the case, then among
them, Bird Island is truly unique.
Bird’s uniqueness has many facets
and one of them is its size. Where the
sheer mass of many islands makes
them difficult to navigate, and to
enjoy, Bird comes in one delicious,
bite-sized chunk. You can walk around
in about an hour, savouring every
aspect of its beauty as you do so: raw
nature at its best; shimmering sands
of world-ranking beaches rolling into a
sapphire ocean; sublime swimming and
snorkelling; a lush interior crisscrossed
by meandering, leafy, island pathways
and, of course if you turn up at the right
time of year, the spectacular experience
of one of the most important seabird
colonies on earth - to the tune of close
to a million nesting Sooty Terns.
They experienced a problem with their
boat which broke down and they drifted
to the shore of the Arabian Peninsula
where they became separated, with
one brother being enslaved for a time
by the Bedouin. They both eventually
made it back to Seychelles, one arriving
shortly after the other.
Perched on the northernmost tip of
the Seychelles plateau where the
ocean floor slips away to a depth of
2,000 metres, Bird Island’s history is
equally spectacular. First sighted by
the master of the Eagle cruiser in 1771,
he remarked on the great number of
birds and also Dugongs or sea cows
which gave Bird its early name of Ile
aux Vaches. Bird’s next encounter with
the outside world came in 1808, when
the French privateer, Hirondelle, with
100 passengers aboard en route from
the Red Sea became wrecked on the
island’s northeast coast. The survivors
lived on the island for 22 days before
sailing to Mahé, 161 kilometres (100
miles) distant, on a makeshift raft. The
end of that century saw the island used
as a base for salting fish and birds and
also for the mining of phosphate which,
at one point, saw the island population
swell to around 100 people. One
particularly intriguing story is of the two
Savy brothers who went to Bird in the
late 19th century to harvest bird eggs.
By the mid-1950’s, human activity
on the island had greatly damaged
the environment and caused the bird
population to plummet from over a
million to only 65,000 pairs. It was only
after the island was sold to its present
owner in 1967 that the task of winning
back the island was commenced,
largely through a sensitive and broad
conservation programme and by
opening the island to ‘gentle’ tourism.
Today, the island’s 26 chalets remain
a firm favourite with tourists in search
of a’ genuine ecotourism experience’
for which the island was named as the
seventh best destination in the world
by the BBC Wildlife Magazine in 2006,
alongside numerous, top, international
awards.
Uniqueness remains at the very heart
of Bird Island’s appeal. Against a
backdrop of islands surrendering their
timeless beauty, character and every
identity to accommodate levels of
development that can only be described
as deforming, Bird has stuck to its guns
and to a simple formula which, after 40
years, is still working. Its evolution into
a soulful and much sought-after ecotourism product has been guided by
the same conservationist principle that
was adopted at the very beginning of its
journey: the requirements of the island
and its nature come first. They are king
here and everything else follows suit.
Silhouette Vol 25 No 3 | 49
ADVENTURE: Bird island
Another great attribute of Bird is the
continuity that it has been blessed with
for nearly half a century. In a world
where nothing seems to last for long,
Guy Savy has been guiding Bird since
he purchased the island in 1967 and
remains very much at the wheel today,
surrounded by a team, several of whom
have been with him since the very
beginning. This continuity has provided
the island with a very particular identity,
most refreshing in this changing world
of ours, and one that is unmistakably
Creole. Where so many other hotels
have gone the route of employing
a foreign worker, Bird employs only
Seychellois and all aspects of life on Bird
have a distinctly Creole flavour. Bird is
the embodiment of Creoleness and
of the time-honoured traditions of the
Ilois, or island settler, dating back to the
earliest days of settlement. Sadly, today,
it is arguably the last place where the
Creole way of life in the old time island
community can still be experienced.
Photo © Glynn burridge
And yet the island is not content to live
in the past, and the management is
even now tweaking its formula to cater
for, but not be governed by, modernity.
Ingenious, low-tech methods of waste
disposal are being looked at the same
time that the island farm is being
50 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
Photo © adrian skerrett
This is another unique facet of Bird: that
there is a well-studied and very practical
philosophy at work here that guides it
and steers it clear of the temptation to
succumb to the latest fad or trade in
its very soul to appease some trending
consumer expectation of what the
island should offer its clientele.
Today, the island enjoys a popular following
among nature lovers the world over and
an enviably high percentage of returning
guests in search of one of the planet’s
purest experiences of nature.
Above: A fairy tern, the
world’s only pure white
tern, mirrors the pure
white sands of Marie
Louise.
Below: More than a
million sooty terns
make their home on
Bird Island.
revamped to supply the lodge with fresh
produce. A major reorganisation of the
kitchen is also underway to streamline
food preparation and broaden its
culinary traditions of offering the very
best food harvested from nature. The
island is even resuming the extraction
of coconut oil in response to the
rediscovery of the medicinal benefits of
the coconut.
As its very name suggests, Bird
Island’s wildlife remains one of its main
attractions and one that is going from
strength to strength with the Sooty Tern
population rising from a mere 20,000
pairs in 1967 to almost a million today.
The island is even pioneering the use
of GPS locators on certain Sooty Terns
and the data from this experiment will
greatly assist in our understanding of
the movements of this extraordinary
species which lives its life almost
entirely on the wing. There are also
significant populations of Fairy Terns,
Common and Lesser Noddies and
Tropic Birds and recent years have seen
the introduction of the magnificent Blue
Pigeon and Sunbird, adding to Bird’s
impressive kaleidoscope of birdlife.
In the waters surrounding the island,
turtles are everywhere and visitors are
able to swim with both the Green and
Hawksbill varieties inside the reef which
was not the case 40 years ago, helped
along by a conservation programme
that identifies and secures turtle nests,
so ensuring a greater survival rate
among hatchlings.
Forty years on, Bird Island continues
to evolve along its own special path
that has already rescued its previously
damaged ecosystem and set it on the
road to full recovery. Today, the island
enjoys a popular following among
nature lovers the world over and an
enviably high percentage of returning
guests in search of one of the planet’s
purest experiences of nature.
Yet Bird has preserved far more than
just its ecology. Here at the world’s
edge, where life is still governed by
the rhythms of nature, an entire way
of life has been preserved: that of the
Seychellois Islander and the true soul of
traditional, Seychellois island living.
Karine Dupouy
produces the finest
collections, reflecting
Seychelles’ own essence
and culture. Malinda
Skerrett paid a
visit to Karine.
52 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
I
t’s about just feeling the
most beautiful person you
can be,’ Karine Dupouy says
of her uniquely Seychelles
fashion brand, ‘Kankan’. Born
in Mauritius and raised in the
Seychelles, Karine’s flare for fashion
and creativity started early with
dressing-up games for herself and
her dolls, graduating into sketches
and dressmaking and a strong
focus towards art in her studies.
Hard work and passion were
eventually rewarded when Karine
was accepted to study fashion –
majoring in womenswear – at the
prestigious Central Saint Martins
University in London, a worldrenowned centre for education in
Photos © kankan
Meet the young, upcoming, Seychellois Fashion Designer
karine dupouy
FASHION
art and design. However, after five
years spent abroad in education and
on placements, Karine wanted to
return to the Seychelles and to the
island lifestyle she knew and loved,
with a hope to contribute to the
development of the fashion world
of the islands.
The fashion scene in the Seychelles
islands is small, but it is starting
to grow. The increasing reach of
modern media and communications
has led to greater interest and
awareness amongst Seychellois.
Whilst this is something Karine
hopes to take advantage of, she is
also passionate about Kankan’s
boutiques reflecting Seychelles’
own essence and culture rather
than simply following international
trends. “It’s all about balance,” she
explains, and balance is certainly
key to Kankan’s overall aims. The
boutiques offer a wide range of styles
and sizes and Karine’s designs cater
to any and all occasions. Where
some brands aim to be different for
the sake of being different, Kankan’s
feel is one of timeless subtlety and
sophistication. “Fashion is about
identity and expression, feeling
beautiful for you and not to please
others,” Karine explains, and for
her, nothing is more important than
the moment when a customer tries
something on; she revels seeing
someone transformed through the
sheer excitement of feeling beautiful
when they step out in something
she has designed.
Whilst managing the business side
of running her own fashion brand
takes up much of her time, Karine’s
favourite aspect of running Kankan
remains the creative process.
Inspiration for her collections comes
from everywhere, with moodboards reflecting an eclectic mix
of bold pattern, colour, European
fashion and the Seychelles islands
themselves. Colour is often the
starting point for Karine’s ideas,
though detail and refinement are
key to her collections overall as
she mixes bold identity with classic
style. “The idea of a dress is to make
the person look good,” she says of
her approach, once more returning
to the concept of balance as being
key to the Kankan brand. The
designers who inspire her are known
for both elegance and detail and
she admires in particular designers
such as Tony Ward and Elie Saab,
whose collections represent to her
a more classic beauty. However, it
is the influence of the Seychelles
themselves which is perhaps most
obvious throughout Kankan’s rails,
with colours and prints all inspired by
the beautiful, tropical surroundings.
For her next collection, Karine has
drawn particular inspiration from
tropical flowers, and she hopes that
this theme will give her a chance to
explore greater detail in her designs,
using more beading and embroidery
alongside her signature bold colour
splashes and hand-painted prints.
It is also the fabric itself which
Karine often turns to for inspiration,
with her creative process always
beginning with the fabric in mind;
knowing what colours, patterns and
shapes will work for a certain fabric
before starting to look for wider
inspiration for a dress or collection.
Karine has travelled extensively,
and continues to seek out the finest
fabrics for her designs. Kankan’s
collections are all made from the
purest quality fabrics from India,
Italy and Turkey and great care is
taken to ensure that every item sold
is made from materials that are of
high quality, and which will last, and
linen and silk are the key materials
of much of Kankan’s collections.
The Kankan brand continues
to expand in Seychelles, with
boutiques open at Ephelia Resort
and Seychelles International Airport,
and, another shop being opened in
Victoria by the end of the year. Since
2013, Kankan has also become the
chosen brand for Miss Seychelles
for the annual Miss World
competition, and Karine is currently
in the midst of designing a one-off
piece for this year’s contestant. “In
a way it’s better because I enjoy the
freedom I’m given to just create,”
she says when talking about the
challenge. In-keeping with her ideas
for Kankan’s latest collection Karine
hopes to create something bold
and colourful for the pageant this
year, though she admits she does
enjoy having the luxury of being
able to change her mind. Although
her current direction is inspired,
like the rest of her new collection,
by tropical flowers and creative
prints, she is also aware that, as a
one-off piece, she has the creative
freedom to step back without an
entire collection being affected. “I
enjoy the Miss World work because
of that,” she says, explaining how
her dream is to be able to expand
to do more custom-design work,
designing and dressing individuals.
Fashion is about
identity and
expression,
feeling
beautiful for
you and not to
please others.
Of course, stepping inside a Kankan
store, it’s easy to see that Karine is
already doing a good job of styling
her customers. Not only does
Kankan provide three key categories
of clothing – casualwear, cocktail
attire and beachwear – but also
Karine has ensured that accessories
are available to perfectly compliment
her collections. Jewellery is a
key component, and necklaces
and bracelets sold in stories are
specifically chosen to compliment
the clothing collections. Once again,
Karine’s focus is on simple elegance
rather than showy, statement
pieces, with an emphasis on the
tropical, casual feel which is key to
island life. Similarly, classic, casual
bags are also available, made from
a mix of raffia and leather, always
keeping the Seychelles in mind in
terms of both style and practicality.
For Karine, this is the key aspect
of her Kankan brand; ‘It has to be
ready-to-wear, with a nice finish
but always high quality.’
Ultimately, Karine sees her Kankan
customers as needing quality and
comfort, a balance which appeals
to people from all walks of life in
equal measure, and for that reason
Kankan’s boutiques do stand out
as being something quite unusual.
‘It’s all about having something
that will last,’ she explains. ‘It feels
nice to support people expressing
themselves,’ Karine states as she
reflects on what she hopes her
brand’s impact will be on Seychelles
fashion. And indeed, ultimately,
the Kankan brand is a reflection of
Karine’s own self-expression, with
its delightful mixture of creativity,
individuality and the colour and
beauty of island life.
Silhouette Vol 25 No 3 | 53
Food
Seychelles on a Plate
B OUI LL ON
de TEC-T EC
The Seychelles has witnessed a remarkable culinary revolution over the
last few years, thanks in large part to the resurgence in local agriculture,
the development of high-quality speciality produce and an abundance
of Creole restaurants right here on our beautiful islands, reports
Peter Holthusen.
S
eychelles has always enjoyed
world-class local seafood as
well as a wide array of tropical
produce from its land, but in
the past, local chefs (especially those
with a European background) were
reluctant to showcase them. In fact,
as often as not, they preferred to fly in
fresh and frozen foods from as far afield
as South Africa or Mauritius (even
fish!)
In recent years, a number of likeminded chefs joined together to form
an initiative to encourage local food
growers and suppliers to work together
with the restaurants. They would
produce the goods, and the chefs
would provide the market. Of course,
many of the growers and suppliers were
already doing this, but there is now
a much closer bond between them.
Many traditional dishes are back on the
menu, such as Bouillon de Tec-Tec, that
celebrated Seychellois delicacy.
The eating habits of the Seychellois
inevitably reflect the ethnic diversity of
its people. The cuisine that is unique to
the archipelago is actually a fusion of
54 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
flavours from African, French, Chinese,
Indian and English cooking. Over the
centuries, a treasure trove of aromatic
herbs and exotic spices such as
cinnamon, cloves, garlic, mint, ginger,
cayenne, cardamom and nutmeg have
been combined to create a single
flavour. The large selection of tangy,
sweet, rich and spicy combinations
makes the Seychellois cuisine a tourist
attraction in itself. With hundreds of
such flavours, Seychellois cuisine and
beverages have a unique place in the
world of cooking.
Most Seychellois cooking is naturally
based on seafood and chillies. With very
little local transportation of produce, the
ingredients are super fresh and often
directly from a garden or fishing boat. But
should you ever find yourself on one of
Seychelles’ pristine beaches at low tide
then you will undoubtedly happen across
a small group of people harvesting TecTec, a small white shellfish that forms the
nucleus of a delectable soup and famous
Creole delicacy.
Marine molluscs in the Seychelles are
well represented by about 450 species
of endemic bivalves, gastropods (snails)
and nudibranchs. Giant clams, Tridacna,
are some of the most conspicuous
bivalves but there are many smaller
species in tropical waters. These
include Donax which are small, wedgeshaped mussels that actively burrow on
sandy shores. They are favoured by the
Seychellois for Tec-Tec soup.
Photos © peter holthusen
Archaeological evidence suggests that
molluscs were consumed from the dawn
of humanity. Easy to collect, nourishing
and tasty to eat, these versatile ‘fruits of
the sea’ were consumed raw, or cooked
and preserved, with the recipes varying
according to place and taste. The
harvesting and consuming of seafoods
are ancient practices that date back to
at least the beginning of the Paleolithic
period about 40,000 years ago.
Isotopic analysis of the skeletal remains
of Tianyuan man, a 40,000 year old
modern human from eastern Asia, has
shown that he regularly consumed
freshwater fish. Moreover, archaeology
features such as ‘shell middens’,
discarded fish bones and cave paintings
French explorer, Lazare Picault, who
landed at Anse Boileau on Mahé
reported seeing islanders “combing
the beaches in search of a clam they
made into a bouillon which was said
to be délicieux.
Curiously, the majority of these small
white shellfish are harvested very
early in the morning, especially when
the tide is out and the sun is low on
the horizon. The collecting of these
petite little molluscs has become
something of a tradition among the
Seychellois, particularly on the more
secluded beaches of Mahé, Praslin and
La Digue where they can be found in
considerable numbers.
The large selection of tangy, sweet, rich and
spicy combinations makes the Seychellois
cuisine a tourist attraction in itself.
show that seafoods were important for
survival and consumed in significant
quantities.
During this period, most people
lived a ‘hunter-gatherer’ lifestyle and
were, of necessity, constantly on the
move. However, where there are early
examples of permanent settlements
(though not necessarily permanently
occupied) such as those of Lepenski Vir,
an important Mesolithic archaeological
site located in Serbia, they are almost
always associated with fishing and
shellfish harvesting as a major source
of food.
Vasco da Gama, the celebrated
Portuguese explorer and navigator
who sailed through the Amirantes
group in 1503 enroute from the
Malabar coast of India to East Africa,
is reputed to have stopped in the
archipelago to replenish his ships with
this bountiful harvest as sustenance
for his crew. In 1742, on an expedition
of discovery in the Indian Ocean, the
The beaches you are most likely to see
Tec-Tec harvested on Mahé are Anse
Takamaka, Petite Anse, Anse Major,
Beau Vallon, Glacis and the northern
strand of Anse Parnel. On Praslin,
the best beaches are Anse Volbert,
Baie Chevalier, Anse Kerlan and Anse
Consolation, while on the neighbouring
island of La Digue, you will find them
on Anse Banane, Anse Cocos and Anse
Gaulettes.
Should you be unable to visit one of
these pristine beaches while they are
harvesting the mollusc then you will
be well rewarded for paying a visit to
Mahé’s vibrant and colourful Sir Selwyn
Selwyn Clarke Market in the centre of
Victoria, which is the ideal way to get a
feel for the Seychellois and their unique
way of life. Built in 1840 and renovated in
1999, it remains the bustling heart of the
capital and definitely the best place to
buy fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, spices
and – if you’re lucky – the venerable TecTec, for to sample this exquisite delicacy
is truly Seychelles on a Plate !
BOUILLON de TEC-TEC
Ingredients
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1 kg pipis (clams)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
450 grams chopped tin tomatoes
350 grams fresh pumpkin
1 teaspoon crushed garlic
1 teaspoon crushed ginger
1 medium sized onion, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped thyme
Optional: red chillies finely chopped
3 cups water
2 cups chicken stock
3 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
Method
1.Wash pipis. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt in 3 litres of
water at room temperature. Soak pipis in salt water for
2 hours.
2.Pour out salt water. Rinse pipis and immediately place
into 3 litres of warm water to make the shells open.
3. Carefully clean and scrub the pipis, remove the veins
and any intestinal tubes. Leave meat attached to shells.
4. Heat oil in deep saucepan over a medium heat. Add
chopped onions, chopped thyme, garlic and ginger. Stirfry until onions become transparent.
5. Add chopped tomatoes and pumpkin, stir and allow to
simmer until a thick well blended sauce is formed. Add
a little water if necessary to avoid burning.
6. Add chicken stock and 2 cups of water (or more if
extra bouillon is required). Add half of the chopped
coriander leaves, chillies, salt and pepper to taste.
Allow to simmer for half an hour.
7. Immerse the pipis and allow to simmer for 15 to 20
minutes.
8. Remove from the pan and place in a serving dish.
Sprinkle the remainder of the coriander on the bouillon.
Serving suggestion: Ideal as a mouth watering entrée.
Silhouette Vol 25 No 3 | 55
Feature
Bedouin Jewellery
The Art of the Desert
T
here are very few natural
or manmade creations on
earth that share the unique
personal image that the word
‘jewellery’ brings to the mind’s eye.
The adornment of jewellery symbolises
the essence of personal decoration.
It symbolises the artistry of skilled
craftsmen. It is the giving of beauty. It
is the very fabric of Arabian culture.
If the discovery of oil has fuelled the
economic advances of the Middle
East, then it has also brought major
changes in the traditional lifestyle
of the region. Where in the past the
majority of its people were wandering
herdsmen, forever travelling timehonoured routes to provide water and
food for their animals. Today, many
have found employment in the various
industries that have sprung up in the oil
and rapidly expanding tourism industry,
and urbanisation has become the norm
rather than the exception.
However, there are still a few thousand
or so herdsmen and their families who
roam the Arabian desert in much the
same manner as their grandfathers,
even down to the use of camels rather
than fuel-guzzling, four-wheel-drive
vehicles, and living in traditional tents.
While many of their old traditions,
such as their famed hospitality and
ceremonial folk dances have become
an integral part of modern Arabian
culture, their crafts have severely been
neglected, and their meanings lost
along the road to modernism.
This is no more evident than in the
manufacture and traditions of Bedouin
jewellery. Rock face carvings that
have been discovered throughout
the Middle East show human forms
lavishly adorned with bracelets, anklets,
earrings, pendants and ornate veils.
Although many of these carvings
are over 7,000 years old they bear a
distinctive resemblance to the designs
of today’s Bedouin jewellery.
56 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
While most of the pieces seen today are
scarcely more than 50 years old, their
origins are deeply rooted in ancient
times. Egyptian pharaohs, Phoenicians,
ancient Persians, the Greek, Roman
and Byzantine empires, as well as the
Ottoman sultans, were all sources of
inspiration for the exotic and beautifully
ornate jewellery in the Bedouin range.
Written records of tributes and gifts
taken by north Arabian Bedouin chiefs
to Mesopotamian and Assyrian kings
reveal that the Arabian Bedouin have
worked for both gold and silver for well
over 8,000 years. Further evidence of
the long history of body adornment
in the Middle East was found in a
remarkable pre-Islamic tomb excavated
in Jawan, north of Qatif in the Eastern
Province of Saudi Arabia in 1952, and at
Qaryat al-Faw, an ancient town on the
western ridge of the vast Rub’al-Khali,
or Empty Quarter (northeast of Najran)
in 1979 – one of the most remote and
inhospitable places in the Kingdom.
Bedouin silver
jewellery is
tremendously
exciting because
its techniques and
styles bear striking
resemblance to those of
civilisations long dead.
Although the Jawan tomb was robbed in
antiquity, a considerable amount of gold
jewellery and beads remained. Accurate
dating of the burial chamber was difficult
because water had entered the tomb, but
artefacts present set the date at about 500
years before Islam. The occupants of the
original tomb were apparently members of
an important family and their possessions
show that they were in contact with India,
Parthia and the Romano-Hellenic worlds.
No silver ornaments survived, except
small pieces of purplish metal which
may have been fragments of fingerrings. A purplish discolouration on clay
in several parts of the tomb proved to
be silver chloride, from which it was
deduced that silver head and breast
ornaments had been worn. The gold
jewellery is elaborate and finely crafted.
F.S. “Rick” Vidal, the eminent American
archaeologist
and
anthropologist
responsible for the excavation, describes
some unstrung beads retrieved from the
neck of a body: “The position of the beads
indicated that the girl had been wearing
a necklace made of a variety of stones:
emerald, garnet, turquoise, carnelian,
amethyst, onyx and pearls, and a few
small gold beads in a variety of shapes:
bulbar, annular, cylindrical, mace-shaped
and two shaped like cowrie shells”.
Although silver jewellery may have been
worn as much as gold in the ancient
world, all but a few pieces have perished
because silver tarnishes when exposed
to sulphur compounds in the air and the
oxidation process ultimately destroys the
metal. Gold, by contrast, is remarkably
stable and impervious to the ordinary
processes of corrosion and decay;
thus ancient gold body ornaments are
available for study.
Bedouin silver jewellery is tremendously
exciting because its techniques and
styles bear striking resemblance to those
of civilisations long dead. For example,
the traditional mace-shaped terminal
bead of today’s Bedouin necklaces is
identical to that of the Jawan necklace
which was dated at about 100 AD,
matching also, in both design and
period, a necklace from the Tillya Tepe
hoard, the famous archaeological site in
northern Afghanistan, excavated in 1978.
Fortunately, the early beads were made
of gold and therefore survived to provide
this evidence.
Traditionally Bedouin jewellery is made
of silver, often studded with amber, coral,
text & Photos © Peter Holthusen
The sweet scent of burning sandalwood
perfumes the desert air at a Bedouin
camp near the Saudi Arabian border
with Iraq, where tribal leaders meet at
the tent of a prominent sheikh to share a
campfire, break bread, swap stories, and
debate the news of the day.
Silhouette Vol 25 No 3 | 57
feature: Bedouin Jewellery
agate, carnelian, pearls or turquoise,
each having its own special meaning.
The pieces are generally large and
dramatic, necklaces and pendants often
featuring intricate chain-mail mesh,
silver bells and balls, coloured balls and
coins. Bracelets and anklets can often
weigh as much as 200 grams, their
surfaces embossed with calligraphy,
usually inspired by the teachings of the
Qur’an.
Bedouin women receive their jewellery
as a wedding present, part of the dowry
the bridegroom pays being used by
the father of the bride to buy suitable
jewellery for his daughter. This is in fact
a kind of insurance policy, for under
Islamic law any jewellery bestowed
upon the bride in this nuptial agreement
is solely her own property, untouchable
by her husband or anyone else. Such is
the close affinity between a Bedouin
woman and her personal jewellery that
when she dies it is either sold or melted
down, for it would be unseemly for a
new bride to possess jewellery that had
belonged to another.
In those days silversmiths squatting
over their anvils fashioning metal into
jewellery were a common sight in the
souks. Heating the metal over a fire
in a process called annealing; as it is
softened and cooled it could be bent
into shape or hammered flat. Embossing
and engraving with decorative patterns
was carried out after the metal was
annealed. Large objects such as hollow
bracelets and large balls were made in
two halves and then soldered together,
a method used to assemble the basic
While the nomadic tribes rarely included
a silversmith within their group, most
skilled jewellers were to be found at
regularly visited oases. Although they
plied their trade to anyone who would
buy, they would often align themselves
to a particular Bedouin group and cater
specifically to their needs, even though
they weren’t considered as part of the
tribal structure. By varying the degrees
of silver content they could duplicate
fashionable jewellery for even the
humblest of families. Yet for all their
great ability rarely did these skilled
artisans personally mark their creations.
Those that were marked are now highly
prized by Middle Eastern and overseas
collectors.
text & Photos © Peter Holthusen
Below: On the Arabian
Peninsula, bracelets and
anklets can often weigh
as much as 200 grams,
their surfaces embossed
with calligraphy,
usually inspired by the
teachings of the Qur’an.
Although Bedouin jewellery is still being
made, as the old craftsmen retire or die
there are fewer youngsters willing to take
Left: Traditionally
Bedouin jewellery
is made of silver,
often studded with
amber, coral, agate,
carnelian, pearls
or turquoise, each
having its own special
meaning.
Above left: The Arabian
Peninsula yields some
exquisite examples of
Bedouin jewellery which
suggest influences from
neighbouring Africa or
India, such as this silver
amulet, or ‘hirz’, which
typically contain a verse
from the Qur’an.
chastity, and green stones such as
emeralds were believed by the ancients
to prevent diseases. While amber,
coral and turquoise have been the
most common stones used in Arabian
jewellery for over 2,000 years, turquoise
has a special quality – it is said to glow
when the wearer is happy and lose its
lustre if they’re sad.
parts of the jewellery and also to
incorporate gemstones and beads.
Each semi-precious gemstone is
traditionally associated with specific
virtues and beliefs, though many today
would treat these with a grain of salt.
Red stones, whether carnelian, agate,
garnet or coral, are the most favoured.
Agate is said to make the wearer a
more agreeable person, while coral is
for wisdom, and garnet has the power
to alleviate illnesses characterised
by bleeding and inflammation. The
sapphire, rarely found in Bedouin
jewellery settings, is an emblem of
their place, for today they turn to more
lucrative trades. Added to this is the
readily available, and increasingly more
fashionable, gold jewellery. Ironically, it is
the Westerners living in Saudi Arabia and
the Gulf states, with their appreciation of
hand-crafted items, who are helping to
keep the craft alive.
Sadly too, the quality of traditional
workmanship has diminished in recent
years. Not only is the silver content
increasingly adulterated with cheaper
base metals such as copper, tin and zinc,
but fake gems are substituted for real
stones. Devalued as these pieces might
be though, they still must be fashioned
by the skilled hands of a professional
artisan, for modern manufacturing
methods cannot successfully duplicate
the intricate filigree and fine detailing of
the traditional designs.
Though there is little reliable
documentation about the Bedouin
lifestyle – most folktales passed down to
new generations being embellished with
romantic fantasy – it is imperative that
their artistic traditions are encouraged to
survive. For without them, an important
root of Arabian culture could be lost
forever.
Silhouette Vol 25 No 3 | 59
History
Once upon a time the houses of the Creole
inhabitants of Seychelles were completely different
from those of today. TONY MATHIOT ventures back
to those early years when those rustic dwellings
were beautiful homes for many families.
W
hen you come across an old sepia photograph of one
of those early 20th century Creole houses, you’re apt
to feel a spasm of nostalgic romanticism – because it
evokes tender images of the perfect tropical idyll you
wished you had experienced, but sadly does not exist any more.
Only a 100 years ago those quaint houses were actually the homes
of Seychelles families – our great grandparents.
Today, our homes consist of multi-storied apartment blocks
of concrete, glass and steel, with photovoltaic panels and CCT
apparatus, and potted plants on balconies, and nondescript
masonry buildings surrounded by manicured lawns, enclosed
by high iron fencing, with remotely operated gates and burglar
alarm systems. Life in the 21st century makes it imperative that
our modern habitations are constructed thus and equipped
with modern amenities for convenience and luxury. It cannot be
otherwise. So, how can we not envy our ancestors?
Traditionally, each Creole house had its own distinctive and
endearing character although common features like a loft or garret,
and a verandah with raffia blinds were compulsory concessions to
our architectural heritage. Indeed, our traditionally Creole dwellings
date back to the early 19th century. It is legitimately assumed that
the French settlers who arrived in Seychelles from Ile Bourbon
(Reunion) introduced the Creole architecture in our islands as
they did elsewhere in other French Colonies such as Martinique,
Mauritius and Haiti. The forests of Mahé abounded with hardwood
timber like Capucin, bois rouge and albizzia, whilst the coastal
plateau produced a sufficient supply of takamaka wood. For at
least a century, as the population gradually increased, a plentiful
60 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
supply of planks (called madriye in
Creole) and beams were obtainable for
the construction of houses. From the
modest timber cottage with thatched
roof to the largest and loftiest plantation
house, the rustic beauty and the pastoral
sublimity of those structures rendered
them all picturesquely quaint. They were
all architectural icons that testified to the
subtleties of our Creole workmanship.
As much as we put a premium on
the comfort and well-being that our
modern homes offer, we still hanker for
one of those vanished Creole houses
and all the arcadian pleasures and
rustic contentment that it conjours up:
the quadrangular structure resting on
masonry plinths in a stretch of clear land
at the foot of wooded hills; the handhewed casuarina beams that support the
ceiling; the ridgepole, rafters and struts,
fastened and secured with mortise and
tenon (obtained from hardwood trees
that must have been mere saplings the
year that Seychelles capitulated to the
British for the first time – 1793).
The artistry involved in the vernacular
design of the roofing arouses
admiration. The pitched roof of
corrugated iron, the rusty finials, the
little windows set vertically in small
gables projecting from the sloping roof
inclines one to think that the carpenter
had inadvertently exercised the art of
origami when creating the roof – but,
of course such design was widely used,
albeit in variations, in Creole dwellings
in our archipelago and throughout the
Indian Ocean. The steps of limestone
coral where so many hours of childhood
enjoyment must have taken place …
five stones … Enid Blyton paperbacks,
perhaps also Ludo.
The kitchen is an outbuilding: log walls
with a stone-flagged floor, the lingering
smell of wood smoke, an ash-filled wood
stove, cooking pots. A swing hangs from
the branch of the mango tree, a brook
chuckles as it sweeps by nearby. Leaves
skitter across the ground … the distant
smell of chicken manure … the shouting
voices of workers in the distance … the
barking of a dog.
How common such a Creole scene must
have been, just half a century ago. The
sight of one of those houses – even
Photos © tony mathiot
in a photograph – can produce such
sentimentalism and romantic idealism.
Yet, once upon a time, these cultural
treasures were common and ordinary
features of residential accommodation
for the Seychellois inhabitants. Certainly,
they must have impressed those foreign
visitors who arrived on our shores
aboard ships of the British India Steam
Navigation Company.
During the 19th century there were
practically no regulations or restrictions
governing the construction of residential
dwellings in Seychelles. Houses could be
built on hillsides, perched precariously
on four piles of stones, or on concrete
pillars near river banks. On the 12th
October 1862, many houses in the
township of Victoria were washed away
in the raging torrents of mud and water
when a massive landslide occurred
after many days of torrential rain. Most
of these were humble little thatched
dwellings made of lathing or wood. A
few decades after that unprecedented
calamity, houses reflected the economic
status of their owners – according to
their sizes and architecture. This became
evident as our agricultural industry
gradually began to generate wealth for
those landowners who had coconut and
vanilla plantations, and later, cinnamon
plantations. So the estate building
would invariably reflect an image of
‘Plantation Aristocracy’. These fairly
large houses of rustic magnificence,
which numbered over a dozen, were
erected on estates on Mahé and on a
few inner islands. Fortunately, five or six
of those colonial gems have managed to
survive to their centennial year and, after
undergoing extensive renovations, have
been declared national monuments –
although of course, they serve a different
function from their original purpose.
It was in 1902, during the time of
administrator Ernest Bickham Sweet
Escott, that the construction of houses
was subjected to various regulations.
The Building Ordinance 1902, which
had 47 sections, was passed by the
the male population, most of which
worked as labourers on the vast coconut
estates and cinnamon plantations of the
colony, there were quite a few who had
acquired expert knowledge in carpentry
and had also inherited the tools of the
trade from their grandparents. Perhaps
we owe a lot of our Creole homes to
those talented unknowns who have
enriched the memory of our cultural
heritage.
Legislative Council on 2 August, 1902.
By then, some timber houses which had
been built many decades earlier were
not only in the last stages of dilapidation
but could also pose dangers to life and
limb.
Regulations for the building of dwelling
houses in Victoria were particularly
severe. Section 13 included the words:
‘… shall not be lawful to erect any house
or building whatsoever, covered or lined
with straw, leaves, or thatch, or to cover
or line with straw, leaves, or thatch, or
to add any straw, leaves or thatch to any
house or building already erected within
the boundaries of the Town of Victoria
…’
Clearly, the law prohibited the use of
flammable materials in order to avoid
a conflagration that could destroy the
entire town. After this law came into
force, the inhabitants of Victoria began
to use corrugated iron sheets for roofing
houses instead of pandanus leaves
(which were not unlawful to use in
construction in the suburbs of Victoria
and in the districts). However, by the
end of the first decade of the 20th
century, thatched roofs went out of
vogue when more solid structures with
elaborate architecture sprouted up. By
then, the population of Seychelles had
reached about 25,000 inhabitants and
our country earned its revenue from a
thriving agricultural economy. Among
By the 1960s, those old Creole houses
were homes to the third generation
of families who certainly must have
done some renovations and minimum
modifications for the sake of space and
comfort, and in the latter case, running
water and electricity must have been
essential amenities. At that time most of
the new houses were being constructed
of cement blocks with windows of glass
louvres, and equipped with waterborne
sanitation.
During the post-independence period
the progress of modern development
and the requirements of a new society
must have rendered the rustic comforts
of the old Creole dwelling houses
obsolete. Those that had not already
crumbled into ruins were, without
regrets, demolished and replaced with
masonry buildings. These products
of civil engineering are, of course,
in stark contrast to the exquisite
geometry of those early 20th century
creations by builders who hardly went
to school. Fascinating, isn’t it?
In the light of the need for modern
construction it is difficult to imagine
how we could have possibly held on to
those rafters of bodamyen and those
capucin ridgepoles … those casuarinas
beams … those limestone plinths.
The forests of hardwood are there,
builders with skills and competence
are plentiful … and there are those old
photographs. They at least exude a
nostalgic fragrance as they remind us
of our priceless Creole heritage.
Silhouette Vol 25 No 3 | 61
Fitness
Crane d
Into Action
Bruce Lee may
have epitomised
kung fu as a way
China, at its m
ost primordial,
to fight the bad
it
guys, but in
is
a form of medita
writes Yuanchan
tion, and almos
g Wang.
t a way of life,
Master Zhou is just
coming back after a
whole morning’s Wushu
practice.
62 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
Photos © Yuanchang Wang
“
Y
ou can chain my body, but
you will never chain my
warrior spirit!”, says the
animated Master Crane in
the immensely popular Kung Fu Panda 2.
Ever wondered why the white crane is
part of the Furious Five? On my journey
to a remote wushu village in Yongchun
County, I managed to uncover the
significance of the white crane in the
realm of kung fu.
An UnlikelY
FOuntainhead
My drive to Yongchun County was
scenic, mountainous and shrouded
in mist. There, as planned, I was to
meet with the secretary of the village,
Zhou Jinsheng, at the White Crane
Historic Museum. When I got there
55-year-old Mr. Zhou, looking much
younger than his years, greeted me
with a wide smile. We stepped into the
museum composing a square-shaped
yard and a line of ancient-style singlestorey buildings. A high longan tree
stood heavy with juicy fruit, and their
fragrance was challenging my appetite.
A small group of people in martial-arts
uniforms were practicing Kung fu — a
form believed to have originated in
the Fujian province in China centuries
ago (and therefore often called Fujian
kung fu). I could clearly feel the earth
shaking every time their feet touched
the ground, and hear the sharp
whipping sound every time their swords
whooshed through the air. Having never
stood so close to wushu practitioners,
I was amazed at the intensity of the
power. Mr. Zhou told me that the
essence of White Crane kung fu was
in the ability to draw in power from
nature itself, much like the story behind
its creation. According to local legend,
centuries ago, a martial artist named
Fang Qi Niang found inspiration in the
graceful yet deliberate movements of
a white crane and was so inspired by
them, that she eventually developed a
style of fighting that came to be known
as White Crane kung fu.
Later, Mr. Zhou invited me for lunch,
where I relished a braised duck soup
with rice wine, plum, candies and
medlar, among other things. “This
nutritious soup, a kind of diet therapy for
local people, is helpful for engendering
nourishment to the stomach”, he
said. Post lunch, we headed towards
the Wenggongci Martial Gym, where
another White Crane master was
based.
Sense and Incense
Through the half-open gate I could see
a grey-haired man, dressed in white,
kneeling and bowing with a faded yellow
book on his knees. The air was peaceful
and my soft knocks on the old wooden
gates stirred him out of his apparent
meditation. I asked him about the book.
Master Pan Chengmiao said, “This is
the Yongchun Quan manuscript. It has
been passed down from my father who
was a prestigious master of Yongchun
Kung fu (another name for White Crane
kung fu) in Fujian and also one of the
founders of this gym. My father handed
it over to me and enjoined me to take
good care of the manuscript. Every
illustration tells of an action and skill
of Yongchun Quan. However, without a
strong foundation in the basics of Kung
fu, it is difficult to grasp its real essence.”
At this point, a wave of fragrance
aroused my curiosity. Master Pan
explained, “That is the incense for
salutation. It is called Bai Bai Xiang (Bai
Bai scent), a kind of incense produced
here. Our Yongchun County is a base
of incense production, research and
creation. So far, there are about 300
kinds of incense produced here and
most of them are exported. The spices
are imported from Asian countries
like Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam.
Incense has the capacity to keep people
happy and release mental and physical
tension. In China, it also possesses a
strong historical context. From ancient
times till today, we all obey the time
regulation for burning incense. In
ancient times it was used for timing and
generally lasted from 30 to 60 minutes.
I was reminded of an old saying: Burning
of incense is divided into three drinks
of tea. In Chinese culture, tea plays an
essential role. Master Pan made both
of us a new cup of tea and continued
to speak. “For me and all martial artists,
lighting incense and drinking a cup
of fresh tea are indispensable. Tea,
nourished by nature, comes from the
high mountains, far away from people
and pollution. A cup of tea a day is good
for health and longevity. Moreover, tea
and Kung fu are different aspects of the
same philosophy. Drinking tea can help
keep the mind peaceful, regardless of
what we gain or lose.”
An Enduring Legacy
While exploring the traditionally
decorated hall of the Weng Gong Ci
Martial Gym, I saw that it was full of
ancient pieces of furniture and by the
wall stood a statue of Fang Qiniang—
the esteemed founder of White Crane
kung fu. “Qi Niang was really a beautiful
lady” I said, before I paid my respects
to her. Her vivid facial expression
and slim figure, though elegant,
were overshadowed by the incisive
expression of her eyes. Master Pan
filled me in on the history of the gym.
“The Wenggongci Martial Gym was
officially set up in 1928. My ancestors
established the Gym together with
other masters for the sole purpose of
exchanging skills and ideas. This place
still upholds their original intention and
carries on its social public function that of an ashram for groups of wushu
masters and students. Sometimes we
go abroad to perform on invitation;
meanwhile large numbers of foreign
wushu artists and amateurs come here
for theoretical and practical study from
Silhouette Vol 25 No 3 | 63
Craned into action
Photos © Yuanchang Wang
qigong – a Chinese system of physical
and breathing exercises. At the postdemonstration tea Master Pan said, “I
am 74 years old. I need more disciples
to inherit White Crane kung fu. It is a
great cultural treasure of China.”
I followed him into the backyard and
saw some dried herbs placed on a table.
He explained, “Herbal medicines are
often used as bone medicine. Being a
martial artist, bone injuries are frequent,
so each one of us has to master some
basic knowledge of medicine. My
grand-uncle Pan Zhentuan and my
Above: A candid
photograph of a
Kung fu fan, who
is shadowboxing in
the East Lake Park,
Licheng District,
Quanzhou City.
Above right: The
majestic East and
West Pagodas in
Kaiyuan Temple
are the tallest and
best preserved stone
pagodas in China,
having erected there
for 1,300 years as a
symbol and the pride
of the Quanzhou
City.
Below: Zheng
Qingyong, the
curator of White
Crane Historic
Museum, is
instructing a group
of pupils in White
Crane Kung fu.
A moment that impressed me most was between an
old man and his grandson — they were practicing
Kung fu with one another, which to me implied a
decided victory of the spirit of wushu.
Germany, the USA, Russia, Italy, Japan,
Korea, Spain, Malaysia, Israel, France
and some African countries.”
Master Pan went on to explain the
difference between students – those
who train occasionally, and disciples –
those who take up wushu as a way of
life. “Up to now, I mostly have students
who come and study Yongchun Kung
fu for recreational or health purposes.
It is difficult to find disciples who have
a mastery of martial skills and a deep
understanding of the art and spirit of
wushu.” I asked for a demonstration
and a total of six members obliged.
Though their mesmerising actions
appeared easy and graceful, I was told
the grace was acquired after years of
father Pan Xiaode were also reputable
bone doctors. My father once told
me about the time he went to the
mountains to pick herbs. On the way,
a tiger rushed out from the forest.
Without any fear, my father waved his
fists and managed to beat down the
tiger. Soon the news spread around
Yongchun and neighbouring places,
and since then my father has been wellknown as the ‘Hero who beat the tiger’.
My father is my Sifu (teacher), and his
Sifu is my grand-uncle. They not only
treat themselves but also take care of
villagers for free. Those who suffer from
bone disease are given treatments with
herbal medicine and Qigong massages.”
Just as I was leaving, Master Pan made
a friendly philosophical exhortation:
“Never be curious or impetuous; never
be compelling or compelled. Let it be!”
Later, walking around in the parks and
squares of Quanzhou, I often noticed
groups of people practicing Kung fu. A
moment that impressed me most was
between an old man and his grandson
— they were practicing Kung fu with
one another, which to me implied a
decided victory of the spirit of wushu.
64 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
Tea is the best way to turn
Swords into Ploughshares
As an ancient saying goes: “Go
and find the best tea in Shaolin”.
Shaolin Kung fu tea is said to be
originated by Master Dharma. The
Buddhists believe that inspiration
leads to conversion; therefore
some people practice Buddhism
without becoming monks. The teamaking process includes observing,
smelling and tasting, which needs
patience and meditation.
Anxi County is the famous
producing region of Tie Guan Yin
tea. The tea liquor smells a little
of orchids, has a clear, golden
colour, and feels smooth and soft,
full-bodied and leaves a lasting
fragrance in the mouth. As one
romantic wrote: “To have an Anxi
tea, is like having a date with a
lover.”
Kung fu tea originated in Quanzhou
and now is prevalent in southern
cities of China and some other
countries.
In Quanzhou, tea is also used as
a good way to resolve conflicts
between villagers and friends.
When disputes arise, the elders
make a “Tea Talk”, with both parties
sitting together to discuss their
problems and turn hostility into
friendship.
Healthy Travelling
These gentle exercises, which you can carry out easily during your flight, will help blood circulation and reduce any tiredness or stiffness that may result from sitting
in one place for several hours. Check with your doctor first if you have any health conditions which might be adversely affected by exercise.
Foot pumps:
Knee lifts:
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.
Lift leg with knees bent
while contracting your
thigh muscles. Alternate
legs. Repeat 20 to 30
times for each leg.
Knee to chest:
Forward flex:
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.
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.
Shoulder roll:
Overhead stretch:
Hunch shoulders
forward, then upward,
then backward, then
downward, using a
gentle, circular motion.
OTHER TIPS FOR A
COMFORTABLE FLIGHT
• For your own comfort try
and travel light.
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.
Shoulder stretch:
Ankle circles:
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.
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.
Arm curl:
Neck roll:
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.
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.
• 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.
Air Seychelles disclaim any responsibility in the unlikely event that you may
suffer an injury as a direct result of these gently exercises.
Green corner
our national bird
T he S e ychelles B lack Parrot
The unique and charismatic
Seychelles Black Parrot is
finally recognised as a distinct
species.
Photo © Gerard larose
A
s the national bird of Seychelles the Black Parrot
is an often used mascot and icon in a nation that
is proud of their wildlife and heritage. One of
the flagship species of the prehistoric Vallée de
Mai palm forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site managed
by Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF), the Seychelles Black
Parrot (Coracopsis barklyi) was only recently classified as a
distinct native species. After five years of intensive research
SIF announced that the parrot could be added to the list of
Seychelles endemic birds, bringing the total to 13 species.
66 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
Left: Ongoing
scientific
research is
crucial to their
protection.
Photo © P Villard
Photo © J Labisko
Right: It takes
up to 43 days
for the chicks to
leave the nest.
Under threat
Photo © H Richards
Melodious whistles float through the canopy of the
dense palm forest as visitors to the Vallée de Mai try
to catch a glimpse of this unique bird. The Seychelles
Black Parrot is the only native parrot species remaining
in Seychelles and is resident only on Praslin Island.
What this grey-brown parrot lacks in colour it certainly
makes up for in charm, and with a population of
520–900 birds there are many opportunities to see
this acrobat of the trees. The charismatic parrots eat
a variety of fruits and seeds and can often be seen
gorging on the fruits of some of Seychelles’ endemic
palm trees. In fact, scientific research has found that the
parrots prefer to feed on these endemic palms rather
than other introduced tropical fruits such as Starfruit
and Papaya. This has increased the importance of the
protection of the Vallée de Mai palm forest, where all
six of Seychelles’ endemic palms can be found.
Middle right:
Vallée de
Mai ranger,
Terence Payet,
ambassador for
the Seychelles
Black Parrot.
Left: Feeding on
the fruits of an
endemic palm
tree.
Photo © SIF
A charming bird
New discoveries
Dedicated to the protection and
management of the Vallée de Mai,
SIF initiated an intensive research
programme on the Seychelles Black
Parrot five years ago. This research has
yielded many interesting discoveries of
the feeding and breeding habits of this
special bird. Some of these findings
were that each female parrot has an
individual breeding call, and that only
the mother cares directly for the chicks
although several males may bring food
to her to feed the young. Key pieces
of information such as this will assist
in the development of a long-term
conservation strategy for the species.
The Seychelles Black Parrot occurs
on only one island making it highly
vulnerable to external pressures that
could impact on the survival of this
treasured species. The parrots need
high quality native palm forest to survive,
but this habitat is at risk. Forest fires,
poaching of Coco de Mer nuts and land
development can damage the healthy
native palm forest that the parrots are
so dependent on for food and breeding.
Invasive species such as Mynah Birds,
rats and the Ring-necked Parakeet also
have the potential to reduce the Black
Parrot population. Measures are being
taken by SIF to minimise these threats
including the implementation of an
education and awareness programme.
By reaching out to the local communities
and engaging them in the protection of
this bird and the Vallée de Mai, the future
is looking brighter.
The new status of the Seychelles Black
Parrot is a huge step forward for the
protection and conservation of this bird.
One of the many natural wonders that can
be found on a visit to the Vallée de Mai,
with the support and determination of SIF
, this parrot will continue to enchant and
entertain visitors for many years to come.
To find out more:
•Download our Vallée de Mai app through iTunes or Google Play
•Join our Facebook page- ‘Seychelles
Islands Foundation – SIF’
•Visit our website and sign up for our
e-newsletter – www.sif.sc
Silhouette Vol 25 No 3 | 67
Seychelles Plus Joins Etihad Guests Loyalty Programme
We are pleased to announce improved
benefits, services and flexibility for our
valued and loyal travellers. Since 16 June
2012, the Air Seychelles Plus Programme has
been fully integrated into Etihad Guests, the
award winning loyalty programme of Etihad
Airways.
All members of the Air Seychelles Plus
Programme have automatically become new
Etihad Guest members, earning eight Etihad
Guest Miles for every Seychelles Plus point
in their account as at 15 June 2012.
Their current Seychelles Plus tier level has
been carried over to their new Etihad Guest
membership. For example, Air Seychelles
Plus Gold Members have automatically been
enrolled as Etihad Guest Gold members.
On becoming an Etihad Guest member,
they now enjoy more benefits and rewards,
including:
• Immediate rewards - with the 1 Mile
Redemption feature, fly once and enjoy
instant rewards.
• Anytime availability - all seats on a
flight, including the very last seat, are
available at any time. Redeem open
seats at a mileage cost equivalent to
the commercial price of the seat on any
Etihad flights.
• 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 15 airline partners.
Guest Programme
This 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/ excess kilos
• Seat selection upon availability
• Redeem open seats at a mileage cost
equivalent to the commercial price of
the seat on any Etihad flights
• Priority Boarding
• Fast track immigration/baggage
• 50% Tier Bonus
• Earn Etihad Guest/ Tier Miles for journey
• Redeem Etihad Guest Miles for journey/
Upgrades/ excess kilos
• Seat selection upon availability
• Third Party nominations
Silver Tier
Guest Enjoys
• Waitlist priority
• Lounge access
• 10 kgs excess baggage
• Earn Etihad Guest/ Tier Miles for journey
• Redeem Etihad Guest Miles for journey/
Upgrades/excess kilos
• Seat Selection upon availability
• 25% Tier Bonus Miles
Gold Elite Tier
Guest Enjoys
• 20 kgs excess baggage
• Priority Check-in
• Lounge Access
• Priority Boarding
• Fast track immigration/baggage
• 75% Tier Bonus
• Earn Etihad Guest/ Tier Miles for journey
• Redeem Etihad Guest Miles for journey/
Upgrades/ excess kilos
• Seat selection upon availability
• Third Party nominations
• Gold Discretionary Nomination
Gold Tier
Guest Enjoys
• 15 kgs excess baggage
• Priority Check-in
• Lounge Access
For more information call us on +248 4391069 / 4381016 / 4391366 / www.airseychelles.com/guest
John David Turner
John David Turner
John David Turner
John David Turner
1167 2695 6467
1167 2695 6467
1167 2695 6467
1167 2695 6467
Valid Thru 05/2014
Valid Thru 05/2014
Valid Thru 05/2014
Valid Thru 05/2014
Air Seychelles Plus rejoint le programme de fidélisation Etihad Guest
Nous sommes heureux d’annoncer une
amélioration de prestations, de nos services
et de la flexibilité pour notre fidèle clientèle.
Depuis le 16 Juin 2012, le programme Air
Seychelles Plus a été entièrement intégré
dans celui d’Etihad Guest, le programme de
fidélisation primé d’Etihad Airways.
Tous les membres du programme d’Air
Seychelles Plus deviennent automatiquement
des nouveaux membres d Etihad Guest,
obtenant huit miles d’Etihad Guest pour
chaque point sur leur compte au 15 Juin
2012.
Les membres d’Air Seychelles Plus
conserveront le même statut dans le nouveau
programme d’Etihad Guest. Par exemple,
les membres Gold d’Air Seychelles ont été
automatiquement inscrits comme membres
d’Etihad Guest Gold.
En devenant membre d’Etihad Guest,
ils vont maintenant bénéficier de plus
d’avantages et de récompenses, y compris:
• Des récompenses immédiates – avec
la formule 1 Mile Redemption, voyagez
une fois et de profitez des récompenses
immédiatement.
• Disponibilité à tout instant - tous les
sièges sur un vol, y compris le dernier,
sont disponibles à tout moment.
Échangez vos miles pour les open seats
à un coût equivalent au prix commercial
du siege par kilométrique sur n’importe
quels vols Etihad Airways.
• 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 Programme
Ce 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/ excédent de
bagages
• Échangez vos miles pour les open seats à
un coût equivalent au prix commercial du
siege par kilométrique sur n’importe quels
vols Etihad Airways.
Silver
Avantages
• Liste d’attente prioritaire
• Accés au salon
• 10 kgs 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/ excédent de
bagages
Gold Tier
Avantages
• 15 kgs d’excédent de bagages
• Priorité au Check-In
• Accès au Salon
• Embarquement prioritaire
• Trace rapide immigration/bagage
• 50% de bonus sur les miles
• Gagnez des miles pour chaque voyage
• Echanges de miles contre des billets d’avion/
surclassement/ excédent de bagagess
• Sélection de siège selon la disponibilité
• Tiers candidatures
Gold Elite Tier
Avantages
• 20 kgs d’excédent de bagages
• Priorité au Check-In
• Accès au Salon
• Embarquement prioritaire
• Trace rapide immigration/bagage
• 75% de bonus sur les miles
• Gagnez des miles pour chaque voyage
• Echanges de miles contre des billets d’avion/
surclassement/ excédent de bagages
• Sélection de siège selon la disponibilité
• Tiers candidatures
• Nomination discrétionnaire pour le statut ‘Gold’
Pour plus d’informations appelez-nous au +248 4391069/4381016/4391366 / www.airseychelles.com/guest
news
PRESIDENT JAMES MICHEL WELCOMES
AIR SEYCHELLES’ TWO NEW TWIN OTTERS
AIRBUS A320 TO ENHANCE FLIGHT
SCHEDULES AND INCREASE FREQUENCIES
Air Seychelles will take delivery of its first
Airbus A320 aircraft in December 2014,
heralding significant enhancements
to its international flight schedule at
the same time.
From left to right: James Michel, President of the Republic of Seychelles is
presented with an Air Seychelles Twin Otter model aircraft by Manoj Papa,
Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles.
James Michel, President of the Republic
of Seychelles, welcomed Air Seychelles’
two new DHC-6 Twin Otter Series
400 aircraft – named Isle of Bird and
Isle of La Digue – at a special ceremony
at Seychelles International Airport.
The aircraft, delivered from Canada’s
Viking Air Limited, now operate
between
Seychelles
International
Airport and Praslin, as well as other
islands in the archipelago, including
Bird, Denis and Frégate.
President Michel said: “This is a
proud milestone in the history of
Air Seychelles and on behalf of the
people of Seychelles, I feel particularly
proud of the Seychellois crew members
and staff who have worked so hard
and come so far to create a new and
revitalised Air Seychelles. These two
aircraft will no doubt brighten our
skies as well as enhance our domestic
services.”
Manoj Papa, Chief Executive Officer
of Air Seychelles, added: “The Twin
Otters have renewed our domestic
fleet and their early delivery is a
clear demonstration that we are on the
right track with our business. We intend
to grow our domestic operations further,
and we have the right tools now in place
to better serve the growing demand for
more access to and from the various
islands that make up this beautiful
archipelago.
“Our customers will experience better
onboard comfort, pilots will fly new
technology, and Air Seychelles will remain
the vital link that connects businesses,
families, friends and visitors with the very
best of what Seychelles has to offer.”
The changes include increased
weekly
frequencies
between
Seychelles and Abu Dhabi, more
capacity on flights to Mauritius
and revised schedules for routes to
and from Johannesburg, Mauritius, and
Paris.
Air Seychelles’ Chief Executive Officer,
Manoj Papa, said: “The addition of
a two-cabin Airbus A320 aircraft to
our fleet, configured with 16 seats in
Business Class and 120 in Economy
Class, forms an essential component of
our plan to establish Air Seychelles as
the carrier of choice in the Indian Ocean
region.
“The aircraft, a wet lease from
partner Etihad Airways, will allow
Air Seychelles to extend the depth
and breadth of its network, increase
its regional brand presence, and
crucially deliver more revenue which
will be used to further develop
Air Seychelles’ expanding services.”
From December 2014, Mauritius
services will move to a morning
departure from Seychelles, operating
on Monday, Friday and Saturday, with
the Saturday service flown by the island
carrier’s Airbus A330-200 aircraft,
providing 29 percent more seat capacity.
Paris services operated by Air Seychelles’
Airbus A330-200 wide-body aircraft
will depart Paris Charles de Gaulle
airport on Wednesday and Saturday
respectively, arriving in Seychelles
on Thursday and Sunday. Similarly,
flights to Paris will depart Seychelles on
Tuesday and Friday, arriving in Paris the
following day.
Johannesburg’s three weekly wide-body
services will operate on Tuesday, Friday
and Sunday, offering a convenient new
weekend option for guests.
Air Seychelles’ services between
Abu Dhabi and Seychelles will
increase from 14 to 18 flights per
week, while partner Etihad Airways
will continue to operate three
return services per week on the same
route, offering customers a choice of 24
weekly flights between Seychelles and
Abu Dhabi.
AIR SEYCHELLES PARTNERS WITH ALITALIA
Air Seychelles has signed a codeshare
agreement with Alitalia, Italy’s leading
airline. The new deal will allow
customers from both airlines to fly
between Rome, Milan and Venice to
Seychelles via Abu Dhabi, with just one
ticket for their entire journey.
Mr. David C. Curtis (right), Viking Air President and Chief Executive Officer,
officially delivered the aircraft to Manoj Papa (left), Air Seychelles Chief Executive Officer.
70 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
Air Seychelles’ HM flight code will be
placed on Alitalia’s five weekly return
non-stop flights between Rome and
Abu Dhabi, and on 10 connecting flights
to Milan via Rome, and 12 connecting
flights to Venice via Rome.
Alitalia in turn will place its AZ code on
seven of Air Seychelles’ return flights
between Abu Dhabi and Seychelles,
and on 47 flights per week to and
from Seychelles’ second largest island,
Praslin, permitting stopovers on the
main island of Mahé.
AIR SEYCHELLES CELEBRATES YEAR
OF ACHIEVEMENT WITH TRADE PARTNERS
AIR SEYCHELLES’
PROUD RETURN TO PARIS
Mr. Manoj Papa with award recipients flanked by Air Seychelles’ commercial staff.
From left to right: Air Seychelles Chief Executive Officer Manoj Papa,
Seychelles Minister for Home Affairs and Transport and Air Seychelles Board Chairman
Joel Morgan, and Air Seychelles Vice Chairman Kevin Knight, mark the arrival of the airline’s
return to Paris with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Air Seychelles has recommenced
flights to Paris from its home base
in the Seychelles after a gap of two-anda-half years.
operate with a brief stopover in Abu Dhabi.
Greeted by a traditional water cannon
salute on arrival, inaugural flight
HM018 touched down on schedule
at the French capital’s Charles de Gaulle
(CDG) airport at 7:45am on 2 July2014.
Speaking in Paris, Joel Morgan, Seychelles
Minister for Home Affairs and Transport
and Air Seychelles Board Chairman,
said: “The Seychelles’ connection to
France stretches back 270 years and is
symbolised through shared elements of
language, culture, traditions and growing
trade and tourism ties.
The airline is deploying its brightlycoloured Airbus A330-200 aircraft
twice weekly on the new route, offering
18 lie-flat seats in Business Class and
236 seats in Economy Class. The flights
Accounting for a quarter of visitors
from Europe to the Seychelles every
year, France has always been a
strategically important market for
our airline.”
Air Seychelles hosted a dinner of appreciation recently for Destination
Management Companies (DMCs) and travel agents in recognition of their
loyalty and support during a record-breaking 2013.
Air Seychelles’ Chief Executive Officer, Manoj Papa, presented awards to
the top performers. Top performing travel agent was Mason’s Air Travel,
followed by Seashell Travel. Mason’s Travel also secured top performing DMC honours
with 7 Degrees South clinching second place.
Air Seychelles’ Chief Executive Officer, Manoj Papa and
commercial staff in group photo with the trade partners.
STRONG FIRST QUARTER PERFORMANCE
Air Seychelles recorded strong 2014
first quarter results with a 38.2 percent
increase in passenger numbers to
95,372, compared to the same period in
2013 (69,009 passengers).
Passenger numbers on the airline’s
international network increased 77.3
percent to 58,971, a result of more
traffic between the Seychelles and Abu
Dhabi, Mauritius, Johannesburg and
Hong Kong.
Greeted by a traditional water cannon salute on arrival, inaugural flight HM018 touched
down on schedule at the French capital’s Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport.
A 66 percent increase in revenue was
attributable to improved connectivity
with codeshare partner, Etihad Airways’
global network, and enhanced cargo
services.
Cargo tonnage for the period rose 126.8
percent to 1,602 tonnes, driven by
strong demand from Paris, Hong Kong,
and Johannesburg, enhancements
to Air Seychelles’ on-ground cargo
handling capability in Mahé, and the
launch of Seychelles domestic cargo
services.
At the end of Q1 2014, Air Seychelles’
combined passenger and cargo network
stood at five destinations in the
Seychelles, Africa, Europe and Asia. The
airline also has codeshare partnerships
with airberlin, Cathay Pacific Airways,
Etihad Airways, and South African
Airways, extending its network to 39
cities around the world.
Silhouette Vol 25 No 3 | 71
Welcome Aboard
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.
Important
For 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 Baggage
Please 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 Children
Cabin 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.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted on all Air
Seychelles flights.
74 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
Safety
Safety 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.
Seating
Whilst 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.
Comfort
For your comfort, blankets, pillows, socks
and eyeshades are available on
all overnight flights.
Personal Belongings
Before 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 Equipment
Passengers 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.
Spraying
Health 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 Service
Our 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.
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.
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.
We now invite you to sit back, relax and enjoy the Air Seychelles in-flight service.
Bienvenue á bord
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 agréable. 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.
Important
Pour 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 cabine
Un 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 âge
Une hôtesse vous assiste pour la préparation
des repas pour bébé et installe un berceau
selon la disponibilité à bord.
Repas
Air 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 sûreté
Votre 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.
Sièges
Vous 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.
PRÉVENTION DES COMPORTEMENTS 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
Confort
Pour votre confort, une couverture, un oreiller,
des chaussettes et un masque sont mis à
votre disposition.
• Perturbe sciemment le travail de l’équipage
Effets personnels
Avant 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.
• Cause volontairement des dommages à l’appareil qui le rendent inexploitable
ou qui mettent à risque la sécurité du vol
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 électroniques
Les 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.
Désinsectisation
Le 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 bord
Nos menus vous feront découvrir en avantgarde 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.
• Ne tient pas compte des consignes de sécurité, des signaux lumineux en cabine
ou des instructions verbales de l’équipage
• 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.
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.
Nous vous invitons à vous installer confortablement, Vous détendre et profiter du service à bord d’Air Seychelles.
Silhouette Vol 25 No 3 | 75
International Route Map
Codeshare Route Network
Venice
Rome
Fleet
Airbus A320
Wet-leased from
Etihad Airways
Business Class seats: 16
Economy seats: 120
Mauritius route only
Airbus A330-200
(Vallée de Mai, Aldabra)
Aircrafts: 2
Cruise speed: 870 k/hr
Business Class seats: 18
Economy seats: 236
Wing span: 197 ft 10 inches
Length: 191ft 5.5 inches
Maximum range: 4200 nm at
maximum payload
Maximum Takeoff weight: 233,000 kgs
Maximum Landing Weight: 182,000 kgs
Fuel Capacity: 139,000 lts
Engine thrust: 71,100 lbf
Two aisle passenger cabin
Pearl class: 2-2-2 six abreast
Economy: 2-4-2 eight abreast
Bird Island
Denis Island
Praslin Island
Fregate Island
Mahé Island
Domestic Route Map
Route Network
D’Arros Island
Desroches Island
Alphonse Island
IN D IAN
OC E AN
SHORTS 360-300
Aircraft: 1 • Seat Capacity: Total 36
Max. Gross Weight: Take Off, 12,292 kgs
Range: 630 nautical miles (1,165.5 km)
Engines: Pratt and Witney PT 6A-67R
Sea Level Thrust: SHP 1281
DHC-6 (TWIN OTTER)
Aircraft: 4 • Seat Capacity: Total 19
Max. Gross Weight: Take Off, 5,669 kgs;
Range: 490 nautical miles ( 907.5 km)
Engines: Pratt and Witney PT 6A-27
Sea Level Thrust: SHP 680
Online Offices
South Africa
Capital: Pretoria
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Currency: Rand
Area: 1,221,037 km2
Population: 45,919,000
Air Seychelles destination: Johannesburg
Lu Dowell Representations, Greenstone Hill Office Park
Emerald Boulevard, Building 1, Unit F4.
Modderfontein, Edenvale, South Africa
Tel: (0027-11)-452-0244
Fax: 0866578741 or (0027-11) 781-2144
Email: [email protected]
Mauritius
Capital: Port Louis
Languages: French, English, Creole
Currency: Rupees
Area: 2,040 km2
Population: 1,243,000
Air Seychelles destination: Plaisance Airport
Rogers & Company Ltd, Rogers House 5
President John Kennedy Street PO Box 60, Port Louis, Mauritius
Tel: (00230) 202 6671
Fax: (00230) 208 3540
Email: [email protected]
United Arab Emirates
Capital: Abu Dhabi
Languages: Arabic, English
Currency: Emirati Dirham (AED)
Area: 83,600 km2
Population: 8, 264,070
Air Seychelles destination: Abu Dhabi
Omeir Travel Agency, Shk. Khalifa Street
PO Box 267 Abu Dhabi
Tel: (00971 2) 612 3470
Fax: (00971 2) 622 6799
Email: [email protected]
Hong Kong
Capital: Hong Kong
Languages: Cantonese, English
Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
Area: 1,104 km2
Population: 7,173,900
Air Seychelles destination: Hong Kong
Walshe Group
Suite 906, Orient Tower 33 Lockhart Road
Wan chai Hong Kong
Tel: 00852 3979 3488 or 00852 3979 3489
Email: [email protected]
France
Capital: Paris
Languages: French
Currency: Euro
Area: 543,965 km 2
Air Seychelles destination: Paris
Worldwide Offices
HEADOFFICE
Seychelles
Air Seychelles Ltd
International Airport P.o. Box 386 Victoria,
Mahé Seychelles
Tel: +248-39 10 00/ Fax: +248-39 13 50
Fax: +248-22 59 33 (sales and reservations)
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.airseychelles.com
EUROPE
France
Air Seychelles Ltd Paris Office
27 rue de Berri 75008 PARIS
Web: www.airseychelles.fr
Contact: Mrs. Christine Ozouf – Business Development
Manager | Europe
Direct Tel: +33 171 70 33 21
E-mail: [email protected]
Abu Dhabi
Lisie Agripine Sales Executive International
/Commercial Division
Tel: +971 2 6177739/Fax: +971 2 621761 M +971 50 6624230
Email: [email protected]
Taiwan
Golden Foundation Tours Corp. Suite 502, No.142,
Sec.4, Chung-Hsiao East Road, Taipei, Taiwan
Tel: +886-2 2773 3266/Fax: +886-2 2776 5704
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Daisy Chang
Mobile:+886-932 136 326
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Reservations and Ticketing
Ms. Anne Tsai
Email: [email protected]
Hong Kong
The Walshe Group Ltd.
Suite 906, 9/F, Asia Orient Tower,
33 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 3979 3488/Fax: +852 3979 3499
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Stephen Leung
78 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
Mobile:+852 90287535
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Reservations and Ticketing
Ms. George Chau
Email: [email protected]
MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA
Abu Dhabi Omeir Travel Agency
Shk. Khalifa street P o Box 267 Abu dhabi
Tel: +971-2 6123 470/Fax: +971-2 622 6799
Sita: AUHRRHM
E:mail [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Ganesh Ullal- Marketing Manager Email: [email protected]
Bahrain
Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo Wll Al khalifa road Building
#302, block 304 P o Box 45 Manama
Tel: +973- 17 220 800/Fax: +973- 17 213 458
Email : [email protected]
Contact: Kadhem Al Hamad
Email: [email protected]
Dubai
Asian Air Travel and Tourism
P o Box 65006 Dubai
Tel: +971-4 286 8008/Fax: +971-4 283 2115
Mobile: +971-50 2244713
E-mail: [email protected]
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Contact: Mr Abbas Abdulla General Manager
Asian Air Travel And Tours Agency
Email: [email protected]
Emergency cell : 00971503404425
Kuwait
Pan Arab Travels Co P o Box 2842 Safat pc 13029
Tel: +965- 241 5554/241 5556
Fax: +965- 241 0873/Sita: KWITOHM
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Ms Ghadeer Al Shawa Deputy General Manager
Direct tel: +965- 5241 0830
Email: [email protected]
Mauritius
Rogers & Co Ltd Rogers House 5, President John
Kennedy St Po Box 60 Port Louis Mauritius
Tel: +230- 202 6671/Fax: +230- 208 3540
Sita: MRURRHM
Email: [email protected] Contact: Samiira Golamhossen-Counter Agent
Direct tel: +230 2026670/1/3
Mobile: +230 4972503/Fax: +230- 208 3540
Email: [email protected] Contact : Amrita Koonjul- Help desk supervisor
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Yvans Mestry- Operation Coordinator
Tel: +230- 2026676/Fax: + 230- 2083540
Mobile: +230- 4972504
Email: [email protected] Contact: Priscille Tuher- Sales representative
Direct tel: +230- 202 6680
Mobile: + 230 4972501/Fax: + 230- 2111 411
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Annick Corroy- Marketing manager
Direct tel: +230- 202 6662
Fax: +230 212 8886
Email : [email protected]
Contact: Soorya oogarah – Manager of Operations
Direct tel: +230- 2026688
Fax: +230- 2128886/Mob: + 230 497 2525
Email: [email protected]
Oman
United Travel Llc
P o Box 599 Muttrah postal code 114
Sultanate of oman
Tel: +968- 24780057/24780061
Fax: +968- 24780094/Sita: MCTSLLX
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Cshio Vettom
Tel: +968- 703 303/ 791 710/ 94 54 707
Mobile: +968- 933 7937
E:mail: [email protected]
Qatar
Qatar Tours P o Box 1683 Doha
Tel: +974- 4411414/ 4436002/ 4419753
Fax: +974- 4433 197/ 4351926
Sita: DOHRRTW
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Shaji John/Mohammed Asghar
Direct tel: +974 436 2703/583 0824
Saudi Arabia
Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo P o box 37 Dammam 31411
Eastern province Airline Centre P o box 1878
Al khobar 31952
Tel: +9663- 8355832/Fax: +9663- 835573
Email: [email protected]
Contact: G. Venugopal- Business
Development manager
Mobile: +966- 50- 5859629/
Email: [email protected]
Western province
Kanoo Centre Kilo 7 Madinah road
P o Box 812 Jeddah 21421 Saudi arabia
Tel: +9662- 263 2959 ext.121/108/Fax: +9662- 263
2948
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Jamaan Al-Zahrani
Mobile: +966- 508 498093
Email: [email protected]
Central province
Kanoo Building One block off king Abdul Aiz road
P o box 753 Riyadh 11421
Tel: +9661- 4772228 ext. 288/305/Fax: +9661- 2833041
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Mohd Charles Madria
South Africa
BORDER AIR Pty (Ltd) Lu Dowell Representations
280 OAK AVENUE RANDBURG JOHANNESBURG
Reservations contact numbers for Air Seychelles:
011 326 4440/011 326 4443/011 326 4483
Fax: 011 781 2215 /Sita: JNBSZHM
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Megan Wilson - General Manager
Contact:Cathleen Dennis- Reservations supervisor
Email: [email protected]
English-Creole
HelloBonzour
How are you?
Konman Sava?
I am well
Byen Mersi
Thank you
Mersi
Very much
Mersi bokou
Goodbyeorevwar
HotelLotel
RoomLasanm
BedLili
FoodManze
Coffee
Kafe
BeerLabyer
Cold
Fre
HotSo
TeaDite
MeatLavyan
FishPwason
BreadDipen
ButterDiber
Sugar
Disik
SaltDisel
Bad
Pa bon
TodayOzordi
TomorrowDemen
Now
Konmela
Quickly
Vitman
SlowlyDousman
HospitalLopital
PoliceGard
Mr.Msye
Mrs.Madanm
Miss.Manmzel
I Mon
You’re welcome Where do you come from? I come from....... What is your name?
My name is....
Can you speak Kreol?
Only a little
I would like to learn more How do you find Seychelles?
I like it here
The weather is hot, isn’t it?
Where are you going?
I am going to...
Please stop here
How much?
Wait a minute
I have to get change
Excuse me
Where is the toilet?
In the back
Where may I get a drink? YouOu
He, She
Li
WeNou
They
Zot
What?
Kwa? /Ki?
Who?
Ki? /Lekel?
Where?
Kote?
When?
Kan?
How?
Ki mannyer?
Why?
Akoz?
Which?
Lekel?
YesWi
NoNon
To eat
Manze
To drink
Bwar
To sleep
Dormir
To bathe
Bennyen/Naze
To come
Vini
To go
Ale
To stop
Arete
To buy
Aste
To sell
Vann
Street/road
Lari/Semen
AirportErport
Shop
Laboutik
MoneyLarzan
Cent
Sou
One
Enn
TwoDe
ThreeTrwa
Four
Kat Five
Senk
SixSis
Pa dekwa
Kote ou sorti?
Mon sorti......
Ki mannyer ou apele?
Mon apel.....
Ou kabab koz Kreol?
Zis en pe
Mon oule apran ankor
Ki mannyer ou war Sesel?
Mon kontan isi Sesel
Letan i so, wi?
Kote ou pe ale?
Mon pe al......
Aret isi silvouple
Konbyen?
Esper mwan en pti moman
Fodre mon ganny larzan sanze
Ekskize
Kote kabinen i ete sivouple?
Deryer lakour
Kote mon kapab ganny en
keksoz pou bwar?
SevenSet
EightWit
NineNef
TenDis
ElevenOnz
TwelveDouz
ThirteenTrez
Fourteen
Katorz
Fifteen
Kenz
SixteenSez
SeventeenDiset
EighteenDizwit
NineteenDiznef
TwentyVen
Twenty-one
Venteen
Twenty-two
Vennde
Twenty-three
Venntwa
Twenty-four
Vennkat
Twenty-five
Vennsenk
ThirtyTrant
Forty
Karant
Fifty
Senkant
SixtySwasant
SeventySwasanndis
Eighty
Katreven
Ninety
Katrevendis
One hundred
San
Where is the hotel? Kote lotel i ete silvouple?
Good morning
Bonzour
Good afternoon
Bonnapremidi
Good evening
Bonswar
Please come in
Antre silvouple
Please sit down
Asize silvouple
How much does this cost? That’s quite expensive
Help!
No, thanks
Please
You’re welcome No problem
Ok
That’s right!
A little bit
Is everything ok? Not now
Attention/watch out!
We are looking for...
I’m very thirsty
I am hungry
Where are we?
How old are you? What do you need? What do they call that in Creole?
How do they say... in creole?
Konbyen i vann?
I ase ser
Ed mwan! / O Sekour!
Non, mersi
Silvouple
Pa-de-kwa
Napa problenm
oke
Wi i bien!
Piti piti
Tou keksoz i oke?
Pa kounye-a
Atansyon!
Nou pe rod
Mon swaf
Mon lafen
Kote nou ete?
Ki laz ou anan?
Ki ou bezwen?
Koman zot dir sa an Kreol?
Koman zot dir an Kreol ?
Silhouette Vol 25 No 3 | 79
Travel Facts
Currency
Language
The Seychelles Rupee (SCR1 = 100 cents). Notes SCR 10, 25, 50, 100 and 500.
Coins SCR 1, 5 and Cents 1, 5, 10, 25. Most credit cards and travellers’ cheques
are accepted. There is no restriction on the import and export of domestic and
foreign currency in the country. Banks and Bureaux de Change are authorised
dealers in foreign currency. For rates of exchange contact authorised dealers for
which information can be obtained on Central Bank’s website at www.cbs.sc
Creole, English and French are the official languages of the Seychelles.
Credit Cards
American Express, Mastercard, Diners Club and Visa cards are widely
accepted.
Time
Seychelles is four hours ahead of GMT and three hours ahead of Central
European Time.
Public Holidays
New YearJanuary 1
Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday
April 18, 20 & 21
Labour Day
May 1
Liberation DayJune 5
National DayJune 18
Corpus ChristiJune 19
Independence DayJune 29
Assumption Day, (festival on La Digue)
August 15
All Saints Day
November 1
Immaculate Conception
December 8
ChristmasDecember 25
Climate
26°-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 Information
The Seychelles Tourist Office is located in Independence House,
Victoria, Mahé.
Tipping
Restaurant bills normally include a service charge. Although not widely
expected, tips are warmly received for personal service.
Clothes
Very 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 selfdriving. 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
Accommodation
Seychelles 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 Watersports
The Emergency number for fire, police or ambulance is 999.
Victoria Hospital: 4388000.
Many 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.
Medical Services
Museums and Libraries
Emergency Services
Victoria 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 Office
The central office in Victoria is open from 0800-1600 Monday-Friday and
0800-1200 Saturday.
Telecommunications
Cable & 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.
80 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
The 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.
Shopping
Local 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.
Restaurants
A 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.
Nightlife
Most 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.
Informations Utiles
Devise
Une 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 crédit
Les cartes American Express, Mastercard, Diners Club et Visa sont
généralement acceptées.
Décalage horaire
Les Seychelles ont trois heures d’avance sur Paris.
Jours fériés
Nouvel An1 janvier
Vendredi saint, Dimanche de Pâques
18, 20 & 21 avril
Fête du travail
1 mai
Jour de la Libération
5 juin
Fête Nationale
18 juin
Fête Dieu19 juin
Fête de l’Indépendance
29 juin
Fête de l’Assomption (La Digue)
15 août
Toussaint1 novembre
Immaculée Conception
8 décembre
Noël25 décembre
Climat
Entre 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.
Electricité
Courant alternatif 240 volts.
Les hôtels mettent des adaptateurs à disposition.
Information Touristique
L’office du tourisme est situé à L’Independence House à Mahé.
Urgences
Pour toutes urgences (ambulance, police, pompiers),
il faut composer le 999. Victoria Hôpital: 4388000.
Services médicaux
Victoria est dotée d’un hôpital tandis que la plupart des îles possèdent une
clinique. Certains grands hôtels ont un service d’infirmerie.
Bureau de poste
Les 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.
Télécommunications
Cable & 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.
Langues
Le créole, l’anglais et le français sont les langues officielles des Seychelles.
Pourboires
Le 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 vestimentaire
Décontractée. 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
Hébergement
Les 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 nautiques
Beaucoup 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 librairies
Le 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.
Shopping
L’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.
Silhouette Vol 25 No 3 | 81
Dining Out
A LA CARTE
Al Mare Restaurant Beau Vallon
Tel: +248 462 02 40 / 251 21 17 /
251 21 13
Email: [email protected]
CREOLE
Anse Soleil Cafe
Anse Soleil, Mahé
Tel: +248 436 17 00
Boat House
Beau Vallon Mahé
Tel: +248 424 78 98
Mobile: +248 251 0898
Email: [email protected]
Cap Lazare
Tel: +248 428 01 00 / 252 46 42
Email: [email protected]
Chez Batista Restaurant
Takamaka, Mahé
Tel: +248 436 63 00
Email: [email protected]
Domaine Du Soleil Restaurant
Tel: +248 428 55 55
Email: [email protected]
Katiolo
Anse Faure
Tel: +248 4375 453
Fishtail Restaurant
Tel: 4322214
Email: [email protected]
Le Marinier Restaurant
Inter Island Quay Victoria, Mahé
Tel: +248 422 49 37
Le Reduit Restaurant
Tel: +248 436 61 16 / 436 62 25
Email: [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
CHINESE
Le Canton Chinese Restaurant
Berjaya Beau Vallon
Tel: +248 428 72 87
Email: [email protected]
INDIAN
Mahék Indian Restaurant
Coral Strand Hotel
Tel: +248 462 10 00
Email: [email protected]
Berjaya Beau Vallou
Tel: +248 428 72 87
Maharajas Restaurant
Tel: +248 434 68 69
Email: [email protected]
SOUTH ASIAN
Kannel
Four Seasons Resort
Tel: +248 4393 000 ext. 1902
Email: [email protected]
JAPANESE
Teppanyaki
Berjaya Beau Vallon
Bay Beach Resort & Casino
Tel: +248 428 72 87
Email: [email protected]
INTERNATIONAL/CREOLE
Anchor Cafe
Anse a la Mouche, Mahé
Tel: +248 437 12 89
Email: [email protected]
Au Jardin D’Epices
Banyan Tree Seychelles
Tel: +248 438 35 00
Email: [email protected]
Aubergine Restaurant
The Wharf Hotel &
Marina Providence, Mahé
Tel: +248 467 07 00
Email: [email protected]
Le Jardin des palmes
Tel: 248 438 91 00
Email: [email protected]
Baobab Pizzeria Restaurant
Beau Vallon, Mahé
Tel: +248 424 71 67 / 258 38 68
Beach Side Bistro
Coral Strand Hotel
Tel: +248 429 10 00
Email: [email protected]
Bel Air Restaurant
Tel: +248 422 44 16 /46 16
Email: [email protected]
The Wok Chinese Restaurant
Coco D’or Hotel
Tel: +248 424 73 31
Email: [email protected]
Bravo
Eden Island
Tel: +248 4346 020
Email: [email protected]
GOURMET
Cyann “Signature Cousine”
Constance Ephilia Resort
Tel: +248 4395 001
BoardWalk Bar & Grill
Eden island Marina
Tel: 248 251 57 86
Email: [email protected]
Maia Restaurant
Luxury Resort Spa
Tel: +248 4390 000
Email: [email protected]
Carefree Guesthouse & Restaurant
Anse Aux Pins Mahé
Tel: +248 437 52 37
Email: [email protected]
Chilli Bar & Steakhouse
La Louise
Tel: +248 4344 155
Chez Plume Resturant
Tel: +248 435 50 50
Email: [email protected]
Zez Restaurant
Four Seasons Resort
Tel: +248 4393 000 ext. 1902
Docklands Pizzeria
New Port -Victoria
Tel: +248 4610 888
Email: [email protected]
82 | Silhouette Vol 25 No 3
Doubleclick Seychelles
Maison La-Rosiere Palm Street
Tel: +248 461 05 90
Email: [email protected]
La Voliere
Mahé Beach Resort
Tel: +248 438 53 85
Email: [email protected]
Helios Restaurant
Constance Ephelia Resort
Tel: +248 4395 140
Email: [email protected]
Lazare Picault Restaurant
Lazare Picault Hotel
Tel: +248 436 11 11
Email: [email protected]
Kaz Zanana
Revolution Avenue
Tel: +248 4324150
Le Bourgeois Restaurant
Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove
Tel: +248 467 70 00 Email: [email protected]
Konoba Restaurant Bar Launge
Angel Fish Bayside Marina
Tel: +248 4345 400,
Email: [email protected]
La Scala Restaurant
Tel: +248 424 75 35
Email: [email protected]
The Sea Shell
Port Launay
Tel: +248 4324026/2523968
Uncle Will’s Pizzeria
Coco D’or Hotel
Tel: +248 424 73 31
E-mail: [email protected]
Lounge 8
Vista bay Glacis, Mahe
Mobile: +248 2746808
Green Valley
Anse aux Pins
Tel: +248 437 1670
The Hilltop Restaurant
Hilton Seychelles
Tel: +248 429 90 00
Email: reservations@
thenortholmehotel.com
Jolie Rose 2 Restaurant
Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market
Tel: +248 422 54 51
Kaz Kreol Restaurant
Anse Royale Mahé
Tel: +248 436 16 80
Email: [email protected]
La Belle epoque
Eden Plaza
Tel: +248 434 67 65
Email: [email protected]
La Cocoteraie Restaurant
Le Meridien Barbarons Hotel
Tel: +248 467 30 00
Email: reservation.barbarons@
lemeridien.sc
Le Cardinal Restaurant
Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove
Tel: +248 467 70 00
Email: [email protected]
Le Jardin du Roi
Domaine de L’enfoncement Anse Royale
Tel: +248 437 13 13
Email: [email protected]
Le Mangrovia Restaurant
Le Meridien Barbarons
Tel: +248 467 30 00
Email: [email protected]
Le Rendez Vous Restaurant
Tel: +248 432 35 56
Email: [email protected]
Le Surmer Restaurant
Le Surmer Hotel Pointe Conan, Mahé
Tel: +248 424 18 11
Email: [email protected]
Les Cocotiers Restaurant
Tel: +248 429 90 00
Email: [email protected]
Maia
Luxury Resort & Spa
Tel: +248 4390 000
Email: [email protected]
Manresa Restaurant
Manresa Small Hotel
Tel: +248 424 13 88
Montezuma Restaurant
Mahé Beach Resort
Tel: +248 438 53 85
Email: [email protected]
The Parrot
Berjaya Beau Vallon
Tel: +248 428 72 87
Email: [email protected]
The Board Walk Lounge & Bar
Eden Island
Tel: +248 443 63 03
La Palma Restaurant
Coco D’or Hotel Tel: +248 424 73 31
Email: [email protected]
The Havana
Eden Plaza
Tel: +248 441 13 18
Email: [email protected]
La Plaine St Andre
Tel: +248 4372010
Email: [email protected]
Pirates Arms
Tel: +248 422 50 01
Email: [email protected]
La Plage Restaurant
Beau Vallon Beach
Tel: +248 4620240
Email: [email protected]
Pizzeria Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay
Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino
Tel: +248 428 72 87
Email: [email protected]
La Perle Noire Restaurant
Beau Vallon
Tel: +248 462 02 20
Email: [email protected]
Porto Cervo
Eden Plaza
Tel: +248 261 20 25
Email: [email protected]
Diner a l Extérieur
Saffron
Banyan Tree Seychelles
Tel: +248 438 35 00
Email: [email protected]
Sam’s Pizzeria
Tel: +248 432 24 99 / 32 34 95
Email: [email protected]
Seselwa Bar
Constance Ephilia Resort
Tel: +248 4395182
Email: [email protected]
Sea View Restaurant
Coral Strand
Tel: 248 421000
Email: [email protected]
Sey si bon
Eden Plaza
Tel: +248 434 6833 / +248 251 5591
Email: [email protected]
www.sesibon.com
Silhouette Restaurant
Sunset Beach Resort
Tel: +248 426 11 11
Email: [email protected]
Skychef Ltd
Seychelles International Airport
Tel: +248 438 17 63
Email: [email protected]
Sundown Restaurant
Port Glaud, Mahé
Tel: +248 437 83 52/ 25 88 999
Surfers beach restaurant
Anse Parnell
Tel: +248 278 3703/ 437 11 00
Email: [email protected]
Takamaka Restaurant
Tel: +248 437 20 10
Email: [email protected]
The Sea Shell
Port Launay
Tel: +248 4324026/ 2523968
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
Zez Lounge
Four Seasons Resort
Tel: +248 4393222 Email: [email protected]
RESTAURANTS – PRASLIN
CREOLE
Capricorn Restaurant
Islanders Guesthouse
Anse Kerlan, Praslin
Tel: +248 423 32 24
Email: [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
Email: [email protected]
Les Lauriers Restaurant
Les Lauriers Petit Hotel
Cote D’or, Praslin
Tel: +248 423 22 41
Email: [email protected]
INTERNATIONAL/CREOLE
Acajou Hotel Restaurant
Cote D’or, Praslin
Tel: +248 423 24 00
Email: [email protected]
Beach Bar and Grill
Lemuria Resort Anse Kerlan, Praslin
Tel: +248 428 10 91
Email: [email protected]
Beach Bar Restaurant
Acajou Hotel Cote D’or, Praslin
Tel: +248 423 24 00
Email: [email protected]
Black Parrot Restaurant
Black Parrot Suites
Tel: +248 429 05 55
Email: [email protected]
Bonbon Plume
Anse Lazio, Praslin
Tel: +248 423 21 36
Bonm Ange
Hotel L’Archipel Anse
Tel: +248 428 47 00
Email: [email protected]
Britannia Restaurant
Britannia Hotel Grand Anse, Praslin
Tel: +248 423 32 15 / 423 39 15
Email: [email protected]
Chateau de Feuilles
Pointe Cabris, Praslin
Tel: +248 429 00 00
Email: [email protected]
Feuille d’Or
Hotel L’Archipel Anse
Gouvernement, Praslin
Tel: +248 428 47 00
Email: [email protected]
The Fregate
Berjaya Praslin Beach
Tel: +248 428 62 86
Email: [email protected]
The Britannia
Grand Anse
Tel: +248 423 32 15
Email: [email protected]
Hibiscus Restaurant
Coco de Mer Hotel
Tel: +248 429 05 55
Email: [email protected]
Indian Ocean Lodge
Grand Anse, Praslin
Tel: +248 423 33 24 / 23 34 57
Email: [email protected]
The Jetty Restaurant
La Reserve Hotel Anse
Petite Cour, Praslin
Tel: +248 429 80 00
Email: [email protected]
Kannel restaurant
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles
Tel: +248 4393222 Email: [email protected]
Le Beach Restaurant
Paradise Sun Hotel Anse Volbert, Praslin
Tel: +248 429 32 93
Email: [email protected]
Le Dauphin
Hotel Le Duc de Praslin
Tel: +248 429 48 00
Email: [email protected]
Le Kato Noir
Palm Beach Hotel Grande
Anse, Praslin
Tel: +248 429 02 90/429 02 92
Email: [email protected]
Legend Restaurant
Lemuria Resort Anse
Tel: +248 428 10 88
Email: [email protected]
Octopus Diving Center
Berjaya Praslin Beach Hotel
Anse Volbert, Praslin
Tel: +248 423 22 22
Mobile: +248 271 54 41
Email: [email protected]
Pool Deck Restaurant
Lemuria Resort Anse
Tel: +248 428 10 88
Email: [email protected]
Pool Grill Restaurant
La Reserve Anse Petit Cour, Praslin
Tel: +248 429 80 00
Email: [email protected]
Port Side Cafe
Baie Ste. Anne Jetty, Praslin
Tel: +248 277 35 18
Sea Horse Restaurant & Bar
Lemuria Resort Anse Kerlan, Praslin
Tel: +248 428 12 81
Email: [email protected]
Tante Mimi Restaurant
Cote D’or, Praslin
Tel: +248 423 25 00
Email: [email protected]
Touchdown Restaurant
Amitie Airport Praslin
Tel: +248 423 36 55
Village de Pecheur
Praslin
Tel: +248 423 20 00
RESTAURANTS LA DIGUE
CREOLE
Bernique
Anse Reunion
Tel: +248 423 42 29
Patatran Restaurant
Patatran Village Anse Patates, La Digue
Tel: +248 429 43 00
Email: [email protected]
Tournesol
Tournesol Guesthouse La Passe, La Digue
Tel: +248 423 41 55
Email: [email protected]
Zerof Restaurant
Anse Reunion, La Digue
Tel: +248 423 44 39
INTERNATIONAL/CREOLE
Cafe Le Monde
Grand Anse
Tel: +248 278 11 21/ 252 03 11
Cafe Le Monde
Baie St Anne
Tel: +248 423 21 11
Chateau St Cloud
La Passe, La Digue
Tel: +248 423 43 46
Email: [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
Tel: +248 429 25 25
Email: [email protected]
Pecheur Restaurant
La Digue Island Lodge
Tel: +248 429 25 25
Email: [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: +248 429 43 00
Email: [email protected]
Tarosa Restaurant
La Passe, La Digue
Tel: +248 423 44 07
Email: [email protected]
PIZZERIA/CAFE-BAR
Gregoire’s comples
Tel: +248 429 25 25
SEA FOOD
Cafe Des Arts
Cote D’or
Tel: +248 429 48 00
Email: café@seychelles.net
RESTAURANTS
OTHER ISLANDS
CREOLE
Jolly Roger’s
Moyenne Island
Tel: +248 429 70 00
Email: [email protected]
INTERNATIONAL/CREOLE
L’habitation Restaurant
Tel: +248 432 31 11
Email: [email protected]
Villa Authentique Restaurant & Bar
Villa Authentique La Passe, La Digue
Tel: +248 423 44 13
Villa Mon Reve
Anse Reunion, La Digue
Tel: +248 423 42 18
Email: [email protected]
Please send updated
information to
[email protected]
Silhouette Vol 25 No 3 | 83
Crossword & Sudoku
1
2
3
4
5
9
8
10
11
Clues across
1. You get this in the neck! (8)
5. Prickly plant in arid regions (6)
9. Cowslips tickle and include
facial adornment (8)
10. Did this former film director come
first? (6)
12. Slippery customers! (4)
13. Takes away what someone owns (10)
15. Red wedding participant? (8,5)
19. Long-term family abode (9,4)
23. Disturbed MP creation for social
status (10)
25. Southern tree, worn around the
waist. (4)
28. This clue is boredom! (6)
29. Our dream becomes bullet proof! (8)
30. This car could flatten you! (6)
31. Leper led around and forced back an
attack (8)
7
6
13
12
14
15
17
16
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Clues down
Answers down
1. Walter 2. Nepal 3. Path 4. Peckish 6. Amiss 7. Tangerine 8. Stressed 11. Open 14. Guns 15. Backpedal
16. IRA 17. Book 18. Radiator 20. Read 21. Lucerne 22. Shaded 24. Route 26. April 27. Hope
Answers across
1. Windpipe 5. Cactus 9. Lipstick 10. Winner 12. Eels 13. Dispossess 15. Blushing bride 19. Ancestral home
23. Importance 25. Sash 28. Tedium 29. Armoured 30. Roller 31. Repelled
1. Raleigh let war mix-up (6)
2. Mountainous country in fine palace (5)
3. Step this way! (4)
4. Feeling hungry, like a bird? (7)
6. This woman is wrong (5)
7. Fruit from north-east Tangier? (9)
8. Asserted, and got wound up (8)
11. Nope! Re-ordered and not closed. (4)
14. Snug up for weapons (4)
15. Retract – on a bike? (9)
16. Irish Republican Army, initially (3)
17. Body odour, all right, something
to study (4)
18. Radio rat out to become heater (8)
20. You do this with 17 (4)
21. Alfalfa (7)
22. Neither black or white? (6)
24. Like 3, this is also the way (5)
26. Capri looks good internally,
before May (5)
27. …. springs eternal? (4)
Sudoku
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!
2
3
3
6 9
7 8
4
2
1
5
6
8
5
6 2
3
5
8
6
7
7
6
9
5
3
2
9
8
2
1
7
4
6
2
9
WE WANT YOUR VIEWS!
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
Are there any
84 like?
| Silhouette
Vol topics
25 Nothat
3 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]
Thank you.
Rukhsana Haq, Editorial Director
Fly to a world of luxury and performance that you can call home.
Your boat.
New design.
New experience.
Welcome aboard!
39 | 39PC | 44 | 48 | 51PC | 58
+27 21 200 1825
www.leopardcatamarans.com
[email protected]
For Your ideal Roaming experience
SILHOUETTETHE IN-FLIGHT MAGAZINE OF AIR SEYCHELLESVOLUME 25 NUMBER 3

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