Go Trail
Discover SEYCHELLES: A breathtaking African Paradise and a hive of fascinating secrets
If you looked for Seychelles on a globe map, it would appear as a small dot in the Indian Ocean. However, you'll be shocked to learn that this tiny island nation is made up of 115 islands! but the vast majority of them are completely uninhabited. With three Main or Public Islands, Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. Some figures claim that the Seychelles has 155 islands, not 115. Why the disparity?
Well, when the tide rises, some of the islands can disappear! But one thing is certain: The Seychelles is not overpopulated. Only about 81,000 people live there full time, and most of them reside on the main and largest island of Mahé. While some islands of Seychelles will bring you face to face with other tourists, others are almost entirely deserted and offer peace, quiet, and pure seclusion.
The Seychelles has a very short human history. Prior to the arrival of Europeans in the 16th century, Seychelles were uninhabited. Until the late 18th century, it was a battleground between opposing French and British interests until coming under full British control in the late 18th century. In 1976, Seychelles was granted independence from the United Kingdom and became a republic. Although the first settlement in the Seychelles dates back to 1770, the islands had already been sighted long before. It is thought that they were discovered in the 7th century by some Arab sailors, of whose visits vague evidence remains today. (and so so historically, The only oceanic granite islands in the world, which existed during the dinosaur ages) I mean wow, Seychelles.. Give us a break..
Did you know that Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, bordered on one side by steep mountain slopes, is one of the world's smallest cities? It's so small that it can be explored in under 24 hours. However, Victoria is big on fading colonial glories – the architecture, for example – and on everything one might expect of a thriving urban tropicality: bustling markets, hot streets, great food, a wonderfully varied nightlife, outstanding botanical gardens, an international airport, a national museum and a burgeoning art and crafts scene. Despite its large population, it has managed to maintain its natural beauty and charm. Fun fact: Victoria is made up of just two dozen streets and has only two sets of traffic lights!
Seychelles is home to a diversity of flora, fauna, and small wildlife. Most of the animals in Seychelles are endemics, meaning they can only be found there. One of these is the Aldabra tortoises, the world's largest land tortoises, which can weigh up to 550 pounds and live up to 150 years. I mean this place has it all. Another Seychelles exclusive is the world's biggest seed! The double coconut, or coco-de-mer, Lodoicea maldivica, is notable for producing the world's largest and heaviest seeds. Scientists, tourists, and poachers alike are drawn to these remarkable seeds because of their somewhat suggestive appearance and the fact that they may weigh up to 25kg and measure up to half a metre long. According to legend, the double coconut has healing powers. Despite the fact that these "healing qualities" have yet to be demonstrated, the palm retains its popularity as an aesthetic marvel, with solitary nuts fetching between £500 and £2,000. One of such unique species of life in Seychelles is the Jellyfish Tree, which is a native plant to the island. The Jellyfish tree was long assumed to be extinct when it finally was rediscovered on Mahe Island located in Seychelles. The tree is native to this area and was spotted again back in the 1970s. Missing for almost seventy years, the Jellyfish tree is considered nothing short of a miracle as scientists discovered a small population of the species only at a few places on the island. Besides admiring the amazing landscape, there is a mind-blowing range of things to do in Seychelles. Diving, snorkeling, surfing, and sailing, you can also hike mountain trails, rock climb and more.
Birds of Seychelles are another pride of the islands` natural reserves. This archipelago is renowned for being a bird lovers’ dream destination. Seychelles has 250 bird species, 12 of which are endemic, including some rare breeds. The Seychelles scops owl, also known as bare-legged scops owl or syer, is a rare scops owl species, which only occurs in the Morne Seychellois National Park on Seychelles island of Mahé. Another famous bird is The Black Parrot of the Seychelles. On the island of Praslin, the black parrot is possibly the most elusive of the bird species. If you manage to catch a glimpse of one of these magnificent indigenous species, you will have witnessed not only Seychelles' national bird but also one of the world's last 100 black parrots. This heavenly place never stops surprising us, does it??
Please subscribe and turn on the notification bell to be notified of future videos.
Contact info:
1) Email: africarevealed2@gmail.com
2) Facebook: Africa Revealed
3) Instagram: africarevealed.tv
4) Tiktok: @africarevealed
Published Sep 16, 2023
