There are so many things to do in the Seychelles, that in order to enjoy a Seychelles holiday, some planning may be necessary. It may
seem contradictory to some that a vacation must be planned, but there are multiple attractions in the archipelago of 115 islands in the
Indian Ocean.
The Seychelles lies some 1,500 kilometers east of Kenya on the African continent, and approximately 1600 kilometers northeast of
the island of Madagascar.
In order to properly enjoy a Seychelles holiday, a bit of the Seychelles culture should be appreciated.
The population of the Seychelles islands is composed largely of ethnic groups of African, French, Indian and Chinese descendants.
Official languages are English and French along with Seychelles Creole, which is primarily based upon French. You may also hear
some Turkish, Spanish, and Arabic spoken by a smaller part of population as secondary languages.
The Seychelles do not possess an indigenous culture, as the islands were inhabited by humans until French colonists settled in the
1700s. The present-day culture, however, does reflect some of the multiple ethnic groups that call the Seychelles home. African
slaves, imported from the mainland, brought their dance, music, and religion. Much of the country's traditional music can, in fact, be
traced back to the prayers of the slaves', which were transformed to work chants and are now expressed as songs that accompany
many of the traditional dance routines. The most renown, the sombre moutia, is a slow repetitive participatory dance with a Malagasy
component, as Madagascar is just a few hundred to miles to the south.
An appreciation for the natural splendour of nature can enhance your enjoyment of a Seychelles Holiday as the islands have largely
resisted the ravages caused by heavy industrialization. Once believed be the Garden of Eden, many of the islands are coral atolls,
while some are made of granite and some are home to lush vegetation and pristine beaches. The most developed Mahe still very well
preserved. There is a very large constituent of natural parks for hikers who enjoy breathtaking scenery.
The Seychelles Holiday is perfect for those interested in ecotourism, as much of the territory is protected as natural reserves. Many
of the wildlife inhabiting the Seychelles are unique, with some of the rarest fauna and flora to be discovered anywhere in the world.
A Seychelles holiday must include a visit to one of the four marine national parks packed with hundreds of different species of fish
and coral. The Saint Anne, which was established in 1973, was the first in all of the Indian Ocean. The crystal clear waters and white
sand beaches are perfect for snorkelling. Fascinating marine life such as dolphins, sharks, porpoises, and barracuda can be observed
in deeper waters, between islands
