TRAVEL TO EXOTIC COUNTRIES

SEYCHELLES

GENERAL INFORMATION

Seychelles - a state in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa, 950 miles north of Madagascar. The total area of ​​land - 450 square kilometers. In the archipelago includes 115 islands of various sizes. The largest of the islands - Mahe (Mahe), Praslin (Praslin) and La Digue (La Digue), which is focused on the principal amount of hotels. On the island of Mahe, with an area of ​​154 square kilometers, is the capital of the Seychelles - Victoria, which is the smallest capital in the world. It - the only city in the Seychelles, all the other towns - small towns or villages.

Geographically, the island is divided into two groups - external and internal. Most of the population lives on the island of Mahe and interior, which are located in the central part of the archipelago.

Main why tourists go to the Seychelles - admire the pristine nature. The government is very jealously protects the ecological balance. The islands are a lot of endemic (live only in these places) animals (mostly birds) and plants. Pride of Seychelles - Seychelles is a fan-shaped palm that grows only on the island of Praslin. Its fruits are listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest in the world. They are also the national symbol of the island. The sights of the island fauna are elephant turtles, weighing up to 300 kg. The oldest living tortoise in Seychelles celebrated for 200 years.

The tourist infrastructure is quite well developed: a network of hotels covers all the major islands, small bungalows varying degrees of comfort take tourists on small coral islands. However, since 2005 government decision to build new hotels in the country is prohibited on environmental grounds. For the above reasons, the present Seychelles - one of the most expensive resorts in the world.

 WEATHER

The climate in the Seychelles unique in its kind - here all year round, the same weather: no debilitating heat, the ocean provides a gentle breeze. Accepted still distinguish two seasons - hot (December to May), with average temperatures of 29 degrees Celsius and the relatively cool (June to November) with an average temperature of 24 degrees, when the monsoon winds blow. December and January in the Seychelles - the rainy season, when the island periodically spilled tropical storms (one - two times a day for about 30 - 40 minutes).

TIME

Time in the Seychelles in the summer coincides with Moscow in the winter - ahead of Moscow time on the hour.

 CURRENCY

The national currency of Seychelles - Seychelles Rupee (SR), consisting of 100 cents. In circulation are banknotes of 100, 50, 25 and 10 rupees and coins of 5 and 1 rupee, 25 and 10 cents.

At the official rate of exchange (dollars and euros) can be exchanged for rupees in any of the banks on the islands and in the airport of Mahe. There is also the unofficial rate (for bartenders, me on the beach, taxi drivers) that a half to two times more profitable official, but to make a reverse exchange is almost impossible, because in it the bank will require a certificate stating they are often awarded rupees.

In the major banks and hotels accept credit cards.

In hotels and major stores to payment from foreigners are accepted only dollars or euros. This is due to the fact that all the tourist infrastructure in Seychelles controlled by the state, and because the main source of income of islands - is tourism, the government sets such "double standards" for its citizens and tourists. In addition, taxi drivers are also required to take the tourists only foreign currency, however, as a rule, they can be negotiated. In small restaurants of tourists can pay in rupees, and it is cheaper.

 LANGUAGE

The population of the Seychelles on 95% of the Creoles (descendants of the English and French colonists and slaves brought from mainland Africa), so the overriding language here - it's Creole, formed on the basis of the French language. Most of the islanders has also French and English. Therefore, problems with language in the Seychelles you will not have - in English can be explained not only by a few staff of hotels and restaurants, as in many other island states, but the majority of ordinary people on the streets.

RULES OF ENTRY

Russian citizens previously a visa is not necessary. It is issued on arrival at the airport of the country. Mahe. Is required is a return ticket, passport, before the end of the term of which is not less than six months, and upon arrival to complete an immigration card. From immigration card comes off the spine, which must be saved before leaving the country.

Visa is free, but if you leave the country you have to pay airport tax of U.S. $ 50 (with children under 12 years of age, he is not charged).

Seychelles Embassy in Russia, not the interests of the citizens of Seychelles in Russia is the Seychelles ambassador in France.

Address of the Russian Embassy in Victoria:

P.O.Box 632, Victoria, Mane, Seychelles

Tel.: (8-10-248) 26-65-90, 26-61-22

Telex: (965) 2392 SOVEMB SZ

Fax: (8-10-248) 26-66-53

E-mail: rfembsey@seychelles.net

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

The import and export of foreign and local currency no restrictions. The import of weapons (including air and underwater hunting), vegetables, fruits, plants, unpreserved meat, meat products, drugs and pharmaceuticals.

The export without special permission from the Seychelles nut palm (coco de mer), shells, coral, tortoise shell products.

Duty-free import: cigarettes - 200 pieces of cigars - 50 pieces, and tobacco - 250 grams, alcohol strength is more than 40 degrees - 1 liter of wine - 1 liter, perfume - 125 ml. The import of other goods is limited to the amount of 400 SR 200 SR adult and a child.

HOW TO GET THERE

Seychelles connected with the world via air travel. From Russia to the Seychelles are no direct flights. From Moscow, the most convenient flight with "Qatar Airways' via Doha. Also available flight across Europe (Paris, London, Munich) or the United Arab Emirates (with a stopover in Dubai).

TRANSPORT WITHIN THE COUNTRY

Island of the Seychelles archipelago are connected by a system of air travel. Praslin Frigate (Fregat), Desroches (Des Roches), Bird Island (Bird) and the island of Dennis (Dennis) connected to each other charters, and from Mahe to the more or less large islands flying regular flights. Time - from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Also, from island to island can be reached by chartered helicopter.

Between Mahé, La dihomo, Praslin Island and Dennis regularly ferry, passenger boats and schooners. On a small island of the archipelago is only accessible by a specially chartered marine transport (boat or schooner).

Flights between the islands is approximately equal to the cost of movement of water transport.

On Mahe and Praslin regular public transport is represented by buses, routes, which cover the whole island. On other islands, with public transport. On Praslin and La Dige most popular transport - a bicycle.

Taxis are available around the clock on Mahe, Praslin, La Dige, Dennis Island. The rest of the island because of their small size (1 - 3 square kilometers) by road do not have at all.

CAR TRANSPORT

Despite the small size of even the largest island of the Seychelles - Mahe - it works on Praslin and car rentals. For rent must have international or national license, which must be issued no later than one month before going to hire. Age limits rent - from 22 years.

The movement in the Seychelles left hand, the maximum allowable speed limits of the village - 45 km / h and beyond - 65 km / h

Rent a bike (without any special rules) is available on all the major islands (Mahe, Praslin, La Digue and others), but Mae is often just do not have a bike at all comers. Smaller islands because of the small size of the population (in some islands has lived for 3 - 4 people) do not offer bike rentals.

DIVING AND FISHING IN SEYCHELLES

By the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles offer wonderful opportunities for diving and snorkeling. You can directly get in touch with a wonderful underwater world. Of soft and hard corals are found fish, butterfly, fish, razor fish Picasso fish stone pterios rapiata sometimes shark, hammerhead shark, shark, Mademoiselle, big-nosed shark, blue marlin, cardinal fish, 17 species of sea urchins , swordfish, yellowfin tuna and toothy, brown and green moray eels, the oldest and largest turtle. The best time to dive on most islands from April to May and from September to October. Visibility. In the open sea to 30 meters. Water temperature. 24-30 degrees C.

Seychelles lure fishermen. The finest trophy fall for the summer. Boats for 4 or 6 persons shall be rolled half-day and full-day. You can catch tuna, barracuda, tiger shark and mako shark. The most coveted trophy blue swordfish and blue marlin, whose weight can not exceed 400 kg.

Because fish specially fed, they are not afraid of people. Swimming and snorkelling you will be able to watch the inhabitants near the ocean. Really worth a look! Even if you are not a fan of scuba diving, you can rent a yacht or a boat to explore the nearby islands.

WHAT TO SEE

Valley de Mai (Valle de Mae) - a unique national park on the island of Praslin, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here grows the famous Seychelles palm "coco de mer" (sea coconut), the seeds of which are the largest of all the plants (about 20 lbs!), Except the Seychelles, this palm is not found anywhere in the world. Virgin palm forest in Valle de Mae - 650 million years old. You have a great chance to see the rare species of birds - black cockatoos and nightingales Bulbul.

Victoria Market on o.Mae - busy and bustling market in the capital, where you can find almost anything your heart desires - from artisan crafts from coconut to paintings on silk and handmade jewelry. Fishermen bring to market their morning catch, hovering around fragrant scents of spices, tea with lemongrass and local specialties.

Aldabra Island - on the island, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to a unique population of giant tortoises. Some of these giant turtles are aldabrskih centenarians (150 years) and weigh more than 250 kg.

Le Jardin du Roi (King's Garden) - a stunning garden, where you can get acquainted with a variety of spices, which are grown in the Seychelles (especially cinnamon and vanilla), it also shows the typical flora and fauna of the Seychelles.