Seychelles in the eyes of a first time traveller
POSTED ON: November 25, 2016 IN Travel BlogAs I check-in my luggage at O.R Tambo International airport, I wonder what lies beyond the borders of South Africa. I had never left the country, never in my wildest dreams did I see myself going anywhere either, well at least two months ago I was determined I suffered from aviophobia! After the check-in, we have two hours before we board, as we sit, an official of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) makes her way to us, eight business class tickets in hand! To say our group of eight ladies was elated would be an understatement.
I had only been on a plane once before, a trip I didn’t enjoy much – hence my flight phobia. However, as I step in the plane all I wanted to do was dance (I have two left feet mind you)! My fear for flying was out the window, I was travelling in such luxury on my first ever international trip!
Allow me to take you with, in my sensational journey to the Seychelles!
We arrive in the Seychelles and it feels like being taken back to a scene of a 1970’s movie, such authenticity! The warmth of the Island hits you as you take your first step. The preservation and cleanliness of the Island was one of the first things I noticed as we set on our way to explore the Capital city of Mahe’, Victoria (The smallest capital city in the world).
As a first time traveller I walked around the Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, it felt so much like home yet so different. With a population of just over 95, 000, the locals go about their daily business, in a bustling market – where the day’s catch is being sold and tropical fruit are in such demand!
It’s not all beaches and cocktails. Amidst our exploring Seychelles, we entered a Hindu temple, as the priest and other worshippers were in the middle of a prayer – I felt in touch with my spiritual side, such godliness moved me. It was only the second day in paradise and I was at ease. From the market, to the temple it was so evident locals move at a very relaxed pace, it was infectious!
Explore paradise on earth
With a plethora of 115 heavenly Islands and a tropical climate by your side! Seychelles is an explorer’s paradise.
Mahe’ Island
The main Island, home to the capital city of the Island. Mahe’ was my absolute favourite! I had the opportunity to stay in two hotels in the Beau Vallon area, where the beach was just a stone’s throw away from the resorts. Coral strand and the Berjaya Beau Vallon both right next door to each other. If the beach is not enough for you, there is an array of activities one can do in Mahe’. Walk the town of Victoria, visit monumental museums, take a walk-through Clock Town, Visit Eden Island and get to indulge in Creole cuisine, in a proudly South African Bravo restaurant. However, simply enough for me, taking a trip on the catamaran cruise was the highlight of my trip. Taking a full day’s trip on the Anahita.
A day on the catamaran cruise is both fun and educational. We went on the glass bottom boat and saw the amazing underwater life of the Seychelles. After that lie in the sun beds on the boat while listening to the amazing history of the four surrounding Islands – Long Island, Round Island, sainte Anne and took a trip to Moyenne Island. The marine charter has some of the best waters in the Seychelles, crystal blue. Which makes snorkelling in the area amazing!
Praslin Island
An hour away from Mahe’ by the Island’s Cat Coco Ferry. A lush, tropical and rocky Praslin has astounding views all around. It was raining when we got to the Island which mind you had no effect on the humidity at all!
Being the second largest Island in Seychelles, typically known as the ‘ garden of Eden’ which holds Unesco heritage site, Valle’e de Mai, one of only two Islands which are home to the rare Coco De Mer Palm tree. Praslin also prides itself in having one of the top ten beaches in the world, Anse Lazio. Sipping cocktails and absorbing paradise at its best! With close proximity to La digue island, which is a mere ten minutes away gives one the opportunity to take day trip in La Digue. Where you are taken on a two-hour excursion by truck around the very amazingly scenic, bouldery island, also getting a chance to visit the Vanilla plantation and historical grave site.
My trip to the Seychelles taught me valuable lessons about myself a road to self-discovery if you will (no matter how Cliché that may sound). So, be it an adventurous dream or you want to get in touch with nature and, experience natural treasure at its best. Maybe you wish to learn more about creole culture while you get sun kissed in tropical paradise than Seychelles is the place for you. I came back a changed person! Experience it for yourself and book one of our Seychelles Holiday packages.
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