Today is

By: Ikedi Ani-okoye.

Seychelles

Some of the world's most beautiful "untouched" islands are the islands of the Seychelles. A group of roughly 115 islands are located north-east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. These islands are densely vegetated and truly idyllic with their white washed beaches and clear ocean waters.

Only 16 of the 115 islands in the Seychelles offer accommodation of which only 3 offers more than one hotel - Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. The reason behind this is an initiative from the Seychellois to limit the number of visitors per day to prevent over crowded beaches and as a result sustain and adequately preserve the natural beauty and ecology of this extraordinary destination.

Some Seychelles information

Many Seychelles hotels and resorts are attractive destinations in and of themselves. On some of the smaller islands it is possible to schedule a local guide for a hiking trip or boat tour around the island. On these nature excursions, a glimpse of the rare giant tortoise is not uncommon.

In addition, the islands feature lush green jungles alive with local birds, like the glamorous Seychelles Flycatcher. In fact, the Garden of Eden, from the Judaeo/Christian faith, is said to be located in the Vallée de Mai on Praslin Island. Be sure to visit this magnificent place. Protecting wildlife as a natural resource is so important to the culture of these islands that many have been designated as wildlife conservatories and refuges.

Casinos in Seychelles

The city with the most casinos is Victoria with two casinos and over one hundred slot machines. The largest casino in the country of the Seychelles is Beriava beau Vallon Bay Beach Resort and Casino which is located in Victoria. The casino has twenty five gaming tables and one hundred and four slot machines and video poker terminals.

Animals on the Seychelles

Remarkable animals formerly found but now nearly extinct on these holiday islands include the giant tortoise and saltwater crocodile (caiman). Birders will be happy to see a Seychelles Flycatcher, Kestrel, Blue pigeon, Sunbird, Swiftlet, White Eye or Scops Owl. Seychelles are popular with fisherman, eager to catch such magnificent trophies as sailfish and marlin. Seychelles waters are also rich with shark, giant barracuda, rainbow runners and wahoos.

CONCLUSION

A hundred islands and islets make up the Seychelles, yet the total land area is a mere 175 sq miles. The Seychelles may seem a million miles away from the UK and unreachable but in truth these stunning islands become more accessible to average holiday maker all the time. The archipelago lies 1,000 miles east off the coast of Mombasa and 4 degrees south of the equator.