The Islands were possibly first settled by Arab voyagers. Situated on both European and East Indian trade-routes, to and from the Cape of Good Hope and the Red Sea, the Islands were often visited and settled by outlawed free-booters and pirates. They made perfect secret bases for these wild sea-captains as they were uninhabited and offered secure anchorages, wonderful food and fresh water as well as hardwood & sisal for repairing ship's timbers and ropes. These wily navigators kept the knowledge secret, each having his own name for the islands: The Five Brothers, The Seven Sisters, The Islands of Cocos, The Islands of Palms.

	Natural History of the Seychelles
	Not a great variety of dry-land species live here, due to the isolated geographical position and because the Outer Islands are made of coral. To compensate, our islands offer many forms of animal, insect and plant life not found elsewhere, from the Coco-de-Mer Palm, (Lodoicea maldavica), unique to the Seychelles, the Jellyfish Tree, (Medusagyne oppositifolia), rarest tree in the world, to such rare birds found only here in the Seychelles as the Black Parrot, the Seychelles Brush Warbler and the Black Paradise Flycatcher (picture).

		SHOPPING
			Most of the shops are in the town centre of Victoria, Mahé, which runs from Cable and Wireless north along Francis Rachel Street and beyond the clock tower, follows Albert Street, then goes left into Market Street. Don't miss Victoria's Market, right in the heart of the town, especially on Saturday mornings

PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographic supplies are available at most hotel shops
and in Victoria there are three facilities for one hour developing.
On Praslin there are developing facilities at the Cafe des Arts at Cote D'Or.

LAND TRANSPORT
Traffic drives on the left. Speed limits: 65 km/h in open areas, 40km/h in built-up areas.
For hiring your own car (Mahé, Praslin) a driving licence is required and pleasecheck your
insurance agreement before hiring any car. Many Car Hire firms offer a variety of models
(especially Suzuki Jeep and Mini Moke). For further details consult reception at your Hotel.
Bicycles are ideal for the pace of Seychelles, and can be hired on Praslin and La Digue.

		Bus Routes (Mahé, Praslin, La Digue) with extensive network - weekdays: about 05.30 to about 19.00, on Sundays only reduced service. Fare: Rs 3.00

SEA TRANSPORT
Mahé, Praslin and La Digue are linked by ferries, which depart daily
from the Inter Island quay. Boats for hire in variety at Marine Charter for fishing or cruising.

AIR TRANSPORT

	The international airport is served by major european airlines, and is homebase for Air Seychelles, the national carrier of the Seychelles.
			The domestic terminal at the international airport serves Praslin and a few outerislands. Flights to Praslin are very frequent.