Ecotourism in the Seychelles is a boundless proposition. In many ways, this small African Republic, located in the mid Indian Ocean, has set the standard for ecotourism among other island nations. Today, almost 50 percent of this country has been set aside as protected land, the highest percentage of any country in the world.
The green traveler of these richly bio-diverse islands will find ample opportunity to experience nature in its most varied and exotic forms, while leaving a minimal footprint upon the land. There is a high awareness in the Seychelles of this issue. For instance, the popular eco-tourist destination of Cousin Island is currently campaigning to become the first carbon neutral reserve in the world.
Biodiversity and Cultural Diversity
Ninety percent of the population of this island country resides on the Island of Mahé, most living within in the capital city of Port Victoria. This city of 80,000 is a mélange of ethnicities and cultures.
In 1756 the French laid claim to the previously uninhabited Seychelles as a port of trade. Since that time, the British, Chinese, Indian, Arab, African and Creole have all pooled their influences into the melting pot that today, comprises this exotic capital city.
Walk Softly in Silence
Responsible travel is easy on the island of Mahé. The Morne Sechellois National Park is near Port Victoria is easily accessible by buses, which run frequently (less so on weekends). You can also arrange for a cycling tour, but make certain you are in good physical shape.
Mahé’s terrain is about as diverse as it gets. The park ascends from mangroves and palm fringed beaches to an interior rainforest and mountain that spans 905 metres in height. It’s well worth the sweat. Once in the interior, you will find no roads and few people. The modern world will melt away, and you’ll be rewarded by a rare and utter sense of isolation.
Dance with Sharks
It can be quite steamy in the Seychelles, with a temperature that hovers seasonally between 24 and 30 degrees Celsius. The point here is that you’re probably going to want to get wet. Not to worry, the beaches that lace the 115 islands of this archipelago are ideal for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling.
Read more: MyNatour.org
