Welcome to Seychelles! On arrival, meet the local representative and transfer from the airport to Mahe Island- resort.
Start your tour with a visit of the Botanical Garden, home of the giant tortoises, fruits bats and the endemic flora and fauna, including the World famous Coco De Mer (double coconut) palms. Have a panoramic view of the capital, neighboring Islands and National Marine Park, Including the port area, tuna fishing quay and the main buildings and streets
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer from Mahe island to Praslin by a Cococat ferry. Transfer to Praslin hotel- Berjaya Praslin via the Praslin jetty.
Post breakfast head out to see Praslin's World Heritage– Vallée de Mai- one of only two places in the world where you can see the rare coco de mer palms growing in their natural state (the other being nearby Curieuse Island) – not to mention more than 50 other indigenous plants and trees. If the entry price seems steep, remember this is a unique chance to experience a slice of Eden. Five hiking trails lead through this primeval, emerald-tinged forest, which remained totally untouched until the 1930s. The shortest is about 1km and the longest is 2km – perfect for families. As you walk amid the forest, the atmosphere is eerie, with the monstrous leaves of the coco de mer soaring 30m to a sombre canopy of huge fronds. Signs indicate some of the other endemic trees to look out for, including several varieties of pandanus (screw pines) and latanier palms. Bird-watchers also rate Vallée de Mai as a top birding hot spot. Keep your eyes peeled for endemic species, including the Seychelles bulbul, the blue pigeon, the Seychelles warbler and the elusive black parrot, of which there are perhaps less than 100 left.
Post breakfast you can choose to spend your day exploring the various watersports at the resort or you can take the abovementioned tour. Named after one of the vessels in explorer Marion Dufresne’s fleet, La Digue is the fourth largest island of the Seychelles group. Here, time stand still and the use of bicycles and ox-cart are until today king. With an area of 10.1 square mile and a population of just over 2000 and a rich flora, La Digue is home to one of the rarest bird on earth - the Paradise Flycatcher. Known for preserving traditions, the island’s ‘trademark’ is the must-visit l’Union Estate, still sporting its traditional coconut oil mill, the old copra kiln and a fine colonial house set amongst vanilla and coconut plantations. As you stroll along, pet the gentle giant land tortoises before settling down on the picturesque Anse Source d’Argent, voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Set against exceptional rock formation, the place remains a source of inspiration for artistes and will simply take away your breath. Relax and take memorable pictures of one of the few natural places in the world where you can hear your heart beating! With over 7000 inhabitants, the island, second largest of the archipelago covers an area of over 37sqm. Named after Le Duc de Praslin, a French Minister, the isle of Praslin boasts one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites, the renowned Vallée de Mai, believed to be the original ‘Garden of Eden’. As you stroll through this amazing forest, meet the World’s biggest nut, the inspiring Coco de Mer. Your tour will then take you to the exquisite Anse Lazia beach which over recent years has appeared on the list of top 10 beaches in the world and has graced the front page of several publications.
Transfer from Praslin to Mahe island to catch your flight back today
