Seychelles - Natural History Tour

The Seychelles are often immediately associated with golden beaches, azure waters, a tropical climate and romantic hideaways for the rich and famous.  However, the islands have far more to offer than just a tropical paradise.  The 115 islands that comprise the archipelago of the Seychelles teem with wildlife and acts as a sanctuary for some of the rarest species of flora and fauna on Earth.   What’s more, they are protected within the boundaries of national parks and nature reserves that comprise almost 50% of islands’ landmass. 

The Seychelles host an amazing array of rich and unique flora which earned the islands two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll, and the legendary Vallée de Mai, once believed to be the original site of the Garden of Eden.  There are 250 native plants of which 75 are endemic, including the critically endangered Jellyfish Tree, the carnivorous Seychelles Pitcher Plant, the beautiful Seychelles Vanilla Orchid and the famous Coco de Mer Palm, which produces the largest seed in the world.

The islands are of great interest to birdwatchers, with almost 240 species recorded.  Thirty-five species breed here, including 11 endemics, some of which are very rare.  Of those, the Seychelles Magpie Robin and Seychelles’ Warbler were rescued from the brink of extinction, whereas Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher, Seychelles White-eye and Seychelles Scops-owl are still confined to small natural populations on only one island each.  Also, the critically endangered Seychelles Black Parrot is found only in the remains of the primeval palm forest on two islands.  The Seychelles host some of the most spectacular seabird colonies in the world, including White-tailed Tropicbird, Fairy Tern, Greater Noddy, Sooty Tern and Great Frigatebird.  The colonies of Audubon's Shearwater and Lesser Noddy rank as the largest in the world.  The golden beaches of the Seychelles also host many interesting migrant species, including the stunning Crab Plover. 

Endemism is high on the islands, with 33 endemic species of reptiles and amphibians, numerous insects and molluscs.  Of those, perhaps most striking are the Giant Millipede, the intriguing Tiger Chameleon, Gardiener’s Frog, one of the smallest in the world and the magnificent King of Seychelles butterfly, restricted only to a forest on one island. 

To embrace the richness, uniqueness and splendour of the Seychelles, this tour will visit six islands: Mahé, Praslin, Cousin, Curieuse, La Digue and Bird Island, all distinctive in their own right.   The tour is designed to show you all the endemic bird species, spectacular seabird colonies and other highlights of the unique flora and fauna.  While there, it will be difficult to ignore the islands’ beauty and charm, so the tour is taken at a slow and relaxed pace with plenty of time to accommodate individual needs and desires.  Since wildlife is very tame on the islands, photographic opportunities are endless and you will leave the Seychelles not only with treasured memories of a great holiday but many spectacular pictures too.