Swift Guad is a French Hip-Hop artist, who like many artists sings about failed relationships. In this track translated into English as “I turn around”. He asks “Question existentielle : les Maldvies ou les Seychelles?” This is a question that is asked by many travellers considering a trip to the Indian Ocean. The chorus of the song is about going round in circles trying to sort out his state of mind. Today let us help you sort out the question of whether to visit the Maldives or the Seychelles, rather then you going round and round in circles.
The choice of the Maldives or the Seychelles is not as straight forward as you might imagine. Yes, they are both in the Indian Ocean and they are islands, have beautiful beaches, fantastic accommodation and clear blue waters but there is more to both destinations. Travellogs visited the Maldives back in January.
The islands of the Seychelles have more to explore. The beaches are more diverse in nature, ranging from your stereotypical tropical paradise sandy beach to others that are characterised by huge granite boulders. The Seychelles on balance tend to offer more to those who are more active amongst us. There is the opportunity to hike in the mountains, rock climb and discover the unique flora and fauna, whenever you decide to have a break from basking on the beach or by the pool. In addition the islands provide plenty of water based activities, the diving, snorkelling, surfing and sailing are up there with the best in the world.
On the main island of Mahé is the capital Victoria, named after Queen Victoria by the British in 1841. However it was the French who were the first Europeans to establish a presence on the island when they claimed the islands in 1756. Prior to this, the islands were uninhabited. There are a few remaining colonial buildings that can be found around the Freedom Square area. Look out for the clock tower which was erected in 1903 and modelled on Little Ben, a small version of Big Ben in to be found on the corner of Vauxhall Bridge Road and Victoria Street in London.
Though 900 miles off the coast of East Africa, it is considered to be part of Africa and as such has the smallest population of any African nation. It’s position in the middle of the Indian Ocean means that its culture and cuisine is a mixture of African, French, British and Indians influences and means that it is possible to find churches, mosques and Hindu temples within a stone’s throw of each other.
There is a wide range of accommodation on the islands in terms of type, but most of it is at the top end price wise. However that means that wherever you choose to stay you will be getting quality service and a beautiful location.
Unwind in the Indian Ocean. Book your trip to the Seychelles with Maggie today.
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