Seychelles Trip - Mahe Island - April 2003
(click any picture to get enlargement)

We departed Jo'burg, South Africa on Sunday April 27th via a large jumbo jet.

We followed the South African coast and then the Madagascar coast until 
we were over open water.


Every now and then a group of islands appeared.

After five hours we approached Mahe Island.


 There were many smaller islands around Mahe.


We landed in the harbor town of Victoria.

A taxi then took us down to the southern tip.


The vegetation was very lush, as we were almost at the equator.  The roads were kept up quite nicely. 


Driveway to Xanadu ...

... which didn't give us a very good first impression. Luckily that impression didn't last very long. 


The dining area (above)
and the pool area (right)
were "most excellent". 


Clients get a chalet of their own; a supply of coconuts was included at no charge.


<== Each chalet had 
 a large patio area ...

... and a living/kitchen
area which opens 
to  the patio  ==>



The main reason to visit the Seychelles is for the beaches.  Each side of the island had beaches that were quite different from each other.



Our favorite beach was named Intendance; it 
was located in a bay ... 

... which took about 20 minutes to walk to 
(quite strenuous).

The solitude was very nice, as only one hotel was located nearby. 


This beach had the best body surfing we have 
ever experienced.


The typical granite rock formations were also pretty interesting. 

The general beauty and nice breeze made for relaxing afternoons. 

We ventured to the other side of the island (30 min. bus ride), which was more protected from the wind.

 We found a beach that had nice snorkeling... but there was a strong current that gave us trouble.  



In search of sea shells 
and coconut snacks.

The beach adjacent to 
our lodge provided entertainment when we didn't want to venture far. 

Banana tree with a 
"Swiss flower" at the tip.


Most of the local housing was comfortable and quite 
nice, especially according to African standards.  

Some of the old colonial homes were very lavish; most have been converted to Guest Houses.



        Click here for the pictures of the next Island, La Digue

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