The Seychelles is an isolated archipelago of about 115 islands. They are renowned for their outstanding natural beauty. The Seychelles can be found in the western part of the Indian Ocean, north of Madagascar and 1,593km (995 miles) east of Mombasa, Kenya between 4 and 5 degrees south of the equator. Some of the islands are rocky with inland hills and narrow coastal strips. Others are mostly flat coral atolls with elevated reefs. The highest elevation can be found on the main island of Mahe. It is called Morne Seychellois and reaches a height of 2969 ft (905 m). The granite islands support luxuriant tropical forest on the mountain slopes. The coral islands are also densely covered with vegetation more characteristic of sandy coral soils.

Visitors to the Seychelles come for all sorts of reasons but for scuba divers April, May, October and November provide the highest visibility and calmest seas. For Big Game anglers, May to September is best, but sea conditions can sometimes be rough. Bottom fishing is done in November to February when seas are calmer. For the calmest sea conditions try your luck in October or April. Bird watchers will not be disappointed between April and September, which is also the best time for hiking on dry trails with less humidity and cooler temperatures.

The small town of Victoria serves as the 'big city' capital of the country. It is also the only port of significance in the Seychelles. Aside from the capital, about all you will find on the other islands is a scattering of villages. In the centre of town, the courthouse and main post office offer a wave to the colonial era but most other streets and buildings have been rebuilt in the last two decades. The 'feel' of downtown is positively modern. Well what to do after you've viewed the Natural History Museum's eclectic collection of bones, dried fish, preserved pigs, and assorted other artefacts? Why visit the National History Museum or the People's United Party Museum of course. For a true taste of nature you may want to stroll through the botanical gardens. Aside from the welcome shade offered by the variety of native and introduced trees, you can see a large pen of tortoises and an orchid garden or sit and have lunch at the cafeteria.

To experience what is touted as the best beach in the country, you'll have to go to the north coast of the island of Praslin. Anse Lazio is a splendid ribbon of white powder where a few wave-washed boulders languish in the surf. The turquoise waters are nothing short of magical. Fantastic snorkelling awaits in the sheltered corner at one end of beach. The beaches east of Lazio are protected by a reef, which means the water is shallow, warm and safe, and there is good snorkelling too. Buses travel from Grand Anse around all the island's beaches.

A short hop off the south-west coast of Praslin is a nature reserve that is home to several endangered species, as well as being a breeding ground for seabirds and turtles. It's quite something to walk through a thick forest with a bird on every branch, apparently oblivious to humans. Here the rarest birds are the brush warbler and magpie robin. If you're lucky, you might also get to see a white-tailed tropic bird, the emblem of RA~(c)union and Mauritius. The only way to visit the island is with an organised tour. It is also the only way to meet George and Georgina, two very old tortoises who follow visitors around in the hope of having their necks stroked.

About 3km (nearly 2mi) west of Victoria is Beau Vallon, one of the popular beaches in the Seychelles. It's also one of the largest. The break in the reef allows a few boisterous waves through from time to time but otherwise the beach is sandy, clean and relatively free of rocks. Floating platforms are anchored off the beach for lounging on assuming you have the energy to swim out to them. The local resort is good about allowing non-guests use of their beach lounge and bar. The village of Beau Vallon has a few souvenir shops and a bank.

For the most part, beaches on the southern part of the island are prettier and quieter than those in the north. The nicest area for swimming and snorkelling is opposite tiny A~Z(le Souris, on the east coast. On the west coast, Anse Soleil and Anse Petite Police are very secluded and you will likely require a jeep to get to them, but worth the effort. These two beaches sport palm-fringed strands with boulders to dive or snorkel from and, there is some wonderful underwater life to view. For the sheer beauty of the surf, Anse Intendance is incredibly wild and completely unsuitable for swimming but great to observe while strolling the beach. Buses run from Victoria to most of the island.

The park is made up of a cluster of islands a few kilometres from Victoria. Snorkelling in the marine park is extraordinary. Of the six, Moyenne is the probably the best island to visit (organised tour only). It is said buried treasure and ghosts exist on this island. Moyenne is where an eccentric English woman built a home for stray dogs at the turn of the century. The House of Dogs can still be seen during a walk around the island. There are also some excellent snorkelling sites. Round Island, once a leper colony, now uses the old chapel as a restaurant. Don't worry about catching the disease this is one of the best places in the country for genuine CrA~(c)ole food. Round Island features a pleasant tree-shaded walking trail and an interesting national park visitor's centre.

This is an incredibly fragile prehistoric forest on the island of Praslin where you will find the greatest concentration of coco de mer palms. Intriguing varieties of palms in the valley include the palmiste, latanier, splayed traveller's palm and Chinese fans. While on the lookout for the Seychelles black parrot, which is only found on Praslin, you will no doubt stumble across other interesting plants such as the wild pineapple, wild coffee and the allspice bush. A walk through this forest will leave you feeling peaceful and serene. You will come away with a renewed appreciation for nature.