(South Africa) - Table Mountain - The Landmark of Cape Town

Table Mountain, Afrikaans Tafelberg, is a flat-topped mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town in South Africa, and is featured in the flag of Cape Town and other local government insignia. It is a significant tourist attraction, with many visitors using the cableway, campaign, or hiking to the top and other activites. The mountain forms part of the Table Mountain National Park.

(South Africa) - Table Mountain - The Landmark of Cape Town

The mountain is sculpted from sandstone and rises 1086 metres at its highest point, Maclears Beacon, above the bay. Its flat summit measures nearly 3km and provides breathtaking views over the city and its beaches. The panorama stretches from Table Bay to False Bay and around the mountain to the Hout Bay Valley and Kommetjie. On a clear day one has a magnificent view across the Cape Flats to the Hottentots Holland Mountains.

Table Mountain is home to a rich fauna and flora, many species of which are endemic and survive only in the unique ecosystem which is contained on the mountain. There are approximately 1470 species of plants, including over 250 different species of daisies! Examples of endemic plants are the rare Silver Tree and the wild orchid Disa Uniflora. Animals such as baboons and porcupines live here freely, as well as furry rodents called Rock Dassies. These little creatures look like plump rabbits without ears - incredibly, their closest living relative is the elephant! The Table Mountain Ghost Frog is an example of an animal found in no other place on the world.

(South Africa) - Table Mountain - The Landmark of Cape Town

The exhilerating ascent of Table Mountain in the cable car is a definite must for any visitor. Even the locals are awed time and again by the 360º view of Cape Town from the cable car. The cable car was first opened in 1929 and today conveys some 600,000 people to the summit annually. On the summit there is a Cape Town restaurant and a souvenir shop, from which letters bearing the Table Mountain postmark can be sent. Short walks from the cable station take visitors through the splendour of the flora of Table Mountain, punctuated by occasional sightings of dassies and framed by the surrounding azure of the Atlantic Ocean.

For those athletic and energetic types, there are some 350 recognised paths to the summit, some undemanding and suitable for children, and some extremely difficult. It is not advisable that visitors climb the mountain without an experienced guide. The mountain can be deceptive and it is strongly recommended that visitors contact the Mountain Club of South Africa on 021-4653412 before embarking on a hike or climb.

Table Mountain is flanked on the east by the legendary Devil's Peak. As the story goes Van Hunks, a pirate in the early 18th century, retired from his eventful life at sea to live on the slopes of Devil's Peak. He spent his days sitting on the mountain, smoking his pipe. One day a stranger approached him, and a smoking contest ensued which lasted for days. The smoke clouds built up and a strong wind blew them down towards the town. When Van Hunks finally won the contest, the stranger revealed himself to be the Devil (hence Devil's Peak), and the two disappeared in a puff of smoke. Legend says that the cloud of smoke they left became Table Mountain's tablecloth - the famous white cloud that spills over the mountain when the south-easter blows in summer.

(South Africa) - Table Mountain - The Landmark of Cape Town

 

Of course, the phenomenon is also supported by a meteorological explanation. The moisture-laden south-easter blows against Table Mountain from over the False Bay and rises. At a height of approximately 900 meters the winds reach the colder layers of air and thick clouds form. These clouds roll over the mountain and down towards the City Bowl. The characteristic tablecloth forms when the clouds reach the warmer, lower air layers and dissolve once more.

To the right of Table Mountain, Kloof Nek is linked to the aptly named Lion's Head. The spiral walk up Lion's Head passes through silver trees and spring flowers, and provides a 360º view of the Cape Peninsula as you go round the mountain. The walk is not terribly challenging, and is a popular family outing. At the top, you are rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view, and birds scramble for the crumbs left behind by numerous picnic baskets.

Lion's Head in turn is connected by a lion's body to the rump known as Signal Hill. Signal Hill derives its name from the time when it was used as a semaphore post for communication with ships at sea. It is from here that the noon cannon is still fired every day. After dark, the hill is a popular scene for couples who enjoy the romantic sight of the sparkle of the city lights with the backdrop of a floodlit Table Mountain.

(en.wikipedia.org, britannica.com, cape-town.info)

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Seychelles islands – Unique by a thousand miles

The Republic of Seychelles comprises 115 islands occupying a land area of 455 km² and an Exclusive Economic Zone of 1.4 million km² in the western Indian Ocean. It represents an archipelago of legendary beauty that extends from between 4 and 10 degrees south of the equator and which lies between 480km and 1,600km from the east coast of Africa.  Of these 115 islands, 41 constitute the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on earth while a further 74 form the low-lying coral atolls and reef islands of the Outer Islands. 

Seychelles islands – Unique by a thousand miles

Home to some of the most beautiful beaches, the Seychelles experience is one of unspoilt beauty with silver white beaches fringed with palms trees and secluded coves, mingled with modern luxury and warm hospitality in the hotels and resorts of the islands.

Beautiful beaches are not all that the Seychelles has to offer, the Coral reefs that surround the islands is home to a vibrant ecosystem. The Seychelles archipelago offers some of the best diving and snorkeling sites in the world. The island is famed for excellent fishing too and is home for fly-fishing world records. There are beautiful hiking tracks too. The Creole culture of the islands is known for its a distinctive cuisine andthe warm and friendly nature of its people.

Seychelles islands – Unique by a thousand miles

 

Giving the many exciting things that the islands have to offer, if you have a particular interest in any of the activities available, you would need to time your visit depending on what you would like to indulge in.

Our tours are designed to show you all that is there to be seen in the Seychelles. The islands all have their own characteristics, some are intensely private and exclusive like Denis island, some laid back like Mahe, some others touristy. Our tours will take you island hopping between the different large and small islands. For a more extensive holiday, you can include a safari on Mainland Africa in your itinerary.

It is suitable for your holidays trip, especially honey moon.

How to get there

There are direct flights to the Seychelles from London, Africa and Mauritius and there are connections from Australia via Singapore.

How to get around

- Regular flights operate between Praslin, Fregate, Desroches, Bird and Denis Island by Air Seychelles and there are charters to the other islands. There are helicopter services to some of the islands.

- There are regular ferry services between Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. Boats can be chartered to the other islands.

- Cars can be hired on Mahe and Praslin. Taxis are available on Praslin, Mahe and La Digue, but as drivers rarely turn on the meter, you have to be prepared to negotiate.

- There is a regular and convenient bus service on Mahe and a limited one on Praslin.

- Bicycles on hire are aplenty on La Digue. On Praslin they are available but not so common. Mahe being hilly is not suitable for cycling.

Islands should visit

1. Bird island

Bird Island in Seychelles

This is an island of birds, a must for bird lovers to visit. Home to over a million sea birds, this remote private island covers an area of 70 hectares and is a half an hour flight from Mahe.

The best time to visit is the breeding season, from April through October. The island is a sanctuary to an enormous colony of about 800 000 Sooty Terns. It is a nesting site for the Green and Hawksbill Turtles and is also popular for game fishing.

2. Cousin, Cousine and Aride Islands

Cousin, Cousine and Aride Islands in Seychelles

While Bird Island might have the right name, these three islands which are nature reserves are just as great for bird lovers.

The three islands are a breeding ground for a huge number of seabirds and several rare land birds too. Cousin can be visited on a guided day tour only, from Praslin. Cuisine is privately owned and day trips are not allowed here. There are four chalets for those who wish to stay.

Aride, the most unspoilt of the three houses over a million birds, so you can imagine the noise! Day trips can be organized to this island from any of the larger hotels on Praslin.

3. Denis Island

Denis Island in Seychelles

 
Denis Island is the second northeasternmost Island in the Seychelles. It is 60 miles north of Mahé and lies at the northern edge of the Seychelles bank, along with the nearby Bird Island, which is the northernmost Seychelles island.

Denis island, perched at the very rim of the Seychelles plateau that divides its shallow waters from the mid-ocean depths, possesses a diverse eco-system that has changed little since the first explorers made landfall on her pristine shores.

4. Desroches Island

Desroches Island in Seychelles

 
Desroches Island in the Seychelles Islands attracts visitors from all over the world, and it is not difficult to learn why. This island is a little slice of heaven. Desroches Island is a small island in the Seychelles that measures about 1 km wide and 6 km long. Coconut groves shield the island from the sun. The beaches are creamy white, and the water surrounding the island is turquoise blue.

The island is surrounded by a coral reef. You will be amazed when you see the Des Roches Island Resort. The stunningly beautiful beach, the dense vegetation, and the unspoiled nature of the island make it a truly breathtaking sight. People from all parts of the globe visit Desroches Island to soak up its beauty and relax in the sun watching the turquoise waters graze the shore. Tourists come here year-round.

5. Fregate Island

Fregate Island in Seychelles

 
This idyllic island is a getaway for the rich. It is a private island and only guests of the only luxury hotel on the island can visit or stay. Needless to say, it is expensive!

Fregate is one of the granite islands. It is surrounded by coral reefs and is quite isolated. Fregate Island has its own contribution to conservation efforts in the Seychelles. The magpie-robin which used to be found only on Fregate, was on the brink of extinction with hardly 20 birds of the species being available at one time. It is now a thriving species and is being introduced to the other islands where it is hoped they will breed and thrive.

6. La Digue Island

La Digue Island in Seychelles

 
This is one of the most beautiful islands of the Seychelles group and is the fourth largest island in the archipelago. The island is characterized by palm-fringed beaches and towering boulders of granite.

Interesting sights on the island are the bustling fish market at La Passe, and the Veuve Reserve which is home to the Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher and a variety of other birds. The island also has the most beautiful beach of the Seychelles, the Anse Source d’Argent with its silvery white sand and beautiful palms trees. The island has a luxury resort called the La Digue Lodge situated a little further inland

7. Mahe Island

Mahe Island in Seychelles

 
Mahe is the largest of all the islands of the Seychelle and also the main island where most of the population of the Seychelles live, mostly on the northern and eastern coasts.

Most visitors who come to Mahe are in transit to some of the other islands, but Mahe itself certainly deserves a second look if you have the inclination. There are the beaches of course, but to the interior of the island the topography changes to hills densely covered in rainforests shrouded in mist frequently.

8. Praslin Island

Praslin Island in Seychelles

 This is the second largest island, next to Mahe. It is home to Valee de Mai, which is a primeval forest and one of the country’s greatest natural treasures. This is a World Heritage Site. There are the beaches, white sands and palm trees available on all the other islands too in plenty. Praslin has something more than these for those who would like to explore.

There is the pretty village of Baie Ste Anne which is the first thing you see as you arrive on the island by boat. The Cote d’Or or Anse Volbert as it is also known is the island’s main tourism centre, which has safe beaches ideal for snorkeling and swimming. Cote d’Or also has many hotels, guest houses and restaurants. The presence of more than a few boat operators and souvenir shops make this place quite a hub of tourist activity.

9. Sainte Anne Island

Sainte Anne Island in Seychelles

 
Sainte Anne Island is the largest (2.19 km²) of six islands in Ste Anne Marine National Park of the Seychelles. These six islands are part of the Mont Fleuri District of the Seychelles. It is 4 km off the east coast of Mahé and has abundant tropical vegetation. The highest peak on Sainte Anne is 246 meters (800 ft).

Exert your energy paddling a kayak and laze away the days under sail in the gentle breeze. Play a game of floodlit tennis in the cool of the evening or hire a bike to explore the island. Whether lazy strolls or enjoying the islands many nature trails, Sainte Anne provides a pure and authentic experience of the island's magnificence.

10. Silhouette Island

Silhouette Island in Seychelles

 
Silhouette is the third largest island of the Seychelles Archipelago. It comprises an area of 2,500 hectares and is located ten miles away from the north-west coast of Mahé.

We recommend this island for nature loving guests and hiking fans, due the fact that on Silhouette there are no streets and only two paths which connect the north and south part of the island. They lead over the 780 m high mountain and along the wild coast line, empty of human inhabitants. There are many possibilities for snorkelling among the reefs in the protected lagoon before the lodge but it is recommend to bring swimming shoes

(Collect from wikipedia.org, stgt.com, seychellesisland.net, indian-ocean-islands.com)

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