Silhouette Island

Silhouette Island, the third largest granite island within the Seychelles, is an oasis of peace and tranquility. The green, round-shaped island is covered with prehistoric rain forest. Accessible only by boat or helicopter, the island is crisscrossed by dirt roads, so it literally remains untouched by modern civilization. This means that the island has preserved the original flora and fauna, it is a very interesting place where nature conservationists work.

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Video: Silhouette Island

General Information

Silhouette Island has less than 200 inhabitants, making it the most sparsely populated island. Mount Mont Doban (751 meters) is the second highest mountain in the Seychelles. Its wooded slopes are home to 2,000 species of plants and animals. Scientists consider this island to be the most biodiverse in the Indian Ocean. In 2010, the island was declared a national park.

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In 1860. Silhouette was owned by a wealthy French settler, Auguste Doban. His stone paths are still preserved today – they are the best nature trails on the island. Several generations of the Doban family turned the island into a coconut and then fruit plantation, where spices are also grown. In 1970, the island was sold to a French consortium and turned into a National Turtle Park.

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Giant tortoise conservation project

The Galapagos tortoise was almost completely exterminated by sailors who came to the island to resupply: they took tortoises with them because of their tender meat, as reptiles can go without food and water for up to 6 months. This extermination continued until 1840, when the last of the turtles was captured. A few turtles lived in captivity into the 1990s as well, as did several Arnold’s giant tortoises, which were also thought to be extinct. There are currently one hundred thousand Aldabran giant tortoises on the island.

The turtle conservation project is run by the Seychelles Environmental Foundation. The program is to preserve the natural habitat of the turtles and restore lost habitat. The Foundation has successfully reintroduced two turtle species that had been thought to be extinct for 150 years. In 1997, six turtles of each species were transported to Silhouette from Aldabra Island. They are breeding safely and the young are released into the wild. Tourists can visit the center where shells, insect and plant collections are on display. Here they will be introduced to the conservation program for Seychelles terrapins and biss turtles. 100m south of the planter’s house. Open: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

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La Passe

Little remains of the Dobans’ heritage except the family mausoleum, built in the style of Paris’ Madeleine Church. The luxurious chalets of the Labriz Silhouette Hotel offer all the comforts of the 21st century. The chalets overlook a magnificent white-sand beach. Even the Dobans’ family home, La Grande Case, has been converted into a romantic restaurant, thus preserving its beauty. Guests can sit on the veranda and on cooler evenings in the lounge. Pa Passe is located on the eastern shore of the island. Big Blue Divers in Beau Vallon organizes day trips to Silhouette Island (tel: 261-106). Air Seychelles helicopters take tourists to the island in 15 minutes. Tel: 385-863.

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North Island

North Island is located 7 km north of Silhouette. Tourists with a passion for conservation are flown here by helicopter. You can stay at the only private hotel “North Island Lodge”, which readers of Conde Nast magazines named the best hotel of 2006. There are only 11 villas on the island. Animals and birds that were once threatened with extinction thrive here. You’ll see bluebirds and Seychelles white-eyes. Divers can dive at 22 sites. North Island Lodge. Tel: 293-100. www.north-island.com. Places must be booked in advance. Helicopters are provided by Air Seychelles (tel: 385-863).

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