Mauritius - Mahe (Seychelles) Seychelles expedition: an idyllic premiere to discover

A diverse paradise in the Indian Ocean awaits on Mauritius. In the heart of the island, be inspired by lush rainforests, spectacular waterfalls and a colourful plant and animal kingdom. Meanwhile, breathtaking beaches and turquoise waters will tempt you back to the coast – it’s often just a short car journey from the white sandy beach to the thick jungle. The capital city Port Louis is busy all day long, while the neighbouring Creole villages exude nostalgic charm and tranquillity. The varied history of Mauritius has resulted in a mix of ethnicities and religions, all living together in harmony today. You can even taste the variety: the local cuisine combines elements of French, Indian, Chinese and Creole cooking.

Welcome to the Aldabra Islands. A true Garden of Eden in the Indian Ocean, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. Visitors to the Aldabra Islands are immersed in a world of secrets and silent wonders. This unique paradise touches the heart, opens the senses and brings the soul into harmony with the rhythm of nature.

The island administrator is the only person living on Assumption. But during harvest season, he is joined by migrant workers who gather the many coconuts that grow on the palm trees. Elsewhere, humans have destroyed large areas of lush flora and fauna through the mining of guano. Fortunately, many of the mistakes of the past have been reversed and nature is almost back to its former glory.

Aldabra, formed by a volcano that was active around 20 million years ago, is one of the largest atolls in the world with a circumference of around 100 km (62 mi.). This remote island region is famous for its majestic Aldabra giant tortoises, which wander leisurely through the dense greenery and across the wide sandbanks as if they were the silent rulers of this primeval realm.

Astove also tells its story: discovered by Arab sailors between 1500 and 1000 BC, the first settlement was established here in 1760 by enslaved people who had been abandoned by the Portuguese ship “La Dom Royal”. Today, the island is under strict nature conservation, preserving its fragile connection between history, memory and wild beauty. Discover the unique flora and fauna of this atoll on guided hikes through mysterious mangroves and along pristine beaches.

Like a bright green splash of colour, the uninhabited St. Francois Atoll rises from the azure-blue expanse of the Indian Ocean. Discovered on 28 Jan 1730, it bears the name of St Francis de Sales, patron saint of writers, journalists and the deaf. Only a few people set foot on the islands of Alphonse, St. Francois and the tiny Bijoutier – and are greeted by picturesque nature. Bright turquoise lagoons merge with coconut palms swaying gently in the wind and endless sandy beaches. On a Zodiac ride or a walking tour with your experts, you will discover mangroves, sea turtles and a variety of seabirds. Bijoutier, with its bright white sandbank, is perfect for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing beach walks. With a bit of luck, you might even spot turtles and rays in the shallow water right off the shore. But paradise also has its dark side: numerous shipwrecks lie deep on the seabed, testimony to daring voyages through the treacherous labyrinth of reefs, currents and shoals. Visitors to St. Francois are immersed in a world beyond time – a place where nature appears to be one big miracle and the sea whispers softly of its ancient secrets.

La Digue, the fourth-largest island in the Seychelles, is legendary for its relaxed atmosphere and imposing granite cliffs: the colossal rounded rocks are particularly impressive at the idyllic Anse Source d’Argent, which is perfect for bathing thanks to its shallow turquoise waters. There are hardly any cars on La Digue and most people use bicycles to get around. It’s a great way to explore the island and its hidden wild beaches in the north. In the south of the island is the L’Union Estate, a former plantation estate, which provides insights into the traditional trades of the island and is home to two extremely rare species of terrapin.

The small, private island of Grande Soeur will enchant you in the heart of the Seychelles with its idyllic seclusion and picture-perfect natural paradise. Fine white sand meets crystal-clear water – ideal for snorkelling, swimming and sunbathing. The colourful underwater world with corals and tropical fish invites you to dive into a living aquarium directly from the beach. On guided shore visits with your experts, you can explore narrow paths through the unspoilt vegetation. Spectacular viewpoints opening up onto the vast ocean appear time and again – tranquil retreats that make the magic of this island unforgettable.

About 1 km (0.6 mi.) from its neighbouring island Praslin lies Curieuse – a natural gem whose area almost entirely belongs to the Curieuse Marine National Park. It is characterised by red earth, densely growing mangroves and granite rocks protruding from the sand of the beaches. From the mid-19th century onwards, Curieuse served as a leper colony for around a century, traces of which remain part of its cultural heritage to this day. The present is much more peaceful: majestic Aldabra giant tortoises roam freely across the island, lending it a primitive character. Sustainable tourism ensures that this sensitive ecosystem is preserved. As one of the few visitors, you will experience an island that is both steeped in history and unspoilt in its beauty.