DISCOVER THE ANCIENT FORESTS AND HIDDEN BEACHES OF PRASLIN AND LA DIGUE (SEYCHELLES)
We meet a young generation of eco-entrepreneurs who’ve found novel ways to show off the ancient forests and hidden beaches of their Indian Ocean island homes in the Seychelles.
In the Seychelles, a daughter takes up her father’s work, preserving the epic island forests, and crystal clear kayaks are the new way to snorkel the reefs.
Vallée de Mai, Praslin
Our adventure started with Medina Laboudallon who was raised by her environmentalist father and is now an eco-tour entrepreneur on Praslin.
She led us on a tour of Vallée de Mai – a 19.5 ha area of palm forest which remains largely unchanged since prehistoric times. Dominating the landscape was the world’s largest population of endemic coco-de-mer, a flagship species of global significance as the bearer of the largest seed in the plant kingdom.
While drinking in the distinctive natural beauty of the forest we discovered the Jackfruit, the world’s largest fruit that is typically consumed as a vegetable in other parts of the world, the palm spider (aka the red-legged golden orb spider), and that Medina’s father Victorin Laboudallon has a local fern named after him for his contribution to the botany, natural history and conservation of the greater Seychelles. We have no doubt that these unique ecosystems have their next champion in his daughter’s hands.
La Digue – the almost motor-free island
Another of the largest islands in the archipelago is La Digue, which is only reachable by ferry from Praslin. First inhabited by eighteenth century political rebels exiled by France, today it’s a place no visitor ever wants to leave.
Tour Guide Hycinthe Jacques showed us around and took us to Grande Anse Beach. No need to photoshop tourism brochures here – with roughly only 3500 people living on the island of bicycles, its pristine beaches are picture perfect.
Crystal Water Kayaks, Anse Source D’Argent
Anse Source d’Argent is one of the most popular beaches to be found on all the islands, with pink sands offset by towering granite boulders that have been worn by time and weather. The ocean here is sheltered by a reef, providing calm and shallow waters that make a perfect playground for little ones.
Most will find it hard to tear themselves away from the lovely seclusion of Anse Source d’Argent, but the island is ripe for exploring, with rows of beaches and craggy nooks. As well as the island cuisine being famous for its calamari, lobster and every kind of sustainably fished seafood under the sea, the reef fish are a spectacle – especially when viewed through Anis’s genius transparent kayaks which enable you to explore the marine life below like never before.
If La Digue is named after a ship in the fleet of a French explorer two and a half centuries ago, its future has everything to do with the clear eyed vision of the next generation. Case in point is enterprising young islander – Anis Jacob.
He is the founder of Crystal Water Kayaks, a small ecological tour center offering a 3 hour education experience in transparent kayaks. The tour is a combination of many experiences put together and one of the highest rated experiences on Trip Advisor for the Seychelles.
Anis has a background oceanography and hydrology, ensuring the tour is a combination of learning and fun as well as enjoyable for all ages.
No matter if you visit for the endless variety of fish dishes from these seas, the botanical marvels, impossible to believe seascapes or just the hearty spirit of the people. Do yourself a favour and do visit The Seychelles.
Q&A WITH ANIS
How are you aspiring to live better?
To do things that inspire & bring happiness to myself on a daily basis. To educate & help bring a change by inspiring people on our tours everyday.
What legacy would you like to leave behind?
Having impacted people, touching their lives & shaking their consciousness to understanding the importance of a sustainable future.
What 2 pieces of advice would you like to share with South Africa?
The importance of preserving & safekeeping of our environment. To respect our surroundings & only take what is needed!
Where do you go to escape and connect with yourself?
I go surfing or just be in the ocean!
Do you have an encouraging quote to end off on?
Be happy, be full of joy, live a life you will remember & positively impact those around you.
WATCH THE SEGMENT
CONNECT WITH SEYCHELLES
CONNECT WITH TOUR GUIDE MEDINA LABOUDALLON
Book via Whatsapp +2482593001, phone +2482522505 or email laboudalloniana@gmail.com
CONNECT WITH CRYSTAL WATER KAYAKS
Book via WhatsApp: +248 2747457 Or Via www.tourbookers.com
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