Sunday Star-Times

Say yes to the Seychelles

In a new series, we join on his adventures around the globe.

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There are more giant tortoise than people in the Seychelles. One hundred thousand live on the remote Aldabra atoll in the south of the country – the largest single population in the world.

The Aldabra giant tortoise are very friendly and inquisitiv­e, and will often walk up to tourists expecting you to pick off a branch of leaves and feed them.

4. Luxury resorts

The Seychelles has long been a playground of the rich and famous, and has an incredible array of luxury accommodat­ion to match.

The H Resort is right in the centre of Beau Vallon – one of the country’s best beaches – and takes five-star to a whole new level. The hotel’s ultraluxur­y beach villas come complete with a private plunge pool, just a few steps from the sand.

5. The jungle

Really, the jungle? On tiny islands?

The main islands of the Seychelles are actually granite rock that date back more than 200 million years to the ancient superconti­nent Gondwana. Scientists believe the lush untouched jungle found on those islands – which was isolated for 75 million years – give a glimpse into what ancient life would have looked like.

6. Zip-lining

What better way to enjoy the prehistori­c jungle than fly through it?

SMAC Adventures has set up the fist zip line in the country, and it’s a mustdo. The eight line adrenaline-inducing course weaves through the canopy, before popping out near a beautiful swimming beach. Just as entertaini­ng is watching the guides show off their tricks, flipping and somersault­ing their way down the course.

7. Drive an island

The second largest island in the Seychelles is Praslin; home to incredible beaches and a Unesco World Heritage protected jungle. One of the highlights of our trip was getting behind the wheel of a Mini Moke beach buggy to explore the beaches and jungle.

Part convertibl­e, part military-style jeep, it feels like a Lego car – and it was seriously fun to drive.

Last year Brook Sabin and his partner Radha Engling quit their jobs and sold everything to travel. They started a blog onflightmo­de.com and now make a living selling travel photos and video all around the world. Each week Kiwis in Flight will take you on their adventures.

The writer was a guest of The H Resort, SMAC Adventures and Bliss Car Hire.

 ?? PHOTOS: BROOK SABIN/ONFLIGHTMO­DE.COM ?? After 75 million years in isolation, the Seychelles are a little oasis.
PHOTOS: BROOK SABIN/ONFLIGHTMO­DE.COM After 75 million years in isolation, the Seychelles are a little oasis.
 ??  ?? A giant tortoise will be your best friend for a small price: feed it a branch of leaves.
A giant tortoise will be your best friend for a small price: feed it a branch of leaves.

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