Greater London South West Scouting

Seychelles Expedition - August 2001

<< Previous · Index · Next >>

[Image of the expedition party]


This expedition was part of the County's project to help Scouting in the Seychelles. The expedition was led by ACC (International) and consisted of 6 Leaders and 15 Venture Scouts. The party members came from across the County.

[Image of the base which was under the stand at the National Sports Centre]


Our base for the two week stay was the National Sports Centre on the main island of Mahe. It was located about 3 miles outside the capital, Victoria. We were met at the airport by local Scouting officials and the national media, and then transported to our base.

[Image of the party visiting the Botanical Gardens]


The first day was one of acclimatising to the hot humid conditions, and we were taken on a bus tour of the island, visiting a waterfall where we cooled off after the long walk, and the Botanical Gardens where we were able to see some of the fauna for which the island is famous for. We also had our first sight of the giant tortoises, which are found on many of the islands. We returned back to our base for the Opening Ceremony, which was attended by the national press along with local dignitaries.

[Image of the view from the lighthouse on St Anne's]


The next day the party split into two with one party going to the island of St Anne's and the other to Silhoutte. On St Anne's we walked to the lighthouse, which is on the highest point of the island, and to the remains of some cannons which were used to protect the main island from invaders. On Silhoutte the party took part in some ground clearance to encourage natural flora and fauna to flourish.

[Image of the party preparing to visit the island of La Dique]


Both parties met back again at base after 4 days away, only for us all to leave the next day for Praslin. Whilst on Praslin, one group planted some trees which would in time provide a fire break whilst the other visited the Vallee de Mai which is the only place in the world where the Seychelles's Coco de Mer tree grows naturally. The following day we all boarded a boat to visit the island of La Dique.

[Image of the State House Gardens]


We were met on the quay by members of the Scout Group on the island, who escorted us around for the day. We visited the President's house and a coconut processing demonstration. After a swim and lunch we headed back to the quay for our return to Praslin.

[Image of flag day where we raised funds for Seychelles Scouting]


The next day we returned to Mahe for our last couple of days in the Seychelles. During these we helped the Seychois scouts with their flag day, raising money for their Association.

[Image of the Foyer de Nazareth Orphanage]


We also visited a local orphanage, which the local scouts support.

[Image of a helicopter view of some of the islands]


On our final day a group went sub aqua diving while others took a scenic helicopter ride around the island.

The whole trip was a wonderful experience which helped to create links between the two associations and also to create new contacts.

<< Previous · Index · Next >>