Silhouette Travel Guide

The Seychelles islands lie spattered across the Indian Ocean as though flicked there by a painter’s brush. Each is a drop of green, punctured by grey granite outcrops and rimmed in white sand. The trade winds are soft through the coconut fronds, the frangipani smells sweetly at nightfall when astonishingly dramatic violet and orange sunsets pattern the sky, and at quiet moments in the day the islands’ rare birds will dart out of the trees to inspect you.

Silhouette is the third biggest granite island of the Seychelles. At night, the top of its mountain range shines like a ghostly pyramid in the moonlit sea. The almost circular island has one of the densest rain forests of the Indian Ocean. For many years it was the home of the notorious pirate Jean Hodoul. According to local folklore, he buried treasure in the fissured mountains and cliffs of the island.

Untouched by modern progress, this rare gem is the ideal retreat for all nature lovers. Silhouette has neither roads nor paths and is reachable only by boat or helicopter. The landscape is very mountainous, and good footwear is recommended. The equatorial forest offers thousands of wonders. Due to its fascinating nature life, the island is strictly protected, with only one Lodge offering accommodation, and day trips to the island are only permitted when special permission is given.

The highest summit is Mount Dauban (740m), which is surrounded by a mostly unexplored rain forest full of botanical treasures such as the rare pitcher-plant, orchids, rare hardwoods and the incense tree, which is only found on Silhouette.

The island is completely surrounded by a vast coral reef, and its crystal-clear water is ideal for diving, snorkeling, swimming and fishing.