​​​ Lost Paradises - Africa - Indian Ocean 

SEYCHELLES - Praslin - Curieuse

Praslin is the second largest island of the Inner Seychelles, lying 44 km (27 mi) northeast of Mahé in the Somali Sea. Praslin is known as a tourist destination with several hotels and resorts, as well as a number of beaches such as Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette. It has substantial tracts of tropical forests with birds such as the Seychelles bulbul and the Seychelles black parrot. The Vallée de Mai Nature Preserve, established in 1979, is known for the unique coco de mer and vanilla orchids.

Curieuse Island is a small granitic island close to the north coast of the island of Praslin. Curieuse is notable for its bare red earth intermingled with the unique coco de mer palms, one of the cultural icons of the Seychelles, only growing on the two neighboring islands. Tours are organized from Praslin to see the giant tortoises.