Cousin and Aride are two of the most interesting islands of the Seychelles, their Nature Reserves are strictly protected by the Royal Society of Nature Conservation (RSNC), Cousin is a bird reserve, very strictly maintained. Visits are restricted to 20 people at any one time, and these people are shown around the island by a guide.

Cousin

 Aride, the northern most Granite island, is inhabited by 10 people, responsible for protecting and maintaining the reserve. In addition to the huge bird colony, the island is famous for its vegetation, tropical fruits and spices. Famous of all is the lemon tree of Aride, which is only found on this island. Picnics and collecting shells is strictly forbidden.

 Below is a picture of Wright’s Gardenia, which only grows on Aride and no where else in the world.

   Day-trips to the islands are organised from Mahe, but more often from Praslin. The islands are open for day-trips the whole year over, but one should make sure that the sea is quiet enough to permit the boats landing.