The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, off East Africa. It’s home to numerous beaches, coral reefs and nature reserves, as well as rare animals such as giant Aldabra tortoises. Mahé, a main island, has the capital Victoria. It also has the mountain rainforests of Morne Seychellois National Park and beaches, including Beau Vallon and Anse Takamaka.
Geography
What is the only granite island in the Seychelles? Mahé is the only Seychelles island formed of granite. The others are coral or sand islands.
Riddle: I’m an island made of granite, the only one in Seychelles. I’m home to the capital Victoria. What island am I?
Answer: Mahé
How many inner islands make up the Seychelles? There are 42 granitic inner islands in the Seychelles.
Riddle: We’re a group of 42 islands made of granite, encircling the main island Mahé. Who are we?
Answer: The Inner Islands
What is the smallest island in Seychelles that is still inhabited? Ile Coco is the smallest inhabited island in Seychelles at 0.0998 km2 (24.7 acres) in size.
Riddle: I’m a tiny island in Seychelles, just 0.1 square km, but people still live on me. What island am I?
Answer: Ile Coco
Fauna
What is the largest population of giant tortoises outside the Galapagos Islands found in the Seychelles? The Aldabra Atoll in Seychelles hosts the world’s largest population of giant tortoises, over 100,000, outside the Galapagos Islands.
Riddle: Over 100,000 giant tortoises call me home, more than any other place besides Galapagos. What Seychelles atoll am I?
Answer: Aldabra Atoll
What is the national bird of Seychelles called? The Seychelles black parrot, also known as the Seychelles parakeet, is the national bird of Seychelles.
Riddle: With black feathers and a signature red beak, I’m the colorful national symbol of avian life in Seychelles. Who am I?
Answer: The Seychelles black parrot
Which Seychelles island is home to rare magpie robins and Seychelles warblers? Cousin Island in Seychelles is home to endangered magpie robin and Seychelles warbler populations.
Riddle: Special bird species like magpie robins and warblers call me home. I’m a small Seychelles island dedicated to conservation. What island am I?
Answer: Cousin Island
Culture
What is a typical Creole home in the Seychelles called? A typical traditional Seychelles Creole-style house is called a kreol haus.
Riddle: With decorative shutters and vibrant colors I’m a cozy Seychelles home, a kreol style so dear. What am I called in Creole?
Answer: A kreol haus
What Seychelles music and dance mixes African drums with European elements? Moutya is a traditional Seychellois music and dance that combines African percussion and singing with European dance elements.
Riddle: I’m a fusion genre blending African beats and European flair. In Seychelles I’ll get you dancing without a care! What am I?
Answer: Moutya
What is the most widely spoken native language in the Seychelles? Seychellois Creole is the most widely spoken native language among Seychellois people.
Riddle: Nearly all Seychellois speak me as their first language. I’m a lyrical Creole tongue they’ve claimed as their own. What language am I?
Answer: Seychellois Creole
History
Who was the famous French explorer that claimed Seychelles for France in 1756? The French explorer Lazare Picault claimed Seychelles for France when he landed on Mahé island in 1756.
Riddle: I’m the French explorer who claimed Seychelles back in 1756, setting course for these isles so far overseas. Who am I?
Answer: Lazare Picault
When did Seychelles gain independence from British rule? Seychelles gained independence from Britain and became a sovereign state on June 29, 1976.
Riddle: Seychelles were ruled by Britain, that’s a fact, but the year ’76 saw independence take act. What year did Seychelles break from British control?
Answer: 1976
What minority ethnic group living in Seychelles is famous for their colorful boats? The Seychellois people of Indian descent are renowned for their brightly colored handmade fishing boats.
Riddle: Bright colors and flair, I sail Seychelles waters without care. Built by fishermen of Indian descent, in what boats could I be meant?
Answer: The boats of the Seychellois Indian community
Landmarks
What iconic huge boulders lie just offshore north of Mahé island? The world-famous Seychelles Giant Tortoise and Sea Cow granite boulders lie just offshore of Mahé island.
Riddle: North of Mahé I loom offshore, granite giants in the blue. Tortoise and sea cow shapes we form, a spectacular sight to view. What are we?
Answer: The Seychelles Giant Tortoise and Sea Cow boulders
What sublime beach on La Digue gets its name from the oxen that once hauled goods there? Anse Source d’Argent beach is named for the oxen, or cattle, that once pulled goods from boats coming ashore there.
Riddle: Once oxen pulled loads where tourists now lay. My name translates to “source of silver,” hinting at my sandy bay. What La Digue beach am I?
Answer: Anse Source d’Argent
What landmark islands off of Mahé feature stunning pink granite cliffs? The Sisters Islands of Seychelles boast dramatic pink granite cliffs and rock formations.
Riddle: We’re two small islands off Mahé east, where granite cliffs in pink are quite the feast. Who are we, this sister pair?
Answer: The Sisters Islands
Wildlife
What is the rare blue and red rainbow-hued lizard native to Silhouette Island? The Labriz lizard is a striking blue and red colored lizard found only on Silhouette Island in Seychelles.
Riddle: On Silhouette is where I roam, in colors bright I scurry and climb. A rainbow lizard who calls this isle home, few others exist like me of my kind! What am I?
Answer: The Labriz lizard
What is the name of the fruit bat native to Seychelles that only feeds on fruit instead of insects? The Seychelles fruit bat feeds exclusively on fruits instead of insects like most other bats in Seychelles and around the world.
Riddle: Fruit not flies is what I eat, on Seychelles islands where I sleep and procreate. Instead of bugs, give me a sweet treat! What bat am I?
Answer: The Seychelles fruit bat
Which carnivorous Seychelles pitcher plant traps insects for feeding? The Seychelles pitcher plant attracts and traps insects for its nourishment.
Riddle: Watch out bugs don’t come near, or trapped you soon shall be! I’m a unique meat-eating plant you’ll only find in Seychelles. Who am I?
Answer: The Seychelles pitcher plant
Economy
What crop grown in Seychelles produces vanilla beans and ylang ylang essential oil? The orchids grown in Seychelles produce fragrant vanilla beans and floral ylang ylang oil.
Riddle: My orchids bear pods and pretty blooms too. I can flavor your cookies or perfume the room! Grown in Seychelles soil, farmers nurture me. What valuable crop am I?
Answer: Orchids
Which fish makes up over 90% of the seafood caught in Seychelles? Skipjack tuna accounts for more than 90% of all seafood caught in the waters around Seychelles.
Riddle: Fast as lightning, silver scales glisten. Over Seychelles waters you’ll spy me. I’m the main catch that fishermen listen for. Over 90% of it, can you guess what I am?
Answer: Skipjack tuna
What agricultural export grown in Seychelles means “flower of flowers”? The essential oil produced from ylang ylang flowers grown in Seychelles means “flower of flowers” in several Asian languages.
Riddle: My name means “flower of flowers” quite right, my essential oil so floral and light. In coconut groves I peacefully lie, a star export of Seychelles am I. What am I?
Answer: Ylang ylang flower
People
Who is the current president of Seychelles, elected in 2016? Danny Faure is the current president of Seychelles, assuming office in 2016.
Riddle: I’m the man currently ruling Seychelles nation, since twenty-sixteen I’ve held this position. Who am I?
Answer: President Danny Faure
What is the term for someone of mixed black African and white European descent born in Seychelles? People of mixed black African & white European heritage born in Seychelles are called moutias.
Riddle: My heritage spans seas and continents two, European and African bloods intertwine true. In Seychelles they coined me this touching name, a bridge between peoples I proudly became. What am I called?
Answer: Moutia
Who wrote the Seychelles national anthem? The lyrics for the national anthem of Seychelles, “Seychellois Unite,” were penned by French poet Georges Charles de Putz and translated by David Francourt and George Joseph.
Riddle: Two talented local men heard my refrain, translating the call to unite Seychelles as one. Born of a Frenchman’s pen now sung proudly nationwide! What famous anthem am I?
Answer: “Seychellois Unite,” the national anthem
Conclusion
The Seychelles islands are a tropical paradise with stunning scenery, unique wildlife, rich culture and fascinating history. These riddles provide a playful glimpse into what makes this island nation so special. From essential oils to fruit bats, carnivorous plants to rainbow lizards, the riddles highlight captivating aspects of Seychelles for visitors and locals alike. The Seychellois people have a unity and identity all their own – one worth celebrating through song, dance and national pride. These riddles offer the chance to appreciate Seychelles’ national treasures in a new light.
