Several mid-road armed military stations brought home the reality of today's civil unrest. One hopes they can resolve their problems and get on with enjoying life on their beautiful isle. The Maldives are scattered across hundreds of square kilometers of Indian Ocean. Mahe, the capital, crowds one of the islands that make up the republic. The highest point on any island is not more than three meters above sea level.
Diving is the main attraction here.
Distinct from the Maldives, which are coral isles, the Seychelles are granite. They too, are scattered, their beauty evident above the sea as well as below. Divers love it, as do birders. It's not cheap, but you get what you pay for. Mombasa's Fort Jesus, was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century.