Mossel Bay marks the midway mark between Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape and Cape Town in the Western Cape. As such, it is a major town along the world-famous Garden Route. This prime positioning means that those on vacation are able to visit the entire picturesque region from this comfortable base if they choose accommodation in Mossel Bay for their Garden Route Stay.
Mossel Bay has a small, but very busy harbour, which is a major element in this town’s economy and international identity. It is also famous for agriculture, petrochemicals and, not least of all, tourism.
Mossel Bay boasts more than 50 kilometres of swimming beaches (blessed with the warmer waters of the Indian Ocean) and has an average of 300 days of sunshine every year. This makes it the perfect summer vacation spot for those needing the peace and solitude of South African beaches to unwind from the stresses and strains of everyday living.
Having been established as a formal town in 1848, Mossel Bay is full of history and heritage. The Outeniqua Mountain Range lies on the northern boundary of the town and the Gouritz River to the west, both providing stunning scenery that makes for beautiful holiday snaps. These are also idyllic surrounds in which nature-lovers and those that thrive on being outdoors will feel spoilt for choice.
During your time in and around Mossel Bay, here are a few things to do and see:
• The Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex dedicated to Portuguese explorer, Bartolomeu Dias, who arrived in Mossel Bay in February of 1488, this museum is devoted to the complex history of this bay. However, it is also about the culture and environment of Mossel Bay, providing a comprehensive look at this interesting town.
• Abseiling, rock climbing, hiking, walking, and mountain biking are popular pastimes amongst locals and visitors, and the Outeniqua mountains are the ideal place to indulge in these activities.
• Water sports are a must during your time in Mossel Bay, since the water is so inviting and the weather plays right along. These include surfing, swimming, SCUBA diving, and snorkelling.
• Bird watching in some of the natural surrounds.
• The many beaches of Mossel Bay include Dana Bay, De Bakke Beach, Diaz Beach, Eland Beach, Hartenbos Beach (awarded Blue Flag status), and Santos Beach (a Blue Flag beach).
• Culture-vultures should visit the ATKV Hartenbos Museum, Barnyard Theatre, Great Brak River Museum and the Mossel Bay Maritime Museum.
• This area is known for its whales, which are seen between July and December of every year. While these can be seen from the shore, there are also whale-watching tours available.
• The Shell Museum in Mossel Bay showcases the country’s biggest collection of shells.
• The Botlierskop Game Reserve is flanked by mountains and oceans and offers awesome safari drives. Nyaru Game Lodge is another popular choice amongst those who love wildlife and includes a cheetah sanctuary.
• The Mossel Bay Historical Walk entices visitors into the intrigue of this town and its past.
• Fishing is one of Mossel Bay’s major industries. But it is also a fabulous way to ease tired bodies and minds for visitors. Fishing charters are available to take you deep-sea fishing, or simply enjoy some quiet time at the water’s edge with your own rod.
• The St. Blaize Trail is a picturesque trail that takes walkers along the unspoilt coastline. This is also a prime whale-watching spot. The Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse was built in 1864 and in commission until the end of the 1970’s.