Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay is situated halfway between Cape Town and Port El

Mossel Bay is situated halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Mossel Bay is a coastal village and harbour of the World Famous Garden Route. This popular holiday town is surrounded by a sunbathed peninsula and the refreshing waters of the Indian Ocean. It is a busy summer destination as well as an ideal winter retreat. Mossel Bay is blessed with a mild climate all-year round but its most important feature is its status as the historical capital of the Garden Route.

Well-traveled pleasure boats dock regularly as well as other international seafarers using the modern docking facilities. Mossel Bay is a rapidly growing tourist destination as more and more travelers are discovering the Jewel of the Cape Garden Route. Bortholomeu Dias CrossBack in 1488 a man called Bartholomew Dias threw anchor in the Bay of St Blaize. "Aguada de Sào Bras" as it was originally known. Mossel bay was then developed as a busy export harbour for wool, ochre and ostrich feathers. The many beautiful historical buildings in Mossel Bay is evidence of the long ago happenings which makes Mossel Bay what it is today. In 1601 the Dutch navigator, Paulus van Caerden, renamed it Mossel Bay, as he found that mussels were a most welcome addition to the diet of his crew.

Today, mussels gathered in Mossel Bay each spring are rated by gourmets among the finest in the world.

One of the most popular Mossel Bay attractions is the Post Office , which is estimated to be more than 800 years old and has been declared a National Monument. It is underneath this milkwood tree where Pedro dAtaide left a letter in 1500 in a seamans boot for passing ships. Letters are still posted there today in a seamans boot!

Mossel Bay is sportsmans and waters sport enthusiasts paradise, it has a very wide variety of adventure sports facilities as well as sport of the conventional type, such as golf, squash, tennis, bungi and bridge diving, indoor heated pools, horse riding to name but a few. And if youre into water sports, there is some of the countries most adrenalin induced activities available - such as, shark cage diving, ship wreck diving, snorkeling, power boating and others.

Accommodation in Mossel Bay

• African Oceans Manor Accommodation in Mossel bay Accommodation near Mossel Bay, Western Cape. What a wonderful world! - the Garden Route and African Oceans Manor right on the beach with the most exquisite view over the Indian Ocean and the blue Outeniqua Mountain range.
• Bar-T-Nique Accommodation in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. High above the colourful town and harbour of Mossel Bay, where Bartholomew Diaz set foot years ago, Bar-t-nique has magnificent and panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Warm South African hospitality and personal service awaits.
• Bay Lodge On The Beach Lodge accommodation in Mossel bay Experience the comfort & tranquillity of beach front living… With superb facilities & services to meet the demands of modern travellers. Of course… With a view to match! Spend a day tanning… Take a relaxing stroll on the beach with the sound of the ocean
• Bella Sombra Accommodation in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. We offer 5-star accommodation in the heart of the Garden Route. Bella Sombra is directly adjacent and has walk-on access to the highly acclaimed Mossel Bay golf course where you can see the sea from every tee! Stay in style in our immaculate and elegantly decorated rooms fully equipped with all the necessary and unnecessary luxuries
• Eight Bells Mountain Inn Accommodation near Mossel Bay, Western Cape. Situated in South Africas picturesque Garden route, Eight Bells Mountain Inn lies at the foot of the Robinson Pass in the Outeniqua Mountain Range on the R328, between Mossel Bay which is 35km away, and Oudtshoorn which is 50km away.
• Zingela Indlela Accommodation in Mossel Bay, Western Cape offer the better of two worlds! This beautiful guesthouse is situated in the Little Karoo on a large EU export game, ostrich and cattle farm covered with “fynbos” natural flowers and beautiful views of the pastel blue Outeniqua Mountains in the north.
• Mossel Bay Backpackers Youth Hostel - Backpacker Hostel in Mossel Bay. Mossel Bay Backpackers youth hostel lodge on Garden Route, South Africa. Bartolomeu Dias Museum and Old Post Office Tree. Whales dolphins seals great white sharks Game drives on 4x4 foot quad bike or elephant! Dormitory & double rooms (one with en-suite bathroom). Swimming pool. At The Point, safe walk (300m) to beachfront; offstreet parking.
• Huijs Te Marquette - Guesthouse accommodation in Mossel Bay. Huijs te Marquette guest house (small family hotel) Bed & Breakfast lodge in Mossel Bay, Garden Route, South Africa. Bartolomeu Dias Museum and Old Post Office Tree. Whales dolphins seals great white sharks Game drives on 4x4 foot quad bike or elephant! 12 rooms with en-suite bathroom. Wheelchair enabled. At The Point, safe walk (300m) to beachfront; offstreet parking
• The Point Hotel - Hotel accommodation in Mossel Bay. The Point Hotel is located in Mossel Bay in the Garden route and offers 50 seafacing rooms overlooking the Indian Ocean in a eco friendly destination. Watch the humpback and Southern Right whales and dolphins passing in front of the hotel
• Bantry House - Guesthouse accommodation in Mossel Bay. Welcome to Bantry House, your Irish home away from home in the heart of South Africas Garden Route where you arrive as a guest & leave as part of our worldwide extended family. Situated high on the ridge above the town & harbour of Mossel Bay, Bantry House enjoys one of the best views to be had anywhere in the world.
• Hotel Portao Diaz - Budget Hotel accommodation in Mossel Bay. This great value for money hotel consisting of 33 sea facing en-suite rooms with DSTV. The hotel is situated in a previously disadvantaged community and in the apartheid era was the only hotel in Mossel Bay open for them.
• Overzee Guesthouse B&B - Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Mossel Bay. Accommodation in beautiful log home overlooking the Indian OceanVery quiet area; 5 minutes walk to unspoiled beaches. From your balcony, see the whales and dolphins play.Arrangements can be made for Game-drives , horse riding, hiking, shark-cage diving, boat based whale watching, bungi jumping, surfing and golf. Selfcatering available (sleeps 10).
• Beachcomber Cottages - Self Catering Cottage accommodation in Mossel Bay. Nestled in a tranquil nature reserve with stunning views over a beautiful bay and direct access to an un-spoilt, private beach. The Cottages comfortably sleeps between 2 and 7 guests with accommodation comprising up to 3 double bedrooms and at least 2 family bathrooms. The open plan living spaces are welcoming and spacious with breathtaking views to the sea.
• Protea Hotel Mossel Bay - Hotel accommodation in Mossel Bay. Superb seaviews Prime location, part of Dias Museum Complex, adjacent to Old Post Office Tree. 30 units that vary from 3 star rooms to 4 star self catering harbour suites. Live life slowly in Mossel Bay Trendy Blue Oyster Cocktail Bar. Café Gannet Seafood Restaurant.Swimming pool with pool deck. Jacana Curio Shop.

Located halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, the seaside town of Mossel Bay is a popular holiday resort renowned for it’s spectacular sunwashed peninsula. With a history dating back to 1488, the town offers excellent views across the azure blue ‘Bay of Mussles’ to the magnificent Outeniqua Mountains beyond. Mossel Bay has a warm, sunny climate, making it very popular with sports lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Cape Town 384 km, Swellendam 169 km, George 54 km, Plettenberg Bay 162 km, Oudtshoorn 83 km

Banks

Absa, Boland, FNB, Saambou, Standard

HISTORICAL VIEW

Bartholomeu Diaz Museum Complex

This is by far the town’s best known tourist attraction, reflecting the town’s 500 year history. The Museum Complex comprises of:

The Maritime Museum

Erected in 1901, the building houses a life size replica of Bartholomeu Diaz’caravel, the ship he sailed on when anchoring at Mossel Bay in 1488.

The Shell Museum & Aquarium (Shirley Building)

Erected in 1902, the museum portrays the history of the use of shells by man. Several live mollusk-species are displayed on the aquaria.

The Local History Museum (Culture Museum)

Depicts the cultural history of Mossel Bay and the surrounding region. Annexe erected in 1958 the building was Mossel Bay’s first Municipal and Community centre. During the years it also served as library., telegraph office, market and dance hall. Main building erected in 1879 and used as Municipal Offices until 1975

The Granary

Erected in 1786 and used for the trading of wool and gain. It currently houses the museum’s information centre

Boer War Block Houses

During the Anglo-Boer-War (1899 – 1902) the Mossel Bay Town Guard built a series of small blockhouses along the Outeniqua Mountains in the Mossel Bay district. One of these blockhouses is situated near the top of Attaquas Kloof Pass overlooking that part of the old wagon road leading to Oudtshoorn. There are also three blockhouses on the Cloete’s Pass, passing through Herbertsdale.

Cape St Blaize Lighthouse

A beacon for navigators since 1864. Today this is one of only three manned lighthouses in South Africa.

Historical Sites

The best way to appreciate Mossel Bay’s architectural styles, many of which have been declared National MOnutments.

10 Church Street

When it was erected in 1857, this building was described by the then resident magistrate as the most extensive and commodious premises in this village. The iron hoisting apparatus to lift supplies is still visible today

80 Bland Street

Built in 1881 as a shop, it is said that this building was used as concert hall during the Anglo-Boer-War. The window sills in Cuff Street were used for many years by the local fishing folk for sharpening their knives

Barry Building

Erected in 1849 as warehouse and trading post by Barry & Nephews of Swellendam. In 1941 it was owned by the ‘African Golden Ochre’ Company, exporters of ochre from Albertinia

Carpenter’s Shop

It is said that this building was designed by Sir Herbert Baker. It was built in 1898 as store for WJ Swart & Seuns – the name still appears on a carved stone plaque. It is also a National Monument

Culture Museum Annex

A piece of land was given to trustees of the Public Building Company in 1858 for the erection of a library, reading room and municipal meeting room. The white building was finished in 1858. built in the typical Karoo style, facing the sea, this is today a National Monument.

Customs and Excise Office

It was built in 1874, a second storey was added in 1882 and a balcony in 1898. The exterior of the building has remained unchanged, at one stage the building was known as ‘Queens Warehouse’. Outside on Bland Street corner is a ‘corner stone’ to prevent the wagons from damaging the wall when turning.

Dutch Reformed Church

‘Klipkerk’ Church Street. The stone laying of this typical Romanic building was in 1878. The cost of the churc, built of dressed stone was 7280 euro – including pews and a new organ.

Goods Shed

Bland Street. Due to an increase in cargo, the Harbour Company was forced to build a warehouse. It was started in 1901 and completed in 1902 – hence the two dates on the gables. The stones were quarried at life on the River Thames can be found on the Bland Street side.

Masonic Lodge

The lodge of St Blaize was founded in 1874, and the lodge built in 1884. the building has no windows, only skylight.

Munro’s Hoek House

The first building was built around 1830 by Alexander Munro from Scotland for 25 euro. He operated a canteen on the premises, where unruly seaman met. His son got the first permit to cull whales on the beach below. The front house is one of Mossel Bay’s National Monuments

Old Black’s Office

One of only a few old three-storied buildings in town, erected in 1904 as offices. The style reminds of a typical ‘Urk’-style from the Netherlands.

Old Standard Bank Building

Built in the Neo-Classical style in 1902 as Standard Bank, this is the only building of this style left in Mossel Bay

St Peter’s Aglican Church

Built in 1879, it features the very simple lines of the early English style. The steeple, added in 1906, is unique in that it is made entirely out of stone, even the spire. The church has beautiful Gothic windows and is a National Monument.

Historical Wreck Site

The history of Mossel Bay is closely linked to maritime activities. The site of the Phyilia and other wrecks was identified for an underwater museum because of easy accessibility. The site is presently being archaeologically surveyed. Educational training sessions in maritime archaeology and conservation and diving on the site can be arranged by contacting the Bartolomeu Diaz Museum.

Lazaretto Cemetery

This old graveyard lies close to the sea, and on a still day one can hear the crash of the waves. The oldest gravestone is dated 1809, and many of the stones are worn by time and weather, so that the names are indecipherable.

Malay Graves

This site was discovered in 1968, not far from the Post Office Tree. Records show that this piece of land had been granted to the community more than 100 years before it’s rediscovery as burial ground for Muslims. It is believed that one of the graves is that of a very influential Muslim who was buried here in the 19^th century after dying at sea.

Munrohoek

Built by Alexander Munro in 1830 at Munro’s Bay, these houses are the oldest in Mossel Bay. Presently displaying local art and craft.

Post Office Tree

In 1500, Pedro de Ataide, Commander of one of Cabral’s ships, left a letter of importance in a shoe or iron pot under or next to a large tree. In 1501, this letter was found by Jaoa da Nova, commander of the third East India Fleet en route to India. In this way the first Post Office in South Africa was founded. The large milkwood tree has been declared a National Monument and is generally known as the Post Office Tree. Today you can post a card or letter in the replica stone shoe at this site and it will receive a special frank of the post office tree.

Take Township

Tarka, which already existed in 1898, was at some point known as Garden Hill. The houses were built from stone, often obtained from the same plot. The huge boulders were dug up and buried under branches, bushes or other fuel and set alight. During cooling down at night they cracked open and the smaller rocks were then dressed for the builders. Clay and sand was used instead of cement. This closed knit community even had a police station and shops.

The Point Cape St Blaize Cave & Khoi Village

Prehistoric inhabitants of the area found shelter in this cave, which was also a superb look-out point. Artifacts found in the cave date back eighty thousand years. Experience the lifestyle of the indigenous Khoi community of Mossel Bay at the Khoi Village; Open air museum – exhibition of Khoi culture; Curio Shop; Open air restaurant; Khoi style hut.

The Indigenous Garden

The valley that surrounds Diaz Bay (today known as Munro’s Bay) has been transformed into a garden of indigenous flora. Milkwood and Wild Olive trees predominate.

The Padrao

This is a replica of the stone padrao that Vasco Da Gama erected together with a large wooden cross made of a mizzen mast. The cross was propably erected whilst fresh water was being collected at Aguanda de Sao Bras.

The Santos Pavilion

Built in 1906, it was inspired by the pavilion at Brighton, England. After being destroyed by a fire in 1979, a replica was built on the site of the old Santos Pavillion.

The Spring

Diaz named the fresh-water spring ‘Aguada de Sai Bras’ (watering place of Saint Blaize). In 1512, Gasper Correa described it as flowing over a rocky verge into a small dam – just as it is today.

War Memorial

Built on ‘Frog Rock’, so called because of it’s shape. The memorial was designed by WJ Delbridge Esq, at the time a resident of Mossel Bay. Major General Sir HT Lukin unveiled the memorial on Sunday, 28 September 1924. The Bishop of George dedicated and consecrated the memorial. It now honours the dead of the First World War, Second World War, Korean War and the soldiers who served on the country’s borders during the 1970’s and 80’s.

ATTRACTIONS

Annual Events

Diaz Commemoration – February

Mossel Bay Sport School – April

Museum Week – May

Welcoming of the whales – June

Miss Mossel Bay – October

Trans Agulhas Rubberduck Race

Woolworths Fleamarket – December

Country Outings

Bird & Animal Island

(Great Brak River) Sanctuary for birds and butterflies. Accessible by ferry from ‘Riversyde House’.

Eight Bells Mountain Inn

One of the more spectacular drives takes visitors into the Karoo via Robinson Pass. At the foot of the Attaquaskloof lies the Eight Bells Mountain Inn. The property is traversed by well-laid out walking trails and bridle paths.

Friends Coastal Horse Riding

Take R102 from Mossel Bay for 7 km, turn off at Dana Bay, follow Flora Road to E.Pinea Street, turn off into Erika Drive and continue to the Friends Guest House. Booking essential.

Haddows Bridle Trails

Weekends and holidays only. Take the R328 from Hartenbos direction Oudtshoorn, turn to your right at the Witwaters sign, continues for 3 km on the gravel road.

Imbabala Game Farm

Follow the R328 from Hartenbos for 6 km, turn left at Matjiesdrif and continue for 3 km, at the T-junction turn right to Goedemoed, continue for 6 km to the turn off to Imbabala. Enjoy a walking trail winding through two game camps and a long folding hill veld, a plateau and river bed. Also offers regular game drives, birdlife and has 19 different species of wildlife that roam freely on the farm.

Muller’s Farm

Only 10 minutes drive from Mossel Bay, take Herbertsdale turn off and turn off at Rietvlei. For ostrich tours, bass fishing (own equipment) and walking trails. Delicious farm products, Coffee Shop, Arts & Crafts, Pony Rides, Horse Rides, Tractor Rides, Birthday parties and Touch farm

Poort Wines

Coastal winery approximately 45 minutes drive from Mossel Bay, 17 km along the Albertinia road, just outside the hamlet of Herbertsdale you’ll find the turn off to Die Poort Winery. The Winery is named after the kloof (ravine – poort) on the farm, through which the Gouritz River flows. For those interested in mountain walks, there are some excellent examples of rock art to be found not far from the winery. Group bookings are essential.

Rein’s Nature Reserve (Gouriqua)

Beautiful area where endangered coastal fynbos species, rich birdlife and numerous antelope species can be seen. Take R325 (Gouritzmond) turn off from the N2 between Mossel Bay and Albertinia – continue and turn off to Still Bay, the road leads to the turn off to Gouritzmond.

Zuurvlakte Nature Reserve

Situated 32 km from Mossel Bay, visitors delight in exploring the flora, bird watching and hiking. Book in advance for horse riding. Take the N2 direcdtion Cape Town, from Mossel Bay, take the Herbertsdale turn off, continue for 14,7 km, then make the right turn at Heuningklip, turn right onto the Zuurvlakte road, continue for 9 km to the Zuurvlakte turn off on your left.

Day Trips (1)

Take the R328 from Mossel Bay through the Robinson Pass to Oudtshoorn. Visit the ostrich farms, Congo Caves, Wildlife Ranch. Return to Mossel Bay on the R62 through the Outeniqua Pass via Georgeand Great Brak River. Spectacular fynbos in both passes.

Day Trip (2)

Take the N2 from Mossel Bay, for a scenic Garden Route drive through George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, to the Storms River Mouth. Return to Mossel Bay via the N2 or the R102.

Day Trip (3)

Klein Karoo Wine Route take the N2 from Mossel Bay direction Cape Town, turn off at the R327 (Herbertsdale) and continue to Die Poort Winery. From the winery follow the road to Albertinia and return to the N2. continues with the N2 to Riverdale, follow the Garcia Pass (R323), connect to the R62 and continue to Ladismith. Visit the Ladismith Co-op, The Boplaas Estate, Die Krans Winery, The Calitzdorp Co-op and Grundheim on your way to Oudtshoorn. Follow the R328 back to Mossel Bay.

Day Trip (4)

Visit the National Parks of the Garden Route along the N2.

Wilderness National Park

Boasts five rivers, five lakes, two estuaries and a coastline 28 km long.This park is home to a wealth of water birds, as well as the Knysna Lourie.

At the Tsitsikamma National Park the visitor will be enthralled by spectacular river gorges, rain forest, unique fynbos and a beautiful rocky coastline. Follow the N2 back to Mossel Bay.

Guided Tours

Churches & Religious Grounds Trail

Crime & Disaster Trail

Fynbos Route

General Walking Tour

Interesting Glimpses Trail

Museum Complex trail

Special Interest Tour

Bird watching

Fynbos and mountains

Whale route (Walking)

Marine Attractions

Dolphins

The most common dolphins found all year round are Heaviside’s Dolphin, Common Dolphin, Dusky Dolphin and bottlenose Dolphin. Large schools of dolphins make a spectacular sight and these species can often be seen at play in the bay and along the St Blaize Hiking Trail

Jackass Penguins

A flightless seabird found along the south and west coast. The name is derived from the loud donkey-like braying sound made by the penguin – usually heard at night. These penguins are excellent divers and move extremely fast and quietly very low in the water.

Seals

Hundreds of seals and their cubs frequent Seal Island. They can be viewed from an island cruise or from land – where they periodically pop their heads out of the water.

Whales

In season, from June to November, Southern Right whales come into Mossel Bay to calve. Their increasing numbers have had the town included on the MTN Whale Route, stretching 900 km from Doringbaai on the West Coast to the Storms River mouth in the Tsitsikamma National Park. Only four species are seen in these waters and while the Southern Rights are the most commonly sighted, there are also Humpback, Bryde’s and Killer Whales.

Mossgas Info Centre

The Mossgas Info Centre, situated next to Santos Protea Hotel, informs visitors about the project and the production of synthetic fuels from Mossel Bay’s offshore gas fields. The company was established in April 1989.

Seal Island Trips

Leave from the harbour out into the bay and around Seal Island – the latter boasting a few hundred seals and their cubs. Approximately one hour per trip. Sunset Cruises, two hour trips, including sparkling wine and a light meal. Coastal Cruises. Weather Permitting.

The Harbour

Rich in history, the harbour has been a favourite spot for visitors to Mossel Bay. The first link to the outside world, the port has been expanded many a time, so that today it is one of the most modern commercial and recreational harbours on the Southern Cape coastline.

Voorbaai Locomotive Yard

Having been a vital link in the South African steam rail network, Mossel Bay has become the biggest centre for restoring and maintaining steam locomotives of all classes. Enthusiasts from all over the world come here to see these locomotives firsthand.

ACTIVITIES

Mossel Bay offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including 4x4 trails, abseiling, bush camping, coastal horse riding, deep sea fishing, golfing, helicopter trips, hiking trails, horse riding, indoor kart racing, paraschuting, rock climbing, scuba diving and ship wreck diving.

Bungee and Bridge Jumping

The bungee jumping at Gouritz River is the highest in the world over a dry river bed.

Diving

Fishing

For professional fishing trips or characters.

Hiking

Attaquaskloof Hiking Trail

Starting point: A stile next to a green gate opposite the picnic area on the Robinson Pass between Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn. End: Circular route (three alternative routes can be done over three days). Distance / Duration: 38 km / 3 days. Rating: difficult. Permit: Outeniquas Witfontein. Features include unspoilt, exceptionally beautiful fynbos, rock pools and Attaquaskloof Pass with it’s beautiful views.

Bonniedale Holiday Farm

Starting Point: Farm homestead. Distance / Duration: 4 km – 22 km / 3 hours. Rating: easy. Circular route. Waterfalls, mountain fynbos, swimming pools.

Botterberg Trail

Starting point: Imbabala Game Reserve. End: Circular route. Distance / Duration: 33 km / 2 days. Permit: Imbabala Game Reserve. Features the trail winds through two camps and along the hill veld, plateaus and river beds.

Cape St Blaze Trail

Starting point: Bat’s Cave. End: Dana Bay. Distance / Duration: 15 km (one way) / 4 hours (one way). Rating: Average (high cliffs on one side). Permit: None (children must be accompanied by an adult). Features include magnificent coastal views, towering cliffs and rocks, and a number of rocky bays and coves.

Eight Bells Mountain Inn

Starting Point: At reception. Distance / Duration: one or two day circular route. Rating: Average. Abundant birdlife, fynbos, rock pools, scenic views.

Koumanshoek

Circular route. Starting point: A stile next to a green gate opposite the picnic table in Robinson Pass. End: The top of the Robinson Pass or back at the start. Distance / Duration: 16,5 km / 7 hours. Rating: Average. Permit: None. Features include fynbos and small animals.

Midbrak Hiking Trail

Starting Point: opposite 3 Grysbok Avenue, Reebok. Distance / Duration: 4 km / 2 hours. Rating: Easy. Circular Route. Coastal fynbos, birds, sea views.

Ruiterbos

Starting point: Eight Bells Mountain Inn / Ruitersbos Forest Station. Circular route. Distance / Duration: 5 km / 2 hours. ratingL Easy. Permit: Self-issued permit. Features include indigenous and pine forest.

Rein’s Nature Reserve

Starting point: At reception. Distance / Duration: one day circular route. Rating: Average. Views, whales, fynbos.

Skaapplaas

Starting point: at reception. Distance / Duration: 10 km / 1 – 2days. Rating: average. Circular route. Waterfalls, fynbos, indigenous forest, rock pools.

Sport

Mossel Bay’s Van Riebeeck Sports Fields must have the best views in the whole country, with facilities for tennis, squash, bowls, cricket, and rugby. The pride of Mossel Bay’s sporting facilities is it’s 18 hole golf course, with a view of the sea from the course surpass the scenic wonders of the Wild Coast.

Sailing

Yacht and boat club where temporary membership is available.

Shark Cage Diving Trips

Meet the Great Whites and their cousins face to face – from the safety of a cage. Phographic equipment available.

Surfing

Surfing for beginners and the more experienced

Accommodation in and around Mossel bay