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Mossel Bay Accommodation

Nearby Points Of Interest
(As the crow flies. Road distance will differ.)
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The Outeniqua Choo-tjoe at Mossel Bay ©Robert Cutts, Licence
Mossel Bay War Memorial Cape St. Blaize, Mossel Bay © PHParsons, License
Downtown Mossel Bay © Dellex, License
Beach access just to the east of the Mossel Bay Harbour. © Jochem Koole, License
Mossel Bay ©Mario Micklisch, Licence
Mossel Bay © Bob Adams, License
Mossel Bay Lighthouse ©Russell James Smith, Licence
View north to Outeniqua Ranges from top of hill overlooking town. Mossel Bay is a major fishing port along South Africa's southern Cape coast  © Fihliwe, License
Mossel Bay Museum old pub cottages ©Ralph Malan, Licence

Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay is one of the Garden Route’s most appealing coastal destinations, combining a sunny seaside atmosphere with a remarkable sense of history. Set around a broad, sheltered bay on the Western Cape coast, the town is known for its beaches, dramatic ocean views and outdoor lifestyle, while its story stretches back thousands of years.

The area holds an important place in South African history. Archaeological evidence shows that people lived in the region long before the arrival of European explorers, and the surrounding coastline has provided food and shelter to human communities for an exceptionally long period. Mossel Bay became internationally significant in 1488 when the Portuguese navigator Bartolomeu Dias arrived in the bay during his voyage around the southern tip of Africa. The landing took place on 3 February, the feast day of Saint Blaise, and the bay later became known as Aguada de São Brás, or the Watering Place of Saint Blaise.

Dias and his crew stopped here to replenish their supplies, taking advantage of the freshwater available near the shore. Today, the town's maritime history remains one of its greatest attractions. The Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex preserves the story of the famous explorer and includes a replica of Dias's caravel. Nearby stands the celebrated Post Office Tree, a centuries-old milkwood associated with the tradition of passing messages between ships travelling along the dangerous sea route around southern Africa.

Modern Mossel Bay offers far more than history. Its mild climate and attractive coastline make it a popular destination for swimming, walking, surfing, whale and dolphin watching, and simply relaxing beside the sea. The St Blaize Trail follows spectacular sections of coastline, offering magnificent views from the cliffs above the Indian Ocean.

The town also serves as an excellent base from which to explore the wider Garden Route. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, visit the harbour, discover nearby nature reserves or follow the coast towards George, Wilderness and Knysna.

With ancient human history, Portuguese exploration and a beautiful natural setting all woven together, Mossel Bay offers a fascinating introduction to the Garden Route and remains one of the Western Cape's most historically significant coastal towns.

Nearby Points Of Interest
(As the crow flies. Road distance will differ.)
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Mossel Bay Accommodation, Garden Route
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