Mossel Bay
Halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth in the heart of the famous Garden Route, nestles the seaside town of Mossel Bay. A bustling holiday resort in summer and the ideal retreat in winter, it is situated on a spectacular sunwashed peninsula embraced by the warm Indian Ocean. Also called the "Karoo-by-the-Sea town", Mossel Bay features in the Guiness Book of Records as having the mildest all-year climate in the world, second only to Hawaii. But it's the fascinating history of Mossel Bay which grants the town its status as the historical capital of the Garden Route and one of the most significant towns in South Africa.

The first meeting ever between inhabitants of Europe and Africa on Southern African soil occurred at Mossel Bay in 1488 when Bartolomeu Dias set foot ashore and encountered the ancient Khoi-San people.

The first trading between inhabitants of Europe and Africa on Southern African soil occurred at Mossel Bay when Vasco da Gama anchored in 1497 and successfully traded with the local Khoi-San tribe.

The first Post Office on Southern African soil was founded at Mossel Bay when in 1500, Pedro de Ataide left a letter of importance in a shoe under a large milkwood tree. Mail are still posted at the ancient Post Office - today a national monument.
The first place of Christian worship and erection of a Chapel on Southern African soil took place at Mossel Bay in 1501 when Joao da Nova erected a small stone prayer chapel dedicated to St Blaize.

Today, the mystery and romance of ancient folk and explorers is on display at the impressive Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, as well as reflected by the architectural styles, well preserved old stone buildings and various historical routes through town.

In addition to this, sun-drenched, north facing beaches, outstanding coastal cuisine and the only working harbour for commercial as well as leisure craft in the Garden Route, makes Mossel Bay a veritable mecca for outdoor enthusiasts in search of a Mediterranean type climate and lifestyle. Come, take a tour through this unique town with us - and explore endless horizons!
 
ACTIVITIES
Scenic Walk
Arts & Crafts Route

ATTRACTIONS
Mossel Bay Seal Island
This island is about 2km from the Harbour and is about l00m long and 50m wide. The Sea Fisheries Department controls the Island and count the seal population from the air at regular intervals. At present there are some 4500 to 5000 seals on the island. No culling is done on this Island any more as the population remains fairly stable due to adult seals moving away to join new colonies.

Usual movement is to the West Coast where there is plentiful food. Porpoises are regularly seen in the Bay when they move in long schools past the Point, in mid-afternoon. The fisherman used to make a fishy tasting biltong (dried strips of meat, like American jerky) from their flesh but this is illegal nowadays.

FOR MORE TOURIST INFORMATION:
Mossel Bay Tourism Office:
http://www.gardenroute.net/mby
eMail General: mbtb@mweb.co.za
eMail Accommodation: reserv@mweb.co.za
Box 25, Mossel Bay, 6500
Tel: +27 (44) 691 2202