Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay, or “Bay of Mussels” as the name literally translates to, is a small town along South Africa’s Garden Route. Although small in size, Mossel Bay more than makes up for it in culture, history, and adventure. The history, in particular, accounts for many different Portuguese explorers landing at the bay in search of either supplies or shelter.

One such explorer, Bartolomeu Dias, famous for establishing the sea route between Europe and Asia, fatefully landed at Mossel Bay in 1488 where he realised that he had finally achieved Portugal’s long-sought goal to round the southern cape of Africa. 

With a mild all-year climate and 320 days of sunshine, it’s no wonder Mossel Bay is regarded as one of the tourist hotspots in the Garden Route (and South Africa, some might argue).  

Accommodation in Mossel Bay ranges from the higher-priced hotel to the reasonable guest house/bed and breakfast, perfectly suited for the Garden Route backpacker’s pocket.

With not one but five blue-flag beaches, Mossel Bay certainly offers oodles for the swimmer, bather, suntanner and surfer. Mossel Bay’s point, located at the tip of a Peninsula, is a popular historical spot with the St. Blaize Lighthouse and cave stoically standing guard over the point.

There are activities galore for the adrenaline-seeking, adventure lover, such as; shark cage diving, surfing, skydiving and mountain biking to name a few. If you’re not up for such heart-racing pursuits, Mossel Bay also caters for you, with museum and art gallery tours, spas and wine tastings.