Mossel Bay is known for its history, museums and endless white beaches. The warm Indian Ocean caresses its shores and offers a variety of activities and things to do for all ages.
Located on the stunning Garden Route, the small town of Mossel Bay holds history that outdates many South African towns. The Post Office Tree, a milkwood tree that has been seamlessly incorporated into the Post Office itself has been used as a mail collection point since the 1500’s.
Don’t forget to check out what’s happening in Mossel Bay Today and This Weekend!
Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex
The Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex is situated on Market Street in Mossel Bay and is rated 4 stars on Tripadvisor.
There are plenty of things to do at the Dias Complex, visitors are required to pay a small entrance fee and are welcome to roam the grounds at their leisure. The museum is named after the first man to set foot on South African soil in 1488, the late Bartolomeu Dias.
- Some of the attractions at the Dias Museum Complex include:
The Granary
The Granary offers visitors a specimen table that depicts the wide variety of flora and fauna that is indigenously found in Mossel Bay, a vital tool in the aim to sustain and conserve the natural beauty South Africa holds.
The Post Tree
The Post Tree is one of the oldest attractions in Mossel Bay, it is also one of the most recognised landmarks. In 1500 Pedro de Ataide, Commander of one of Cabral’s ships, on his return journey from the east, left a letter of importance in a shoe or iron pot under or near a large tree.
This very tree has since become a post collection point and is still used in this manner today.
The Shell Museum
This structure was erected in 1902 next to the Post Office Tree as an extension to the old mill and was mainly used as a store. In later years Mr. Joe Shirley used the building for his plumbing business, after which it became known as the “Shirley Building”.
Botanical Garden
A unique feature this garden holds is the Braille trail, making it accessible to visually-impaired people so that they can read about, feel and smell the wonderful collection on display. This smaller Botanical Garden is possibly one of the best ways to view all the flora Mossel Bay has to show.
The grounds hold many secrets and quiet areas where you can take in all of its wonder, from the Field Garden that stretches to the white sand of Munro’s Bay to the friendly residence, mountain tortoises, ducks and museum cat, Dias Museum Complex is a perfect day out in Mossel Bay.
Tip: The added charge to go aboard the replica Dias Ship is well worth those rands!
- Cost:
- Entrance to the Complex
- R20 - Adults
- R10 - Pensioners
- R5 - Children u18
- Entrance to the Complex and replica Dias Ship
- R40 - Adults
- R20 - Pensioners
- R10 - Children u18
- Entrance to the Complex
- Operating Hours:
- Mon - Fri: 9am - 4:45pm
- Weekends & Public Holidays: 9am - 3:45pm
- Good Friday and Christmas Day: Closed
- Address: 1 Market Street, Mossel Bay,
- Contact Details: +27 (0)44 691 1067
- More Info: Website
St Blaize Trail
The popular St Blaize trail is a 13.5km trail that meanders along the cliff edge along the Mossel Bay coastline. It attracts visitors all year round and boast a ratings of 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor.
The most popular attraction along this trail is the Cape St Blaize Lighthouse, which is still in use today. The short descent to the lighthouse will have you in awe of the beauty the Garden Route coastline has on show.
The trail can be quite challenging at points, it begins with a steep but short climb up onto the contour path. The midway point is on the grounds of the Pinnacle Point Golf Course. A quick check in here will have you on your way crossing stunning lawns and dodging the occasional golf ball.
Tip: The trail is quite exposed, remember to bring water, a hat and warm clothing in case of the classic South African weather change.
- Cost: Free
- Address: Trail starts at Pinnacle Point and ends at Dana Bay
Santos Beach
Experience one of the best sunrises South Africa has to offer, rated 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor visitors rave about the safe swimming conditions the warm Indian Ocean offers.
This family-friendly beach offers a variety of overnight accommodation options as well as a few unique restaurants and ice cream cafes, perfectly complementing the beach lifestyle. The white beach sand makes for a great family day at the ocean and the waters and tides here are friendly and safe for swimming all year round.
Tip: Santos has a large safe parking lot and there is always a lifeguard on duty.
- Address: Die Bakke, Mossel Bay
Other Things to Do
Other activities nearby include:
Mossel Bay is centrally located between many attractive towns. Day tripping in and out of the town is easy due to its central location. The beaches are safe and clean and perfect for laying around.
A true nature lover’s haven, Mossel Bay offers visitors the widest variety of flora and fauna South Africa has to show. Whether you are visiting the many caves and watching the Daisies hop from rock to rock, Mossel Bay offers activities for all ages.
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