Learn about the early days of European settlers in this charming outcrop with pristine beaches, intriguing museums and archeological sites.
With a history of Stone Age hunter-gatherers and early European colonisation, Mossel Bay is a fascinating coastal village. Its museums, shops and restaurants decorate a pretty coastline full of pristine beaches and caves. Visit the harbour for a sense of the local culture and watch the fishermen returning in colourful boats with their catch of the day.
Visit the dark and enigmatic Cape St. Blaize Cave beneath the easternmost cliffs of the town. Note that shellfish hunters resided in the cave many thousands of years ago. It offers a spectacular view of the ocean through the large cave mouth, beneath which lie dozens of ocean rocks.
Ascend the zigzagging path up to the top of the cliff to find the Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse. It is among the final lighthouses in South Africa to retain a full-time light keeper, who performs meteorological studies. Gaze up at the balcony beside the large lantern that guides ships.
Several beaches flank the northern coast of the Mossel Bay area. Choose between grass and sand for your picnic on the Blue-Flag Santos Beach. Relax at the beach café and visit the many shops and restaurants. Play golf at one of the picturesque courses toward Pinnacle Point in western Mossel Bay.
As for history, learn about the first European explorer to sail past the southern tip of Africa in the outdoor Dias Museum, which consists of old-world cottages and a maritime exhibit.
Enjoy seafood specialties at restaurants and cafés near the coast. Expect warm to mild weather year-round with steady rain in each season. January is the warmest and driest month, which makes it the best time for a beach trip.
The town is 250 miles (400 kilometres) east of Cape Town on the country’s southern coast. Ride the train on the historic national rail network to Mossel Bay Railway Station. The surrounding area comprises the Outeniqua Mountains, the Maalgate River, the Gouritz River and the Indian Ocean.
Mossel Bay is an intriguing homage to the traditions of South Africa.
