Mossel Bay is exactly half way between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth (each 400 km away), which makes it a great stop-over when travelling up the Garden Route to the Eastern Cape. This beautiful coastal town has more than 60 kilometres of beaches and is said to have the second most moderate climate in the world after a small town in Hawaii (according to the Guinness Book of Records). With around 300 days of sunshine a year it is a popular summer destination, as well as a perfect winter retreat. An old working harbour and significant archaeological findings nearby, have earned Mossel Bay the title of “historical capital” of the Garden Route.

When to Go
Mossel Bay’s mild climate with plenty of sunshine makes it a great holiday destination in any season of the year. The town experiences busy peaks during the school vacations at Easter (March/April) and in December/January – which gives it a great holiday vibe. If you’re after whale sightings, it’s best to go during the breeding/calving season between late July and December, when these gentle giants come satisfyingly close to shore. This is also the time when the aloes and fynbos bloom.

Climate
Mossel Bay is fortunate to have a mild climate all year round. The town is situated in the area where the winter rainfall and all-year rainfall regions of the Western Cape meet, and is influenced by the Agulhas current of the Indian Ocean to the south, and the Outeniqua Mountains to the north. Rainfall occurs throughout the year, mainly at night, peaking in October. The warmest month of the year is January, with an average temperature of 21.1°C. July is the coldest month, when the mercury drops to an average low of 7.6°C overnight.

Fauna
There is an abundance of wildlife and game reserves to found in the areas surrounding Mossel Bay. Among these are Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, Gondwana Private Game Reserve (Big 5), Hartenbos Private Game Lodge, Indalu Game Reserve, Nyaru Game Lodge and Zorgfontein Eco & Wildlife Reserve.
The warm waters of the Indian Ocean off Mossel Bay are teeming with life. Take a cruise to Seal Island, which is one kilometre off Dias Beach. The island attracts a many Great White Sharks to the area to feed, and tour operators based in the harbour offer both boat trips and shark cage-diving.
A favourite pastime in this part of the world is whale watching, especially during the winter months from June to November, when these magnificent creatures come close to shore for breeding and calving. The 65km Whale Route along the greater Mossel Bay coastline is superbly suited to view whales due to the elevated areas along the shoreline. Four species are seen along this route, most commonly the Southern Right whales which come into the bay to calve. You can also see Killer Whales, Humpbacks and Bryde’s and boat-based whale watching tours are available in the harbour.
The abundant fynbos vegetation of the area obviously attracts an enormous variety of birds, and birders are likely to see many species here including, Cape Penduline Tit, Bokmakierie, Cape white-eye, Cape-sugar bird, Malachite sunbird, speckled mouse bird, Cape robin, Cape canary, jackal buzzard, Southern Red bishop, Egyptian goose, Black-headed heron, Helmeted guinea fowl, Red-knobbed Coot and Cape Francolin.

Flora
Mossel Bay is a virtual floral paradise and the primary vegetation on its rugged cliffs, undulating plains and sandy beaches is fynbos (fine bush) in hundreds of different varieties. Resembling wild flowers, fynbos is endemic to the Western Cape region and exists nowhere else in the world. There are about 6000 species in the region, blooming in different seasons, providing year- round enjoyment and colour. Mossel Bay is home to many species of fynbos, including the rare Mossel Bay Pincushion, and draws unique bird-life and mammals to the area.
The Dias Museum Complex in Mossel Bay is a great place to start your fynbos education. Here you will find the Ethno Botanical Gardens with a collection of plants found in the area, a Braille Trail where visually impaired visitors can read about, feel and smell the plants, as well as live cuttings of indigenous flowers currently blooming in the area.
For the more energetic, you can explore the coastal fynbos on foot on the Cape St. Blaize Trail – a 12,5km contour path hike starting at The Point and ending at Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse.
A number of resident tour operators and guides offer guided tours of the fynbos too. Well worth a visit is the 330 hectare Oyster Bay Reserve adjacent to Pinnacle Point Beach & Golf Resort. This community rehabilitation project aims to preserve and conserve the sensitive biodiversity of the area, and personal, guided tours can be arranged by calling +27 44 693 3429.

THINGS TO SEE & DO:

The Dias Museum Complex
This impressive, multi-dimensional museum features a life-size replica Bartholomew Dias’ ship, which visitors can actually board. For nature enthusiasts the Ethno Botanical Gardens and Braille Trail has a collection of plants found in the area. This is also the site of South Africa’s first post office at the 500-year old Post Office Tree, where Portuguese navigator, Pedro d'Ataide, left an account of his sunken fleet in a boot hanging from the milkwood tree, which was found three months later and delivered to Portugal.
Open: Mon – Fri 9.00am to 4.45pm, weekends & public holidays 9.00am to 3.45pm.
+27 44 691 1067

ATKV Hartenbos Museum
The Hartenbos Museum is one of the oldest museums in Mossel Bay and commemorates the Great Trek. The exhibit features actual antiquities and gives an accurate representation of the difficult and dangerous journey of the original Voortrekkers (the Boers who left the Cape Colony in 1838), as they trekked northward in search of land away from colonial rule. The displays are divided into 10 halls, each depicting various aspects of life during the Great Trek. The latest addition to the museum is the Hartenbos room, which outlines the history of the holiday resort of Hartenbos.
Open: Mon-Fri 9.00am-4.00pm (closed 1pm-2pm); Sat and public holidays 9.00am-12.30pm
+27 44 695 2183

Whale Watching
In season, from June to November, the 65 km Whale Route along the greater Mossel Bay coastline is well suited to view whales which come close to shore to breed and calve. The most commonly seen species is the Southern Right, and you could also spot Humpback, Bryde’s and Killer Whales (Orcas). Look out for the whale information boards along the coastal road. There are tour operators in Mossel Bay that offer boat-based whale watching excursions, including Oceans Africa
+27 73 178 5462 or +27 44 690 3101

Oyster Bay Reserve
The Oyster Bay Reserve is located on the outskirts of Mossel Bay and is the first community nature reserve within the district. The focus is on community education and participation, particularly in eco-tourism opportunities, as well as conservation and preservation of the sensitive biodiversity of the region.
The reserve has recently added a bird-hide and a number of new walking trails. Personal, guided walks of the area can be booked by calling +27 44 693 3429.
+27 44 693 3164

GAME RESERVES:

Bergsig Game Farm
There are more than 100 species of birds and over 30 species of wildlife to see in this 3000 hectare game farm, including two of Africa’s Big 5 – rhino and buffalo. Five well-equipped self-catering chalets are situated on the Hartenbos River, each completely private with its own deck overlooking the river. Various on-site activities are available, including guided quad bike safaris, game drives, fishing, hiking and cycling trails, canoeing, horse riding and helicopter flights. Santos beach is just 8km away.
+27 44 695 1660

Botlierskop Private Game Reserve
This malaria free, family owned and privately operated game lodge is home to an abundance of animals including 4 of the Big 5. Located just outside Mossel Bay in Little Brak River, you can see lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, rhino, hippo, rare black impala and more, as well as a unique bird life – all overlooking the sea and the mountains. Botlierskop also offers Equine Adventure Safaris for those with moderate to good horse-riding abilities.
+27 44 696 6055

Gondwana Private Game Reserve
Just 30 minutes outside of Mossel Bay is the 11 000 hectare Gondwana Private Game Reserve, which offers free roaming ‘Africa Big 5’ animals. Visitors can see lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino – as well as hippo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, gemsbok and eland, among others. This is a malaria-free area, and offers sumptuous African cuisine, luxurious accommodation, experienced game rangers and numerous activities including game drives, mountain biking, hikes, spa treatments, as well as various programmes, including the “Junior Ranger” especially for children.
Accommodation options include Kwena Lodge bush villas, Ulubisi private villa with three luxurious guest suites, and a tented eco-camp for a unique 5-night or 3-night conservation experience.
+27 44 333 0200

Hartenbos Private Game Lodge
Situated just 18km from popular Hartenbos Beach, and 15 minutes from Mossel Bay, this privately owned game lodge is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding areas. Accommodation is superior and self-catering options are available. Activities on the farm include morning and afternoon game drives, quad drives and cycling trails – all surrounded by wonderful views, fynbos and wildlife. Day visitors are welcome by prior arrangement.
+27 79 675 2718

Indalu Game Reserve
Created as a sanctuary for elephants, which roam freely in this 800-hectare reserve, Indalu offers visitors the chance to touch, feed and interact closely with these magnificent creatures, as well as accompany them on guided walks at sunrise and sunset. For a longer visit, there are two fully-equipped luxury chalets on the banks of the river.
+27 82 990 3831

Nyaru Game Lodge
Situated on the banks of the Matjiespoort River, Nyaru offers a great African safari experience with game drives, quad bike safaris and helicopter flights, nature walks and sun-downer picnics. Seventeen species of game including giraffe, zebra and the rare black impala can be found here, and the lodge’s riverside location means that birdlife is abundant. Accommodation options include one and two-bedroom chalets, and the 8-sleeper Night Jar Retreat. There is also an 80-seater restaurant on site.
+27 82 715 1933

Zorgfontein Eco & Wildlife Reserve
Close to Mossel Bay, this reserve offers a party of up to eight guests the chance to accompany guides on a twice daily walk with young African lions. The walk takes about an hour and is slow-paced to allow participants to experience how the lions play and interact with each other. Times vary and booking is essential.
+27 44 620 2026

BEACHES:

Santos Beach (Blue Flag status)
The only north- facing beach in South Africa, this wide, sandy beach offers visitors a 1km swim area, making it very safe for swimming and perfect for water sports and family beach activities. About 10 minutes from the centre of town, the beach has Blue Flag status in the season and has a restaurant, coffee shop and caravan park.

Diaz Water World
This water park is currently in the process of a major upgrade, which should be completed by the end of September 2016. The park is still operational while the upgrades are taking place and visitors can enjoy the existing indoor heated pool with waters slides, three speed slides, as well as a “lazy river” to float down. Once the renovations are complete, this park will also offer two additional speed slides, four “wave-rider” pools, a kiddie-friendly area for age 5 years and younger, and a legendary “water worm”. The park is part of the Diaz Hotel Complex where there are two restaurants.
+27 44 620 2479

Diaz Beach
This 3km stretch of beach is centrally situated and offers two safe swimming areas for families to enjoy. There are also restaurants, ablution facilities, and the Diaz Waterworld waterpark with a variety of big and small water rides is located across the road from the beach in the Diaz Hotel complex.

De Bakke beach (Blue Flag status)
Situated on the west side of the Mossel Bay harbour, this smallish beach has recently achieved Blue Flag status. It is a popular choice for locals and visitors alike and offers safe swimming, fishing, ablution facilities, braai areas, and a caravan park.

Hartenbos beach (Blue Flag status)
This is a wide, sandy beach that is perfect for swimming, surfing and walking. Wheelchair access points are good with a number of ramps available. There is a parking area, the ablutions and facilities are first rate, and there are a number of restaurants and shops nearby.

Little Brak Beach
Little Brak beach and lagoon are only 15 minutes from Mossel Bay, offering white sandy beaches and water sport opportunities like canoeing, boating, fishing and water skiing on the river.

Boggomsbaai beach
This quaint little holiday village and beach is situated 10km from Mossel Bay and stretches for 1km, making it perfect for swimming and beach activities.

The Point beach
Just under 10km out of town, The Point beach offers a 3km walkway along the rocky coastline past the St Blaize lighthouse, a small tidal pool on the beach, as well as a huge natural rock pool just below the Point Hotel. There are also restaurants, bars and children’s play areas, and great waves make this a very popular surfing spot.

Dana Bay
The white sandy beach of Dana Bay extends for kilometres and is part of a conservation area for the protection of fynbos, birdlife and wildlife in the area.

Rheebok Beach
A 20 minute drive from Mossel Bay, this beautiful clean beach stretches 8km, offering four swimming areas, a tidal pool and ablution facilities. Lifesavers are on duty during peak season.

ENTERTAINMENT:

FantaSea Family Entertainment Centre
A short 10 minute drive out of central Mossel Bay, the centre offers a ton of family fun with a restaurant, skate park, putt-putt, trampolines, waterslides, air balls, water volleyball, a toddler play park and jumping castles on site.
+27 71 697 6941

Blasters Family Entertainment Centre
Fun for the whole family, Blasters offers a safe play environment for children supervised by attendants, while parents enjoy a meal at the restaurant or sports bar. The centre offers year round enjoyment including a glowing “black light” mini-golf course with an underwater theme, a huge braai terrace, live music, quiz nights and karaoke.
+27 44 692 0521/2

Garden Route Casino
If you fancy a flutter, the Garden Route Casino is located at Pinnacle Point and offers 412 slot machines, blackjack, poker and roulette tables, and a private gaming salon. There are also three restaurants – Bravo Lounge, Admiral’s Buffet restaurant and the Red Cherry Café.
+27 044 606-7777

Diaz Express
This is a fun rail experience for the whole family. The train runs along the existing Transnet rail network between the seaside resorts of Great Brak River and Mossel Bay.
+27 82 450-7778

Craft Art Workshop
Set up as a communal gallery, the Craft Art Workshop features a fantastic display of locally produced art, crafts, gifts and souvenirs. You will be able to see some of the artists at work while you shop, and coffee and light meals are also available.
+27 44 691 1761

Mariaan Kotze Gallery and Art Studio
Art lovers will find lots to enjoy on a visit to Mariaan Kotze’s gallery. As well as classic and contemporary paintings, there are unusual decor pieces, fab furniture, cushions, sculpture, and of course, art supplies.
+27 83 245 2424

WALKS & TRAILS:
Cape St Blaize hiking trail
Enjoy amazing scenery on this easy 12,5km contour path walk along the rocky coastline. You will see many varieties of coastal fynbos, interesting caves and rock formations, and the elevated ocean views make it perfect for whale watching too. Also known as the “Origin of Man” hiking trail, the path was built by children from the Point High School and runs from The Point parking lot under the Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse through to Dana Bay.

Oystercatcher Trail
The 5-day Oystercatcher Trail runs from Mossel Bay to the Gourits River Mouth, although shorter options are available too. It is one of only two hikes in Africa chosen in the fifth BBC series of “Unforgettable Walks to Take Before You Die”. This guided hike offers porterage, meals and comfortable accommodation along the way.
+27 44 699 1204

Hunter-Gatherer Trail
The Hunter-Gatherer Trail follows a similar route to the Oystercatcher Trail, and also takes five days from Boggomsbaai to the Gouritz River mouth. This is a guided hike and portage is also offered, but accommodation is more basic in tents and wooden dorms, and you’ll need to cook your own meals. Your personal guide will give you a good insight into the life of the Koisan people, the original hunter-gatherers, who inhabited this area around 300 – 400 years ago.
+27 44 699 1204

Mossel Bay Historic Walk
If you’re a history enthusiast, don’t miss this walking tour of the town’s Old Quarter, where a number of handsome, well-preserved stone buildings can be found. Originally built by the Cornish stonemasons who immigrated to this area in the mid to late 1800, there are over 50 historically significant buildings on the tour. A route map is available from the Tourism Information Office.
+27 44-691 2202

Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse
The lighthouse was built in 1864 and the light itself was stationary. In 1897 a revolving, clock-work light, which required winding every three hours, was fitted. This was used until the late 1970s. The light is now fully automated.
+27 44-691 2202

Pinnacle Point Caves
These caves are world famous in archaeological circles since artefacts dating back around 165 000 years were discovered there in the late 1990s. These finds show how modern human behaviour evolved and adapted to extreme climate change during the last Ice Age. Well-funded scientific projects are ongoing in the caves, since DNA evidence indicates that all humans on earth today descend from a small population in this area, and archaeological research shows that at least some of those people lived in Mossel Bay. Guided tours of the Pinnacle Caves are available to small groups of people. One of the tours is led by Dr Peter Nilssen, who was part of the original team that discovered the remains in the caves.
+27 71 690 8889 or +27 79 640 0004

KwaNonqaba Township Tour
Join a township tour with a local guide and experience everyday life in KwaNonqaba Township. Experience the local culture through the eyes of the locals, try a traditional beer at a local shebeen, have lunch at a township guesthouse and even visit the local sangoma (traditional healer), if that piques your interest.
+27 44 691 1995

Gonnakraal Township Tour
Garden Route Dreams tour company offers visitors the opportunity to meet people living on “The Other Side” in Gonnakraal township, which lies about eight km from Great Brak River and 25 minutes from Mossel Bay. The tour includes a light lunch in an informal setting, and drinks afterwards at a local game reserve.
+27 82 332 2227

Shark Cage Diving
For an adrenalin pumping experience, not much beats shark cage diving! A large breeding colony of Cape Fur seals just 1km offshore from Diaz Beach is an ideal hunting ground for Great Whites and other sharks. There are several professional shark cage diving operators in Mossel Bay, most being part of national groups. Tours depart from the harbour daily in the morning, and some companies offer afternoon sessions as well. Trips generally last three to four hours and include dive gear hire. Peak shark spotting months are April to September.
White Shark Africa (+27 44 691-3796 or +27 82 455-2438);
Shark Diving (+27 82 403 0333);
Shark Seekers (+27 76 368-2378);
Shark Zone (+ 27 082 894-4979);

Deep-sea fishing
There are a number of deep-sea fishing charters available in the Mossel Bay area.
Deep Sea Adventures (+27 72 454 2988 or +27 83 260 2222)
GoFish Deep Sea Fishing Charters (+27 72 255 5313)
Captain Hook Charters ( +27 84 626 3190)
Garden Route Adventure Centre ( +27 44 691 3184)

Golfing in Mossel Bay
Mossel Bay is home to two great 18-hole golf courses, as well as a 9-hole course. The challenging Mossel Bay Golf Course (+27 44 691 2379) offers a sea view from every tee. At the well-known Pinnacle Point Championship Golf Course (+27 44 606 5300), seven holes are played at the edge of the cliffs – four of those over ocean and cliff. For a shorter game, try the 9-hole course at Boggomsbaai (+27 44 699 1163).

South Cape Breweries
In operation since 2012, Mossel Bay’s first micro-brewery produces a natural beer under the Glenhoff label according to the Bavarian “Reinheitsgebot” method. Popular with locals and fans further afield, choose from Glenhoff Draught, Glenhoff Lager and Glenhoff Gold.
Open: Mon – Fri 9.00am – 5.00pm.
+27 883 251 8282

Scuba diving and snorkelling
Explore the beautiful world beneath the waves of Mossel Bay with dive company, Electrodive, situated at Quay 4 in the harbour. The company offers scuba and snorkelling tours and diving courses. Shore and boat snorkelling are available, and many reefs and shipwrecks off the coast are just a short boat ride away.
+27 82 561 1259 or +27 79 207 7813

Walk with young lions
Close to Mossel Bay, Zorgfontein Eco & Wildlife Reserve offers up to eight guests the chance to accompany guides on a twice daily walk with young African lions. The walk takes about an hour and is slow-paced to allow participants to experience how the lions play and interact with each other. Times vary and booking is essential.
+27 44 620 2026

Alcare Aloe Centre
Around 60km out of Mossel Bay on the N2 highway near Albertina, the Alacare Aloe Centre has an indigenous garden with 17 species of aloe, as well as a kids’ play centre and a coffee shop. Products made in the Alcare factory are on sale in the shop and visitors who want to know more about this amazing healing plant, can visit the factory and watch a demonstration of the traditional eco-friendly aloe “tapping” method of harvesting.
Open: Mon-Fri 8.00am to 5.00pm; Sat/Sun 8.00am to 4.00pm
+27 28 735-1454

PLACES TO EAT:
Bahia Dos Vaqueiros (+27 44 692 8400)
Beach Tree Restaurant (+27 44 691 1325)
Big Blu Restaurant (+27 44 691-2010)
Blasters Restaurant (+27 44 692-0522)
Blue Oyster Bar (+27 44 691-1885)
Blue Shed Coffee Roasters (+27 44 691-0037)
Café Gannet Restaurant (+27 44 691-1885)
Café Havana Cuban Restaurant (+27 44 690-4640)
Cattle Baron (+27 44 695 0417)
Delfinos Restaurant (+27 44 690-5247)
Jabu's Shisa Nyama ((+27 44 690-3079)
Kaai 4 Braai Restaurant (+27 44 691-0056)
Mossel Bay Oyster Bar (+27 71 471-3131)
Nyaru African Restaurant (+27 82 715 1933)
Oceans Bistro & Bar (+27 44 691-1325)
Ocean Basket (+27 44 690 3535)
Ponto’s Grille & Carvery (+27 44 690- 5574)
Patricks Pub & Restaurant (+27 44 691-0077)
Route 57 (+27 44 691 0057)
Sea Gypsy Café (+27 44 690-5496)
Shooters Pool & Sports Bar ((+27 44 691-1248)
The Kingfisher Restaurant (+27 44 690 6390)
The Lighthouse Restaurant (+27 44 691 3512)
The London Bus (+27 44 817-2382)
The Point Restaurant (+27 44 691 3512)
The Red Lobster (+27 44 695 3039)
Transkaroo (+27 44 620 4163)
Tropicana Empanada (+27 44 62 718-8294)
Villa Point (+27 44 691 1923)
Whispering Waves Restaurant (+27 44 692 8601)

PLACES TO STAY
1 Point Village Guest House (+27 44 690- 7792)
African Oceans Manor on the Beach (+27 44 695-1846)
Amzee-Bokmakerie Guest House (+27 44 698 1738)
Aquamarine Guest House
Avenues Guesthouse (+27 44 691-1097)
B@Home B&B (+27 44 690-5385)
Bar-t-Nique Guest House (+27 44 690-4554)
Bay Lodge on the Beach (+27 44 695-0218)
Bay Vista Guesthouse (+27 44 690-3138)
Blue Bay Manor (+27 44 695-4224)
Blue Whale Lodge (+27 44 691-3147 )
Botlierskop Private Game Reserve (+27 44 696-6055 or +27 44 333-0021)
Bush Villas (self-catering inside Botlierskop Game Reserve) (+27 44 696 6055)
classicalView Guest House (+27 44 698 2157)
Dana Bay B&B Guest House (+27 44 698-2146 )
Diaz Beach Haven (Self-catering and B&B) (+27 82 441-7905)
Diaz Strand (+27 44 692 8400)
Dolphin Bay Hotel (+27 44 691-9001)
Edward Charles Manor Hotel (+27 44 691-2152)
Fireplace Restaurant (+27 44 696 6055)
Garden Court Hotel (+27 44 693 2800)
Garden Route Casino Hotel & Spa (+27 44 693-2800)
Gondwana Game Reserve (+27 44 333-0200)
Highview Lodge (self-catering) (+27 44 691-9038)
Hotel Portao Diaz (+27 82 937 1949)
Ilita Lodge (+27 44 620 4143)
Kay Cera Guesthouse (+27 44 698-1163)
Lilies & Leopards B&B (+27 44 698-1743)
Linkside2 Guesthouse (+27 44 690-4364)
Mossel Bay Guest House (+27 44 691-2000)
Mossel Bay Backpackers (+27 44 691-3182)
Oceans Hotel & Campus (+27 44 691-1325)
Overzee Guesthouse (+27 44 694-0007 or +27 82 673-9572)
Pinnacle Point Beach & Golf Resort (+27 44 606-5316)
Point Village Hotel (+27 44 690-3156)
Point Hotel (+27 44 691-3512)
Protea Hotel (+27 44 691-3738)
Sandpiper Cottages (Boggomsbaai) (+27 44 699 1204)
Santos Express Backpackers (+27 83 900-7797)
The Old Post Tree Manor Hotel (+27 44 691-3738)
The Point Hotel (+27 44 691 3512)
The Shark Shack Backpackers (+27 44 690-6446)
T&H Sauer Guest House (+27 83 704-1596)
Whale Phin Guest House (+27 44 696-6772)