Mossel Bay sits along the sun-kissed shores of South Africa’s Garden Route and has become a fabulously famous coastal must-visit destination, one full of history, adventure, and a dash of the unexpected.
Known for its golden beaches and balmy climate, this charming town is more than just a seaside retreat; it’s a treasure trove of strange, fun, and unusual surprises waiting to be discovered and thoroughly enjoyed.
In this quick and to-the-point blog about Mossel Bay, we are going to dig into the quirky corners of this delightful destination, telling you exactly why Mossel Bay should be a must-visit on any traveller’s itinerary, especially if you plan to take a drive along one of South Africa’s most beautiful botanical routes, the Garden Route!
What makes Mossel Bay special?
There is not one thing that makes Mossel Bay special…rather, there are a lot of fascinating, beautiful and amazing things that make this port town such an iconic place.
Mossel Bay has it all, something for every type of tourist to fall in love with and just enjoy.
It has magnificent natural surroundings. It has plenty of places of historical significance that history buffs will love. It has all sorts of wonderful cafes, restaurants, and coffee shops to indulge your taste buds. And it has culture, in abundance!
Mossel Bay is also a hugely popular tourist destination because it is home to some of the best beaches, and who can resist a beach day?
What are some interesting facts about Mossel Bay?
In 1500, a tree was used as a “post office” and today it has become the town’s most visited and most prominent landmark! The tree was used by both intrepid explorers and traders making their way around the Cape of Good Hope. At the tree, sailors left letters in a shoe for passing ships to pick up and deliver.
Another interesting thing about this town is its fascinating origins.
The town’s history can be traced back to 1488, long before the Dutch arrived and colonised the Cape, when the Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias first set foot here, marking the beginning of European contact with South Africa. But although the town was “discovered” by the Portuguese and was originally named São Bras by Dias, the name Mossel Bay, which is derived from the Dutch word “Mossel,” meaning “mussel,” a nod to the abundance of shellfish in the area, is the name that really stuck.
Today, Mossel Bay is a bustling town known for its stunning beaches, action-packed harbour, and as the starting point of the Garden Route, a scenic drive that shows off South Africa’s wild and green Eastern Cape. And let’s not forget the stunning coastline, with its rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and opportunities for whale watching and dolphin spotting.
The Fun and Unusual Facts about Mossel Bay
Although this is a top tourist destination, (because it is so gosh darn beautiful here!), there is so much more to Mossel Bay than meets the eye, once you peel back the curtain.
It is Full of Historical Oddities
The Pinnacle Point Caves, close to Mossel Bay, are more than just old rocks. Archaeological evidence suggests that humans living here over 160 000 years ago were already using sophisticated tools and techniques. That’s a lot smarter than most of us in the morning!
The Khoi and San people also called this area home for a couple of thousand years. Their deep connection to the land is evident in their art, stories, and traditions.
And if you want to fully appreciate and absorb the maritime past of the town, a visit to the Dias Museum, where you can learn about the life of Bartolomeu Dias and the Age of Exploration, is a must.
It has the Oldest Post Office and the Oldest Newspaper in South Africa
As one of South Africa’s oldest continuously published newspapers, the Mossel Bay Advertiser has covered local stories and events for at least 100 years, becoming an important catalogue and preserver of South African history.
And, as we mentioned above, you’ll also find South Africa’s oldest post office (or post tree in this case), in Mossel Bay.
The area also has many, many natural wonders and wildlife!
Aside from the fascinating Pinnacle Point caves being nearby, Mossel Bay and its surrounds have a rich marine life; it is even home to the “Shark Lab”, an aquarium for sharks.
If you’re brave enough, you can also get up close and personal with Great White Sharks in a cage. It’s an adrenaline-pumping experience that will leave you with enough stories to tell for a lifetime. Sharks really are just misunderstood giants of the ocean.
Mossel Bay is also a whale-watching paradise. Southern Right Whales come here to calve and nurse their young, giving visitors a chance to see them.
It has More than a couple of Unique Attractions and Activities
Fancy a night in a train carriage? The Santos Express has arguably the town’s most unique and quirky accommodation experience right on the beach. Those who stay on the Santos Express get to fall asleep to the gentle lull of the waves, and a salty sea breeze. It’s a truly unique way to experience Mossel Bay.
If you’re seeking some real action, and the shark cages aren’t your thing, then sandboarding is a must-try! Gliding down the towering sand dunes, and feeling the adrenaline rush as you pick up speed is a fun and adventurous way to explore the natural beauty of the area.
Finally, you can go on a boat trip to Seal Island and enjoy the sight of one of nature’s most stunning scenes! Thousands of seals call this island home, and watching them frolic and play is an experience everyone visiting Mossel Bay should enjoy.
It has Ghoulies, Ghosties and Long Leggedy Beasties!
Some say the ghost of a shipwrecked sailor haunts the old lighthouse on the point, and his mournful cries carried on the wind. Others say it is a load of nonsense…but would you spend a night there?
Mossel Bay is also home to The Legend of the Oyster Catcher! Local folklore suggests that the haunting calls of these birds can predict storms, a belief that has been passed down through generations of coastal dwellers.
And like many coastal communities, Mossel Bay also has its share of superstitions. From lucky charms to weather predictions based on animal behaviour, these local beliefs are rather interesting and can make even the stubborn non-believer wonder, maybe.
It has its Fair Share of Interesting Local Events
Mossel Bay isn’t just about sun, sea, and sand. The town also has a jiving events calendar.
The Dias Festival is a highlight for the town, one that celebrates the explorers who first set foot on these shores. You can expect historical re-enactments, boat races, and plenty of local flavour.
And let’s not forget the Oyster Festival, a delicious event just for this local delicacy. Don’t be fooled by its kind of common namesake; this festival is a Mossel Bay original, with its own unique character.
Mossel Bay also has a wonderful arts and music scene. Keep an eye out for quirky art installations that pop up in unexpected places. And if you’re lucky, you might catch a local band playing a unique blend of genres that will leave you wanting more.
Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Mossel Bay won’t disappoint. And remember, every traveller has a story to tell so don’t forget to share your Mossel Bay adventures with us!