EXPLORE Mossel Bay

After rounding the tip of Southern Africa, Bartolomeu Dias and his fleet entered the bay in 1488, where the current town of Mossel Bay is located. He named it Bahia Aguado de Sao Bras. It is thought that he made land at what is now known as Munro Bay in order to collect water from a fountain that is still there to this day. They interacted with the Khoi people of the area as well as the Strandlopers (Beach People) who lived off roots, herbs, small animals and fish.

Recorded in the book “Mossel Bay – 500 Years” it is said that when Vasco da Gama returned to the area 9 years later, the very first transaction in South Africa took place when a black ox was bartered for bracelets.

From these incredibly humble beginnings, Mossel Bay has grown into a bustling holiday town and port, which is situated on the Garden Route exactly half way between the cosmopolitan area of Cape Town and the windy city of Port Elizabeth.

This town, despite its industrial aestheticism, still boasts wonderful beaches with warm waters and natural beauty that surrounds the town. Set on the slopes of Cape St Blaize, against the backdrop of the Outeniqua Mountains, golf players cannot get enough of the views from the two championship golf courses that Mossel Bay has to offer. 

With a mild all-year round climate that has made it into the Guiness Book of Records, second to Hawaii, Mossel Bay is the perfect retreat come winter or summer. Many different accommodation types in Mossel Bay make it the ideal spot for travellers as it allows for luxurious stays as well as budget retreats.

If a beach holiday is what you are looking for away from the bustle of major cities, then Mossel Bay is the town for you.