Mossel Bay Tourism (2023) - South Africa > Top Places, Travel Guide

Mossel Bay Travel Packages

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10 Days / 9 Nights

Deluxe South Africa Tour Package with Whale Watching Cruises

$ 1,986

11% off

$1,751 per adult on twin sharing

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8 Days / 7 Nights

Discover Beautiful Garden Route Tour

$ 1,129

6% off

$1,057 per adult on twin sharing

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8 Days / 7 Nights

Garden Route Package with Addo Elephant National Park

$ 1,086

8% off

$995 per adult on twin sharing

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10 Days / 9 Nights

10 Days South African Explorer's Journey

$ 2,044

11% off

$1,804 per adult on twin sharing

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9 Days / 8 Nights

9-Day Scenic Beauty of the Western Cape Adventure

$ 2,016

22% off

$1,566 per adult on twin sharing

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6 Days / 5 Nights

Garden Route Odyssey: 6-Day Coastal Adventure

$ 823

6% off

$769 per adult on twin sharing

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Mossel Bay Travel Essentials

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3.2 /5 Rate This Destination

Weather:

Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: April - September Read More

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"Bay of the South and Outdoor Activities"

Mossel Bay Tourism

Mossel Bay is a coastal town situated along the southern coast of the Western Cape province Mossel Bay, situated at the beginning of the Garden Route, suits both adventure enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation. Its captivating beaches, clear waters, and diverse outdoor activities cater to relaxation and adventure seekers, with options like shark cage diving, wreck diving, surfing, and snorkelling.

Mossel Bay holds the title of the Garden Route's adventure hub, offering thrilling activities like Great White Shark diving and sandboarding. Beyond its excitement, the town holds a historical significance, with Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias arriving in 1488. The bay served as a stop for ships in need of supplies and features South Africa's earliest "post office," a milkwood tree where sailors would leave letters for incoming crews. Its easygoing backpacker vibe and Mediterranean-like charm create a laid-back atmosphere.

Local Transport: Travellers can explore the city centre on foot while using a car is recommended for reaching destinations or restaurants outside the city.
Shop for Genuine Souvenirs: Buy unique handmade crafts at the Craft Shop near the Tourism Info, offering genuine Mossel Bay souvenirs instead of imports from other countries.
Whale Watching: Travellers can witness the annual whale migration from July to October.
Adventure Capital: Positioned between Cape Town and Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), Mossel Bay is the adventure capital on the Garden Route.
Rainfall at Night: Around 80% of Mossel Bay's rainfall occurs during the nighttime, throughout the year.
Rock Art Sites Visit: To visit the rock art sites near Mossel Bay located on privately-owned land, the assistance of a registered guide is necessary for public access.
Festivals: Consider attending the Proe Mosselbaai Food Indaba in late February to early March, and the annual Sports Festival in late September for a memorable experience.
Gondwana Game Reserves: Gondwana Game Reserve is conveniently located just a short thirty-minute drive from Mossel Bay.

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Top Hotels In Mossel Bay

Garden Route Safari Camp

9.7 (344 reviews)

$ 422 onwards

The Lookout Guest House

9.9 (250 reviews)

$ 47 onwards

Authentic Mossel Bay

9.8 (35 reviews)

$ 90 onwards

Erika27 B&B NO LOADSHEDDING

9.7 (226 reviews)

$ 60 onwards

Aloe @ the Sea

9.7 (183 reviews)

$ 39 onwards

Rosebud 4 Beacon Point

9.7 (181 reviews)

$ 119 onwards

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More on Mossel Bay Travel

Shopping in Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay offers diverse shopping with unique items and local crafts. Key spots include Langeberg Mall, Mossel Bay Mall, Heiderand Mall, Shweshwe Stop Shop, and The Fragrance Route. From nautical collectables at Maritime Antiques to local crafts at Goods Shed Craft Market, there's something for all. Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex has historical souvenirs, and La Chocolaterie Rococo offers distinctive experiences.

Nightlife in Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay's nightlife offers a range of options for various interests.

Music enthusiasts can head to Sky Lounge for jazz or Zeppelins Rock and Roll Bar for rock music.
Food lovers can try Jackal on the Beach for pizza or Kaai 4 Braai Restaurant for South African cuisine.
Garden Route Casino provides games and promotions for thrill-seekers, while Santos Beach offers a romantic nighttime stroll.
WildX Adventures organizes segway tours, and pub quizzes are available at places like Friends Pub and Grill and Santos Express Train Lodge.

History of Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay's history goes way back, starting with the indigenous Khoi-San people. In 1488, Portuguese explorer Bartholomeu Dias made his mark as the first known European to land here. It turned into an important stop for sailors on the spice route, becoming a trade and rest point. In colonial times, the Dutch East India Company set up a post, making Mossel Bay a key maritime spot. The area saw conflicts among the Dutch, British, and local Xhosa communities. The Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex shows this history. Today, Mossel Bay honours its past while also being a lively place that blends old and new.

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How to Reach Mossel Bay

How to Reach Overview

To access Mossel Bay from nearby cities, the preferred modes of transportation include flights via George Airport, a quick 30-minute drive covering around 40 kilometres, as well as driving through the N2 highway, with Cape Town and Port Elizabeth about 400 kilometres away. Long-distance bus services and rail routes also offer connections to Mossel Bay from various locations.

How to reach Mossel Bay by flight

Mossel Bay has an airport in nearby George, with flights to big cities in South Africa. The airport is a quick 30-minute drive, about 40 km from Mossel Bay. You can rent a car or use transport services from there.

A flight from Johannesburg to George takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes, and from Cape Town to George, it takes about 50 minutes. These flights cost between $160 - $350 for a round trip. Flights can be booked through AirLink, CemAir, and FlySafair.

How to reach Mossel Bay by road

Driving is convenient through the N2 highway, which connects Mossel Bay with neighbouring towns and cities. The distance from Cape Town is around 400 kilometres, taking approximately 4-5 hours, while from Port Elizabeth, it's around 400 kilometres and takes around 4-5 hours as well.

How to reach Mossel Bay by train

The rail routes connect to various parts of this city. Trains to George pass through Hartenbos, Great Brak River, and Little Brak River daily. George is about 40 kilometres from Mossel Bay and it can be reached by road.

How to reach Mossel Bay by bus

Bus services like Intercape and Greyhound offer long-distance options between major cities and Mossel Bay.

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