Mossel Bay’s Historic Walk
The Old Quarter of Mossel Bay is famous for its well-preserved historic buildings - many of which were built by stone masons from Cornwall (particularly the Donald, Carter, and Rogers families) who settled in the town in the second half of the 19th Century. The buildings were all erected in the period from about 1830 to the early 1900s, and include homes, commercial and municipal buildings, churches, schools, the Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse, and a rare example of terrace housing (St. Blaize Terrace, built in 1909 and renovated in 1986). The Mossel Bay Heritage Society and Mossel Bay Tourism have documented many of the buildings on a handy map which is available from the information office on the corner of Church and Market Streets. INFORMATION Collect the ‘Explore Historical Mossel Bay On Foot’ map from Mossel Bay Tourism, or download HERE: (pdf, 2.75 mb) MBay Historic Walk LOW RES Latitude    34° 10'48.34"S Longitude   22° 8'35.61"E

Mossel Bay Helicopters

Mossel Bay Helicopters have two choppers available for hire.Our specialties include scenic flights to which ever location you choose and also game counting,mapping ect. Price available on request!

• PO Box 335, Mossel Bay, 6500
• Bergsig,Matjiesdrift
• Phone: +27 (0)44 695 1660
• Fax: +27 (0)44 695 4218
• Mobile: +27 (0)83 275 7063
• Email: mosselbayhelicopters@msn.com

White Shark Africa
Are you interested in meeting the sharks that live in the waters surrounding our coast? If you want to view these monsters from the deep contact us.We launch 09h00 daily.

• P O Box 2979, Mossel Bay, 6500
• Quay 4, Commercial Slipway, Mossel Bay Harbour
• Phone: +2744 691 3796
• Fax: +2786 693 9834
• Mobile: +2782 455 2438
• Email:info@whitesharkafrica.com
• Homepage: www.whitesharkafrica.com

Romonza Boat Trips
Every hour on the hour from 10h00-17h00. All year round we sail to seal island and stop for a closer look at the 3000 fascinating seals. The Romonza was awarded a boat based whale watching permit till 2006, the only holder in Mossel Bay. Depart from the comfortable working harbour to observe the greatest mammal close-up. Twice daily, we carry 50 persons.

• P.O. Box 95, Mossel Bay, 6500
• Port of MosselBay, CBD, Mossel Bay
• Phone: +27 (0)44 690 3101
• Fax: +27 (0)44 690 3101
• Mobile: +27 (0)82 701 9031
• Email: romonza@mweb.co.za
• Homepage:http://www.mosselbay.co.za/romonza

Mossel Bay Deep Sea Adventures

Come and enjoy a deep sea fishing trip on the best rigged 8m Butt Cat in Mossel Bay. "Extreme fun, up close nature". The launch and journey is safe and dry which makes for a care free fishing fun in our famous scenic coastline area.

• P.O. Box 1515, Mossel Bay, 6500
• Fax: +2744 696 5123
• Mobile: +2772 454 2988
• Email: deepseaadventures@etime.co.za
• Homepage: www.deepseaadventures.co.za

Bonniedale Holiday Farm

Back To Nature. The perfect overnight and  day-trip destination. Horse riding, 4x4 routes, hiking, mountain biking, khoi san rock art, rock pools, braai, fox "foefie" slide, historical Oxwagon Pass, natural fynbos, birding and stargazing.

• Off the R328, Hartenbos to Oudtshoorn, Ruitersbos
• Phone: +2744 695 3175
• Fax: +2744 695 3175
• Email: bonniedale@mweb.co.za
• Homepage: www.bonniedale.com

St. Blaize Hiking Trail
The St. Blaize Trail is a popular 13.5 km (6 hour) hike that follows the 30 metre contour along the cliffs westwards from the Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse. It begins at the Cave below the Lighthouse, and ends at Dana Bay (you can walk it in either direction), and is marked with the sign of the Oystercatcher (see photo). Parking is available at both the St. Blaize Cave and Dana Bay. The trail offers dramatic sea views, excellent whale and dolphin watching, good birding, and interesting fynbos. It is a moderately difficult walk that requires a reasonable degree of fitness. Carry water, use hats and sun-block, and exercise caution in wet weather, high winds, and mist. Exits and escape routes are situated far from the main roads and the town centre. Beware of snakes (especially puff adders) and flying golf balls in the area where the trail crosses the Pinnacle Point Golf Course. Do not hike alone; children should not hike unaccompanied. Road shuttle services are available to meet you and return you to your vehicle by prior arrangement:

• All Aboard Tours and Safaris +27(0)82 410 7683;
• Back Road Safaris +27(0)44 690 8150;
• Northernhaye Tours +27(0)44 690 8000.

 

• Responsible authority: Mossel Bay Municipality  +27(0)44 606 5143
• Tourist information: Mossel Bay Tourism +27(0)44 691 2202
• e-mail: info@visitmosselbay.co.za

Download a map and further information here (pdf: 720 kb) St Blaize Trail LOW RES

Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum in the Dias Museum Complex houses a life-sized replica of the ship in which Bartolomeu Dias sailed round the Cape and landed in Mossel Bay in 1488.Other displays explore the story of the early Portuguese, Dutch and English navigators. On the upper level, a cultural display focuses on the heritage of Mossel Bay - the district and its people, from pre-historic times until today.  

• Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex
• Private Bag X1, Mossel Bay, 6500
• 1 Market Street, CBD, Mossel Bay
• Phone: +27 (0)44 691 1067
• Fax: +27 (0)44 691 1915
• Email: info@diasmuseum.co.za
• Homepage: http://www.diasmuseum.co.za

Historical Background Originally built as a grain- and sawmill in 1901, the building that now houses the Maritime Museum at the Dias Museum Complex was re-designed by the Cape Town-based architect Gawie Fagan in the early 1980s to house a replica of the ship on which Bartolomeu Dias sailed into Mossel Bay in 1488. Bartolomeu Dias (1451 – 24 May 1500) lead the first official European expedition known to have sailed round the Cape of Good Hope, and became the first of the great European navigators to land on South African soil (at Mossel Bay on 3 February, 1488). Before undertaking his expedition (which aimed to find a trade route to India while at the same time making contact with the fabled Christian and African leader, Prester John), Dias worked as the superintendent of the royal warehouses in the court of King John II of Portugal. Although his expedition failed in both of its tasks, it lead the way for Vasco da Gama’s 1497 voyage to India (during which da Gama stopped at Mossel Bay, and bartered with the indigenous Khoisan people). Since we have no accurate plans of the kind of caravel on which Dias would have sailed, the drawings for the replica that now stands in the Maritime Museum were conceived using various resources by the Aporvela (the Portuguese Sail Training Association), and the ship itself was built at Vila do Conde, in Portugal, by Samuel & Filhos, Lda., and was launched by Portugal’s First Lady, Maria Soares, on the 14 June, 1987. The replica was sailed to South Africa as part of the Dias88 Festival, which commemorated the 500th anniversary of Dias’ landing. The ship left Lisbon on the 8th of November, 1987, and arrived in Mossel Bay on the 3rd of February, 1988. During the festival, she also visited Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Port Edward, and Durban, before finally returning to her permanent dry-dock in the Maritime Museum. Watch a video about the 1988 voyage of the caravel ‘Bartolomeu Dias’ here The Maritime Museum also houses displays of navigational instruments used in the Age of Discovery, a large collection of maps by early cartographers, and an exhibition of local history. The building is fitted with tiered bench-seating, and is often used for lectures, meetings, concerts and recitals as it possesses excellent acoustics. INFORMATION Access the Maritime Museum via the Dias Museum Complex (entrance at The Granary). The Complex is open daily except Christmas Day and Good Friday. More information:  www.diasmuseum.co.za/maritime.html

• Latitude    34° 10'48.21"S
• Longitude    22° 8'29.96"E

Download a pdf booklet on the Museums of Mossel Bay here.

Electrodive (Scuba Diving)
Scuba diving, reef diving. Diving Courses NAUI, PADI, CMAS from scuba diver to instructor, airfills, equipment sales and servicing. Cylinder testing, rib rides, snorkeling, bay trips, dolphin, seal and whale watching. Experience how to breath under water. Next to yacht club, Mossel Bay Harbour, CBD, Mossel Bay

• Shop 2
• Field Street
• Mossel bay
• Fax: +2786 684 2789
• Mobile: +2782 561 1259
• +2772 130 9489
• Email: elecdive@mweb.co.za
• Homepage: www.electrodive.co.za

Cape St. Blaize Cave
The Cape St. Blaize Cave is an important archaeological site, and a popular point for whale and dolphin watching. It is situated in the cliffs below the Cape St Blaize Lighthouse. The Cave is significant for a number of reasons: George Leith excavated it in 1888 (making it one of South Africa’s earliest archaeological excavations), as did T. Rupert Jones (1899), and A.J.H (John) Goodwin (in the 1920s). Goodwin described the Middle Stone Age Mossel Bay Industry from his findings. More importantly, though, the Cave has revealed middens laid down by the San or Khoekhoen people in the period from about 200,000 years ago to the pre-colonial age (i.e. pre-1488). More recently, parts of the Cave were explored in the late 2000s by scientists of the Mossel Bay Archaeology Project (MAP). The MAP is the largest scientific project of its kind in the world today, and is studying the finds at various sites in the Southern Cape - most importantly, at the Pinnacle Point Caves (which are not open to the public). Genetic research has shown that all humans alive today stem from a core population of about 600 individuals who lived about 165,000 years ago. The discoveries in the Pinnacle Point Caves would indicate that they lived in the Mossel Bay area. The climatic conditions at the time - and therefore the food resources available - were conducive to the development of modern human behaviour, and the scientists working on the MAP have discovered the earliest evidence for The use of complex bladelet technology (embedding small rock blades into other materials such as wood or bone to create sophisticated tools); The use of ochres (possibly for symbolling, possibly for decoration); The systematic harvesting of sea foods (which would have yielded the omega-3 fatty acids which were necessary for the development of the modern human brain); and The use of heat to strengthen rock tools. Significantly, the scientists have also discovered that the dripstone formations in the roofs of the caves hold fossilised carbon isotopes dating back to about 450,000 years ago. These fossilised carbon isotopes hold the key to unlocking information about the quality of the water that seeped into the caves over the millennia. This information in turn reveals the kind of plant material that would have grown in the soil above the caves - which, in its turn again, tells us much about the type of food that was available to the people living in the caves over the ages. In other words - by combining the picture of what was happening on the floors of the caves (i.e. in the human story) with what was happening above the caves (i.e. in the climate) - the scientists hope to learn how modern humans adapted to climate change during the period from about 165,000 years to 30,000 years ago. INFORMATION The Cape St. Blaize Cave is always open to visitors. Signs on site provide general information about the archaeology. The approach to the Cave also forms the start of the St. Blaize Hiking Trail (a 13.5 km contour path leading westwards to Dana Bay). For more information on the archaeology of Mossel Bay, please go to www.visitmosselbay.co.za/archaeology Latitude  34° 11'9.83"S Longitude  22° 9'25.57"E

Outeniqua Moon Percheron Stud

Cart rides. Come with us on a trip through fynbos and enjoy a bygone age of horse-drawn transport. We have seven heavy draught horses with lovely temperaments. These giants belong to a lost world and are becoming endangered. We at the Outeniqua Moon are dedicating ourselves to their survival. The cart ride takes approximately and hour. Rates: R30.00 for adults and R20.00 for children under 12. Times: Morning cart rides leaves at 10-00 a.m. Afternoon rides leaves at 3-00 p.m.

• P.O Box 523, Hartenbos, 6520
• Phone: +2744 631 0093
• Mobile: +2782 564 9782
• Email: watt99@telkomsa.net
• Homepage: www.outeniquamoon.co.za
•                      www.ruiterbos.com

Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated along the N2 only 5km outside Mossel Bay on the route to Cape Town. Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary offers thrilling experiences, predator encounters, live snake shows and a farmyard playground.

• P.O Box 2073
• George
• 6530
• Tel: +2744-698 2004
• Mobile: +2782 785 7713
• E-mail: karen@jukani.co.za
• Homepage: www.jukani.co.za
• Gps: 34 10 41 S
• 22 01 32 E

Seven Seas Pleasure Cruises
Mossel Bay`s ultimate watersport destination. Whether  you want to enjoy an educational trip around seal island or a romantic sunset cruise. For a speedy yet gentle trip onboard our jetboat or an adrenaline filled wavecrashing experience, seven seas pleasure cruises and watersports can fulfill your needs.

• P.O.Box 606
• Mossel Bay
• 6500
• Cell: +2782 2977 165
• E-mail: mamalindie@absa.co.za

Billeon Surf & Sandboarding
Surfing: We offer lessons, board rentals and manufacture quality surfboards. Lessons from R300pp for 2 hours. All gear supplied. Sandboarding: Tame SA's ultimate dune...Dragon Dune! From beginners to advance knights. From R350pp for 3hours. All gear supplied.

• P.O.Box 2628, Mossel Bay, 6500
• Field Street, CBD, Mossel Bay
• Phone: +27 (0) 44-691 3811
• Mobile: +27 (0) 82 971 1405
• Email: info@billeon.com
• Email: teambilleon@gmail.com
• Homepage: www.billeon.com

Botlierskop Game Reserve

Botlierskop Private Game Reserve is situated just off the N2 as you approach Little Brak River in the heart of the Garden Route. Various activities can be enjoyed such as a 3 hour guided game drive with more than 26 different animal species, bush walks, elephant back rides, horseback safaris and helicopter flights. Or you can stay overnight in the luxury tented accommodation situated on the river banks. Conditions apply.

•  P.O. Box 565, Little Brak River, 6503
•  Phone: +27 (0)44 696 6055
•  Fax: +27 (0)44 696 6272
• Email: info@botlierskop.co.za
• Homepage: www.botlierskop.co.za

Capri Tours and Helicopters
Join us on any of many breathtaking helicopter flights offered daily from various sites along the beautiful Garden Route. We also offer a vast range of helicopter utility and charter service.

• 73 A Essenhout Avenue
• Hartenbos Heuwels
• Hartenbos
• 6520
• Tel: +2744 695 0693
• Fax: +2744 695 0693
• Mobile: +2782 749 9042 / +2783 453 4326
• E-mail: corne@caprihelicopters.co.za
• Homepage: www.caprihelicopters.co.za

Skydive Mossel Bay
Tandem skydiving, skydiving training for newcomers, regular sport jumping, display jumps, scenic flights over the Mossel bay Peninsula.

• P.O.Box 2652
• Skydive Hangar, Rooikat Street
• Aalwyndal
• Mossel Bay
• 6500
• Cell: +2782 824 8599
• E-mail: henk@skydivemosselbay.co.za
• Homepage: www.skydivemosselbay.co.za

Oyster Catcher Trail
This coastal hiking trail starts in a Khoi San cave at the old fishing village of Mossel Bay and ends with a small boat trip across the Gouritz River. This is not a walk, it is a love affair with nature!

• P O Box 1889
• Mossel Bay
• 6500
• Whale Street, Boggomsbaai
• Phone: +2744 699 1204
• Fax: +2744 699 1950
• Mobile: +2779 263 4806
• Email: stay@sandpipersafaris.co.za
• Homepage: www.oystercatchertrail.co.za