Mossel Bay - here lives the sun!

Mossel Bay was named in 1601 by Paulus van Caerden, the Dutch navigator, because mussels were the only nourishment he could find here. Mossel Bay lies halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth in the heart of the Garden Route and is embraced by the warm Indian Ocean. This fast-growing tourism destination has a fascinating history, north-facing beaches, a variety of eco-attractions and is one of the most significant towns in South Africa.

The first meeting between inhabitants of Europe and Africa in southern Africa occurred here in 1488 when Bartolomeu Dias came ashore and encountered the ancient Khoi-San people. The first trading between Europeans and southern Africans was in 1497 when Vasco da Gama anchored here and traded with the local Khoi tribe.

Mossel Bay of the 21st Century is a far cry from its early days - the municipality now covers an area of just over 2000 km² and a 2004 estimation by the Health authorities shows the population to be nearly 144000. Mossel Bay is one of the safest towns in South Africa - and the inhabitants are very proud of this fact. More than 24 km shoreline with white beaches, two world-class golf courses, the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe, theatres, museums, gallleries, whale-watching and shark-cage-diving, bungee-jumping, shopping malls, the Garden Route Casino, private game reserves and 320 sunny days are just a few attractions here. You'll find something special for all ages and all tastes - go and see for yourself!

© Der Text und die Fotos wurden bereitgestellt von Meike und Martin Prenzel vom Avenues Guesthouse.