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Mossel Bay Tourism Information

Mossel Bay Population =72 000

Situated on a spectacular sun-washed peninsula embraced by the warm Indian Ocean, historic Mossel Bay boasts one of the best climates in the world. With more than 50 km of beaches, Mossel Bay is a premier summer holiday destination and an ideal retreat on South Africa's world-famous Garden Route.

Located halfway between the cities of Cape Town and Port Elizabeth and 40 km from the George airport, it is easily accessible by air, rail, road and sea.

The Mossel Bay area has been inhabited by the Gouriqua, an indigenous Khoikhoi tribe who were mainly cattle owners, and the Khoisan people, mainly hunters, for as long as living memory can recall. However, on 3 February 1488, Portuguese seafarer Bartholomeu Dias, and his crew became the first Europeans to set foot on South African soil in Mossel Bay and unwittingly set in motion the process to establish the present day South Africa with its rich ethnic diversity.

Today Mossel Bay is a bustling town, boasting a productive fishing harbour and a steadily growing commercial and industrial centre. It is well-known for its multitude of historical sites, buildings and museums, an abundance of sporting and outdoor entertainment facilities, a championship golf course with another two under development, a casino and an impressive range of accommodation establishments and restaurants.

Maritime Museum ( at Museum Complex ) This building was erected in 1901 to serve as a grain mill and saw mill. It has now been adapted to serve as a unique maritime museum. A life-size replica of Dias's caravel is on display together with all aspects of maritume history of the early Portuguese, Dutch and English navigators

Dias Museum complex ( Shell museum & Aquarium ) One of the oldest museums in Mossel Bay, this building was erected in 1902 next to the Post Office Tree as an extension of the Old Mill. The museum houses imaginative shell exhibitions and portrays for instance the history of the use of shells by man. What makes this one of the most fascinating museums in Mossel Bay is that live animals are displayed in their natural habitat in aquaria. The touch tank gives the visitor an opportunity to touch live sea animals.

Hartenbos Museum One of the oldest museums in Mossel Bay the Hartenbos Museum is a delight for South African history buffs. The focal point of this museum is the Great Trek, featuring various dioramas and exhibition halls stocked with attractive antiquities demonstrating the living conditions of the Voortrekker pioneers from 1835 to 1848. You can also find the commemoration hall for the 1938 Symbolic Ox Wagon Trek, together with an outstanding display of a typical traditional store as well as the complete history

Dias Museum Maritime museum

When it comes to maritime museums in Mossel Bay a visit to the Dias Museum Complex is not to be missed. The Maritime Museum is housed in a building which was erected in 1901 to serve as a grain mill and saw mill. The museum grounds are situated at the very site that European explorers came ashore and made contact with the indigenous people. This complex consists of three different museums in Mossel Bay and includes five Heritage Sites. The Maritime Museum houses a life size replica of the Dias C