Mossel Bay

Travel Guide
Mossel Bay
Learn about the early days of European settlers in this charming outcrop with pristine beaches, intriguing museums and archeological sites.

With a history of Stone Age hunter-gatherers and early European colonization, Mossel Bay is a fascinating coastal village. Its museums, shops and restaurants decorate a pretty coastline full of pristine beaches and caves. Visit the harbor for a sense of the local culture and watch the fishermen returning in colorful boats with their catch of the day.

Visit the dark and enigmatic Cape St. Blaize Cave beneath the easternmost cliffs of the town. Note that shellfish hunters resided in the cave many thousands of years ago. It offers a spectacular view of the ocean through the large cave mouth, beneath which lie dozens of ocean rocks.

Ascend the zigzagging path up to the top of the cliff to find the Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse. It is among the final lighthouses in South Africa to retain a full-time light keeper, who performs meteorological studies. Gaze up at the balcony beside the large lantern that guides ships.

Several beaches flank the northern coast of the Mossel Bay area. Choose between grass and sand for your picnic on the Blue-Flag Santos Beach. Relax at the beach café and visit the many shops and restaurants. Play golf at one of the picturesque courses toward Pinnacle Point in western Mossel Bay.

As for history, learn about the first European explorer to sail past the southern tip of Africa in the outdoor Dias Museum, which consists of old-world cottages and a maritime exhibit.

Enjoy seafood specialties at restaurants and cafés near the coast. Expect warm to mild weather year-round with steady rain in each season. January is the warmest and driest month, which makes it the best time for a beach trip.

The town is 250 miles (400 kilometers) east of Cape Town on the country’s southern coast. Ride the train on the historic national rail network to Mossel Bay Railway Station. The surrounding area comprises the Outeniqua Mountains, the Maalgate River, the Gouritz River and the Indian Ocean.

Mossel Bay is an intriguing homage to the traditions of South Africa.

Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel
Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel
2 out of 5
Mossel Bay, In the heart of The Garden Route, Mossel Bay, Western Cape
The price is ¥3,404 per night from Apr 3 to Apr 4
¥3,404
per night
Apr 3 - Apr 4
Stay at this beach hostel in Mossel Bay. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and breakfast. Popular attractions Santos Beach and Diaz Musuem are located nearby. ...
8/10 Very Good! (138 reviews)
Great experience on The Santos Express
"Really enjoyed my stay on The Santos Express train Royal coach. Very unique experience . Right next to the beach . Great outdoor space . Falling asleep to the sound of the sea and waking up to amazing view of the sea"

Reviewed on Feb 6, 2024

Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel
The Point Hotel & Spa
The Point Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
Point Road, Mossel Bay, Western Cape
The price is ¥8,911 per night from Apr 3 to Apr 4
¥8,911
per night
Apr 3 - Apr 4
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Mossel Bay. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions St Blaize Hiking Trail and Cape St. Blaize ...
7.4/10 Good! (128 reviews)
"Return trip for business so this was the 2nd stay in a short space of time, well received and will return again"

Reviewed on Dec 18, 2023

The Point Hotel & Spa
Protea Hotel by Marriott Mossel Bay
Protea Hotel by Marriott Mossel Bay
4 out of 5
Corner Of Church And Market Street, Mossel Bay, Western Cape
The price is ¥12,101 per night from Apr 13 to Apr 14
¥12,101
per night
Apr 13 - Apr 14
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Mossel Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast. Popular attractions Dias Museum and Diaz Musuem are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (217 reviews)
"Very nice property right on the harbor. Room was clean. Staff was good, but service was slow in restaurant. Parking is an issue as there are a limited number of spaces in front of the hotel."

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2024

Protea Hotel by Marriott Mossel Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Withuis Hartenbos
Withuis Hartenbos
3 out of 5
2 Paardekraal Rd, Mossel Bay, Western Cape
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Mossel Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Hartenbos Seefront and Langeberg Mall ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Good apartment
"Lovely, clean apartment. Close to beach. Clear instructions for check in. Everything you need for a comfortable stay. Close to shops and restaurants. Allocated parking bay. BBQ, washing line. No load shedding,"

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2024

Withuis Hartenbos
Five * 4-bedroom house on SA's best golf course. Best views on the estate.
Five * 4-bedroom house on SA's best golf course. Best views on the estate.
Mossel Bay
Stay at this golf vacation home in Mossel Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a water park. Popular attractions Pinnacle Point Beach and Golf Resort and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
Wonderful Stay
"Nice and clean Villa with a full kitchen. Breathtaking view. Quick responses from the property manager. Easy and quick check-in /check-out."

Reviewed on Dec 7, 2023

Five * 4-bedroom house on SA's best golf course. Best views on the estate.
Searle's Manor - Apt 13
Searle's Manor - Apt 13
3 out of 5
Bland St, Mossel Bay, Western Cape
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Mossel Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, a TV, and a kitchen. Popular attractions Mossel Bay Harbour and Dias Museum are located nearby. ...
Searle's Manor - Apt 13
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Mossel Bay

4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
3
" "5 - Excellent 21.428571428571427%
4 - Good
8
" "4 - Good 57.142857142857146%
3 - Okay
3
" "3 - Okay 21.428571428571427%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jan 27, 2020

Beautiful, check out the point !

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 9, 2019

Mossel Bay is a beautiful and clean city, won't might going there again this time with friends. Taxi(cab) quite pricey.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Dec 26, 2018

Its ok, not very special in my oppinion.

3/5 - Okay

Richard
Nov 4, 2018

Striking ocean coastline. Fascinating museum with replica of explorer ship.

Cities near Mossel Bay