Gateway To Paradise
Welcome to Mossel Bay: an idyllic coastal village and
harbour situated between Cape Town and Port Elisabeth. This town
is proud to be the historical capital of Cape Town's,
world-famous Garden Route. It also features in the Guinness Book
of Records as having the mildest all-year climate; second only
to Hawaii. Both South Africans and Europeans regard Mossel Bay
as their 'secret' holiday destination; whether your desire is
for bustling summer holidays, or lazy winter retreats - you can
enjoy this perennial Mediterranean climate all-year round.
Mossel Bay is a town with a rich history. The first
recorded meeting between the Europeans and the local inhabitants
of Southern Africa took place in Mossel Bay in 1488. An
explorer, Bartolomeu Dias anchored in a bay, which he called
Aquada de Sao Bras (watering place of St Blaize). In 1601 a
Dutch navigator, Paulus van Caerden renamed it Mossel Bay,
because mussels had become a welcome addition to the diet of his
crew. The first trading also took place here in 1497 between
Vasco Da Gama and the local inhabitants. Later this town became
a busy export harbour for wool, ochre and ostrich feathers.
The warm Indian Ocean surrounding Mossel Bay is home to
world-famous mussels and oysters. Gourmets rate them as some of
the best in the world. Incomparable seafood and 24km of unspoilt
coastline make this village a holiday haven.
What to do in Mossel Bay
Endless game drives put you in contact with the Big Five
at the numerous game reserves. Ride on elephants through the
Botlierskop Game Reserve; take a boat trip to nearby Seal
Island; the home of about 3000 Cape Fur seals, and an ideal spot
for dolphin viewing and whale watching. For adrenalin
junkies, there is bungee jumping, bridge swinging, abseiling
and South Africa's favourite thrill, shark-cage diving. You can
scuba dive and shipwreck dive or go horse riding on the beach.
For the less adventurous, there is an 18-hole golf course to
enjoy. The Oyster Catcher Trail is an eco cultural hiking
trail along the coast, starting from a Khoi San cave in Mossel
Bay and ending at the Gouritz River mouth. Finally, for a truly
unique way of whale watching, embark on a helicopter flip over
the town and magnificent bay.
Special Events
Mossel Bay offers seasonal festivals and events, such as annual
flower shows every September and October. Everyone is looking
forward to the Mossel Bay Off Shore Yacht Race 2006: from
the Royal Cape Yacht Club in Cape Town to the Mossel Bay Boat
and Yacht Club.
Around The Jazz Internet: Feb. 3, 2012
A new crowdfunded festival in Philadelphia, plus Jamal, James and Junebug.
Vanguard Jazz Orchestra: Live At The Village Vanguard
There's a tradition in many New York City jazz clubs: Monday nights are reserved for big bands. The Village Vanguard, the most storied of clubs, has observed this practice since 1966. Watch a live concert webcast at 9 p.m. ET on Monday, Feb. 13.
Clark Terry On Piano Jazz
Legendary trumpeter and educator Clark Terry got his jazz education playing with the Basie Band and Duke Ellington's orchestra. Commanding a wide range of styles and a dazzling technique, Terry went on to become one of the most influential jazz horn players of his generation. In this 1994 session, he joins host Marian McPartland for Ellington's "Come Sunday" and Terry's most famous tune, "Mumbles."
Culture
Mossel Bay is proud of its rich cultural diversity and
well-preserved buildings and houses, crafted from honey-toned
local stone. Khoi-San artefacts, dating back more than 80 000
years, were found in the famous Cape St Blaize Cave. The best
place to experience the existing culture is at the Bartolomeu
Dias Museum Complex. This complex consists of the
Maritime museum, Shell Museum & Aquarium, Granary, famous Old
Post Office Tree, Etno-botanical garden, Munro houses and
fountain. Here you can visit the impressive life size replica of
Bartolomeu Dias caravel; the ship in which he sailed into Mossel
Bay. The cultural section focuses on the heritage of the town
and district. The Shell Museum houses imaginative shell
exhibitions and portrays the history of the use of molluscs by
man. Live animals exist in their natural habitat in aquaria. One
of the most popular attractions is the Post Office tree. In
1500, Pedro de Ataide left an important letter in a shoe or iron
pot under a large tree. In 1501, Joao da Nova found this letter,
and the first "Post Office" came about. More than 500 years
later, you can still come and post your letter here!
The Ethno-botanical Garden is a collection of plants that
occur naturally in the Mossel Bay area and which, were used by
the Khoi, San, Coloured, Xhosa and European settlers for
shelter, food and medicinal uses, as well as for their
superstitious beliefs and magic practices.
Restaurants
The best part of any holiday is surely the exotic and authentic
food that will accompany your stay. Mossel Bay is no exception!
For those looking for a taste of Africa, there is the
open-air restaurant in the Khoi village.
Foreign-flavoured fare includes Thai, Cuban, Portuguese, and
Italian.
Sample some of the finest seafood at the many seafood
restaurants on offer, and don't pass up the chance to indulge in
wild Mossel Bay oysters and Mossel Bay sole!For an outdoor
romantic encounter, why not take a picnic basket up to the Light
House where you can admire the crashing Indian Ocean below.
Beyond its obvious attributes, Mossel Bay has a certain pathos,
which is evident in the landscape, and the friendliness and
warmth of its people. Mossel Bay leaves an indelible mark on
visitors who holiday there; just as the old stone buildings form
part of the landscape, you cannot stay here and not feel part of
the place.
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Visit Mossel Bay
Tourism for all your tourism information, accommodation
enquiries and details of Mossel Bays' many attractions.
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