Mossel Bay In One Day
It’s really quite fabulous when you finally visit a place on your hit list and it far exceeds expectation. This was our experience with our fleeting visit to Mossel Bay. Pity it took us so long to spend time there but we’ll be back.
This lively holiday mecca has inadvertently been the cousin we’ve bypassed many times for no real reason en route to Knysna and Plett on Garden Route holidays. In March we stayed at Gourikwa Reserve and we finally took that R102 slip off the N2 highway for a day trip to Mossel Bay.
What can you do in Mossel Bay if you’ve only got a day?
About Mossel Bay
A quick intro first to this Garden Route town which is located about 380km from Cape Town. The area is rich in history with evidence of human settlements dating way back to 162 thousand years ago as well as being a spot where Portuguese sailors explored in the 15th century. Remember learning about Bartholomeu Dias?
The magnitude of activities on offer is exceptional. Whether it’s beaches, hiking, adventure, museums, golf, nature reserves or good food you’re after; there’s plenty on offer. Accommodation options range from basic camping, B&B’s, self-catering, hotels or nearby game reserves. There are even nearby wineries to visit and a gin school in town. Now you’re talking!
Harbour Drive
As we’d never been to Mossel Bay before we took a drive through the town and then around the bustling harbour area. A cruise ship was docked off the coast and tendering passengers ashore which provided viewing entertainment for the kids. Here you get lovely sweeping views of Santos Beach across the bay.
Cape St. Blaize
A stop here is a must to explore the Cape St. Blaize Cave and a walk up to the lighthouse. We came to Mossel Bay with no plan so our flip flops really weren’t ideal for the steep and narrow climb up the trail. Top tip, bring walking shoes! This area known as Point of Human Origins has abundant archaeological history with evidence of very early human settlements dating back thousands of years ago. There are so many incredible caves visible here. Guided tours are available.
Being the animal crazy people we are, we spent as much time soaking in breathtaking views as admiring the quirky dassies which were scurrying around and sunbathing. These little guys with their furry eyebrows and moustaches provide much entertainment.
Eating Out
We had planned to do a coffee stop before Cape St. Blaize as you’re spoilt for choice with quality options in Mossel Bay. I’d earmarked The Blue Shed Coffee Roastery. This did not happen however as we wound up spending time running around finding and buying emergency flip flops for my daughter as the pair she was wearing decided to break. Sigh. I’m a coffee lover so I did feel a little cheated!
Lunch that day was not skipped however and after our walk we found a fabulous spot called Delfinos. Delfinos has that lush summer vibe with huge blue brollies on the veranda which spills out onto Point Beach. Enjoy a varied menu at reasonable prices. The carrot that hubby and I dangled for good behaviour from our trio during lunch was a dip in the tidal pool in front of the restaurant after we were done eating.
The beach here is gorgeous. Flat, soft white sand, a fun jungle gym and the best tidal pool the kids have played in so far. Needless to say dragging them out of the beautiful warm water was a bit of a challenge with much protesting and escalating threats from me. I had to promise a round of putt putt back at Gourikwa where we were staying.
Mossel Bay Info
For the absolute full low down on what to do, where stay and where to eat please visit the very comprehensive website of www.visitmosselbay.co.za
Have you been to Mossel bay and what are favourite things to do and see?
Read here for more Garden Route Top Tips or see where we stayed at Gourikwa Reserve.
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