The picturesque town of Mossel Bay is the western gateway to South Africa’s Garden Route, where a highway follows a stunning stretch of coastline along pristine beaches, rugged cliffs and lush forests. A day could easily be spent road-tripping through these diverse landscapes, stopping to hike in the nature reserves or visit the region’s esteemed wineries, while the attractions within Mossel Bay are equally intriguing. The landmark St. Blaize Lighthouse rises from the promontory, offering a panoramic view of the town from above, while the golden sands of Santos Beach invite sunbathers down to sea level. Nearby, the Dias Museum Complex is home to maritime exhibits, a botanical garden, a tree that served as a 16th-century post office, and the resident leopard tortoises. History and fitness buffs alike will want to explore Pinnacle Point, a UNESCO World Heritage site where a steep climb to an ancient cave reveals evidence of the origins of modern humans in archaeological findings more than 160,000 years old.
The picturesque town of Mossel Bay is the western gateway to South Africa’s Garden Route, where a highway follows a stunning stretch of coastline along pristine beaches, rugged cliffs and lush forests. A day could easily be spent road-tripping through these diverse landscapes, stopping to hike in the nature reserves or visit the region’s esteemed wineries, while the attractions within Mossel Bay are equally intriguing. The landmark St. Blaize Lighthouse rises from the promontory, offering a panoramic view of the town from above, while the golden sands of Santos Beach invite sunbathers down to sea level. Nearby, the Dias Museum Complex is home to maritime exhibits, a botanical garden, a tree that served as a 16th-century post office, and the resident leopard tortoises. History and fitness buffs alike will want to explore Pinnacle Point, a UNESCO World Heritage site where a steep climb to an ancient cave reveals evidence of the origins of modern humans in archaeological findings more than 160,000 years old.