 The history of Mossel Bay goes further back than the first landing of Portuguese explorers in 1488, in fact evidence suggests that this area is the birth place of modern human behaviour, after decades of debate, paleoanthropologists now agree the genetic and fossil evidence suggests that the modern human species - Homo sapiens - evolved in Africa between 100,000 and 200,000 years ago.
Arizona State University paleoanthropologist Curtis Marean In seeking the "perfect site" to explore the origins of modern human behaviour, Marean analyzed ocean currents, climate data, geological formations and other data to pin down a location where he felt sure to find one of these progenitor populations: the Cape of South Africa at Pinnacle Point, Mossel bay was chosen after excavations in the Blombosch caves Marean stated.
"Our findings show that at 164,000 years ago in coastal South Africa humans expanded their diet to include shellfish and other marine resources, perhaps as a response to harsh environmental conditions," notes Marean, a professor in ASU's School of Human Evolution and Social Change. "This is the earliest dated observation of this behaviour." Professor Curtis Marean.
Mossel Bay (Afrikaans: Mosselbaai) is a town with 150 000 inhabitants in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It lies on the southern coast of South Africa, east of the Cape of Good Hope and west of Knysna on the Indian Ocean coast and is part of the Garden Route.
Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias arrived here on February 3, 1488, thus proving to his sponsors that Africa had a southern tip; making it theoretically possible to sail from Europe to India.
Originally called by Dias Aguada de São Brás (Bay of Saint Blaise), the harbour and surrounding area was renamed Mosselbaai (Bay of Mussels) in 1601 by Dutch navigator Paulus van Caerden, as he found the bay to be abundant with mussels.
He also called a nearby bay, where he found cattle herders, Vlees Bay (Bay of Meat). On the 28th of January 1846 the British refounded the town as Aliwal South in honour of the British victory at the Battle of Aliwal in India. However this name never caught on and the town reverted to Mossel Bay;. It received municipal status in 1852.
The coast around this area has been notorious, to assist shipping the current lighthouse which is situated high above Mossel Bay was commissioned on 15 March 1864 . It is a 20.5 meter masonry tower it is still operational today.
It is said by some travellers that Mossel Bay is an industrial town to be avoided, seriously this is not the case, the industrial side of the town is designed to be close to the N2 highway for obvious reasons, do not be put off by this.
Once into Mossel Bay itself you can enjoy the 24kilometers of beautiful sandy beaches, spectacular coastline, wonderful surf, exhilarating walks, great golf courses, restaurants with unbelievable views, excellent accommodation and a warm welcome, a great place to base yourself to explore the surrounding area under the watchful eye of the Outeniqua Mountains
Mossel Bay is now a gentle seaside town on the Garden Route of the Western Cape Province of South Africa. It's a welcoming place, not at all touristy, that loves children and families, singles and couples, backpackers and tour groups.
It is genuine, home grown, South African Coastal town. One where you will really relax, where you will quickly, slip into their "No Hurries, No Worries" frame of mind. |
| Hotels & Accommodation in the Mossel Bay area.1 to 56 of 56 |
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Comfortable and friendly guest house with three bedroom self catering apartment, walking distance from hospital, town, shopping centres and a few minutes from golf courses and beaches.
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Archway Lodge Guest House is a luxury property in Mossel Bay, the town with the most moderate climate in Africa, on the Garden Route. Only 150m away from Mossel Bay's most popular beach.
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In the beautiful Garden Route area, in the town of Mossel is the township Kwa-Nonqaba where Polani's Xhosa home stay is situated. Come share the cultural experience with the Xhosa family and eat a traditional Xhosa meal.
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If you are looking for luxury accommodation at affordable rates, look no further.....stunning seafront hotel centrally located and close to major attractions and restaurants.
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Brand new home with spectacular sea views on an exclusive golf estate. The spacious 4 bedroom house with 4 en-suite bathrooms and balconies is perfect for friends and families.
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Get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and come relax at Riviera Coastal Inn. Beautiful sea and river views with abundant birdlife will soften the senses and calm the mind. Let the peace and tranquility of the area overwhelm you and treat you to a unique stay.
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This apartment is a well-equipped and nicely decorated apartment on the grounds of a very well appointed house in Mossel Bay. The accommodation comprises a bedroom and a living room/bedroom. Two to three people can comfortably sleep in the apartment.
The accommodation is situated just outside the town of Mossel Bay adjacent to the Mossel Bay golf course and within easy reach of all facilities.
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Bar-T-Nique is completed to exacting standards: offering spacious accommodation, each of the 10 rooms has its own balcony, with beautiful views of the whole bay and harbour. Being on the north facing slope of Mossel Bay it offers lovely sunny days even in winter you will enjoy yhe warm sunshine.
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Nyaru Private Game Reserve has fully equipped thatch roof chalets with a bush field character setting on an off-the-beaten track private game reserve.
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Eldrew B&B is situated in Mossel Bay (known for having more than 300 sumy day per year) with unobstructed views of the bay, beach Outenigua Mountains.
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Best positioned, luxury guest house accommodation, stunning honeymoon suite and designer self catering holiday cottages.
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A lodge with five unique bedrooms with completely different themes the Cheetah, Seahorse, Khoisan, Elephant and Bushman as well as one-self catering unit all spacious and well planned. A pool, extensive grounds, excellent bar, dining area and lounge, set at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains.
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The self-catering Villa Penthouse offers four en-suite rooms, two king-size and two twin, and is situated on the world renowned Pinnacle Point Beach and Golf Resort, next to the Garden Route Casino in Mossel Bay.
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This self-catering holiday house offers six bedrooms, two fully equipped kitchens and two built-in braai areas on sea facing viewing decks. It is situated on the world renowned Pinnacle Point Beach and Golf Resort, next to the Garden Route Casino in Mossel Bay.
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The self catring unit is part of Cheetah Lodge with five unique bedrooms differently themed for the Cheetah, Seahorse, Khoisan, Elephant and Bushman.
The unit is spacious and well planned with a pool, extensive grounds, excellent bar dining area and lounge shared with the main lodge and set at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains. If you want a bit more privacy away from the lodge, choose the self catering unit.
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These self-catering holiday units offer 3 bedrooms with two bathrooms on the white sandy Diaz Beach Resort in Mossel Bay. The resort offers a convenience centre with several restaurants at the hotels on the resort, as well as in the surrounding areas of the town.
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En-suite, sea facing rooms with private balcony, overlooking the town and panoramic views of the bay with the most moderate climate in Africa.
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Arosfa Lodge has a view of the mountains and sea from the sunny garden with pool area and thatched braai lapa. The rooms are luxurious with the communal areas spacious and comfortable. Breakfast can be enjoyed on the covered veranda area or around the family-style dining room table.
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Spacious room in this luxury Guest house offer unobstructed views of the bay at Mossel Bay over the Indian ocean.
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These self-catering holiday units offer three bedrooms with two bathrooms and guest toilet on the beachfront near the point of Mossel Bay. It offers peace and quiet with several restaurants within 300 m and panoramic views over the bay and of the Outeniqua Mountains.
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Huijs te Marquette is an elegant, friendly, owner-managed guesthouse in the sunny Mossel Bay near the famous Point, within walking distance of most restaurants, town centre, beach and surfing spots. A few minutes' drive from the swimming beaches.
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Feel at home in a choice of 25 tastefully decorated en-suite bedrooms, family units, air-conditioned log cabins and thatched rondavels set in enchanting gardens. Your gateway to explore magnificent mountain passes, the Garden Route, the timeless Little Karoo and the regions many natural wonders.
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Accommodation is offered in 4 exceptional bedrooms with satellite TV, mini-bar and all possible luxuries. All the rooms are luxury rated by Portfolio and rooms 1, 2 and 3 offers a private deck and entrance.
The Mossel Bay Golf Course (where you can see the sea form every tee) is situated just 800m from our doorstep.
An ideal honeymoon hide away.
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Mossel Bay Golf Lodge is situated in Mossel Bay, the town with the most moderate climate in Africa, in the famous Garden Route, South Africa's own Golfing mecca. This guesthouse is situated in Mossel Bay Golf Estate with it's own twenty four hour security and access control points and only walking distance from the club house. On the golf estate the traffic is low and all is peaceful.
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Whether you are planning to visit Mossel Bay, the Garden Route, or just to play Golf, look no further. . Fairways, a stylishly furnished, luxury self catering apartment with stunning Indian Ocean and mountain views, is located on a 24-hour security estate. Make Fairways Apartment Your "Home Away From Home".
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Santos Express has been named one of the world's 'Ten Most Eccentric Places To Stay' and it is situated next to Santos beach which boasts Blue Flag Status! All rooms are sea facing...
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Private spacious self catering lodges in the centre of Historic Mossel Bay, with old stone building charm. Beautiful views of the bay and Outeniqua mountains, from the main bedroom.
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Bella Sombra is in Mossel Bay , Garden Route, known as the town with the most moderate climate in Africa. Here it is safe, quiet and peaceful with all facilities at hand. Bella Sombra guest house adjoins the publuc golf course, rated nr. 14 in South Africa and is set in a quiet garden with outdoor pool and braai facilities as some of the extra comforts.
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Located in the heart of the Garden Route and superbly positioned on the rocks below Mossel Bay's famous St Blaize Lighthouse, The Point Hotel offer 52 four star, sea facing, en suite rooms each with private balcony offering sea views over the Indian Ocean.
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Avenues Guesthouse is the perfect location for trips to a variety of attractions along the Garden Route and the Little Karoo, and your hosts would love to help you with all your arrangements.
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Botlierskop offers luxury tented accommodation along the Moordkuil River in the Garden Route. This is a romantic setting in the foot hills of the Outeniqua Mountain range and forms part of a private game reserve.
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This self-catering holiday flat offers two bedrooms with two bathrooms on Diaz Beach in Mossel Bay. This resort offers a convenience centre with several restaurants at the hotels on the resort, as well as in the surrounding areas of the town. It is on the safe beach between Hartenbos and Mossel Bay where we have more than 220 sunny days each year.
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Garden Route Hotel & Spa is an stylish and up market hotel and conference establishment, situated adjacent to the Garden Route Casino and the world renowned Pinnacle Point Beach and Golf Resort on the outskirts of Mossel Bay.
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A spacious guest house, with great views overlooking the bay, all three rooms light and airy with full on suite bathroom facilities, and the balcony offers a splendid place to enjoy breakfast or an evening drink. Each room has its own color scheme and individuality, close to all amenities within Mossel Bay.
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Situated on the banks of the Hartenbos Lagoon, you will find a jewel. Riviera Hotel offers friendly South African service and a homely atmosphere complemented by stunning natural surroundings.
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Garden Route Boutique Hotel is a small, intimate hotel on Diaz Beach, in Mossel Bay, the town with the most moderate climate in Africa with more that 300 sunny days in a year. Although on a quiet beach front area, Diaz beach is a safe environment with most amenities within walking distance.
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Green Door Guest House is situated centrally in the Garden Route town of Mossel Bay known for its moderate climate, sunny days and safe environment. You stay within walking distance of everything and our on site, fully licensed restaurant offers extra comfort to holiday makers and businessmen alike.
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This self-catering private holiday house offers four en-suite double rooms and is situated on the world renowned Pinnacle Point Beach and Golf Resort, next to the Garden Route Casino in Mossel Bay.
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Mossel Bay Backpackers is situated near the Point of Mossel Bay and within walking distance of of the town center.
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These two-, three- and four-bedroom en-suite self-catering villas are situated on the world renowned Pinnacle Point Beach and Golf Resort next to the Garden Route Casino in Mossel Bay.
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Garden Route Hotel & Spa is an stylish and up market hotel and conference establishment, situated adjacent to the Garden Route Casino and the world renowned Pinnacle Point Beach and Golf Resort on the outskirts of Mossel Bay.
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The luxurious 31-roomed Protea Hotel Mossel Bay is a graceful landmark, built in 1846, overlooking Santos Bay and the harbour. 20 min drive to the airport and halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Nestling on the Mossel Bay shoreline with the majestic Outeniqua mountains as a backdrop, the Protea Hotel Mossel Bay is singled out from other establishments.
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Green Door Guest House is situated centrally in the Garden Route town of Mossel Bay known for its moderate climate, sunny days and safe environment. You stay within walking distance of everything and our on site, fully licensed restaurant offers extra comfort to holiday makers and businessmen alike.
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Located in an elevated position, overlooking the beautiful Mossel Bay, with its long golden beaches, Indian Ocean and with the Outeniqua Mountains as its back drop. It is here at the heart of the Garden Route that the Edward Charles Manor welcomes you and invites you to indulge yourself in an upmarket, yet affordable, coastal experience.
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Experience the essence of "African Oceans". Awaken to the sound and sight of the sea from stylishly appointed rooms.
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This is an affordable accommodation closes to all major beaches and attractions in Mossel Bay. Stunning sea views and friendly service complement the location.
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See the sea from every Tee! The perfect way of describing the location of this Self-catering unit on Mossel Bay's Golf estate! 2 minutes from the clubhouse, 5 minutes from town and close to all major attractions. This is an ideal place for a Golfing Breakaway or just a peaceful nature stay.
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Diaz beach guest house is a family - operated business, with private guest facilities located only a few-minute walk away from a popular, safe beach that boasts resident dolphins and in the season, Southern Wright and Humpback Whales.
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Green Door Backpackers is situated centrally in the Garden Route town of Mossel Bay known for its moderate climate, sunny days and safe environment. You stay within walking distance of everything and our on site, fully licensed restaurant offers extra comfort to holiday makers and businessmen alike.
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The Blue Guesthouse with its magnificent views over the Indian Ocean is situated close to Mossel Bay, in the heart of the Garden Route.
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Situated in the heart of the Garden Route, here you will discover a small remainder of paradise that will excite the senses and awaken your adventurous side.
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The Blue Guesthouse with its magnificent views over the Indian Ocean is situated close to Mossel Bay, in the heart of the Garden Route.
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Gewels (Gables) guest house is situated in the town of Mossel Bay on the South African garden Route, famous for its mild climate and 300 sunshine days each year. Gewels is on a north facing elevated position, and is set a beautiful peaceful garden.
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Yonwaba home stay is owned by a Sesotho Lady Thembeka. It is in the township Kwa-Nonqaba (difficult place to acquire) Come stay with the family, eat Sesotho cuisine the traditional way and discuss the Sesotho culture with the family.
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African Manor is on the north facing slope of Mosselbay with stunning panaromic views of the bay, Outeniqua mountains and the small quaint harbour.
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Positioned just outside Hartenbos, the Eden Country, it offers excellent value for money accommodation, which is close to all facilities in Hartenbos and Mossel Bay. It has a spacious dining area or self-catering options - a popular destination for those looking for quality two-star accommodation.
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