"Mossel Bay, first glimpse of the Garden... " a Mossel Bay Travel Page by DesertRat

Mossel Bay -- Mosselbaai in Afrikaans -- is a pleasant town on the western edge of South Africa's storied Garden Route. Although we didn't spend much time there this time, we certainly plan to go back. It's splendidly set along the shores of the Indian Ocean in what is a sort of large-scale, amphitheatre-shaped cove. Much of the town's activity is based around the sparkling white beach, while the main business district is further uphill. There are lots of restaurants, hotels, and B&Bs around as well.

It has a number of claims to fame: it's in the Guiness Book of Records as having the world's second mildest year-round weather -- only Hawaii bests it -- and being the place where 15th century explorer Bartholemew Diaz fist came ashore after rounding the Cape of Good Hope. It was here, too, that the Africa's first post office was established and the first Christian church service was held.