If you are planning a trip through the Garden Route this summer, Mossel Bay is a stopping point (on many Garden Route tours).

There is a plethora of 'fun in the sun' activities as well as relaxation and rejuvenation for the weary traveler. Go bungee jumping, bridge swinging, abseiling, and South Africa's sport for the brave, shark-cage diving! You can ride on elephants through the Botlierskop Game Reserve and take a trip out to nearby Seal Island with its 3000 Cape Fur seals. You might find that dolphins will accompany your boat to seal island, or in season (July to November a whale). If you want to do something glamorous this festive season, embark on a helicopter flip over the town and its gorgeous bay (also known as Bay Of Attractions).

Mossel Bay is South Africa's historical gem. For the culturally minded, there is the Maritime Museum, Cultural Museum, the Shell Museum, the Aquarium, and the Ethno-Botanical garden. Visit Hough's Herbal garden in Great Brak and the many art galleries in this small town. Take a drive to the original mission village of Friemersheim in the Outeniqua hills and revisit the South Africa of old.

Fun Festive Activities

Catamaran Sailing: The Seven Seas is a 60-foot luxury catamaran, expertly fitted out for ultimate style and pleasure. Passengers can enjoy the seal island trips and sunset cruises in comfort, while watching stunning sunsets from the deck, restaurant, dining room, or cocktail bar.

Oyster Catcher Trail: This coastal hiking trail starts in a Khoi San cave at the old fishing village of Mossel Bay and ends with a small boat trip across the Gouritz River. This is not just a walk - it's a love affair with nature!

Horse Riding & Horse Trails: Go horse riding, ride on the edge of coastal cliffs where you can watch the whales frolicking below. There is also a multi-day horse tour of the Garden Route's beaches, mountains, and indigenous forest on horseback.

Face Adrenalin: A major theme in the development of humanity is to face and overcome fear; your ultimate adrenalin test would be the 65-meter Gouritz bungy jump and bridge swing.

Mossel Bay Deepsea Adventures: Come and enjoy a deep sea, fishing trip on the expertly rigged 8m, Butt Cat in Mossel Bay. Can accommodate up to eight people and all tackle and bait is available. All fish caught, may be kept (subject to Bag Limits).

Model Shipyard: You can watch shipbuilders in action while they are busy building their model ships. They supply and build scale model ships from times gone by.

Garden Route Casino: If you are an avid Egoli fan, get to the Garden Route Casino between 18th and 22nd of December so you can meet your favourite star.

Garden Route Game Lodge: Get to see the Big Five and various other animal species in this malaria-free area. The Reptile Park is also an interesting way to spend an afternoon. You can enjoy an authentic African meal at the thatched boma and relax in a jaccuzzi under the African skies.

Footprints Social Entrepreneurs: Explore this community! Visit the Arts and Craft Centre; there are guided tours to experience the Cultural and Natural Environment of Tarka Village, and a visit to St Mary Magdalene Chapel built on a natural spring. Tour guides to the angling spots that will deliver the 'big one'. A visit to the Community Craft Centre housed in the Lutheran Mission School, where handcrafted articles are on display, and can be purchased.

Emqolweni Kamama Caf: This is South Africa's only non-alcoholic shebeen. It introduces a brand new concept of socialising in the townships. Adults normally have fun in shebeens whilst children play in the streets. Imqolweni has changed this: now women and children have the opportunity to have fun together at a coffee shop, where women chat and the children play in a safe play park environment.