Hafen
Mossel Bay

OVERVIEW

Browse a shop that carries wellness products made with locally sourced aloe and sample premium wines from an estate along the fertile Garden Route. The grapes are grown in various types of soil with different sun exposures, which allows a large selection of wines to be produced. Although the exact wines will be chosen upon your arrival, you may sample a fruity white blend, a coffee-driven Pinotage and a creamy Hanepoot. Free time follows at the House of Aloes in Albertinia, a storefront and factory with products made from hand-harvested wild aloe that contains an exceptionally high concentration of beneficial substances. You might shop for items such as an aloe heat rub that relieves muscle stiffness, a nourishing aloe-based body wash and an aloe toothpaste that cleans teeth and promotes healthy gums.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Shop for wellness products made with wild aloe at the House of Aloes factory store.
• Enjoy an immensely scenic drive along South Africa’s beautiful Garden Route.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy a scenic mountain drive to an ostrich farm on this entertaining tour. Journey along the magnificent Garden Route, passing ancient forests, golden beaches and craggy peaks covered in a flowering scrub called fynbos. As you turn inland into the Outeniqua Mountains, you’ll notice the terrain quickly changes from rugged coastal to an arid, desert-like landscape known as Karoo. Cross the Outeniqua Pass along a highway that was painstakingly blasted out of nearly impenetrable bedrock and wind along marvelous, sweeping curves that offer panoramic views in all directions. Discover Oudtshoorn, set in an oasis-like location in a fertile valley, and behold the town’s ornate architecture, which reflects the opulence engendered by the ostrich-feather boom of 1860-1914, when Oudsthoorn supplied exotic feathers to adorn the clothing of ladies throughout Europe. Visit a working farm to learn how these giant birds are bred and reared, perhaps even seeing ostriches hatching in the incubator rooms.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel the picturesque Garden Route along beaches, ancient forests and rugged peaks.
• Observe the changing landscape as you venture inland to a dry, semi-desert terrain known as Karoo.
• Marvel at a highway blasted from solid bedrock to provide access through dramatic Outeniqua Pass.
• Appreciate the ornate architecture of Oudtshoorn, once the premier supplier of ostrich feathers for European high fashion.
• Tour an ostrich farm for insight into how the birds are bred and reared.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Sample an inspired selection of hand-crafted gins thoughtfully paired with local foods at the Cape Saint Blaize Artisanal Distillery. It won’t take long to reach the distillery, which is located in Ochre Barn, a replica of an 18th-century granary in Mossel Bay’s historic district. The gins are made with botanicals such as juniper, rose geranium and star anise that have been foraged locally by hand. The flavors of the gins reflect the surrounding coastal, forest and semi-arid desert terrains. The exact gins for the tasting will be chosen upon your arrival, but they will likely include a soft floral pink gin, an aromatic gin with late burst of citrus and a woody gin with a velvet-like mouthfeel. The gins are meant to be enjoyed neat, on ice or with tonic. The foods for the pairings will be just as expressive. Afterwards, you might purchase your favorite gins, which are neatly packaged in handmade porcelain bottles.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Sample several locally made gins at the Cape Saint Blaize Artisanal Distillery.
• Learn about the natural botanicals that are used in the production of the various gins.
• Delight in the foods that are paired with the gins to complement their flavors.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Discover highlights of beguiling Mossel Bay and explore a museum complex dedicated to the first European to land in South Africa. Enjoy an enlightening drive around Mossel Bay, a beach-blessed city in the shadow of the Outeniqua Mountains that was named by a Dutch explorer in 1601, when he found a huge collection of mussel shells in a nearby cave. As you travel along the town’s charming streets, you’ll learn that South Africa’s first post office was established here centuries ago after sailors began leaving letters in the cleft of a milkwood tree so that other sailors could deliver them on their journeys. See that revered, 500-year-old tree, now a National Monument, standing near the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, which is named for a Portuguese navigator who was the first European to set foot in South Africa in his search for a spice route to the Far East. During your time at the complex, perhaps you’ll visit the absorbing Shell Museum or the Maritime Museum, where a replica of Dias’ ship is on exhibit, along with early maps and navigation instruments. Experience the compelling sites and seafaring history of enchanting Mossel Bay on this captivating excursion.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Acquaint yourself with seaside Mossel Bay on a coach tour of its intriguing highlights.
• Gaze at a 500-year-old tree, declared a National Monument for its use by sailors in times past as an ad hoc mailbox.
• Find the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, named after the first European to arrive in South Africa.
• Wander the appealing museum complex, perhaps visiting the Maritime Museum or the Shell Museum.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

OVERVIEW

Follow the breathtaking Garden Route to the town of Knysna, where you are free to explore the waterfront boutiques and galleries at your leisure. You’ll travel eastward along the magnificent Garden Route, passing ancient forests, golden beaches and craggy peaks covered in a flowering scrub called fynbos. Traverse the stunningly gorgeous scenery of the Wilderness Lakes region and arrive at the charming town of Knysna, tucked between the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean. You’ll realize forest-rimmed Knysna is a natural paradise whose name is thought to mean “place of wood” in Khoisan, the language of the area’s earliest inhabitants. Admire the cosmopolitan town, which has retained much of its original charm, and savor free time at the waterfront, where myriad shops and galleries invite you to browse for high-end crafts and restaurants entice you to try local delicacies. Because of Knysna’s proximity to several estuaries, rivers and the ocean, you’ll discover that seafood is a favorite, especially dishes with oysters. As you meander the inviting waterfront, looking out over the serene tidal lagoon, let the exquisite atmosphere of Knysna seep into your soul.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel the picturesque Garden Route along beaches, ancient forests and rugged peaks.
• Relish time at your leisure to roam the enchanting town of Knysna, which is surrounded by verdant forests.
• Shop for upscale crafts in tempting shops along the appealing waterfront.
• Sate your appetite with a specialty oyster dish at one of the town’s seafood restaurants, if you wish.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Cut through the majestic Outeniqua Mountains, taking in sublimely beautiful semi-desert terrain and fertile valleys, on this vista-filled tour. Settle in for a relaxing drive east along the magnificent Garden Route, passing ancient forests, golden beaches and craggy peaks covered in a flowering scrub called fynbos. Upon reaching the town of George, established in the early 1800s as a timbering outpost, you’ll turn inland into the Outeniqua Mountains and notice the terrain quickly change from rugged coastal to an arid, desert-like landscape known as Karoo. Cross the Outeniqua Pass along a highway that was painstakingly blasted out of nearly impenetrable bedrock and wind along marvelous, sweeping curves that offer panoramic views in all directions. You’ll learn the history of the pass, which was named after the indigenous people that once lived here, then arrive in the town of Oudtshoorn, set in an oasis-like location within a fertile valley. Behold the town’s elaborate architecture, which reflects the opulence engendered by the ostrich-feather boom of 1860-1914, when Oudsthoorn supplied exotic feathers to adorn the clothing of ladies throughout Europe. You’ll enjoy a brief stop for refreshments before making your way back to Mossel Bay through glorious Robinson Pass.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel the picturesque Garden Route along beaches, ancient forests and rugged peaks.
• Observe the changing landscape as you venture inland to a dry, semi-desert terrain known as Karoo.
• Marvel at a highway blasted from solid bedrock to provide access through dramatic Outeniqua Pass.
• Hear the engrossing history of the pass and its earliest inhabitants.
• Appreciate the ornate architecture of Oudtshoorn, once the premier supplier of ostrich feathers for European high fashion.
• Savor a delightful refreshment before returning to Mossel Bay via spectacular Robinson Pass.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Follow a coastal hiking trail that offers staggeringly beautiful views in every direction. You will hike a stretch of about four miles of the St. Blaize Trail, which runs between the Cape St. Blaize lighthouse and Dana Bay. The exact route will be determined the day of the hike depending on the conditions. Regardless, you can expect it to be a wonderfully scenic trek along a mostly open treeless trail, which affords dramatic views of the southern coast. You may also spot wildlife such as rock hyraxes, which are commonly known as dassies. Despite their small size, these mammals are the closest living relative of the African elephant. Their feet and teeth are similar but really nothing more, as will be obvious if you encounter any dassies. Be sure to scan the ocean for whales and dolphins breaching the water’s surface. At the end of the hike, you will drop by a nearby restaurant for refreshments.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike an beautiful coastal stretch of the St. Blaize Trail.
• Enjoy dramatic vistas as the trail is mostly open with few trees to block your view.
• Look for whales and dolphins in the ocean and small land mammals known as dassies.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Sample a selection of hand-crafted products that include cheeses, beers and wines that are characteristic of the Garden Route. At Kasselshoop cheese shop, you will taste a selection of cheeses made with rich, creamy milk that local small-herd farms supply. The Jersey milk cows are raised exclusively on pasture land and only eat hay and minerals as supplements. You will likely notice the difference in quality when sampling cheeses such as cheddars and goudas. They will be thoughtfully paired with locally produced craft beers that complement the tastes.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Taste cheeses made with milk from small-herd farms at Kasselshoop cheese shop.
• Enjoy an immensely scenic drive along South Africa’s beautiful Garden Route.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Explore a wealth of diverse and abundant flora and wildlife species during this scenic and exciting, half-day, game drive excursion at the Botliershop Private Game Reserve.

Mossel Bay, Western Cape Province, Outeniqua Mountains, Botlierskop Private Game Reserve

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, established in 2002. Located within the foothills of the magnificent Outeniqua mountain range in the malaria-free Western Cape province of South Africa, Botlierskop is blessed with vast and diverse plant communities including woodlands, coastal fynbos, mountain fynbos and renosterveld. The Moordkuil River, a tributary to the Little Brak River, runs through the reserve and adds to the diversity of habitats for the large number of animal species and birdlife.

About the Botlierskop Private Game Reserve

A rich diversity of more than 200 bird species is found within the different macro and micro eco-systems at Botlierskop. The plant species found in the fynbos areas of the reserve include proteas, ericas, restios, and geophytes. These provide an ideal plant cover, ensuring a good supply of clean water from the mountain catchments. Botlierskop is a well-stocked, free roaming, private game reserve providing visitors with the opportunity to view African wildlife in its natural habitat from the safety and comfort of open-air, 4WD safari vehicles. Currently, there are 26 different wildlife species and a total of more than 1,800 animals on this vast, approximately 7,413-acre (about 3,000-hectare) reserve.

Day Visitors Centre, Game Drive, Rhinos, Buffaloes, Giraffes, Zebras, Impalas, Lions, Wildebeests

Upon arrival at the Day Visitors Centre and after a welcome refreshment, meet your ranger/guide and receive your safety and tour instructions, then board your 4WD open-air safari vehicle for a guided, approximately 2.5-hour game drive. Look for white rhinos, buffaloes, blue wildebeests, giraffes, zebras, elands, impalas, and lions; the lions are kept in an approximately 247-acre (about 100-hectare) enclosure. Other animals that may be seen include the bontebok, bushbuck, common grey duiker, grysbok, honey badger, rock hyrax, kudu, nyala, porcupine, waterbuck, and steenbok.

Buffet Lunch

After your game drive, return to the Day Visitors Centre for a delectable buffet - style lunch, then re-board your coach for the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Depart the quayside and transfer by road to the Garden Route Game Lodge.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Garden Route Private Game Reserve

Upon arrival at the Garden Route Game Reserve enjoy coffee, tea and rusks. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Langeberg mountain range, the Garden Route Game Lodge guards the entrance to South Africa's world-famous Garden Route Coast. Garden Route Game Lodge was established in 1999 as the first Private Game Reserve in the Western Cape.

Safari Game Drive and Lunch by the Lodge

Embark on your 4x4 open vehicle game drive in search of the animals, accompanied by an experienced game ranger.  Hopefully, you will be fortunate enough to encounter sightings of lion, elephant, white rhino, buffalo and cheetah. The reserve is also home to giraffe, zebra and numerous antelope species such as bontebok, red hartebeest, kudu, eland, impala, springbuck and many more. This malaria free, family owned and operated private game reserve is home to an abundance of animal and bird life including the Big 5.

The duration of the Game Drive will be approximately two hours. After your Game Drive, enjoy a lovely lunch especially prepared for you by the lodge.The day concludes with approximately one hour drive back to the ship.

Depart the quayside and drive to Garden Route Safari Camp for an exciting game viewing experience.

Garden Route Private Camp

Garden Route Safari Camp is located within the heart of the Garden Route, Western Cape province in South Africa. The family lodge is surrounded by views and hills of the Outeniqua mountain range. Here renosterveld, fynbos and thicket is treasured as it serves as home to a diversity of fauna and flora.

Embark on unforgettable safaris from Safari Camp, delving into the heart of Brandwacht Game Reserve. Led by passionate guides, these immersive experiences offer you the chance to discover remarkable wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Encounter antelopes, giraffes, zebras, small mammals, as well as small wonders. These safaris offer a relaxing, authentic, and holistic experience, creating cherished memories and deepening your awe with nature’s wonders.

Upon conclusion of the game drive, return to the Camp for a delectable lunch before returning to Mossel Bay.

Embark on a short 15 minute drive from the harbor to Cape Saint Blaize Gin Distillery, located at Protea Hotel by Mariott Mossel Bay.

An Artisanal distillery that captures the true spirit of Eden through rare botanical selection of artful distillation. An epitome that pays tribute to this unique place we call home. It is from this land on the Southern coast of Africa that we draw inspiration and bring together the natural relationships between people and plants. Botanicals are hand forages from a varied terrain that encompasses rugged coastline, majestic mountain plateaus, dense ancient forest and remote semi-arid deserts.

Cape Saint Blaize Gin Distillery, Workshop and Tasting

Cape Saint Blaize Gin is artfully distilled, bottled and hand labeled at our historic home, the Ochre Barn in Mossel Bay. Each bottle is individually forged in Mossel Bay. Incorporating ancient methods and natural elements in the production. From the superior gin, to the unique and beautifully handcrafted bottles, the distillery is authentic in every way. The barn was built in 1786 to store grain brought to the farmers until there was enough for a shipload. This saved them a 2-3 month trip by ox-wagon. The store was demolished in 1951 and then reconstructed in 1987 from original plans found in the Archives of the Castle, Cape Town.

On arrival at the Gin Distillery, create your own bottle of Cape Saint Blaize Inspired Gin. The masterclass consists of one and a half hours of experimenting with flavor profiles, rich history and lots of fun.

Explore the history and landmarks of the seafaring city of Mossel Bay during this scenic, half-day orientation excursion.

Mossel Bay, Orientation Tour, Outeniqua Mountains Historic ‘First Post Office’ Tree

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 40-minute orientation drive around Mossel Bay, a beach-blessed city in the shadow of the Outeniqua Mountains. A Dutch explorer named the bay in 1601, when he found a huge collection of mussel shells in a nearby cave. The area is still renowned for its mussels, seafood, and water-based activities such as surfing. Driving around the charming streets of Mossel Bay, see the 500-year-old milkwood tree that served as South Africa's first post office. It was established here centuries ago, when sailors left letters in the cleft of this tree so that other sailors could deliver them on their journeys. Now a national monument, the 500-year-old tree stands near the Dias Museum Complex.

Dias Museum Complex, Maritime Museum, Dias’ Ship Replica, Early Maps, Photos, Artefacts

The Dias Museum Complex was named for Portuguese navigator Bartholomeu Dias, the first European to set foot in South Africa whilst searching for a spice route to the Far East in 1488. During your time here, you can take a guided tour of the Maritime Museum, the second-largest provincial museum affiliated to the Western Cape. Along the way, view exhibitions, a replica of Dias' ship, early maps and navigational instruments, narrated displays, and many photographs and artefacts depicting the history of early-European voyagers who discovered sea routes. This building once served as a granary and sawmill.

Refreshment Stop

Following your visit, a short stroll leads to Café Gannet restaurant (or similar) for a refreshment stop. Afterward, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.  

Experience the breath-taking natural beauty of the mountains and passes along South Africa’s Western Cape during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion. Visit a working Ostrich farm and enjoy a delectable lunch.

Mossel Bay, Outeniqua Mountains

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.75-hour drive to Oudtshoorn, following the coastal road up to the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains. En-route take in the stunning panoramic views of the famous Garden Route coast line from the comfort of the coach. Once you reach George, your journey proceeds inland, taking you away from the coast and up into the Outeniqua Mountains. Here the rugged coastal landscape transforms into the starkly beautiful Karoo, with its desert-like arid climate and breathtaking scenery. Cross the scenic Outeniqua Pass, which was constructed between 1943 and 1951, replacing the Montagu Pass as the main route from George into the interior. It was named after the Hottentot tribe who formerly lived there.

Oudtshoom, Klein Karoo, Swartberg

Next reach Oudtshoorn. Oudtshoorn is the principal town of the Little Karoo. The Klein Karoo is an oasis-like setting in a fertile valley cupped by the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountain ranges. It originated as a settlement along the Grobbelaars River, which meanders southward from the Swartberg and provides fertile soil and water for irrigation. Crops such as lucerne, fruit, grapes, and grains grow here in abundance. The ‘Ostrich Capital of the World’, Oudtshoorn is home to the world's largest ostrich population. Two ostrich-feather booms between 1865-1870 and 1900-1914 truly established the settlement, which has approximately 60,000 inhabitants and is the largest town in the Little Karoo region.

Guide Tour at an Ostrich Farm, Lunch

Thereafter travel to a local ostrich farm for a guided tour. The ostrich farm is a working farm where guests see large flocks of ostriches at different stages of development in the surrounding fields. After your fascinating tour, enjoy a delicious lunch on the ostrich farm.

Robinson Pass, Garden Route Forests

As you make your way back to Mossel Bay via the via the stunning Robinson Pass, with its desert-like arid climate and breath-taking scenery, the sun-scorched plains of the Little Karoo disappear and the landscape gives way to the delightful shade and greenery of the lush Garden Route forests.

Explore Mossul Bay at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your guide/driver in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Mossel Bay at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your guide/driver in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Mossel Bay at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your guide/driver in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Mossel Bay at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your guide/driver in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Discover the stunning natural splendour, flora, and fauna of the Garden Route in Mossel Bay during this exhilarating, half-day trekking excursion along the St. Blaize Trail.

Mossel Bay, Garden Route, St. Blaize Trail, Dana Bay & Beach

Depart the pier for the short drive to the beach at Dana Bay. Upon arrival, meet your guide, receive your trek and safety instructions. Afterward, begin your guided and narrated nature trek along an approximately four-mile (about 6.5-kilometre) stretch of the popular, approximately 8.3-mile (about 13.5-kilometre) St. Blaize Trail. The trail is located at the beginning of the ‘Garden Route’ in Mossel Bay, on South Africa’s south-eastern coast.

Coastal Trek, Pinnacle Point Golf Course, Guard Houses, Manicured Greens, Dramatic Sea Views

Your scenic and exhilarating nature trek offers spectacular panoramic views and photo opportunities at a host of excellent viewpoints along the coast en route to the Pinnacle Point Golf Course. Located at approximately the mid-point of Mossel Bay’s Garden Route, this golf course feature little guard houses on either side. The trail offers dramatic sea views, and you might see some trail dassies along the way.

Refreshments

Following your nature trek, re-board your coach and proceed for refreshments at a nearby restaurant. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier at Mossel Bay.