Western Cape Article - South African Vacations

The name was given to the area to refer to the mussels that were found nearby.Mossel Bay is located halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. It is a popular holidaydestination and no wonder, for, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, it is thetown with the mildest all-year climate in the world.ADVENTURE AND SPORTBeaches: The bay is one of the calmeststretches of water along the SouthernCape coast and there are many lovelybeaches separated by rock stretches.Cape Saint Blaize has a sandy channelbetween two rocky ridges, which isknown as the “Poort”. After the harbourthere is Munro’s Bay, Santos Beach, astring of beaches separated by rocksknown as “Die Bekkie”, and there arealso Pansy Beach and Dias Beach.Water-sport: Angling, powerboat-fishing and surfing are popular pastimes and the waters offMossel Bay are ideal for yachting.ARCHAEOLOGY AND PALAEONTOLOGYKhoisan Cave: Many artefacts have been found in the cave, dating back some 70 000 to120 000 years, believed to have been used by ancient Khoisan people.CULTURE / COMMUNITY TOURISMSan Village: This village presents visitors with a very rare opportunity to become acquaintedwith the San culture and history. The San as a people are very nearly extinct and theirtraditional way of life no longer exists. Various arts and crafts can be purchased andtraditional local dishes are served.ENTERTAINMENT AND SHOPPINGFishing Charters: Local fishermen take visitors with them on their fishing trips to showoutsiders how they earn their living. It is an educational and fun experience, an adventurewith a purpose.Garden Route Casino: The modern casino allows locals and visitors alike to come and trytheir luck.Point Area: The lookout point provides magnificent views of the coastline and sea.FAUNA AND FLORABird life: Many of the different birds found in the area are migratory. Each type of vegetationfeeds and shelters its own special species of birds. Varieties of waders and gulls are foundalong the shores and the estuaries at the Gouritz River Mouth and the Great Brak Rivershelter herons and egrets. The fynbos is home to many orange-breasted sunbirds. Thefarm-lands and the offshore areas also each house their own unique types of birds.116