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  INFORMATION:
  MOSSEL BAY | STILBAAI | ALBERTINIA 
   

 
CULTURE AND HERITAGE ROUTES
PROVINCE: WESTERN CAPE
REGION: GARDEN ROUTE
ROUTE: A CULTURAL JOURNEY THROUGH THE GARDEN ROUTE 
MARITIME HISTORY

BARTOLOMEU DIAS MUSEUM COMPLEX (Mossel Bay)
Monday-Friday: 08h30-16h30
Saturday-Sunday:09h00-15h30
Closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day
Tel: 044 691 1067 

MARITIME ARCHAEOLOGY (Stilbaai)
Ancient shell middens dating back 3 000 years are open for viewing. Fish traps constructed by Strandlopers, Khoisan people who lived at or near the coast, are visible at low tide. Middle Stone Age artifacts and replicas of artefacts from the world-famous Blombos Cave are also on display at the tourism bureau.
Stilbaai Tourism Bureau
Monday-Friday: 08h30-17h30
Saturday: 08h30-12h30/13h00 (seasonal)
Tel: 028 754 2602 

REIN'S NATURE RESERVE (Albertinia) is home to 4 000 year-old Khoisan fish traps, some of which are still in working condition.
Tel: 028 745 3322

MARITIME MUSEUM (Mossel Bay)
The museum houses a life-sized replica of Bartolomeu Dias' caravel, ship models recalling a bygone maritime era, and maps plotting voyages to the East. Guided tours can by arranged by appointment

SHELL MUSEUM AND AQUARIUM (Mossel Bay)
The museum houses an impressive shell collection as well as a display showing various ways in which humans used shells. Several species of live molluscs are displayed in their natural habitat. There is also a comprehensive whale exhibition.

The ST BLAIZE LIGHTHOUSE (Mossel Bay), a beacon for navigators since 1864, it is one of only two manned lighthouses on the South African coast. Spectacular views extend over the peninsula across the bay towards the Outeniqua Mountains and out to the Indian Ocean. This lighthouse is open for tours throughout the year.
Tel: 044 690 3015

PADRAO (Mossel Bay)
This is a replica of the stone padrao, or cross, that Vasco da Gama erected together with a large wooden cross made of a mizen-mast. This was done whilst fresh water was being collected at the nearby spring, or Aguada de Sao Bras.