The Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias holds a special place in the history of South Africa. It was he who, in February of 1488, made a landfall at a site now called Mossel Bay, on his search for a sea route around Africa to the Far East. He thus became the first known European to set foot on South African soil. That historic event was celebrated in 1988 with the voyage of a replica of Dias’s ship, and the placing of that vessel in an exciting maritime museum.

Bartolomeu Dias’s Ship

The ship that is now on display at the museum complex is an exact replica of Dias’s 25-ton, two-masted caravel. Visitors can go aboard this relatively small vessel and get an idea of the cramped quarters sailors of old had to endure on voyages that could last many months. There was no privacy. The ships were so small and frail looking, we wonder today how people actually crossed oceans in them, let alone sail into the unknown waters of South Africa.

The Post Office Tree

In the 16th century, the cape at the southern tip of South Africa was seen by sailors as practically the edge of the world. Ships en route to and from the Far East all put in there to stock up on food and fresh water. It could be many weeks before the crews saw another port. Some of the sailors returning from the East might not have seen home for two or three years. Therefore they left messages for each other in a shoe hung from a huge milkwood tree. Over time this tree became known as the Post Office Tree. In honour of the old Post Office Tree, a gnarled old milkwood now grows next to the Bartolomeu Dias Museum. The Museum also has its own mailbox, and letters posted in it are marked with a special postmark.

Exploring Mossel Bay and the Museum Complex

The seaside town of Mossel Bay is 397 km (246 miles) east of Cape Town. It has a harbour, and is a pretty spot on the coast of South Africa. The main tourist attraction is the museum complex, which in addition to the replica 15th century ship, also has old maps, photographs, and documents outlining the history of sea expeditions around Africa. The museum complex includes the Old Post Office Tree Manor which houses many of the exhibits, and a Shell Museum. However, there is more here for visitors than the museum. This community is surrounded by natural beauty and excellent beaches. You can take a walking tour on the 15-km (9 mile) St. Blaize Hiking Trail which goes from Bat’s Cave to Dana Bay. You can enjoy safe swimming at Santos Beach, the only north-facing beach in South Africa. There are regular cruises out to Seal Island, where the snorkeling is terrific. For the really brave souls, there is the thrill of shark cage diving. Bartolomeu Dias probably never realized his landfall site could be so much fun.

Author Bio: Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made South Africa holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

Category: Travel
Keywords: South Africa