Board the OUTENIQUA CHOO-TJOE for a delightful train ride to Mossel Bay.

On 3 February 1488 the Portuguese explorer, Bartholomew Dias became the first European navigator to sail into Mossel Bay. On 20 November 1497 Vasco da Gama established trade relations with the local herdsmen leading to many ships calling here for fresh meat and water. Messages from seafarers left in boots hanging in the old Milkwood tree.

Here one can see a number of Bungee-jumping sites. Visitors are welcome to take part in this if they wish to.

Founded in 1813 near hot mineral springs that were first used by Khoi-Khoi tribes. It is named after a former Governor of the Cape, the Earl of Caledon

During apple-picking season (January - May) the sweet smell of millions of apples fills the warm Cape air. Streams of trucks bring apples to the pack-houses to be graded, washed, polished, cooled and loaded onto refrigerated trucks, starting their journey to markets throughout the world.

Formally known as Gandoupas (meaning ’pass of the eland’) Money was scarce in the Cape and financial controllers in London vetoed ambitious road-building programs. It was governor, Sir Lowry Cole who on his own initiative allowed the pass to be built and it was opened in 1836. The view from the summit is 402 meters high.

Somerset West lies at the foot of the Helderberg Mountain range. This region was first visited by Europeans in 1657. In 1817 a church was built and the town established. In 1820 the town was named in honour of the British governor, Lord Charles Somerset.

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