Post Office Tree - Mossel Bay, Garden Route
Post Office Tree - Mossel Bay, Garden Route
The Post Office Tree in Mossel Bay, located along South Africa’s scenic Garden Route, is a historical and cultural landmark with deep roots in the country's maritime history. Situated at the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, the tree is believed to be more than 500 years old and played a pivotal role in early maritime communication during the Age of Exploration.
In 1500, a Portuguese navigator named Pedro de Ataíde, after surviving a shipwreck off the coast of Mozambique, left an important letter for João da Nova, another explorer, under this large Milkwood tree. Ataíde placed the letter in an old shoe and hung it from the tree, warning of troubled waters and hostile conditions up north. When da Nova's fleet arrived at Mossel Bay, they found the letter, which allowed them to avoid the dangers mentioned in Ataíde's note. This act of leaving letters under the tree became a tradition for sailors, making the Post Office Tree South Africa's first "post office."
Today, the Post Office Tree is marked by a boot-shaped postbox, where visitors can send letters and postcards with a special commemorative stamp, making it a symbolic and functional part of South African history. The tree stands within the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, which houses several historical exhibitions, including a full-scale replica of the ship used by Bartolomeu Dias, the Portuguese explorer who landed in Mossel Bay in 1488, as well as artifacts related to the region's early explorers.
The tree remains an important tourist attraction and symbol of the early postal system in South Africa. Visitors can explore the tree's history as part of the museum visit and learn about the broader significance of Mossel Bay in maritime exploration.
Contact Details for Post Office Tree (Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex):
Address: 1 Market St, Mossel Bay, 6506, Western Cape, South Africa
Phone: +27 (0) 44 691 1067
Email: see website
Website: https://diasmuseum.co.za
Accommodation Near Post Office Tree - Mossel Bay, Garden Route
Santos Beach Flat no.26
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Mossel Bay
0.6km from Post Office Tree - Mossel Bay, Garden RouteSantos Beach Flat No 26 offers self catering beachfront accommodation in in Mossel Bay Town, Garden Route, Western Cape. Situated right in front of the famous Santos Beach, in the coastal town of Mossel Bay. Activities right on your doorstep includes... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
51 on High
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Mossel Bay
0.9km from Post Office Tree - Mossel Bay, Garden Route51 on High is a modern 4 bedroom self catering house in Mossel Bay with expansive views of the harbour and a 5-10 minute walk to restaurants, bars and the Point. Featuring a jacuzzi, braai area and plenty outdoor seating. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Cape St. Blaize
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Mossel Bay
1km from Post Office Tree - Mossel Bay, Garden RouteCape St. Blaize is a wonderful North facing 3 bedroom (sleeps 6), 2 bathroom town-house perched on top of a hill overlooking the Historic Town of Mossel Bay. Located in a quiet residential area offering sweeping seaviews. Pet-friendly. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
King Cenric flat no 1
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Mossel Bay
1.1km from Post Office Tree - Mossel Bay, Garden RouteKing Cenric flat no1 offers self catering accommodation in Mossel Bay in the Garden Route, Western Cape. This north facing three bedroom self catering apartment on the ground floor boasts stunning sea views. Only a 10 metre lawn between apartment and sea. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Argyle B2
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Mossel Bay
1.1km from Post Office Tree - Mossel Bay, Garden RouteArgyle B2 provides 6-sleeper self catering apartment accommodation in Mossel Bay and is within walking distance of the Point, the harbour, tidal pool, several restaurants, coffee shops and flea markets. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Argyle B1
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Mossel Bay
1.1km from Post Office Tree - Mossel Bay, Garden RouteArgyle B1 provides 8-sleeper self catering apartment accommodation in Mossel Bay, Garden Route, Western Cape. This north-facing apartment is located in Mossel Bay, halfway between the historic Point Village and the eastern end of the Mossel Bay harbour. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
84 Estoril Villas
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Mossel Bay
3.8km from Post Office Tree - Mossel Bay, Garden RouteEstoril Villas (security complex), modern, self-catering apartment at the popular Diaz Strand, Mossel Bay. This six sleeper is a mere 200m from the beach. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Diaz Beach Apartment
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Mossel Bay
3.9km from Post Office Tree - Mossel Bay, Garden RouteDiaz Beach Apartment offers self catering accommodation in Mossel Bay in the Garden Route, Western Cape. Diaz Beach Apartment is an absolute beachfront 3 bedroom self-catering apartment with amazing views over the ocean and Mossel Bay. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
55 Vista Bonita
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Diaz Beach, Mossel Bay
3.9km from Post Office Tree - Mossel Bay, Garden Route55 Vista Bonita is a 2 bedroom,1 bathroom, beachfront self-catering apartment with direct access to the beach and views over the ocean and Mossel Bay. direct access to the beach and superb views over the ocean as well as Mossel Bay. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
La Palma Villa C12
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Mossel Bay
3.9km from Post Office Tree - Mossel Bay, Garden RouteLa Palma Villa C12 is a self catering apartment in Diaz Beach, Mossel Bay in the Garden Route. This self catering accommodation is located in a secure complex. There is an elevator in the apartment block as well as full access control and security... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Ethno Botanical Garden and Braille Trail - Mossel Bay (0.11km)
- Bartholomeu Dias Museum - Mossel Bay, Western Cape (0.16km)
- The Old Power Station Building (0.38km)
- Romonza Boat Trips (0.49km)
- The Santos Pavilion (0.60km)
- Shark Cage Diving at Mossel Bay (0.63km)
- Sunset Cruise on the Seven Seas (0.65km)
- Bay View Hospital - Mossel Bay (0.98km)
- Cape St. Blaize - Mossel Bay (1.27km)
- Cape St. Blaize Hiking Trail - Mossel Bay (1.28km)
- Mossel Bay Golf Club - Mossel Bay, Garden Route (1.36km)
- Mossel Bay Hospital - Mossel Bay, Garden Route (1.43km)
- Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse Complex - Mossel Bay (1.61km)
- Cape St Blaize Cave - Mossel Bay (1.69km)
- Oystercatcher Trail - Gouritzmond to Mossel, Garden Route (1.72km)
- The Tidal Pool and Blougat (1.78km)
- Seal Island - Mossel Bay (3.65km)
- Langeberg Mall - Mossel Bay, Garden Route (4.89km)
- Garden Route Casino and Spa - Mossel Bay (5.20km)
- Point of Human Origins, Pinnacle Point, Mossel Bay (5.77km)
