The Great Escape to Mossel Bay

On the night of 24 March 1944, one of the largest and most daring escape attempts took place. It was World War II and more than 200 allied soldiers made a pact to escape the German prisoner of war camp, Stalag Luft III. They dug three massive tunnels, named Tom, Dick and Harry, hoping one of them would lead to their freedom – and indeed, one of them (Harry) did! 76 people were able to escape but only three managed to evade capture.

As life would have it, the mastermind behind this great escape was a 24-year-old South African born fighter pilot, Squadron Leader Roger Bushell. He was renowned as a master escapee, having escaped twice before. His name has gone down in history as one of the great heroes of the Second World War. This story gained so much traction that a Hollywood movie was made, with Steve McQueen in the lead role.

2020 has many of us feeling similarly to Roger Bushell – maybe not locked up, but certainly “locked down”. As restrictions are continually lowered, it’s not hard to believe that many of us are planning our escape from the confines of our homes. One might say that this is the greatest collective escape of all time and choosing the right escape plan is essential.

With inter-provincial leisure travel now open, we can choose to go to, arguably, the most award-winning destination in South Africa, the adventure capital of the Garden Route – Mossel Bay. This coastal town and its surrounds boasts something for everyone – from the call of the African bushveld to the sound of crashing waves.

Shed those four walls, escape the city and let’s reclaim our freedom! Join us in Mossel Bay, where the sun shines 320 days a year, and where more activities are available than you can ever imagine. This is the perfect place for your post-lockdown escape, with several towns waiting to be explored!

Mossel Bay Tourism has launched a nationwide campaign aptly titled “The Great Escape to Mossel Bay”, inviting visitors from the Garden Route, the greater Western and Eastern Capes, as well as national tourists, looking for their next adventure.

Speaking of adventure, 2020 will be the second year of the Garden Route’s biggest 4×4 expo and outdoor show on the 28 and 29 November 2020 at Bartelsfontein Farm, situated 7km down the R327, in direction of Herbertsdale. Two on-site intermediate 4×4 tracks will be available – and you are invited to enjoy the thrill of driving this six-part obstacle course or have a trained professional take you for a spin.

In the spirit of including more outdoor activities, we will also be hosting a fun colour run with Wings Fitness Centre, as well as a 15km mountain biking competition, with lucky draw prizes sponsored by Monties Cycles.

There will be live performers, a kids zone area with a funfair, go kart track, self-catering, and luxurious tented accommodation. A farmers market will be open on Saturday, 28 November 2020. For more information, please visit www.gardenrouteexpo.co.za.

While you are in the area, why not take in one of Mossel Bay’swell known water sports? There’s surfing, scuba diving, shark cage diving, deep sea fishing, flying water-powered bikes, and speed boating. Mossel Bay also has two waterparks and two heated indoor pools to entertain the younger visitors.

For those more comfortable on dry land, sandboarding, mountain biking, quad biking, trail running, and hiking, are also available. We even cater for daredevils wanting to try skydiving, paragliding, horseback riding, and helicopter trips and flips!

Between the golf estates, malaria-free game reserves, animal interactions, and award-winning wine farms and distilleries in the area, as well as some of the country’s top blue flag beaches, restaurants, camping spots, and accommodation, there’s something for everyone in Mossel Bay.

All you need to do is go to www.visitmosselbay.co.za to plan your full itinerary. The site is designed to give you all the details you need for organising the perfect staycation. See you there!