Post Office Tree Mossel Bay
South Africa's first unofficial post office, an ancient tree where sailors left letters in a shoe centuries ago.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration
Post Office Tree Mossel Bay
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
South Africa's first unofficial post office, an ancient tree where sailors left letters in a shoe centuries ago.
"A beautiful piece of history, worth to visit what is perhaps the oldest post office. "
🎟️ Full Access Ticket
Your ticket grants access to the tree and all surrounding museums.
👟 History Buffs Rejoice
Discover the story behind the shoe and its connection to early postal services.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Post Office Tree
Mossel Bay
An ancient milkwood tree, South Africa's first mailbox where sailors left letters in a shoe.
Maritime History Museum
Museum Complex
Explore exhibits on Portuguese explorers like Bartholomew Diaz and maritime history.
Vasco da Gama Exhibition
Museum Complex
Learn about the 500-year celebration of Vasco da Gama's arrival in 1988.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Living Piece of History
Beyond the Tree
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Full Access Ticket
Your ticket grants access to the tree and all surrounding museums.
👟 History Buffs Rejoice
Discover the story behind the shoe and its connection to early postal services.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly History
A great spot to teach children about South African history in an engaging way.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the unique history of this ancient tree and its surroundings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Full Access Ticket
Your ticket grants access to the tree and all surrounding museums.
👟 History Buffs Rejoice
Discover the story behind the shoe and its connection to early postal services.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly History
A great spot to teach children about South African history in an engaging way.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the unique history of this ancient tree and its surroundings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Post Office Tree for its unique historical significance and its role as an educational stop, especially for children. The accompanying museum complex adds depth with exhibits on maritime exploration. While some wish for the original shoe, the overall experience is considered enriching and a valuable glimpse into South Africa's past.
"It’s a great stop especially for children and tourists to teach them about the history of South Africa.
The tree itself is magical and majestic!
The museum complex around it has points of interest as well as a great exhibition of the celebration off 500 years of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama arrival in 1988."
Wayne James Stewart
"Great experience, lots of history to explore.
SA Entrance fee:
Adult: R30
Scholar: R20
Pensioners: R20
Student: R10
This gives you access to the whole property and other museums."
Meheshree Pillay
"Very interesting!
Me and three other HAM radio operators went there and set up a ham radio station. Made quite a few contacts! Super!"
Matthys Louw
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Post Office Tree is located in Mossel Bay, easily accessible by car. It's part of a larger museum complex, often visited as part of a Garden Route tour.
Yes, there is parking available at the museum complex where the Post Office Tree is situated, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! The Post Office Tree is a popular stop for day trips along the Garden Route, offering a quick yet historically significant experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance fees vary for adults, scholars, and pensioners, typically around R30 for adults, R20 for scholars and pensioners, and R10 for students.
Yes, your entrance fee usually grants access to the entire property, including the museum complex and other historical exhibits.
Opening hours can vary, but the museum complex is generally open during standard daytime hours. It's advisable to check the official website or contact them for the most current information.
While not always necessary, booking in advance might be an option, especially during peak tourist seasons. However, tickets are typically available for purchase on-site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Post Office Tree is a historic milkwood tree where sailors in the 16th century would leave letters in a shoe for other ships to collect, serving as South Africa's first unofficial post office.
The site includes a museum complex with exhibits on Bartholomew Diaz, maritime history, and a special exhibition celebrating 500 years of Vasco da Gama's arrival.
Yes, it's a fantastic educational stop for children, offering a tangible connection to history and engaging stories about early seafaring.
Photography is generally permitted, allowing you to capture the unique historical significance of the tree and its surroundings.
The historical significance and unique story of the Post Office Tree make it a popular spot for geocachers looking for interesting finds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the immediate site might not have extensive dining options, there are usually cafes or restaurants within the museum complex or nearby in Mossel Bay.
Mossel Bay offers a variety of dining experiences, from fresh seafood to local South African cuisine, catering to diverse tastes.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the ancient tree itself, the shoe (or replica), and the surrounding historical markers. The museum exhibits also offer unique photographic opportunities.
Absolutely, the Post Office Tree is a prime location for historical photography, offering a glimpse into South Africa's early maritime and postal history.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families:
* Allow ample time for children to explore the museum exhibits.
* Encourage them to imagine the sailors leaving and collecting letters.
* Consider bringing a small notebook for them to sketch or write about what they learn.
📚 History Enthusiasts
Key interests for history enthusiasts:
* The historical context of the Post Office Tree as an early communication hub.
* Detailed exhibits on Portuguese explorers and their impact.
* Understanding the development of Mossel Bay as a significant port.
📸 Photographers
Photography tips:
* Capture the texture and scale of the ancient tree.
* Focus on the details that tell the story of the 'post office' in the shoe.
* Explore the museum for interesting artifacts and historical displays that make for compelling shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story of the Post Office Tree
Today, the tree stands as a testament to this ingenious method of communication. While the original shoe may not be present, its story is preserved and shared with visitors. The site has evolved into a museum complex that further elaborates on the rich history of exploration and settlement in Mossel Bay, including the arrival of Portuguese explorers like Bartholomew Diaz.
Visiting the Post Office Tree offers a tangible connection to the past. It’s a place where you can imagine the lives of those early mariners and appreciate the ingenuity that characterized their journeys. The surrounding museum provides context, making it a comprehensive historical experience.
Exploring the Museum Complex
Another notable exhibit is the 500 Years of Portuguese Explorer Vasco da Gama's Arrival celebration, which took place in 1988. This exhibition offers insights into the enduring legacy of Portuguese exploration in the region and the historical commemorations. For those interested in communication history, the site also touches upon the evolution of postal services, with the Post Office Tree serving as the earliest known example.
Beyond these specific exhibits, the complex often features displays on local history, marine life, and the general development of Mossel Bay. It’s a well-rounded educational destination that complements the story of the Post Office Tree, providing a deeper understanding of the area's historical importance.
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