
Mostert's Mill
Africa's oldest working windmill, meticulously restored after a wildfire, offering tours and fresh flour sales.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Mill is operational & open

Mostert's Mill
Best Time
Mill is operational & open

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Africa's oldest working windmill, meticulously restored after a wildfire, offering tours and fresh flour sales.
"An engineering masterpiece, passionately restored. The oldest working windmill in South Africa."

🎯 Check Open Days
Visit on the 3rd Saturday of the month for operational tours & flour sales.
💰 Affordable Entry
Annual tickets are R50, family tickets R100. Great value for heritage!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Working Windmill
Newlands, Cape Town
Witness Africa's only working windmill grind wheat into flour using the power of the wind. A true engineering marvel.

Freshly Milled Flour
At the mill on open days
Purchase bags of fresh, stoneground wholemeal flour, milled on-site. Perfect for baking at home.

Restoration Story
Visitor center/guides
Learn about the mill's near-destruction in a 2021 wildfire and its inspiring, community-led restoration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Visit on Open Days
Understand Its History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Open Days
Visit on the 3rd Saturday of the month for operational tours & flour sales.
💰 Affordable Entry
Annual tickets are R50, family tickets R100. Great value for heritage!
🍞 Buy Freshly Milled
If the wind is right, buy stoneground flour or even sourdough bread made from it.
🤝 Support Restoration
Donations help maintain this historic site. Every bit counts!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Open Days
Visit on the 3rd Saturday of the month for operational tours & flour sales.
💰 Affordable Entry
Annual tickets are R50, family tickets R100. Great value for heritage!
🍞 Buy Freshly Milled
If the wind is right, buy stoneground flour or even sourdough bread made from it.
🤝 Support Restoration
Donations help maintain this historic site. Every bit counts!
🌬️ Wind is Key
The mill only operates if there's enough wind. Check conditions!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Mostert's Mill being Africa's only working windmill and a beautifully restored piece of heritage. The passionate volunteer guides and the opportunity to buy fresh, stoneground flour are consistently highlighted as major draws. While the limited open days can be a drawback, the affordable entry and unique experience make it a highly recommended visit for history and baking enthusiasts alike.
"Working Windmill Accessible to the Public on Open Days!
Africa's only working windmill is a hidden gem in Cape town. The Friends of the Mostert's Mill, a Non-Profit, run by the extremely knowledgeable experts who restored the mill, will give you an in-depth tour and explanation of how the mall works and how it was restored. Look out for the mascot of the mill, Jamie, the Scottie, on the break arm! Open days are hosted on the 3rd Saturday of every month."
Jonti Oehley
"An engineering masterpiece, passionately restored. 🌾🍞 The oldest working windmill in South Africa. Open every third Saturday of the month. R50 = annual entrance ticket, R100 for a family ticket.
10am-14pm
If the wind blows, chances are good that you can buy fresh stoneground meal, milled on the day.
(Wholegrain, containing the wheatgerm, the good stuff.)
If you’re lucky you can even buy freshly baked artisan sourdough bread made from the meal and baked with love by Hout Bay based Mount Elsewhere Bakery."
Yolandi S
"I had the privilege of attending the official opening on 20 April 2024 of the rebuilt and restored Mostert’s Mill after it was destroyed by a fire in April 2021. It was a humbling experience to observe a touching, yet delightful ceremony led by the Friends of Mostert’s Mill committee, the driving force behind the restoration project. Well done to the committee and all those who contributed to enable this part of South Africa’s heritage to literally rise from the ashes! You made us grateful and proud!"
Johan du Preez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mostert's Mill is located in Newlands, Cape Town. It's accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options like MyCiTi buses or trains can also get you close to the Newlands area, followed by a short walk.
While it's a historic landmark, it's nestled within a residential area. Using GPS or a mapping app is recommended. Look for signs directing you to the mill on open days.
Driving is convenient, but consider ride-sharing or public transport if you're concerned about parking. The walk from the nearest transport hubs is generally pleasant.
Mostert's Mill is close to the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Rhodes Memorial, though be mindful of the fire impact on these areas. The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are also a relatively short drive away.
No, Mostert's Mill is typically only open to the public on the 3rd Saturday of each month. It's crucial to confirm the exact dates and times beforehand.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry is very affordable. An annual entrance ticket costs R50, and a family ticket is R100. This provides great value for experiencing a piece of history.
Tickets are usually purchased on-site on the open days. It's advisable to arrive early, especially if you wish to purchase fresh flour or bread, as they can sell out.
On open days (the 3rd Saturday of the month), the mill is generally open from 10 am to 2 pm. Always check their official communication for the most current hours.
The R100 family ticket is a good option for families. Specific concessions for children or seniors aren't always detailed, but the overall pricing is very reasonable.
If there isn't enough wind, the mill won't be operational for grinding. However, you can still visit, learn about its history, and support the Friends of Mostert's Mill.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see the oldest working windmill in South Africa in operation, learn about its history and restoration from knowledgeable guides, and purchase freshly milled flour.
Yes, the Friends of Mostert's Mill, a dedicated group of volunteers, offer in-depth tours explaining how the mill works and its restoration journey. They are passionate and informative.
Absolutely! If the wind is blowing, you can buy fresh stoneground flour milled on-site. Sometimes, artisan sourdough bread made with this flour is also available.
While the mill itself is a historic structure, efforts are made to make the grounds accessible. Inquire with the Friends of Mostert's Mill for specific accessibility details.
Mostert's Mill was tragically destroyed in the devastating Cape Town wildfires of April 2021. Its subsequent restoration is a testament to community effort and heritage preservation.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the iconic windmill against the backdrop of the Cape Town landscape. The intricate details of the mill's machinery and the surrounding greenery offer great shots.
Drone usage is generally restricted in heritage sites and areas prone to fires. It's best to check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone.
Early morning or late afternoon light can provide beautiful golden hour shots of the mill. However, the mill is only open on specific days, so timing is dictated by operational hours.
A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm) is ideal. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the entire mill and its surroundings.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, for commercial or professional shoots, it's advisable to contact the Friends of Mostert's Mill beforehand.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Arrive early on open days to ensure you can purchase fresh flour or bread. The site is generally accessible for strollers, but inquire about specific pathways. It's a great opportunity to spark curiosity about history, engineering, and nature's power.
💰 Budget Travelers
Beyond the low entry cost, you can bring your own snacks and enjoy a picnic in the vicinity. Purchasing a bag of freshly milled flour is also a very economical way to take a piece of local heritage home with you. It's a highly recommended, value-packed experience.
🏛️ History Buffs
Engage with the knowledgeable volunteers from the 'Friends of Mostert's Mill' to gain deep insights into the mill's construction, operation, and its survival against the odds. The recent restoration after the 2021 fire is a modern chapter in its long and storied history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Resilience of Mostert's Mill
Tragically, in April 2021, the mill was almost completely destroyed by a devastating wildfire that swept through the area. The sight of the burning mill was heartbreaking for many Capetonians. However, the spirit of the community shone through. The 'Friends of Mostert's Mill,' a dedicated group of volunteers, rallied together with incredible passion and determination to rebuild their beloved landmark.
Through tireless fundraising, skilled craftsmanship, and sheer dedication, the mill was meticulously restored and became operational again by April 2024. This remarkable feat of heritage preservation ensures that this vital piece of South African history continues to stand, a beacon of hope and a reminder of what can be achieved when a community unites for a common cause.
Experiencing the Mill on Open Days
The 'Friends of Mostert's Mill' are passionate volunteers who run these open days. They offer incredibly informative and engaging tours, sharing the mill's history, its restoration journey, and the mechanics of how it operates. Their knowledge and enthusiasm make the visit truly special. You might even meet Jamie, the Scottie dog mascot, on the break arm!
Beyond the tours, you have the opportunity to purchase the freshly milled flour, which is highly sought after for its quality and wholesome goodness. On occasion, artisan sourdough bread made from this flour is also available, offering a delicious taste of local heritage. The R50 annual ticket or R100 family ticket makes this an incredibly accessible and valuable experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit