Quick Facts: Richards Bay
- Richards Bay is the largest harbour in South Africa
- Home to the most magnificent wetland scenery and unspoilt beaches
- Situated on a lagoon in the Mhathuze River
- Close proximity to game parks and the St Lucia World Heritage Site
- Boardwalk Shopping Centre: shops, cinemas, restaurants and bars
- Beaches
- Industrial Tourism: A day trip for those in town for business
- Hiking: Enjoy a hike at Maphelana Wildlife Reserve about 20km from Richards Bay
- Deep-sea fishing / Fishing at Alkantrand, Mtunzini, Five Mile beaches also at Durnford Point
- Sailing: offers of superb facilities and services at the Zululand Yacht Club
- Surfing: surfing at Alkantrand and Newark beaches
- Birding: due to the diverse habitats, it is one of South Africa's top birding areas. There is papyrus swamps, mangroves, dune forest to mudflats, open freshwater lakes, open sea and sandbanks.
- Golf: 18-hole golf course at the Richards Bay Country Club
- Richards Bay Game Reserve
- Enseleni Nature Reserve
Introducing Richards Bay
Richards Bay is the largest harbour in South Africa and has the most magnificent wetland scenery and unspoilt beaches. The town is situated on a lagoon in the Mhathuze River. It is a bustling business centre and a rapid industrial expansion and has every modern facility. It is a thriving industrial port with a direct rail connection to the mines for coal and other mining exports.
Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, began as a makeshift harbour in 1879 during the Anglo-Boer War by Sir F. Richards, a commander of the British Naval Division.. A settlement sprang up and the port was named after Sir Richards.
The port is not only for industrial purposes but it has become a popular call for international cruise ships because of the close proximity to game parks and the St Lucia World Heritage Site. A modern marina adjacent to the tug and dredging berths at the small craft basin. Water sports and recreational facilities are available in the harbour.