South African Hotels

Richards Bay Tourism Information

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.