Location: South Africa » Kwazulu Natal » North Coast » Richards BayRichards BayRichards Bay is situated on the North Coast of KwaZulu Natal Richards Bay was named after British naval commander Rear Admiral Sir Frederick William Richards, who landed troops on the Zululand coast in 1879. Richards Bay was a small fishing village until the port was opened in 1976. Richards Bay now boasts the largest export coal terminal in the world - loading 65 million tons every year - and the specialised ships that call are a must-see for maritime buffs. The enormous operations of Richards Bay Minerals top the list of Industrial Tourism opportunities for the curious-minded. Richards Bay is the heart of the Tuzi Gazi Coast, which stretches from Mtunzini in the south to St Lucia in the north. Tuzi Gazi derives it’s name from the Mzingazi and Umhlathuze Rivers, which flow into the sea at Richards Bay. The vast lagoon at the mouth of the Mhlatuze River, where Richards Bay is located, forms a beautiful and functional natural harbour. Named after Admiral Sir FW Richards, the commanding officer of the West Africa Station of the Royal Navy during the Anglo Zulu War (1879), Richards Bay did not become a leading industrial port until 1970. With it’s deepwater port facilities Richards Bay can accommodate large bulk carriers and tankers, beyond Durban’s capcity. Today Richards Bay harbour is the major export centre for metal ores and boasts an oil pipeline to Gauteng.
Richards Bay is one of the most picturesque towns in Zululand, offering spectacular scenery and unspoilt beaches. Besides enjoying the romance of sunrise and refreshing sea breezes, visitors will be fascinated by varying scenes of yachting, fishing, horse riding on the beach, bird and wildlife, ships and industrial development. The Richards Bay Country Club offers various sporting activities, which include an 18 hole golf course. More sports and recreational facilities are available. Paved footpaths all over town affords visitors the opportunity to enjoy the lush tropical vegetation, monkeys playing in the trees and the cries of the fish eagles. Picnic spots abound, while sun seekers and surfers will find Alkantsrand and Newark Beach to the modern and well kept. The town offers excellent accommodation facilities, modern shopping complexes, cinemas, restaurants to cater for every taste, and night time entertainment. Industrial tourism is a new concept, offering tourists the opportunity to visit industrial plants, mines and operations, which will definitely be an eye opening experience. Richards Bay is an attractive tourist destination, not only because of it’s excellent recreational and other facilities, but also because of it’s close proximity to all Zululand attractions. It is well positioned as the gateway to game parks, bush camps and nature reserves. GENERAL INFORMATION How to get there Durban 180 km, Empangeni 20 km, Eshowe 80 km, Gingindlovu 60 km, Hluhluwe 90 km, Mtubatuba 50 km, Mtunzini 40 km, St Lucia 80 km Average Rainfall – Approximately 1350 mm per annum Average Temperatures – Summer 28°c – 35°c; Winter Day 17°c, Night 10°c Rivers – Mzingazi, Umhlathuze NATURE Crocodile Sanctuary Nseleni Nature Reserve Lake Mzingazi Probably the town’s greatest natural asset. Being a fresh water lake, it is host to crocodiles, hippos, fish and a large variety of aquatic birds. ATTRACTIONS Annual Events Fishing Bonanza Nkwazi Golf Tournament – April Zululand Trade Fair – June 21 Species Fishing Festival – July Uthungulu Zulu Dance (Competition finals) – November ZCBF Community, Christmas Fair, Portnet Festival – December Portent Richards Bay Minerals Shakaland - Experience traditional Zulu hospitality all within a two hour drive Snake and Reptile Park The Small Crafts Harbour The place to go to see ships and yachts entering the harbour ACTIVITIES 4 x 4 Routes - Vehicles have access to some 60 km of beach at Five Mile Beach Outdoors - Bird watching, Boat trips, Fishing Game viewing - St Lucia Wetlands Hiking Trails - Enseleni Nature Reserve, Horse Riding Jet Skiing - Naval island area (jet skis to hire, north coast polaris) Kayaking - Alkantstrand, network beach, Zululand Kayak Club Scuba Diving - Sodwana, Surfing, Alkantstand, Newark Beach, Yachting Accommodation in and around Richards Bay Duck Inn accommodation in Richards Bay
Duck Inn offers accommodation in the finest traditions of hospitality and comfort with gracious and attentive service. Ideally situated in a quiet road in the suburb of Meerensee, Richards Bay, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa. We are only 2 kms from the ... More
 The Ridge Guest House accommodation in Richards Bay
This premier Guest House was opened in June 1997 and boasts 14 superbly appointed luxury en-suite double rooms. Twelve ground floor rooms which lead out onto the pool area, and two rooms on the second floor which offer the most breathtaking views. Al... More
 Bayshore Inn accommodation in Richards Bay
Fresh sea breezes and warm hospitality…The Bayshore Inn is the ideal seaside escape offering comfortable accommodation to suit the budget conscious traveller. Situated in the exclusive suburb of Meerensee in the picturesque town of Richards Ba... More
 Hippo Inn accommodation in Richards Bay
Your host Jan and Gina Viljoen welcomes you to HIPPO INN. We are situated in one of Richards Bay's most beautiful suburbs Meer en See. Hippo Inn is ideal for business people as well as holiday makers. We are close to : ü&n... More
 Hillton Manor Guest House accommodation in Richards Bay
Your hosts are Cynthia and Lytton and they look forward to welcoming you into their beautiful and luxurious guesthouse. Hillton Manor Guesthouse is situated in an exclusive cul-de-sac in Meerensee, a delightful coastal suburb of Richards Bay in Kw... More
 The Elephant Hills B&B accommodation in Richards Bay
Situated in the upmarket residential area of Meerensee, cradled between the Indian Ocean and Lake Mzingazi. The Elephant Hills offer luxurious 3-star accommodation. All rooms are double en-suite, fully air-conditioned, 6 channel TV (selected DStv), ... More
 Umhambi Lodge accommodation in Richards Bay
Your hosts, Gert, Vanessa & Connie WELCOME YOU to their ethnic African-style guesthouse with hand-made furniture from Bali / Indonesia and rugs & carpets from as far as Egypt. Sculptures & paintings from various African countries... More
 Pitchers' Inn Bed & Breakfast accommodation in Richards Bay
Pitchers' Inn Bed and Breakfast offers you real value for money! Hospitality at its best, you feel right at home from the minute you arrive to the date of departure. Situated very close to the center of town (3km). Only 7km from beaches, it is id... More
 Blue Marlin Guest House accommodation in Richards Bay
The Guesthouse offers you exclusive accommodation in a secure, warm environment. We are 4 Star and SABS Tourism Four Crystal accredited. Your comfort is our business: therefore our mission is to provide you, our valued client, with the best possible ... More
 Coastal Bed & Breakfast accommodation in Richards Bay
Spacious 3 bedroom double story house, quiet part of town, with in walking distance to golf course and country club. Large covered entertainment area with jacuzzi, pool table, private bar and braai facility. Spacious secure parking. Fully equipped ki... More
Directory of accommodation in Richards Bay |
