Richards Bay

Richards 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