Destination Information from SAA

Visit Richards Bay

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About Richards Bay

Richards Bay is a town on the KwaZulu-Natal coast on a lagoon of the Mhlatuze River, which gives it one of the country's largest harbours. The place is still a relative youngster, laid out around the lagoon in 1954 and proclaimed a town in 1969. There’s a large and pleasant shopping mall in the centre with many restaurants to choose from. Further afield is the TuziGazi Waterfront, a marina with hotels, and several restaurants. It’s a popular place for family holidays because of year round fabulous weather and its lovely sand. It’s also great for surfing, and hosted the the South African Surf Championships in 2015.

Travel Tips

Book a hire car in advance or pre-order a taxi to meet you at the airport, as there is no permanent taxi rank. The town centre doesn’t have many attractions, but there are beaches, nature reserves and a wider range of restaurants within driving distance. The weather is generally warm to hot, so even in winter you may get away with shorts and a t-shirt.

GMT +2
South African Rand (ZAR)
Socket Type C
Socket Type F
Socket Type M
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Top Attractions

Richards Bay Beach

Richards Bay Beach Collapsed Information

Alkantstrand is the closest beach to town, but still a drive away from the main centre. The Indian Ocean is warm enough to swim in all year round and the beach itself is attractive and clean and boasts a blue flag of safety. It’s a gentle current, but surfing is possible. Lifeguards are on duty and there are other picnic tables, a grassy area, plenty of parking and toilet blocks.
Tuzi Gazi Waterfront

Tuzi Gazi Waterfront Collapsed Information

A short drive from town is the Tuzi Gazi waterfront, where boats moor in the marina and a collection of restaurant and bars spill out onto wooden decks overlooking the water. It’s a nice place to get a decent meal and sit in the sun. Jacks on the Bay and Porky’s are among the best choices. The hotels here are a decent place to base yourself if you want a selection of dining options within walking distance.
Richards Bay Game Reserve

Richards Bay Game Reserve Collapsed Information

This reserve is a wetland area around the lagoon where aquatic birds and animals including hippo and crocodile are protected. Birders will be pleased to know the rare pink-backed pelican has been sighted there, as well as flamingos and cormorants. There are remnants of a swamp forest, a bird-viewing hide in small swamp and tidal mudflats.
Umlalazi Nature Resort

Umlalazi Nature Resort Collapsed Information

This coastal reserve is home to the palmnut vulture, one of the rarest birds of prey in the country. For humans the reserve has good fishing in the lagoon, if you watch out for crocodiles and sharks. Its beach is popular for swimming, surfing and windsurfing and there’s a swimming pool, trampolines and playground equipment for the kids. Three walking trails lead you through mangrove swamps and a dune forest.