Location: South Africa » Kwazulu Natal » North Coast » Richards 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 Hillcrest The Warren's - Guest House accommodation in Hillcrest
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Rest Assured accommodation in Hillcrest
Nestled in the heart of Hillcrest one finds Rest Assured B&B offering it's guests 4 en-suite bedrooms all with their own private entrances and ample parking behind electronic gates. All the rooms have good ceiling fans, TV (with M-Net) tea an... More
 Misty Ridge B&B and Self Catering Cottages accommodation in Hillcrest
Misty Ridge is a beautifully appointed luxury home offering warm hospitality in a tranquil and private setting for the discerning traveller. Situated in up market Winston Park. Misty Ridge is approximately midway between Durban and Pietermaritzbur... More
 Brackens Guest House and Spa accommodation in Hillcrest
Features:All rooms have their own entrances and are separate from the owners' residence.Luxurious rooms including private lounges with TV, fridge, fan and heater.Guests have access to our beautiful gardens.Guests have access to the tennis court a... More
 Shenindor Bed & Breakfast accommodation in Hillcrest
Set on the crest of a hill, just outside Hillcrest, Shenindor is a lovely country home on 4 acres, with a breathtaking view across the Assagay Valley. A beautiful indigenous garden, with it's abundance of birdlife surrounds the home, creating a p... More
 Rivendell Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Hillcrest
Conveniently situated in the cool climate of the picturesque village of Hillcrest, just 20 minutes from Durban and with easy access to both the N3 and M13 motorways, is Rivendell Bed & Breakfast. Your hosts Penny and Mark Linley are well qualifi... More
Misty Heights accommodation in Hillcrest
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 Branley Lodge bed and breakfast accommodation in Hillcrest
At Branley Lodge we offer our guests executive accommodation in a relaxed and homely environment, with your comfort and peace of mind, our priority. Our rooms are light, bright and airy and have been furnished to ensure that your stay is a memorable ... More
 Cliff Manor B&B accommodation in Hillcrest
Mother and daughter team, Merle and Lauri will look after you with family hospitality. Our four newly renovated, beautifully furnished en-suite bedrooms offer the utmost in comfort and luxury. The comfortable lounge has beautiful views of the nature ... More
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