Richards Bay is a city of 57,000 people (2011) in KwaZulu-Natal. It is a gateway to Zululand, and an area popular with foreign tourists because of its large game parks and the diverse wildlife on offer. It is also a destination for watersport enthusiasts.

Understand

Richards Bay is a lagoon of the Mhlatuze River. It is one of the country's largest harbours, and is the deepest natural harbour on the African continent.

The town is surrounded by natural lakes and marshes, making it a picturesque place.

Get in

• 1 Richards Bay Airport (RCB  ^IATA). Airlink from Johannesburg-OR Tambo (updated Jul 2019)

Do

Richard's Bay Northern Breakwater

The lagoon allows for many different watersports.

There is a golf course that is home to hippos, crocodiles, fish eagles, and monkeys, which make for unusual challenges.

Watch whales and humpback dolphins from the viewing platform at Alkantstrand Beach.

The Enseleni Nature Reserve is home to wildebeest, reedbuck, and zebra, and has hiking trails.

Sleep

• 1 Bon Hotel Richards Bay Waterfront, Braem Hill, Richards Bay, 3900, ☏ +27 35 788 0448. (updated Apr 2019)

Go next

• Mapelane Nature Reserve