Richards Bay is a coastal town situated on a 30 km lagoon of the Mhlatuze River in KwaZulu-Natal. Situated halfway between Durban and Kosi Bay, Richards Bay boasts one of South Africa’s largest harbours and forms the tourist gateway to Zululand and Maputaland. Richards Bay boasts a favourable climate all year round, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities such as fishing, kayaking, boating, jet skiing, sailing, and kite surfing can be enjoyed here. Water sport enthusiasts will revel in scouring the waters at the Tuzi Gazi Waterfront, Naval Island, and Pelican Island. Safe swimming and surfing can be enjoyed at the Alkastrand and Newark beaches. There is a variety of top-notch game reserves and nature parks located in Richards Bay and the surrounding areas. Spend some time exploring Richards Bay Game Reserve (founded to protect the ecology around the lagoon) or drive further out to Itala Game Reserve, Pongola Game Reserve, Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre, and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Park. Nature reserves worth a visit include Umlazi Nature Reserve, Enseleni Nature Reserve, Dlinza Forest Nature Reserve, Mapelane Nature Reserve, Amatikulu Nature Reserve, and Harold Johnson Nature Reserve. Richards Bay has some of the most awe-inspiring wetlands and unspoilt beaches on KwaZulu-Natal’s north coast. You can explore the Zululand Birding Route, which includes Richards Bay Harbour and the game reserve, and covers a geographical area of sand banks, mud flats, mangroves, freshwater pans, and forests. Visitors can expect to see rare bird species such as the cuckoo hawk and pygmy goose as well as hippos and crocodiles in Richards Bay.
