The Zulu name for the port town of Richards Bay lying on KwaZulu-Natal's north coast is Cwebeni, meaning "at the lagoon". The lagoon was first used as a harbour in 1879 during the Anglo Boer War, when the Commodore of the Cape Station of the Royal Navy, Sir Frederick Richards, landed supplies for the army fighting the Zulu.

The 3500-hectare salt-water lagoon was initially home to a vast number of aquatic birds, hippos and crocodiles.
South Africa's largest ever recorded crocodile was shot in the Richards Bay Lagoon in 1891 by John Dunn, the famous hunter and only white man to become an African Chief. The crocodile measured an unbelievable 6,7 meter.

Although the Richards Bay lagoon and its surrounds were proclaimed a Nature Reserved in 1935, the inevitable decision to turn it into a port was taken in the 1960's. Richards Bay is one of South Africa's largest Ports and is now home to several heavy industries making it a large industrial town.

Having all the amenities a large town offers its citizens. A variety of restuarants available at the mall, Boardwalk/Inkwazi, waterfront and casino.
Richards Bay is also within comfortable driving distance of the cultural and game attractions that make Zululand such a popular tourist destination.

         Trips into the heartland of the Zulu Nation will amaze you with the sheer beauty of the country.

 

The warm Indian Ocean beaches are ideal for swimming, surfing, yachting, kayaking and most other water sports. Alkantstrand & Newark Beaches are protected by shark-nets and lifeguards. Facilities include picnic spots and a kiosk.

5km from Mhlatuze Guest House

Beach Manager tel: 035 753 2496

Richards Bay Naval Island

Naval Island is synonymous with The Small Craft Harbor. The Tuzi Gazi Water Front is prime development area and has gradually transformed from an old Transnet Port Docks to a World Class Marina area.  The Protea Hotel offers an excellent view and close proximity to the Restaurants and Pubs around the Water Front. Excellent place for 2010 Soccer enthusiast to spend their time.

A safe secure area to dock your stay and visit the land base activities and Night life Richards Bay has to offer. This is a no wake zone and offers easy access to the Shipping channel leading out of the harbor. Protected against prevailing wind direction it is fast becoming a favorite visit for International Yachts.

The Island has recently being fitted with CCTV and speeding motorist will be dealt with according to the law. Crime is addressed and Naval Island is coming to its full potential as a family spot for weekend sun seekers and water lovers.

Naval Island is also fishing hot spot with Shaky Rocks and the Commercial Pier Frequented often by larger species of sought after edible fish like Salmon, Shad, Grunter, Black Tail and Perch. Various other fish are also caught. 

Richards Bay Minerals

RBM offers visitors three comprehensive tours:

• social investment tour

• general interest tour

• enviroment tour

The last mentioned show how RBN is contributing to sustainable development and to give visitors an overview of the company's operations. Two weeks notice is essential for bookings and tours are usually conducted on Tuesdays & Thursdays.

tel:035 901 3444

website: www.richardsbayminerals.co.za

Lake Mzingazi

This 944ha freshwater natural lake is the source of Richards Bay´s water It is home to an abundance of hippos and crocodiles and is the favoured feeding place of the Fish Eagles for which the town is renowned. The lake has been left untouched and can be viewed in its natural splendour from the Mzingazi Golf Estate.

Richards Bay Country Club  tel: 035 753 2441

Tusk Umfolozi Casino

Situated in Empangeni. Facilities include 300 slot machines, 10 gaming tables, a fun video arcade, coctail bars & Nandi's Restaurant.

tel: 035 787 8200

website: www.tusk-resorts.co.za

Harbour Cruises

Sailing Charters on Richards Bay Harbour for one or two hours.

tel: 073 156 7825

website: www.portsail.co.za

Big Ocean Charters / Deep Sea Fishing

Experience the thrill of deep sea fishing. With all inclusive fishing charters you go out onto the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Richards Bay for a truly exhilarating fishing experience. Big Ocean Charters specialises in small groups of angle(maximum four )They offer the option of either game fishing (e.g. Dorado, Tuna Kingfish & Barracuda) or Reef Fishing (e.g. Rock Cod  Cob)hosted by boat-owner John Lester, a local fisherman with over 20 years experience in angeling. They have a variety of packages available and the fee includes all fishing tackle, bait and a fishing adventure. Anglers can bring along their own food and drinks or packed lunches can be arranged at a nominal fee.

Note: All anglers must be in possession of a fishing licence, which can be obtained from the Post Office or KZN Wildlife.

To book contact John Lester

cell: 072 115 9673

email: glynis.lester@gmail.com

STERKINEKOR CINEMA

Situated in the Boardwalk Inkwazi in Richards Bay, it offers five luxurious cinemas, delicious catering & high quality picture & sound.

website: www.sterkinekor.com

 

Reptile City

Crocodiles, snakes, lizzards and many more facinating creatures to view at Reptile City.

10km from the N2 turn off in the Mtubatuba direction at Mposa. Same turn off as Grantleigh school, and just follow the Reptile City boards.

Riaan: 073 172 2731

Gert: 083 229 0421

Bookings Hanetjie: 083 417 1214

Ambula Golf & Safari Tours

Ambula Golf and Safari Tours is a tour operating company based at Tuzi Gazi Waterfront in Richards Bay. Specialising in organising exciting and exclusive tours for in bound tourists and corporate clients. With a fleet of luxury buses and vehicles a very reputable, reliable and competitively priced transport service, perticulary in the Northern KwaZulu Natal region. Great pride and enthusiasm is taken to ensure that your travel needs are met with quality, safety and value for money.

tel: 035 788 0419

cell: 082 447 4182 Astrid

cell: 083 233 0692 Monica

email: info@ambulatours.co.za

website: www.ambulatours.com

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Police/Flying Squad: ......10111
Ambulance Service: .......10177
MRI Resque Helicopter:   080 011 1990
AA Tow Service: .............080 011 1997
NSRI Emergency: ...........082 990 5949
Fire Department: ............035 772 5555
                                        035 797 3911
                                        083 661 9911

TOURISM DESTINATION MANAGEMENT OFFICE

uTHUNGULU MUNICIPALITY
tourism office: ......................................... 035 799 2614
email: .............................................. tourism@uthungulu.co.za
website: ................................................ www.uthungulu.org.za

THE CITY OF uMHLATHUZE (incorporating Richards Bay, Empangeni eSikhaleni & Ngwelezane)
tourism office: ......................................... 035 907 5018
email: .......................................................reg@richemp.org.za
website: ................................................... www.richemp.org.za

NKANDLA MUNICIPALITY
tourism office: ......................................... 035 833 0923

UMLALAZI MUNICIPALITY(incorporating eShowe, Mthunzini & KwaGingindlovu)
tourism office: ......................................... 035 4733359
email: ...................................................ronel@umlalazi.org.za
website: ............................................. www.visitzululand.co.za

MTHONJANENI MUNICIPALITY
tourism office: ......................................... 035 450 7572
email: ...................................................... info@melmoth.co.za
website: .................................................. www.melmoth.co.za

ZULULAND BIRDING ROUTE
tel: ........................................................... 035 753 5644
email: ...................................................... guides@zbr.co.za
website: .................................................. www.zbr.co.za

WEATHER FORECAST

tel: ........................................................... 082 231 1605

Website: ..............................................www.weathersa.co.za

 

Ilembe District
Amaticulu S29°02.892´ E031°30.303´ (Dirt, 500m)
Isithebe S29°06.400' E031°24.683'(Tar, 800m)

uMkhanyakude Disrtict
Ingwavuma S27°08.267' E032°00.33'
Mkuze S27°37.600' E032°02.600´(Tar, 1 200m)
Ndumo Game Reserve S26°54.867' E032°17.946'(Dirt, 900m)
Kosi Forest Camp S27°05.000' E032°45.000' (Grass, 800m)
Sodwana S27°33.000'E032°39.000'
St.Lucia S28°21.000'E032°25.000'(Grass, 733m)
uMfolozi S28°17.000´E031°5.000´(Gravel, 1 000m)
Dukuduku S28°22.000'E032°14.800'(Concrete, 1 200m)
Mthubatuba S28°22.000'E023°13.00'(700m)
Riverview S28°26.000'E032°09.000'(Grass, 600m)
Hluhluwe S28°00.800'E032°16.5000'(Grass, 1 000m)
Mziki S27°49.667'E32°17.567'(Dirt, 800m)
Phinda Lodge S27°51.600'E032°18.800'(Tar, 1 200m)
uBizone Wildlife Reserve S28°01.240'E032°13.620'(Grass, 800m)
Zululand Tree Lodge S28°00.380'E032°13.320' (Dirt, 1 000m)
Kozi Bay / Manguzi S26°59.000'E03245.000' (Sand, 1 200m)
Mabibe S27°16.667'E32°17.600'
Mazengwenya S27°15.414'E032°450.155'(Dirt, 800m)
Mbazwane S27°28.715'E32°35.692'(Grass, 1 800m)
Mseleni Hospital S27°19.000'E32°33.000' (800m)
Sappi Fire Strip S27°11.180'E32°39.570' (Dirt, 1 300m)
Thembe Elephant Park S27°01.210'E32°29.380'(Grass, 400m)

uThungulu District
Merino S28°37.040'E031°24.120' (Grass, 800m)
uMfulazane S28°34.220'E031°20.270' (Grass, 1 100m)
Thula Thula Game Reserve S28°35.450'E031°45.300' Grass, 700m)
Empangeni S28°43.000'E031°54.000'Grass, 730m)
Richards Bay S28°44.300'E32°05.500' (Tar, 1 308m)
eShowe S28°53.067'E031°27.417' (Grass, 670m)
Mtunzini S28°57.000'E031°46.000' (Grass,1 000m)

Zululand District
Itala Game Reserve S27°31.58'E031°17.55' (Tar, 1 200m)
Zululand Antracite Colliery S28°12.380'E031°39.350' (Gravel, 1 200m)
Ulundi S28°19.100'E031°25.100' (Tar, 1 640m)
Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve S27°40.237´E031°40.377´ (Gravel, 1 200m)
Phongolo S27°21.650'E031°36.333' (Tar, 700m)
Tamboti Ridge Ranch S27°22.500'E031°48.800' (Grass, 320m)
White Elephant Lodge S27°24.670'E031°52.820' (Grass, 700m)