Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal

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Where commerce and culture meet

© South African Tourism

The triumph of Richards Bay is that it has retained its natural beauty while growing into a sophisticated, highly industrialised business centre that offers top-class facilities and accommodation to both international and local travellers.

Environmental protection began as early as 1935 with the establishment of the Richards Bay Game Sanctuary to protect indigenous subtropical fauna and flora around the Mhlatuzi River lagoon. This region was later expanded to form the Richards Bay Park, today a haven for nature lovers.

Much of the original wetland habitat surrounding Richards Bay has been preserved as a nature reserve, where walking through the many forests and game spotting are popular pursuits. Due to the rich abundance of birdlife that extends over a number of habitats, avitourism in Richards Bay has become one of the area's premier attractions.

Dolphins can be seen almost all year round in coastal waters, and majestic whales also move closer inshore during the summer breeding season, which has led to the creation of whale-watching expeditions by local tour operators.

Richards Bay boasts safe swimming and beaches with calm, warm seas and spectacular views. Nearby spots with bigger breakers are better suited to surfing and bodyboarding.

The mini resorts of Naval Island, Pelican Island and the Tuzi Gazi Waterfront offer opportunities to pursue angling, canoeing, power-boating, jet-skiing or sailing - equipment is provided. Horse riding, helicopter flights, mountain- and quad-biking and microlight flights are exciting and alternative ways to experience local scenery.

The magnificent Zululand coastal route offers motorists a relaxing road trip and opportunity to invest in local Zulu and Tsonga crafts. Traditional tribal ways of life have been preserved in the more rural parts of Zululand and visitors are welcome to visit Zulu kraals (villages), such as Shakaland and Duma Zulu, which are open to the public year round.