Richards Bay is one
of South Africa's largest harbours. It is situated on a 30 square kilometre
lagoon of the Mhlatuze River, (forceful), on the northern coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
It began as a makeshift harbour that was set up by Commodore of the Cape,
Sir Frederick Richards during the Boer War of 1879. In 1935 the Richards
Bay Game Sanctuary was created to protect the ecology around the lagoon
and later by 1943 it expanded into the Richards Bay Park. The town was
laid-out on the shores of the lagoon in 1954 and proclaimed a town in 1969.
In 1976 Richards Bay harbour was converted into a deep water harbour with
railway and an oil/gas pipeline linking the port to Johannesburg. Two aluminium
smelters and a fertiliser plant have been erected at the harbour. Iron
ore, rutile (titanium oxide) and zircon are mined from the sand dunes close
to the lagoon by Richards Bay Minerals Richards Bay Minerals. Local exports
include coal, aluminium, titanium and other heavy minerals, granite, ferrochrome,
paper pulp, woodchips and phosphoric acid.
Duck
Inn B&B, Bed & Breakfast, RICHARDS BAY Duck Inn offers the finest
traditions of hospitality and comfort with gracious and attentive service.
We are ideally situated in a quiet road in the suburb of Meerensee, Richards
Bay. Three guest rooms and two cottage are available, all set in
a lovely garden with lots of trees and bird life. Just one hour by
car from Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Parks and St. Lucia Wetland. Winner
of the Zululand Chamber of Business Service Excellence 2003. Winner
of the Tourism KwaZuluNatal Service Excellence Award for B&B and Guesthouses
2004.
Elephant
Hills Richards Bay, Guest House, RICHARDS BAY The Elephant Hills Richards
Bay is situated in the upmarket residential area of Meerensee, cradled
between the indian ocean and Lake Mzingazi. Enjoy Kwazulu-Natal's
superb sub-tropical climate in our luxurious Guesthouse, well positioned
for both businessman and leisure traveller. We celebrate the cultural heritage
and diversity of KwaZulu-Natal's North Coast. All rooms are en-suite and
fitted with airconditioning and heating. Room service is on offer and full
Continental breakfasts are served.
FigTree
Lane Lodge, Lodge, RICHARDS BAY Figtree Lane Lodge has been
awarded 4 star status by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa and
was also rated to be an AA Highly Recommended Guest House and Self Catering
Establishment by AA Travel Guides. Figtree Lane Lodge is sheltered
in the shade of mature fig trees. This executive guest house is situated
within walking distance of the main beach and is located amongst various
prestigeous hotels, restaurants and shops. Figtree Lane Lodge is ideal
for business, leisure and sporting events.
Hillton
Manor, Guest House/B&B, RICHARDS BAY Hillton Manor is situated
in an exclusive cul-de-sac in Meerensee, a delightful coastal suburb of
Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal. Generous breakfasts are served in
the dining room or on the patio, all overlooking the Mzingazi Lake and
pool. Relax in the lounge or the cosy library. The Country Club and
Golf course, beaches, shops and small crafts harbour, with it's numerous
restaurants, are all in close proximity. Privacy and peace are offered
for the discerning traveller. Air Transfers available and car hire arranged.
Secure parking. There are 6 air conditioned en-suite bedrooms each
individually decorated. DSTV is available in all rooms amongst other conveniences.
La
Mer Lodge, Bed & Breakfast, RICHARDS BAY La Mer Lodge offers comfortable
B & B accommodation located on the KwaZuluNatal North Coast in the
quiet Richards Bay suburb of Arboretum Extension. It is only 1km from the
CBD and also very close to the beach and waterfront (approx. 5 minutes
drive). There are numerous restaurants and small shops in both areas. The
town is vibrant and fast becoming "the" north coast holiday destination,
offering spectacular scenery and un-spoilt beaches. La Mer Lodge
is ideal for both the businessman visiting local industrial giants as well
as the holidaymaker. It is one of the closest sea destinations from Gauteng
and enjoys a summer climate all year round. Swimming and surfing
are safe and inviting at the Alkaststrand and Neawark beaches, while the
Tuzi Gazi Waterfront, Naval Island and Pelican Island are a delight for
anglers, jet skiers, power-boaters, canoeists and sailing enthusiasts.
La
Rochelle Inn, Bed & Breakfast, RICHARDS BAY Be welcome to relax in 3-star
graded elegant en-suite, airconditioned rooms around two swimming pools.
Secure inside parking with remote control gates, DSTV in all the rooms.
Fully licensed. Full English breakfast. Coffee and tea facilities in rooms.
Huge tropical garden with lots of birdlife, 3 km from beach. Selfcatering
units available. Dinner on request. Beautiful Lapa for small weddings and
Conference facilities. Richards Bay is ideally situated. Nearby are
the ever popular game reserves of Hluhluwe and Mkuze, St Lucia wetlands,
fishing and diving resorts. Use La Rochelle as a stop over while exploring
Northen Zululand or stay a while and experience the many waterfront taverns
and restaurants, the swimming beaches, the crocodile farm, the upmarket
shopping centres, jet skiing, deep sea fishing, sailing and many more exiting
opportunities.
Serendipity
Guest House, RICHARDS BAY Come and experience sincere
hospitality in the serene surroundings of Serendipity. Only 2,5km from
airport and CBD. Immaculate luxury accommodation all en suite, air-conditioning
and TV with DSTV and Mnet. Enjoy a full English and Continental breakfast
in the diningroom overlooking the garden. Internet with Adsl, braai-facilities,
swimming pool, secure parking and free transport to airport. Wheelchair
friendly. Coffee/tea facilities available in guest lounge. Dinner and Lunch
packs on request.
Umuzi
Guest House, Bed & Breakfast, RICHARDS BAY Situated in Meerensee, Richards
Bay, this luxury Guesthouse is known for its warm and friendly atmosphere.
With spacious rooms, excellent breakfasts and ample car parking, all in
peaceful surroundings, we are confident you will find this a home away
from home. Relax in our comfortable lounge at any time.... chatting
with new found friends, enjoying a good book or just planning your holiday
activities. On lovely hot Zululand evenings, enjoy sundowners next
to the pool. Our secure car park is a bonus.
Ushaka
Bed & Breakfast, B&B/Self-Catering, RICHARDS BAY Centrally located in the
suburbs of Richards Bay on the kzn North coast, this immaculate accommodation
establishment is close to all major business centres, shopping malls, world
class golf courses, sport stadiums and prime beaches. Ideal for both business
traveller and holiday maker. The accommodation is set in a quiet
area, with sweeping inland views, where a large garden teems with bird
life and provides a tranquil backdrop to the elegant ambience of spacious,
comfortable and stylish accommodation. At Ushaka B&B our credo
is simple, we please you then you come back. So come and see what our holiday
and business accommodation has to offer to make your stay in Richards Bay
that much more special. It is important to us that you enjoy your visit
with us for our bed and breakfast or self catering holiday accommodation.
Protea
Hotel Imvubu Lodge, Lodge/Self-Catering/Hotel, RICHARDS BAY Imvubu lodge, meaning hippo
in Zulu, was inspired by the famous "Huberta the Hippo" who undertook the
historic journey from Zululand to East London. Tucked away in the
lush greenbelt zone of Richards Bay, we are adjacent to the scenic Lake
Menywa and the unspoilt beaches of the Indian Ocean. The lodge is
conveniently located on a 20 hectare property with a wildlife sanctuary
surrounding it, and is within close proximity to the Tuzi Gazi Waterfront,
the International heritage site of Lake St Lucia and two world-class game
reserves boasting the Big 5. Imvubu Lodge is also close to the CBD as well
as the Richards Bay airport. We have a 3 star grading from the Tourism
Grading counsel of South Africa and offer the following services.
The accommodation we offer includes; luxurious one and two bedroom chalets
both self-catering and non self-catering.
Protea
Hotel Richards Bay, RICHARDS BAY Combine the beauty of this
warm, lush subtropical region with the savannah of the many game reserves
as well as Zulu traditionalism. Situated in the heart of Zululand,
uMhlathuze City, known as Richards Bay has a combination of Industry and
Tourism features. And if water sports appeal to you, the area offers
Snorkelling, Fishing, Yachting, Diving, Canoeing, Ski-boating, and Jet-skiing.
The nearby Richards Bay Country Club also offers all the amenities for
sporting enthusiasts. Welcome to this unique and inviting retreat,
just 2 hours north of Durban. Experience the warm friendliness of Richards
Bay and its picturesque surroundings, with its relaxed hospitality and
the convenience of the centrally situated Protea Hotel Richards Bay - ideal
for travelling executives and holiday makers alike. Set in the beautiful
suburb of Meerensee, the Protea Hotel offers you 66 comfortable, fully
air-conditioned and stylishly decorated rooms, including five suites.
La
Nouvelle, Self-Catering Apartments, RICHARDS BAY La Nouvelle, luxury apartments
are situated in 5 Karateen str, MeerensSee. This specific apartment (no:
11) has 2 bedrooms but can accommodate 6 people, there is a sleeper coach
in the living room. The apartment is fully furnished, this includes a DSTV.
It is also fully air-conditioned. The apartment is very spacious (155m²).
The apartment has a private garden with its own splash pool and braai facility.
There is a parking garage attached to the apartment. The apartment is a
block away from shopping centre (groceries store, hardware, Take away,
Chemist, Bottle store, 24/7 shop, Laundry etc).
Ushaka
Bed & Breakfast, B&B/Self-Catering, RICHARDS BAY Centrally located in the
suburbs of Richards Bay on the kzn North coast, this immaculate accommodation
establishment is close to all major business centres, shopping malls, world
class golf courses, sport stadiums and prime beaches. Ideal for both business
traveller and holiday maker. The accommodation is set in a quiet
area, with sweeping inland views, where a large garden teems with bird
life and provides a tranquil backdrop to the elegant ambience of spacious,
comfortable and stylish accommodation. At Ushaka B&B our credo
is simple, we please you then you come back. So come and see what our holiday
and business accommodation has to offer to make your stay in Richards Bay
that much more special. With you in mind, we offer a large pool with an
accompanying baby pool, a large lapa incorporating a lounge area and private
braai (barbecue) area for the day when you just feel like relaxing.
Driving
in Richards Bay, South Africa by Mairead Foley
Richards Bay is located on
the northeast coast of Africa and is a great holiday destination for those
interested in beach activities. So whether it's sunbathing or something
a bit more energetic and adventurous you're after, this is the place to
go.
Richards Bay is one of the
larger harbours in South Africa. It's situated on a 30 km² lagoon
in the Mhathuze River - it was made a protected area in 1935. The town
was only laid out in 1954 and later in 1976 was converted to a deepwater
harbour with rail and oil links to Johannesburg. Located just 170km from
Durban, via the N2, Richards Bay is a popular get away for people who just
want to get out of the city.
What to see in the Richards
Bay area?
Richards Bay is a great fun
destination for those willing to try new things and is a haven for watersports
enthusiasts. The area is very popular with kite surfers due to the reliable
north-east wind coming down along the coast. There is also some excellent
fishing, yachting, kayaking and other adventurous activities on hand to
be enjoyed.
A popular attraction is Lake
Mzingazi. Here you'll find Nile crocodiles and hippos as well as over 350
species of birds.
The iSimangaliso Wetland
Park and Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park are
both located less than 100km from Richards Bay and are well worth a visit.
The Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park has all the 'big five' (elephants, lions, leopards,
buffalo and rhinos) as well as cheetahs, wild dogs and nyala. The entrance
to iSimangaliso Wetland Park (formerly Greater
St Lucia Wetland Park) is essentially through the town of St Lucia
and is a great activity centre with snorkelling, horse-riding, whale watching
hiking, a crocodile park and boat cruises where you can see hippos and
all the other wild life of the wetlands.
Why not hire a car? Hiring
a car is definitely the best option. It gives you much more freedom and
you get to see all the area's best bits at your leisure. The N2 connects
Cape Town to Durban, through George, Port Elizabeth and East London. The
N2 continues through Durban and passes by Richards Bay (the town is only
a few kilometres from the motorway) and onto Ermelo. Durban is connected
to Johannesburg and Pretoria via the N3, so as you can see you'll have
no problems getting to/from Richards Bay by car. The nearest International
airport is Durban Airport, which is only a 90-minute drive away.
The public transport network
is limited and many of the best attractions are just outside the town so
renting a car is definitely your best option for getting around. If you're
flying into Richard Bay Airport you can pick up your car hire here.
About the Author - Mairead
Foley writes for http://www.Novacarhire.com/ where you can book car hire
at airports, ferry ports, rail stations, cities and towns all over the
world. Book
your Car hire Richard's Bay now.
