Accommodation in Richards Bay, on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast (Dolphin Coast), South Africa

View Map of Richards Bay

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.

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 iSimangaliso 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.

Richards Bay B&B/Guest Houses

Richards Bay Hotels

Richards Bay Self-Catering Rentals

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About the Author - Mairead Foley writes for www.Novacarhire.com/ where you can book car hire at airports, ferry ports, rail stations, cities and towns all over the world. 

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.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Richards Bay Waterfront, RICHARDS BAY Overlooking Richard's Bay, this 4-star hotel offers stylish accommodations in the Tuzi Gazi Waterfront area. Protea Hotel Waterfront Richards Bay offers large, elegantly furnished rooms that boast views of the waterfront and bay area. All rooms include private bathrooms, king beds, air conditioning, and a satellite TV. The hotel's Ship to Shore Restaurant features an open plan design where guests can enjoy watching meals being prepared. Full English breakfast, lunch and dinner served everyday. Guests can unwind while sipping sundowners on the pool deck that overlooks the Tuzi Gazi Waterfront. The swimming pool features a seating pool area where guests can enjoy meals or drinks while relaxing in shallow waters.

	Serenity, Holiday Home, near RICHARDS BAY Serenity is a vacation home with a terrace, located in Mtunzini. The property is 35.4 km from Richards Bay and features views of the river. There is a sitting area, a dining area and a kitchen equipped with a dishwasher. A flat-screen TV is available.
	The Holiday House, Holiday Home, RICHARDS BAY Located in Richards Bay, this vacation home features a barbecue. It provides free private parking. The kitchen is equipped with an oven. A TV is featured. There are lots of activities in the area, such as snorkeling and fishing.