Richards Bay

Situated on KwaZulu-Natal's fertile North coast, Richards Bay started out as a holiday town and has developed into a major port.

It is situated on a lagoon in the Mhathuze river and its potential as a great natural harbour were confirmed in 1897 after a detailed survey was carried out.

Originally, the lagoon provided a home for a vast population of aquatic birds, attracted to the area by a rich supply of fish.

Crocodiles, sharks and hippos frequented the lagoon, as did hunters and fisherman in search of trophies.

A monster crocodile (6.7m) was shot here. The area of sheltered water was twice that of Durban’s harbour.

The mouth was open to the sea and the depth, though only three meters, could be dredged to allow passage for very large vessels. When development started, conservationists objected and in 1935 the 1 200 hectare lagoon was declared a game reserve, whilst in 1945 the adjacent land was declared Richards Bay Park.

The town of Richards Bay was laid out alongside this park, on the elevated northern slope of the lagoon, overlooking a fine stretch of water. Today Richards Bay is a thriving industrial port with a direct rail connection to the mines for coal and other mining exports. The town was named after Admiral Sir F.W. Richards, a commander of the British Naval Division during the Anglo-Zulu War.

Richards Bay is also close to the renowned Hluhluwe Umfolosi Game Reserve, the National Heritage site of St Lucia Wetlands, golden beaches, the Richards Bay Waterfront, modern Shopping Malls and many scenic drives

More info on Richards Bay

Richards Bay Lagoon
Birding in Richards Bay