Richards Bay

Richards Bay is situated 160km north-east of Durban in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The bay contains one of South Africa's largest harbours, where the Mhlatuze River flows into a lagoon of thirty square kilometres. The climate is incredibly favourable, with the temperature varying little from its position in the high twenties annually.

One of the main attractions to Richards Bay is the industrial tourism available, a first of its kind in the tourism industry. Visitors can go on fascinating tours around the factories and plants, learning how they operate. The town is highly focused on industrial activity: 25% of the World's titanium, slag, zircon, rutile and high purity pig iron are produced here.

A variety of outdoor activities are on offer, such as fishing, kayaking, yachting, jet skiing, sailing and kite surfing. Water-sport enthusiasts can enjoy the waters at the Tuzi Gazi Waterfront, Naval Island and Pelican Island. Due to the regularity of the wind from the north-east, kite surfing is extremely popular. Swimming and surfing are also favourite pastimes, and can be enjoyed safely at the Alkastrand and Neawark beaches.

There is a variety of first-rate game reserves and parks which are only one to two hours' drive from Richards Bay. The town does have its own game reserve, The Richards Bay Game Reserve, which was created to protect animals in the lagoon who were victim to slaughtering. Many aquatic birds and animal species, such as the crocodile, are protected by this park.