Welcome to the world of Richards Bay, which ushers both visitors and tourists alike into a world of diverse experiences waiting to be explored. Richards Bay is a location that has something to satisfy whatever taste and experience its guests crave, whether they are nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, or perhaps someone seeking tranquility by the beach.
With plenty of attractions and captivating activities to catch up with in this gem of a city in South Africa, be it visiting anyone of its rich tapestry of attractions, from pristine nature reserves to animal sanctuaries and pristine beaches, below have been highlighted some of the fun things to do in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.
Fun Things To Do In Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal
1. Hangout on the Enseleni Nature Reserve
The Enseleni nature reserve is best known for its traverse of diverse landscapes dominated by the presence of butterflies and insects during the summer days, which is a top recommendation for tourists looking to catch up with some wildlife moments and enjoy picnics as well.
Hanging out aside, tourists showing up here are also privileged to enjoy hiking across the pathways en route to Empangeni and Richards Bay, something amazing to indeed spend their leisure hours with.
What should I expect?
Guests showing up here get to enjoy sightseeing by coming across several large mammals such as giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, impalas, water bucks, bush pigs, duikers, and even hippos and crocodiles that occupy the reserve.
Address: Enseleni Nature Reserve, Richards Bay, Zululand, KwaZulu Natal.
2. Hangout and dine at the Richards Bay Small Craft Harbour
The Richards Bay small craft harbor, just as its name insinuates, is one surrounded by a small water body, housing quite a selection of top eateries focusing basically on Indian, Thai, African, and Portuguese dishes and delicacies for the dining purposes of its residents and guests visiting.
That aside, there is also the presence of an ice cream shop that is best suited and breathes the air of romance, with the perfect scenery of enjoying the beautiful views of tugboats, cargo ships, yachts, and the local harbor dredger from the restaurant and Bon Hotel nearby.
Why should I visit?
Showing up here is basically and primarily to immerse yourself in its unique waterfront atmosphere, a sight rare to come across in the whole of the country at large.
Address: 3554 Newark Rd., Tuzi Gazi Waterfront, Richarharbor 3901, South Africa.
3. Embark on an excursion with the safari company of Outdoor Africa
The safari company of Outdoor Africa is offering something exciting and thrilling specifically to outdoor enthusiasts, one which is to take the form of a full-day beach excursion starting properly from Richards Bay, which is to further see them journeying to explore the oldest game reserve in South Africa.
Their tour packages revolve around immersing both visitors and tourists alike in the rich tapestry of Zulu culture, with visits to some of the region’s most distinguished safari destinations.
What other things happen here?
Amidst this full-day beach excursion, visitors and tourists alike are also presented with the hard-to-come-by opportunity of setting their eyes on the renowned “Big Five” animals of elephants, rhinoceroses, Cape buffaloes, lions, and leopards residing within the reserve’s boundaries.
Address: 4 Lobster Pot, Meer En See, Richards Bay, 3901, South Africa.
4. Enjoy the sightseeing that comes with visiting Htluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, for the record, turns out to be one of South Africa’s most expensive assets when it comes to tourism. An iconic park measuring a staggering length of over 960 square kilometers, it is highly recommended for a visit during the dry winter months (May to September).
Similar to the aforementioned outdoor Africa, guests show up reagents to embark on an excursion into the open savannah to enjoy catching up with the sights of lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, and wild dogs.
What should I expect?
Guests show up here to enjoy touring nearby wildlife facilities, museums, and information centers as it revolves around animals relocating to new homes.
Address: 5 Mposa, Kwambonambi, Richards Bay, South Africa.
5. Explore the Alkantstrand Beach
Holding the bragging rights of being the only blue flag beach in Richards Bay, this cherished tourist destination of Alkantstrand Beach is one characterized by its natural splendor, fantastic surfing conditions, and pleasant beach strolls for families, all dedicated to tourists having a great time hanging out with family and friends.
Reflecting the true beauty of KwaZulu-Natal culture generally, exploring the Alkantstrand beach is one that should get you stunned by its pristine condition and wealth of amenities provided for exploring the coastal gem and basking in a welcoming climate.
Why should I visit?
Here, in the company of family and friends, you get to enjoy a lovely day at the beach, taking in the warm waves of the Indian Ocean at their disposal.
Address: Alkantstrand Beach, Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
6. Enjoy the flavors of Portuguese On The Bay
The restaurant house of Portuguese On The Bay, just as its name indicates, is dedicated to providing dishes on all manners of Portuguese menus and delicacies, especially as it concerns its perfectly cooked prawns, ribs, and calamari.
It is a nice option of places to try out specifically for guests operating on a pocket-friendly budget, as they get to settle for more such flavorful dishes at an affordable price in a calm atmosphere.
What do they offer?
The Portuguese on the Bay restaurant house does offer services so friendly and dishes so great, especially with its meal options of peri-peri chicken and grilled calamari.
Address: Harbour Arterial, Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal
7. Try something different at the Alkantstrand Skate Park
Alkantstrand State Park is another tourist destination of top interest that you might as well want to consider visiting should you crave an adventure and fun activity that is crazy and thrilling at the very same time.
A tourist attraction offering an avenue for tourists to soak up themselves under the sun while also enjoying the cool breeze of nature amidst other fun and thrills in its surroundings.
What should I expect?
Showing up here is primarily to come to enjoy skating, though there is also the opportunity to enjoy biking on any one of its BMX bikes.
Address: Richards Bay, South Africa.
8. Pass the night at the luxurious space of Aristo Manor Guest House
The Aristo Manor Guest House, known by its nickname Heaven on Earth, meets the lodging demands of both visitors and tourists alike with an exclusive touch of luxury and is designed in a way that guests can enjoy its peace and tranquility.
Blessed with modern-day facilities in every single one of its seven luxurious en-suite bedrooms that are accompanied by their balconies, visitors showing up here are certainly assured of having and enjoying a truly comfortable and relaxing stay.
Why should you stay here?
Guests showing up here get to enjoy its wonderful homely space with an executive touch in a quiet suburb.
Address: 16 Whydah Wing Street, Birdswood, Richards Bay, 3900, South Africa.
9. Go on a shopping spree at the Boardwalk Mall
Spending time in the regional areas of this city of Richards Bay wouldn’t be considered and deemed satisfying if one is yet to stop by this ideal location of Boardwalk Mall that captures the cultural and historical warmth of Zululand.
Here, visitors and tourists alike get to enjoy an amazing shopping experience like never before in this majestic oasis of retail and leisure innovation housing plenty of brands of different tastes, with the guarantee and assurance of guests getting to come across every single one of their shopping necessities.
What other things happen here?
The Boardwalk Mall in Richards Bay also anchors a kid-friendly monthly mall event called Inkwazi Kids Club with plenty of themed activities and arts & crafts for the kids.
Address: Boardwalk Mall, Kruger Rand Road, Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.
10. Catch a break with the Premier Hotel, The Richards
The Premier Hotel The Richards is yet another lodging and accommodation facility present in Richards Bay that holds the bragging rights of being one of the very best hotels in the area. It is positioned in the exclusive suburb of Meerensee and is generally designed for guests to come to catch a break far away from the hassle and bustle of city life.
Made popular as well for its exquisite beauty and incredible diversity, this is an ideal location for guests to come enjoy the comfort that comes with being at home, even though they are far away from home. With the option to check out the endless unspoiled beaches and coastal conservation areas, the largest estuarine system in South Africa. Shopping, beaches, and natural wonders all make up its neighborhood.
Why should you stay here?
The Premier Hotel The Richards offers the perfect stay for business and leisure travelers.
Address: 3 Hibberd Drive, Meerensee, Richards Bay, Kwazulu Natal.PO Box 10047, Meerensee, 3901.
11. Enjoy your stay at the BON Hotel Waterfront
The BON Hotel Waterfront in Richards Bay is popular and famous for its spectacular views of the oceanfront and yacht harbor and does serve as. a guest house befitting both visitors and tourists alike in any of its 75 spacious and modern rooms.
It is a very good lodging facility that is highly recommended as one of the very best places to stay upon visiting Richards Bay, with provisions made for basic amenities such as air conditioning, a full HD satellite TV, en suite bathrooms, and tea and coffee making facilities.
Why should you stay here?
The BON Hotel Waterfront in Richards Bay has a waterfront setting for sophisticated rooms and suites, plus a modern restaurant and a cigar lounge.
Address: Corner of Bridgetown and Pioneer Road, TuziGazi Waterfront, Richards Bay, 3901, South Africa.
12. Settle down for lunch at Jack’s on the Bay
The Jack’s on the Bay is yet another bar & grill in Richards Bay, which has got the doors to its premises flung wide open every day of the week to usher both residents and visitors alike to come to settle for lunch with a menu of seafood.
Blessed with an ever-present friendly and awesome staff always on standby to attend to and address your needs, guests showing up here get to enjoy dining under the sweet ambiance and festive vibes from the DJ.
What should I expect?
Showing up here, guests get to enjoy freshly made dishes at a very decent price in the sweet ambiance of background music.
Address: 3 Quay Walk, Tuzi Gazi Waterfront, Richards Bay, 3900, South Africa.
13. Enjoy the local dishes and flavors of Dros Restaurant
The Dros Restaurant is that very family-friendly restaurant you might as well want to stop by should you crave enjoying the sweet combo of a wine cellar and restaurant dining options, with plenty of local dishes and delicacies of the South African culture to settle down for.
Blessed with dishes of outstanding quality and excellent service, this restaurant is a favorite spot among residents to have a feel of the South African atmosphere combined with the traditional dining experience made up of beers and spirits.
Why should I visit?
This is a family-friendly restaurant chain with a rustic feel, a South African wine cellar, & a grill menu.
Address: Richards Bay, 3900, South Africa
14. Relax and dine at the Jack’s Corner Ocean View
Jack’s Corner Ocean View, present right in the heart of the Ridge Guest House and offering beautiful views of the Richards Bay harbor and Pelican Island, also makes its way into our list of restaurants to dine at in Richards Bay.
One that stands out with its option of dining indoors under the comfort of its air-conditioned space or outdoors on the deck, enjoying the sun and the sea whatever your needs might be, either for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, just be rest assured of the fact that the restaurant house of Jack’s Corner Ocean View has got you covered with its long list and an excellent range of seafood dishes, which include red snapper and prawns.
What do they offer?
The Jack’s Corner Ocean View restaurant house offers a variety of cocktails, soft drinks, and wines, with its meal options covering Portuguese-inspired dishes, beef, pork, and lamb, combos, and platters.
Address: Meer En See, Richards Bay, 3900, South Africa.
Other Fun Things To Do Nearby Richards Bay
15. Dine and hang out at the Cubana restaurant
Situated in the most ideal of locations of a beach, the Cubana restaurant is one entirely different from the rest, one in which you get to dine and hang out in a nature-embedded location just across the Small Crafts Harbour.
Finding their way through the doors of its premises, guests here are ushered in with a great taste of music to set the mood for an evening of dining with tasteful and flavorful cocktails alongside an extensive menu while watching the sunset.
What do they offer?
This is a Clubby Latino bar chain with a Cuban soundtrack, offering cocktails, cigars, & a simple menu.
Address: Small Crafts Harbour, Durban, 3900, South Africa.
16. Go snorkeling at Cape Vidal
Cape Vidal, present on the KwaZulu-Natal nature reserve, is famous and popular for its sheltered beaches, rock pools, and ledges, all dominated by the presence of the wetlands and coastal forest of iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Offering the perfect escape routes from the usual fun and thrilling activities you might have come to know about, guests showing up here get to try out something entirely different: observing marine life at low tide while snorkeling.
What to expect
Guests showing up here get to enjoy deep-sea fishing excursions on ski boats with the correct snorkeling equipment and guide provided already.
Address: The Dredger Harbour, St Lucia
Also, Read 20 Fun Things To Do In Harrismith, South Africa
17. Go hiking on the Mtunzini trails
What better location to come enjoy hiking on a sunny day in the summer than one with routes surrounded by a reserve—one that also cuts across a swamp forest? perfect scenery for enjoying an amazing hiking experience.
Talking of its amazing hiking experience, it is to see both visitors and tourists alike journey inside out of different picturesque scenery down to one of the country’s most outstanding mangrove forests.
What should I expect?
Showing up here primarily is to enjoy hiking between plenty of tall trees, especially the popular raphia palms.
Address: Umlazi Nature Reserve, Mtunzini, KwaZulu Natal
18. Spend your leisure hours at the Reptile City
Though it might sound and appear weird to some, spending your leisure hours at the Reptile City is one many guests should find fascinating, one which can be found in the small community of Mposa, around a 30-minute drive from Richards Bay.
Recommended as the perfect outing to come to enjoy in the company of family and friends, both residents and visitors spending their leisure hours here get to set their sights on different varieties of animals of the reptile species, mostly crocodiles and snakes.
What other things happen here?
The reptile city is also surrounded by a children’s play area, a small restaurant, and a gift store for those in search of an ideal location to give the kids their fun moments, dine, and go shopping as well.
Address: 5 Mposa, Kwambonambi
19. Experience the Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk
The Dlinza Forest aerial boardwalk, which is just a 1.5-hour drive from the regional coasts of Richards Bay itself, is proving to be an ideal location for guests to come to enjoy their leisure hours on its 125-meter-long boardwalk in Eshowe.
Talking about spending their leisure hours in this vicinity, this is an ideal location with romance filled in the air to come walk hand in hand with a loved one (preferably spouse) enjoying a lovely stroll in its magnificent and enchanted woodland.
What should I expect?
Guests showing up here get to have a nice time enjoying bird viewing, picnics under the trees, and other available fun and thrilling activities.
Address: Kangela St, Eshowe
20. Enjoy the standard menu of The Clay Oven
This restaurant of The Clay Oven isn’t one joked about by residents in the area; it is popular and famous for its wonderful food, warm service, and stunning views in a laid-back ambiance. It has a standard menu to accommodate all manners of dishes for breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
It is one very ideal location for the cameras as well, as not only do you get to dine with anyone of its savor delectable flavored dishes and delicacies, but you also get to enjoy and admire the breathtaking views of the ocean, passing ships, and smaller boats in the lagoon.
What should I expect?
Guests showing up here get to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner with tasty food that is not badly priced, while also going about enjoying its lovely daytime view and staying relaxed.
Address: 32 Hely Hutchinson Street, Mtunzini, Zululand, KwaZulu Natal.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the city of Richards Bay, a gateway to tourism in the country of South Africa at large, might appear and seem to be a laid-back town, but the reverse is the case upon visiting, with plenty of side attractions and a few interesting things to partake in while visiting.
