Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Richards Bay is the real gateway to Zululand and Maputaland. This South African town is situated on what was originally a floodplain, located about halfway up the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal between Durban and Kosi Bay.

Richards Bay started out as a small fishing village with a temporary harbour during the Anglo Boer War of 1879, Admiral Sir F.W. Richards, a commander of the British Naval Division was stationed here and the KwaZulu-Natal town was named after him. Richards Bay lies along a lagoon on the Mlatuzi River and its potential as a great natural harbour was confirmed after a detailed survey was carried out.

Richards Bay now has the largest export coal terminal in the world where 65 million tons is loaded every year at this town in KwaZulu-Natal. Many specialised ships that stop here are a must-see for maritime enthusiasts. Richards Bay Minerals enormous operations top the list of Industrial Tourism opportunities.

Apart from harbour and mining activities, this town has wonderful wetland scenery as well as unspoilt beaches. Richards Bay forms part of the Zululand Birding Route which includes the harbour and Game reserve called New Mouth; some rare birds like the pygmy goose and cuckoo hawk can be seen here.