Special attractions in Richards Bay

Richards Bay is a coastal town that has evolved from a quaint fishing village into a bustling hub of economic activity. Beyond its industrial prowess, Richards Bay boasts a myriad of attractions that cater to a diverse range of interests, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists. 

Here are some of the special attractions that make Richards Bay a unique and captivating destination:

• Alkantstrand Beach

Alkantstrand Beach stands out as a pristine haven with its clean shores and crystal-clear waters. It caters to sun enthusiasts and water activity lovers, providing an ideal setting for swimming and surfing. Take a leisurely stroll, enjoy a family picnic, or witness a breathtaking sunset along its expansive sandy stretch. With vigilant lifeguards on duty and excellent facilities, including wooden A-frames for shade, it's the perfect spot to unwind and revel in seaside fun.

• Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre

For those who relish shopping and entertainment, Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre is the ultimate destination. Offering an expansive 69,000 square metres of retail space, it hosts popular stores like Aldo, Spitz, Toys R Us, and Bargain Books to suit everyone's taste.

Accessibility takes precedence here, with step-free entrances, ramps, and wheelchair-friendly facilities. Dedicated parking for Moms and Tots, coupled with a revamped food court featuring Wimpy, Mugg and Bean, and John Dorys, ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

• Pelican Island

Pelican Island, a hidden haven in Richards Bay, is a popular family destination with beautiful beaches and excellent fishing. With its sandy shoreline and gentle waters, it's perfect for a relaxing swim. The tiny waves make it safe and enjoyable for young kids to experience the sea.

Accessible via a rustic causeway, the journey adds a touch of adventure, making it an ideal getaway for families with young children. Bring your family, set up a gazebo, grab some chairs, and indulge in a day of sun, sand, and sea at Pelican Island.

• Richards Bay Small Craft Harbour

The picturesque Richards Bay Small Craft Harbour offers stunning waterfront views, maritime activities, and cultural insights. Serving as a hub for recreational boating, fishing, and waterfront dining, the harbour reflects the local maritime culture, contributing to the area's economy.

Visitors can enjoy boat tours, guided fishing excursions, and community events. With amenities like walking paths and parks, the Small Craft Harbour provides a vibrant blend of outdoor activities, making it a key attraction in Richards Bay.

• Enseleni Nature Reserve

Established in 1948 between Richards Bay and Empangeni, the 293-hectare Enseleni Nature Reserve promises an ideal day outing. Trails wind through coastal grasslands and forests, showcasing mangroves, ancient wild fig trees, and papyrus along the riverbank-a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Named after the Nseleni River, meaning "place of the badger" or "fair place," it drains into Lake Nsesi near Richards Bay. The reserve features a small conference centre, picnic areas, and braai facilities, providing a relaxing family retreat. Rich birdlife, including African finfoot and Pels fishing owl, and diverse wildlife, from giraffes to hippos, make it a nature lover's paradise.

• Hluhluwe Game Reserve

Hluhluwe Game Reserve, situated approximately 110 kilometres north of Richards Bay, is a premier attraction celebrated for its Big 5 safari experience-showcasing lions, elephants, rhinoceros, buffalos, and leopards. Recognised for successful rhino conservation, the reserve boasts rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. 

Hluhluwe features rolling hills, savannas, and meandering rivers, providing breathtaking views. The reserve additionally offers cultural insights, allowing visitors to explore traditional Zulu villages and engage in enriching cultural experiences.

• St. Lucia

A mere 80 kilometres from Richards Bay, St. Lucia provides an easily accessible escape from the bustle of city life. Visitors can embark on captivating wildlife safaris at iSimangaliso Wetland Park, encountering the Big 5 and diverse landscapes.

Renowned boat tours navigate estuarine waters teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife. The optimal period for whale watching in St. Lucia is from October to February, as these majestic creatures migrate to the warm waters, escaping the Arctic cold. Encounter humpback whales, sperm whales, and pilot whales up close and personal during this time. From March to November, St. Lucia transforms into a sea turtle nesting ground, providing a remarkable experience through guided tours. 

Visitors can also engage in various water activities, including snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, boat tours, fishing, sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. 

• Kosi Bay

Situated 260 kilometres from Richards Bay on the Elephant Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, Kosi Bay Nature Reserve is a pristine tropical paradise within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Covering 11,000 hectares, it features crystal-clear water, marshland, coastal forest, and swamp, hosting around 250 bird species.

Known for premier fishing and snorkelling, it's also a summer haven for turtles nesting on sandy beaches and humpback whales migrating along the coast. The coastal forest shelters diverse wildlife, and guests can enjoy guided canoe trips, boat excursions, forest walks, or day trips to nearby beaches.

From sun-soaked beaches to wildlife wonders, this coastal haven has it all. Whether you're seeking modern shopping or maritime marvels, Richards Bay welcomes you. Contact Seeff Richards Bay today and let us guide you to your dream home in this vibrant paradise.