Title: Richards Bay Travel Guide: Best of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal Travel 2025 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Richards Bay](https://expedia.co.uk/Richards-Bay-Hotels.d2954.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Holiday Rentals in Richards Bay](https://expedia.co.uk/Richards-Bay-Holiday-Rentals.d2954.Travel-Guide-HolidayRentals)[Flights to Richards Bay](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Richards-Bay.d2954.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Richards Bay Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Richards-Bay.d2954.Car-Hire-Guide)[Richards Bay Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Richards-Bay.d2954.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Richards Bay Travel Guide ## Tourist Guide ![Richards Bay showing a bay or harbour and a house](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/89000/89206-Richards-Bay.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Richards Bay showing general coastal views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/89000/89202-Richards-Bay.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Richards Bay showing a marina and general coastal views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/89000/89205-Richards-Bay.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Richards Bay](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/89000/89204-Richards-Bay.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Richards Bay showing a garden and a marina](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/89000/89208-Richards-Bay.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Richards Bay Things to do Reviews #### On South Africa’s northeast coast is a busy port town, with picturesque wetland scenery, wildlife, sweeping beaches and abundant watersports. Enjoy the colourful wildlife, breathtaking scenery and miles of unspoiled beaches of Richards Bay. This busy yet easygoing town spreads along the northeastern coast of South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal province. Richards Bay started as a makeshift harbour established by Sir Frederick Richards, a Commodore of the Cape during the Anglo-Boer War. The year-round summer climate makes Richards Bay a place to enjoy outdoor activities. Alkantstrand is a sweeping golden-sand beach with the warm Indian Ocean lapping at its shores. This Blue Flag beach is perfect for relaxed walks, picnics, safe swimming and watersports, such as canoeing, surfing and windsurfing. Stroll out along Richards Bay North Pier for impressive beach views. Watch surfers ride the rolling waves. At the southern end of Alkantstrand you’ll find Richards Bay Harbour. Wander along the boardwalks and note the contrasts of luxury yachts, old freight ships and fishing trawlers. North of the harbour, central Richards Bay is a collection of leafy residential suburbs. Visit the Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre, home to fashions stores, restaurants and entertainment, including a cinema and go-kart track. If you’re visiting South Africa to experience its famous wildlife, you’ll find opportunities within a short drive of Richards Bay. The town is part of the Zululand Birding Route, a series of scenic forests, mangroves, mudflats and wetlands that form a natural habitat for myriad birdlife. Spot some of over 300 bird species plus crocodiles and hippos at the Richards Bay Game Reserve. Walk the trails of Enseleni Nature Reserve to see more birdlife and a variety of game. Richards Bay is about a 2-hour drive north of Durban and a 1-hour flight from Johannesburg. Getting around is most convenient via rented car, providing any easy way to visit areas outside the town. Discover more of KwaZulu Natal’s stunning landscapes and wildlife at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (formerly Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park). - Top hotels in Richards Bay - Top Holiday Rentals in Richards Bay ![Road Lodge Richards Bay](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/9000000/8410000/8404200/8404110/ca79b2ec_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Road Lodge Richards Bay Corner Tassel Berry and, East Central Arterial Roads, Arbore, Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal £34 per night 12 Oct - 13 Oct Stay at this hotel in Richards Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Richards Bay Library and Boardwalk Mall are ... 7.6/10 Good! (153 reviews) Economical stay. "The room was great and the hotel itself was fine. The only issue was the service in the restaurant for our evening meal. It would have been better not to have to wait for so long for food to arrive and it would have been nice if we could all eat together, rather than some finishing before the other ..." Reviewed on 24 May 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=12%2F10%2F2025&endDate=13%2F10%2F2025&selected=8404110&PinnedHotelID=8404110&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=2954) ![BON Hotel Waterfront Richards Bay](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2880000/2871200/2871114/b0122b2b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### BON Hotel Waterfront Richards Bay Corner of Bridgetown & Pioneer Road, TuziGazi Waterfront, Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal £77 per night 21 Sept - 22 Sept Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Richards Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Popular attractions Zululand Yacht Club ... 8.2/10 Very Good! (90 reviews) Passover "The trip was amazing, the hotel tremendously satisfying, and the employees were very professional. Will stay again" Reviewed on 23 Apr 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=21%2F09%2F2025&endDate=22%2F09%2F2025&selected=2871114&PinnedHotelID=2871114&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=2954) ![Premier Hotel The Richards](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1070000/1067500/1067456/8e74aec5_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Premier Hotel The Richards 3 Hibberd Drive, Meerensee Richards Bay, Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal £57 per night 23 Sept - 24 Sept Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Richards Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Pelican Island and Zululand Yacht Club ... 7.4/10 Good! (82 reviews) Twin beds "We booked a 2 twin-bedded rooms but were given 2 rooms with double beds instead. This was not good, but 1 room was bedding was subsequently changed, and the twin beds emerged. Rooms were clean overall, although the sink in one room was not very clear, and water emptied slowly." Reviewed on 19 Mar 2023 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=23%2F09%2F2025&endDate=24%2F09%2F2025&selected=1067456&PinnedHotelID=1067456&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=2954) [See all 51 properties in Richards Bay](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=17%2F09%2F2025&endDate=18%2F09%2F2025®ionId=2954) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ![Seagull Lodge](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/16000000/15710000/15702800/15702744/6c7a37d7_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Seagull Lodge 97 Via Cassiandra Street Arboretum, Richards Bay 3900, Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Richards Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Boardwalk Mall and Richards Bay ... "There was no shower cap and shampoo nor noisy." Reviewed on 19 Feb 2024 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Richards-Bay-Hotels-Seagull-Lodge.h15702744.Hotel-Information) ![Private apartment, La Casa Villa luxury at the Bay](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/120000000/119380000/119377100/119377008/w905h683x60y0-e1fdd86b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Private apartment, La Casa Villa luxury at the Bay Richards Bay, KZN Stay at this villa in Richards Bay. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Richards Bay Park and Zululand Yacht Club are located ... [](https://expedia.co.uk/Richards-Bay-Hotels-Private-Apartment.h119377008.Hotel-Information) ![Charming 2-bedroom apartment with AC & WiFi in gorgeous Richards Bay](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/113000000/112010000/112008900/112008843/9b91f68f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Charming 2-bedroom apartment with AC & WiFi in gorgeous Richards Bay Richards Bay, KZN Stay at this apartment in Richards Bay. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and housekeeping. Popular attractions Richards Bay Park and Alkandstrand Beach are ... [](https://expedia.co.uk/Richards-Bay-Hotels-Charming-2-Bedroom-Apartment-With-AC-WiFi-In-Gorgeous-Richards-Bay.h112008843.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Richards Bay](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=2954&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ## Check Richards Bay hotel availability [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2954&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17) [Tonight](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2954&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2954&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2954&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17)[16 Sept - 17 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2954&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2954&startDate=2025-09-17&endDate=2025-09-18) [Tomorrow night](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2954&startDate=2025-09-17&endDate=2025-09-18) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2954&startDate=2025-09-17&endDate=2025-09-18) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2954&startDate=2025-09-17&endDate=2025-09-18)[17 Sept - 18 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2954&startDate=2025-09-17&endDate=2025-09-18) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2954&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025) [This weekend](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2954&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2954&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2954&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025)[19 Sept - 21 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2954&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2954&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025) [Next weekend](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2954&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2954&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2954&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025)[26 Sept - 28 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2954&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025) ### Popular places to visit #### Enseleni Nature Reserve Explore the great outdoors at Enseleni Nature Reserve, a lovely green space in Richards Bay. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Enseleni-Nature-Reserve-Richards-Bay.d6172040.Attraction) #### Boardwalk Mall 4/5(1 review) You can do some window-shopping at Boardwalk Mall during your trip to Richards Bay. While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Boardwalk-Mall-Richards-Bay.d553248621562613688.Attraction) #### Richards Bay Park Explore the great outdoors at Richards Bay Park, a lovely green space in Richards Bay. While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Richards-Bay-Park-Richards-Bay.d553248621556027034.Attraction) #### Aquadene Public Library After visiting Aquadene Public Library, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Richards Bay. Wander the parks and waterfront while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Aquadene-Public-Library-Richards-Bay.d906676147511791616.Attraction) #### Alkandstrand Beach Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Alkandstrand Beach during your travels in Richards Bay? Wander the parks and waterfront while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Alkandstrand-Beach-Richards-Bay.d553248621556027035.Attraction) #### Richards Bay Game Reserve You can take time to visit Richards Bay Game Reserve during your travels to Richards Bay. Wander the parks and waterfront while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Richards-Bay-Game-Reserve-Richards-Bay.d906676928562507776.Attraction) ### Things to do ![Emdoneni Wildcat Project Day Tour From Richards Bay](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48281936/61330dcd-c2f3-4545-b7c2-44c6f0cd7b73.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Emdoneni Wildcat Project Day Tour From Richards Bay £206 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/emdoneni-wildcat-project-day-tour-from-richards-bay.a48281936.activity-details) [See all activities in Richards Bay](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Richards-Bay.d2954.Travel-Guide-Activities) ## Reviews of Richards Bay 4 Top destination 5 - Excellent 0 4 - Good 2 3 - Okay 0 2 - Disappointing 0 1 - Terrible 0 ### 4/5 - Good Verified traveller Go to the club beside the hotel, the staff are really welcoming. - Cities near Richards Bay - Places of interest [Empangeni](https://expedia.co.uk/Empangeni.dx602411)[Esikhawini H](https://expedia.co.uk/Esikhawini-H.dx553248635974587051) - [Enseleni Nature Reserve](https://expedia.co.uk/Enseleni-Nature-Reserve-Richards-Bay.d6172040.Attraction) - [Alkandstrand Beach](https://expedia.co.uk/Alkandstrand-Beach-Richards-Bay.d553248621556027035.Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app ![QR code to download the app](data:image/png;base64,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)