Industrial Tourism
Industrial tourism is a new concept in tourism and is what makes Richards Bay unique to other coastal towns. Visit industrial plants, mines and other operations that make this harbour the largest export coal terminal in the world.
Richards Bay is located along the lagoon of the Mhlatuze River in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. As one of the country’s largest harbours, this former fishing village is now home to the largest coal export facility in the world. Alongside a flourishing mining industry, Richards Bay is a gateway city to surrounding areas, with mountainous landscapes and large game parks.
Cheap flights to Richards Bay are now available for a limited period of time, so get ready to enjoy the breath-taking scenery, beautiful beaches and cultural history of this harbour city! Richards Bay is home to Richards Bay Airport (RCB), located to the north-east of the city, an easy 20-minute drive from the city centre.
| Flight Route | Airline | Trip Type | Travel Dates | Searched | Price From |
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Industrial tourism is a new concept in tourism and is what makes Richards Bay unique to other coastal towns. Visit industrial plants, mines and other operations that make this harbour the largest export coal terminal in the world.
Soak up the sun at the beautiful Alkanstrand beach, with its pearly-white sand and sapphire waters. This popular Blue Flag beach boasts some of the best sunset views of this harbour town!
Go on a horseback safari through the wild game reserves or along the gorgeous beaches at sunset. Adrenaline-junkies can enjoy kitesurfing, jet skiing and microlight flights over the scenic landscapes.
Essential details you need to know before your trip
| Country | South Africa |
|---|---|
| Currency | South African Rand (ZAR) |
| Language | English / Afrikaans / Zulu |
| Hub Airport | Richards Bay Airport (RCB) |
| Airline | South African Airways |
| Time Zone | GMT + 02:00 |
| Travel Adaptor | Type D / M / N |
Richards Bay experiences a sub-tropical climate with hot summers and cool, warm winters. The optimal time to visit is during summer (January-April) and autumn (August-November) when school holidays are over and crowds have dispersed. Summer time brings hot, balmy days and beach bums can take advantage of the warm sapphire waters lapping against pearly-white beaches. Bring an umbrella and rain jacket as this period does experience heavy shower spurts and the occasional thunderstorm. Avoid the family crowds between June and July, and enjoy the peaceful autumn scenery from August. Autumn sees less rainfall and cooler temperatures, making it favourable for outdoor activities and game viewing.
Average temperature (°C) & rainfall (mm) per month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low °C | 21°C | 21°C | 20°C | 18°C | 15°C | 12°C | 12°C | 14°C | 16°C | 17°C | 19°C | 20°C |
| High °C | 30°C | 30°C | 29°C | 27°C | 25°C | 23°C | 23°C | 24°C | 25°C | 26°C | 27°C | 29°C |
| Rainfall (mm) | 122 | 137 | 127 | 83 | 94 | 49 | 49 | 67 | 72 | 105 | 118 | 100 |
The bustling town of Richards Bay offers some of the most spectacular scenery and unspoilt beaches, not to mention its rich history that fills this harbour town with a charming character.
Richards Bay has some of the best beaches in the country and you can easily spend a whole day lounging on the white sand, while dipping in and out of the warm, blue ocean. The mini resorts of Naval Island, Pelican Island and the Tuzi Gazi Waterfront offer great opportunities for canoeing, angling, jet-skiing and sailing. The mountainous landscapes and riveting scenery can be explored via horseback, mountain biking, helicopter flights and microlight flights.
For history enthusiasts, Zululand portrays the traditional tribal ways of life that have been preserved in the rural countryside, where traditional kraals (villages) such as Shakaland, are open to the public year-round. Other attractions not to be missed include Lake Mzingazi and the Richards Bay Game Reserve, where you’ll find an abundance of birdlife and hippos splashing around. Whales and dolphins can be spotted in the bay during summer time.
Regardless if you’re travelling for business or pleasure, the laid-back culture and tranquil surroundings will make you feel right at home in this city.
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