Richards Bay

Situated on KwaZulu Natal's fertile South Coast, Richards Bay started out as a holiday town and has developed into a major port. The town is situated on a lagoon in the Mhathuze River. Today Richards Bay is a thriving industrial port with a direct rail connection to the mines for coal and other mining exports.

Originally the lagoon provided a home for a vast population of aquatic birds, attracted to the area by a rich supply of fish. Crocodiles, sharks and hippos frequented the lagoon, as did hunters and fisherman in search of trophies. A monster crocodile (6.7m) was once shot here.

In 1935, thanks to conservationists, the 1,200 hectare lagoon was declared a game reserve, whilst in 1945 the adjacent land was declared Richards Bay Game Reserve.The town of Richards Bay was laid out alongside this park on the elevated northern slope of the lagoon, overlooking a fine stretch of water.

The town was named after Admiral Sir F. W. Richards, a commander of the British Naval Division during the Anglo-Zulu War.

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