Making the most of Richards Bay
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
As Zululand's gateway, the Port of Richards Bay welcomes cruise ships with Zulu dancers and craft makers on the quayside. A tourist information office is nearby, while Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping center offers an eclectic shopping mix.
The cruise terminal lies close to downtown Richard's Bay, usually a short taxi ride or walk away.
This is a modern, scenic marina. A shuttle to a modern shopping mall is provided most times.
Take a printable map with you.
Richards Bay is relatively new: planning began in 1954 and it was not officially declared a city until 1969.
Inaugurated in 1976, the new deep-water port is the country's second largest after Durban. It prompted large and small industries, hotels, shops and restaurants to spring up, and the town has developed at record-breaking speed.
On Richards Bay's outskirts, fresh-water Lake Mzingazi supports crocodiles and hippos; lush surrounding vegetation is a bird-watchers' paradise.
Getting around
Just outside the gate is an outdoor "mall" with a few stores selling tours.
Most guests take cruise organized tours. Several private game reserves lie within an hour's drive, although most tours run in the day's high heat, when many animals are out of sight.
Nearby places
Game reserves and cultural villages outside Richards Bay are the main attractions. To many visitors, Zululand is part of the "real" Africa: it covers much of central KwaZulu-Natal, including Richards Bay port and adjacent Hluhluwe Game Park. The Zulu tribe dominates this region, and its customs, historical traditions and culture are evident throughout. Zulu takes its name from an early chief, whose descendants were aba-kwa Zulu, or people of Zulu. Ulundi, north of the Tugela River, is their capital. Much of Zululand is scenic hilly interior plus some…
Food and shopping
Richards Bay has several malls with boutiques and specialty shops selling curios. The Gallery focuses on local wood carvings, from furniture to souvenirs; when buying wooden articles, ensure the wood has been treated for termites.
Money
South Africa uses the Rand (ZAR). ATMs linked to major international networks are available countrywide, but use only machines inside a mall or other building. Guard your PIN from observers and watch for scams, such as machines that appear to eat a card and will not return it after a PIN is entered.
Most retail stores take credit cards.
Staying connected
South Africa has 11 official languages. English is spoken by most people other than rural black Africans, but is not the first language for many. Afrikaans is also widely spoken, particularly among white and colored populations.
The ship docks near a marina with cafes, bars and free wi-fi.
Opening Hours and
Shopping hours are Mon-Fri 0900-1700 and Sat 0900-1400, though major tourist spots increasingly open later and throughout weekends. Shopping malls often stay open until 9PM.