Situated in the beautiful KZN province of South Africa, Richards Bay is a former sleepy fishing village turned stunning holiday destination.
Richards Bay and surrounds offer great beaches, pristine natural surroundings and some incredible local attractions. For families looking for a fun, yet simple holiday, Richards Bay is ideal.
Here are the top ten things to do in and around Richards Bay with kids:
#1 Visit Alkantstrand Beach
As Richards Bay’s only blue flag beach, Alkantstrand needs little introduction. This popular local spot is one known for its beauty, epic surfing and family-friendly beach strolls.
With lifeguards on duty throughout the year and the gorgeous, warm waters of the Indian Ocean at your disposal, families can enjoy a great day at the beach.
Note: The waves are quite strong here and the water isn’t often calm so swimming isn’t really advisable for young children – but you can enjoy incredible beach walks and playtime on the shore.
Contact: N/A
Website: N/A
Address: Alkantstrand Beach, Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#2 Head to Boardwalk Mall for Some Fun
For families visiting Richards Bay, Boardwalk Mall is a lovely indoor experience for all. As a bonus, they also have an exciting kids’ club.
Inkwazi Kids Club is a monthly mall event for kids. With supervision, themed activities, arts and crafts and more to enjoy, this event is a must for the little ones.
Follow the mall’s events page for details on the latest event(s).
Contact: +27 (035) 789 7251 info@boardwalkinkwazi.co.za
Website: www.boardwalkinkwazi.co.za
Address: Boardwalk Mall, Kruger Rand Road, Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#3 Explore Enseleni Nature Reserve
For those craving some time in nature, the nearby Enseleni Nature Reserve is ideal. With two decent trails, gorgeous nature and local fauna and flora to enjoy experiencing, this small reserve is worth a visit.
Contact: +27 (031) 001 3642
Website: N/A
Address: Enseleni Nature Reserve, Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#4 Rip Up Richards Bay Skate Park
If your kids, especially tweens and teens enjoy skating or even bike rides, the Richards Bay Skate Park offers a nice experience.
It is a good way to keep the kids active and enjoy a unique family outing in one.
Contact: N/A
Website: N/A
Address: Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#5 Dine at Porkys at the Lake
If you are looking for a tranquil setting with good food and drink, family-friendly Porkys at the Lake is a good bet in Richards Bay. With incredible views across the lake, it also offers an enviable location.
This local institution offers a lovely selection of varied food – everything from pizzas to sushi and chicken-based dishes and more.
There is also an excellent outdoor playground, swings and more for kiddies to enjoy.
Contact: +27 (082) 457 7991, porkys@mweb.co.za
Website: N/A
Address: Porkys at the Lake, Richards Bay Country Club, Kurperkurwe Road, Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#6 Experience the Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk
While the 125-metre-long Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk in Eshowe is some 1.5 hours’ drive away from Richards Bay, it is definitely an excellent local attraction and one not to be missed when you are in the area.
Many consider it one of KZN’s hidden gems – and with good reason! Enjoy a beautiful walk through a stunning, magical forest and discover the hidden tower within!
You can also enjoy birdwatching, picnics under the trees and more. Apparently some of the trees are even 500 years old.
Overall, this is a wonderful, safe outing for young and old to savour.
Contact: +27 (035) 474 4029, eshoweboardwalk@gmail.com
Website: eshowe.com
Address: Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk, Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#7 Visit Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park
Another attraction in the area that requires a drive of about 1 hour 20 minutes or so is Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park – but again, if you are in the region, it is worth making the day trip.
As one of Africa’s oldest proclaimed nature reserves, this Big 5 game park offers 9 000 hectares of incredible wilderness, amazing sunsets and 4×4 trails, Big 5 sightings and the very best game drive/safari experiences.
For children 6-12 years and older, families can enjoy excellent game drive experiences. There are a range of options for day visitors to choose from.
If you can stay longer, this game reserve also offers beautiful bush accommodation.
Contact: +27 (035) 590 1555 (safari bookings only)
Website: www.hluhluwegamereserve.com
Address: Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#8 Savour Reeds Restaurant
Situated at the delightful Imvubu Lodge, Reeds Restaurant is another worthy eatery in Richards Bay.
Found at the lake’s edge, this restaurant offers tasty cuisine and a unique setting in one.
Day visitors and in-house guests can enjoy breakfast or dinner – a la carte or buffet style – from 06:30 am – 22:00 pm.
Contact: +27 (035) 753 4122
Website: www.imvubulodge.co.za
Address: Reeds Restaurant, Imvubu Lodge, Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal South Africa.
#9 Meet Some Critters at Reptile City
Situated some 30 minutes’ drive away from Richards Bay in the small village of Mposa, one finds the unexpected, yet thrilling Reptile City.
With everything from crocodiles to snakes and even farm animals to see, the whole family will enjoy a visit to the fun Reptile City.
In addition to all the animals and reptiles here, there are also play facilities for kids and a small eatery and gift shop to enjoy.
Contact: +27 (073) 172 2731, reptilecitymposa@gmail.com
Website: N/A
Address: Reptile City, Mposa, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#10 Experience Gooderson Dumazulu Lodge & Traditional Village
Last but far from least we have the Gooderson Dumazulu Lodge & Traditional Village. Located just over an hour away from Richards Bay, this local accommodation offering and attraction gem is well worth a visit.
Experience traditional local hospitality in South Africa’s largest cultural village. Here, you can see how locals make things like spears or clay pots; experience the song and dance of Africa; taste Zulu beer and enjoy a uniquely educational outing in one.
Contact: +27 (035) 562 2260, lodges@goodersons.co.za
Website: www.goodersonleisure.co.za
Address: Gooderson Dumazulu Lodge & Traditional Village, Lot H29, Bushlands Road, Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal South Africa.
These are just ten of our top things to do in Richards Bay and surrounds with your family!