Richards Bay is situated on KwaZulu-Natal's fertile North coast, Richards Bay started out as a holiday town and has developed into a major port. It is situated on a lagoon in the Mhathuze river and its potential as a great natural harbour were confirmed in 1897 after a detailed survey was carried out. 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 shot here. The area of sheltered water was twice that of Durban’s harbour.
The mouth was open to the sea and the depth, though only three meters, could be dredged to allow passage for very large vessels. When development started, conservationists objected and in 1935 the 1 200 hectare lagoon was declared a game reserve, whilst in 1945 the adjacent land was declared Richards Bay Park.
The town of Richars Bay was laid out alongside this park, on the elevated northern slope of the lagoon, overlooking a fine stretch of water. Today Richards Bay is a thriving industrial port with a direct rail connection to the mines for coal and other mining exports. The town was named after Admiral Sir F.W. Richards, a commander of the British Naval Division during the Anglo-Zulu War.
Eshowe is a place if diversity and a city set on a hill, within Zululand. In previous times, Eshowe was the colonial capital. It offers a host of attractions, including the Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk – the first of its kind in Southern Africa. Beautiful fauna and flora can be viewed from this 150m walkway above the forest area. Eshowe boasts a range of rare bird life as well.
